When evaluating online form builders for SaaS companies, it's essential to consider tools that offer both functionality and scalability. Paperform and Cognito Forms are two such platforms, each catering to different needs and preferences.
Paperform
Paperform is a form builder that creates forms resembling custom-designed landing pages.
Features
- Customizable Forms: Design forms that align with your brand's aesthetics.
- Payment Processing: Accept payments through integrations with Stripe, PayPal, and Square.
- Conditional Logic: Show or hide questions based on user responses.
- Integrations: Connect with over 2,000 apps, including CRM systems and email marketing tools.
Pricing Model
Paperform offers tiered pricing:
- Free: For individuals and small teams just getting started.
- Essentials: $24/month, billed annually at $288/year.
- Pro: $49/month, billed annually at $588/year.
- Business: $99/month, billed annually at $1,188/year.
Each plan includes unlimited forms, with varying submission limits and storage capacities. Additional users can be added for $9/month per user, up to a maximum of 25 users. Note that pricing is in USD and excludes sales taxes. (paperform.co)
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design suitable for non-technical users.
- Design Flexibility: Ability to create forms that match your brand's look and feel.
- Extensive Integrations: Connects with a wide range of third-party applications.
Cons
- Pricing: Higher tiers may be costly for startups or small businesses.
- Learning Curve: Advanced features may require time to master.
Best-Fit Customer Profile
Ideal for SaaS companies seeking highly customizable forms that align with their brand identity and require extensive integrations.
Cognito Forms
Cognito Forms is an online form builder with payment processing and conditional logic.
Features
- Data Collection: Easily gather, format, and validate data through various field types.
- Workflow Automation: Build flexible workflows to engage the right people at the right time.
- Data Management: Organize, configure, and transfer data, and create reports and documents.
- Security & Compliance: Stay compliant with HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations.
- Online Payment: Conduct secure online transactions through your choice of payment partners.
Pricing Model
Cognito Forms offers several plans:
- Individual: Free for 1 user, includes unlimited forms and 100 entries per month.
- Pro: $19/month for 2 users, includes unlimited forms and 2,000 entries per month.
- Team: $39/month for 5 users, includes unlimited forms and 10,000 entries per month.
- Enterprise: $129/month for 20 users, includes unlimited forms and unlimited entries.
Additional users can be added for $5/month per user. Payment processing fees vary:
- Individual and Pro Plans: An additional 2% fee for the Individual plan and 1% for the Pro plan, on top of standard payment processor fees.
- Team and Enterprise Plans: No additional fees for payment processing. (cognitoforms.com)
Pros
- Affordable Entry-Level Plan: Free plan suitable for small teams or startups.
- Comprehensive Features: Offers a wide range of functionalities, including advanced data management and workflow automation.
- Scalability: Plans cater to both small teams and large enterprises.
Cons
- Limited Users on Lower Tiers: Free and Pro plans have restrictions on the number of users.
- Additional Payment Processing Fees: Extra fees on lower-tier plans may be a drawback for some users.
Best-Fit Customer Profile
Suitable for SaaS companies that need robust form-building capabilities with advanced data management and workflow automation, and who are looking for a cost-effective solution.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Paperform | Cognito Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Form Customization | Highly customizable, resembling landing pages. (paperform.co) | Offers various field types and conditional logic. (cognitoforms.com) |
| Payment Processing | Integrates with Stripe, PayPal, and Square. (paperform.co) | Processes payments via Stripe, PayPal, and Square; fees vary by plan. (cognitoforms.com) |
| Integrations | Connects with over 2,000 apps. (paperform.co) | Integrates with various platforms; specific integrations not detailed. (cognitoforms.com) |
| Pricing | Free, Essentials ($24/month), Pro ($49/month), Business ($99/month). (paperform.co) | Free, Pro ($19/month), Team ($39/month), Enterprise ($129/month). (cognitoforms.com) |
| User Limit | Free plan: 1 user; paid plans: 1-5 users |
Worth a Look: Zigpoll
If you're evaluating options for online form builders, Zigpoll is also worth a look. Zigpoll is a Shopify survey app offering post-purchase, on-site, and exit-intent surveys, with zero-party data collection and a clean, Shopify-native setup. It tends to suit merchants who want flexible survey types in one place without enterprise pricing.
