Carrd vs Format
Carrd and Format both build great professional websites, but they target different users. Carrd is the undisputed king of speedy, affordable single-page sites. Format focuses on sophisticated portfolios and integrated client management. We break down which builder suits your specific goals.
The fastest way to build responsive one-page sites.
We find Carrd to be an outstanding tool for launching professional, single-page websites quickly and affordably. While the core functionality, speed, and competitive annual pricing are excellent, the platform must urgently address significant user concerns regarding the missing auto-save feature and overly aggressive gating of basic functions. Overall, it's a powerful and highly cost-effective choice for MVPs and landing pages.
Pros
- Exceptionally quick setup and deployment of websites.
- Highly affordable annual pricing starting below $20/year for Pro features.
- Simple, intuitive drag-and-drop editor for easy building.
- Robust integrations for payments (Stripe, PayPal) and email forms (Mailchimp, HubSpot).
Cons
- Crippling lack of an auto-save feature resulting in lost work.
- Basic functions (like smooth scrolling or simple button linking) are gated behind higher Pro tiers.
- Platform isn't suitable for complex e-commerce or large, multi-page portfolios.
- Users occasionally face technical glitches when trying to publish or save changes.
Flexible creative tools, serious billing risks.
We recognize Format offers strong customization and an easy-to-use platform ideal for creative portfolios, especially with its integrated client tools. However, the recurring and severe complaints regarding unauthorized billing, price increases without notice, and unclear checkout practices are highly concerning. Overall, we recommend caution until core business integrity issues are proven solved.
Pros
- Intuitive, easy-to-use interface for creative professionals.
- High level of website customization and design flexibility.
- Integrated client management tools (contracts, galleries, file transfers).
- Robust e-commerce capabilities with low commission on high-tier plans.
Cons
- Serious, recurring reports of unauthorized billing and payment issues.
- Pricing is often described as too high compared to alternatives.
- Customer support responsiveness is inconsistent and often relies on 'robots' for complex issues.
- Reports of 'bait and switch' sales tactics regarding included services.
AboutCarrd
Carrd offers a straightforward solution for building single-page websites. It's designed to be simple and highly accessible to anyone. You can begin with one of many available templates, or choose a clean blank page instead. This flexibility lets you quickly make the site your own.
The sites you create are fully responsive right out of the box. This means they automatically look great on phones, tablets, and desktops alike. You can even build up to three sites using all of Carrd’s core features for free! That makes it an excellent tool for anyone needing a fast launch. ✅
AboutFormat
Format is the specialized portfolio builder designed for visual professionals. This includes photographers, filmmakers, illustrators, artists, architects, and designers. It offers all the tools you need to support your creative endeavors in one powerful platform. You will find a professional online portfolio, integrated client management, and robust e-commerce capabilities. Best of all, Format includes hosting and requires absolutely no coding to build your unique vision. ✅
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Core Functionality
Carrd launches single-page sites fast; Format builds deep creative portfolios.
Carrd is the ultimate tool for speed and simplicity. It focuses exclusively on professional, responsive one-page designs. You can build a polished landing page in under 20 minutes. Format is a specialized toolkit for visual artists and professionals. It integrates portfolio display with advanced client management features. Carrd is a landing page generator for high-volume use cases. Format is a comprehensive platform for managing a creative business online. The difference is scope: Carrd keeps it limited and perfect, while Format offers vast, specialized functionality.
Pricing & Value
Carrd is extremely affordable; Format is significantly more expensive.
Carrd offers a permanent Free plan supporting three active sites. Pro features start at an exceptionally low annual price point. Format is substantially pricier, starting around $8/month when billed annually. Its top tier reaches $13/month annually. Carrd dominates the market for ultra-low-cost, high-value tools. It provides Pro features cheaply for high-volume users. Format delivers specialized features justifying its cost only if you constantly use its integrated workflow and video hosting.
Design Customization
Format offers unrivaled design freedom; Carrd is simple and effective.
Carrd uses simple templates and drag-and-drop actions for rapid site deployment. Customization is functional but restricted by the single-page format. Format features the powerful Flex Block editor for detailed control. Users can layer, scale, and overlap elements for truly unique designs. Designers seeking pixel-perfect control need Format’s advanced tools. The Flex Block system allows for complex, unconventional portfolio layouts. While Carrd gets you launched fast, Format ensures your site is as unique as your creative work.
Client Management
Format includes contracts and galleries; Carrd relies on basic forms only.
Carrd integrates robust data capture using forms for contact and signups. It connects easily with marketing giants like Mailchimp and HubSpot. Format provides integrated workflow tools essential for freelancers. This includes secure client contracts and branded proofing galleries. Format is built around the need to manage clients professionally end-to-end. Carrd stops once data is collected or payments are embedded. If client communication and project delivery are critical to your business, Format is the clearly superior choice.
E-commerce & Sales
Format has a full zero-fee store; Carrd uses third-party payment embeds.
Carrd allows you to sell via third-party widgets like Stripe or Gumroad embeds. It offers no native product management or inventory system. Format includes a robust online store supporting up to 1000 products. You keep 100% of your sales income on self-fulfilled orders. Format is designed for creatives to monetize their output directly and effectively. The zero platform fee model is huge for small sellers. If selling prints, services, or downloads is your primary goal, Format is the dedicated solution.
Video Hosting
Format hosts videos directly; Carrd requires reliance on external platforms.
Carrd sites require embedding video from YouTube, Vimeo, or similar sites. This introduces external branding and potential design compromises. Format offers integrated, high-quality video hosting right in your portfolio. The Pro Plus plan includes 120 minutes of hosted video. This dedicated capacity is crucial for filmmakers and videographers. It ensures a professional viewing experience without relying on third parties. Format centralizes all your media successfully; Carrd is not built to handle native video content.
Learning Curve
Carrd is instantly accessible; Format requires time to master advanced features.
Carrd’s focus on single-page simplicity makes it incredibly easy to learn. Most users can launch their first site in minutes. Format is generally beginner-friendly but has deeper, more complex features. Mastering the Flex Block for unique layouts takes more effort. If you prioritize immediate results and minimum setup time, Carrd is unbeatable. It is pure efficiency. Format's complexity pays off in customization, but expect a longer onboarding period to utilize all tools.
User Trust & Reliability
Carrd is trusted and stable; Format has severe reported billing issues.
Carrd maintains a high overall user rating of 4.3. Users find it reliable, despite the documented missing auto-save function. Format has a very low user rating (2.0) due to alarming payment complaints. Users report significant issues with unauthorized billing and unresponsive support. Trust in a payment provider is paramount for any business platform. Format's recurring billing problems are a serious red flag. Choose Carrd if reliability and ethical billing transparency are major concerns.
Our Verdict
Choosing between Carrd and Format depends entirely on your specific purpose. They target wildly different user needs and budgets. Carrd is built for efficiency and low cost; Format is built for specialized creative functionality. Carrd’s unique superpower is its speed and insane price point. You can launch a professional, responsive landing page effortlessly. Carrd provides robust form and payment integrations for next to nothing annually. Use Carrd if you need dozens of fast, lightweight marketing or link pages. Format excels through deep specialization for visual artists. Format provides incredible customization via the Flex Block Editor. It integrates client contracts, proofing galleries, and commission-free e-commerce features. Format perfectly handles the end-to-end business needs of a creative professional. The deciding factor should be trust versus functionality. Format offers superior creative features, but its recurring billing complaints are critically concerning. Carrd delivers its specific promise reliably and affordably. Consider if Format's functionality is worth the reported potential financial risk. Final verdict: Choose Carrd if affordability and ultra-fast landing pages are your priorities. You should choose Format only if you absolutely need integrated client workflow and dedicated video hosting capacity. Research Format's billing issues thoroughly before committing to an annual plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrd suitable for complex portfolios like Format?
No, Carrd is explicitly designed for simple single-page sites only. Format excels with complex, multi-page portfolios and specific media needs. Carrd cannot offer the customization or client tools of Format.
Which tool is better for selling products: Carrd or Format?
Format is far better for sales due to its integrated Online Store. Format charges zero platform fees for self-fulfilled products. Carrd requires you to embed links from third-party services like Stripe or Gumroad.
Does Format offer a Free plan like Carrd?
No, Format does not offer a permanent free plan. Format only provides a 14-day free trial period to test the service. Carrd allows you to build and publish three sites for free indefinitely.
Why is Carrd rated so much higher than Format?
Carrd maintains a strong 4.3 rating based on speed and low cost value. Format’s critically low 2.0 rating is largely driven by severe user complaints regarding unauthorized billing and poor support responsiveness for financial issues.
Can I manage client contracts and file transfers using Carrd?
No, Carrd does not include integrated client workflow tools. Format is specifically built to handle secure client contracts, branded galleries, and secure file transfers.
Which platform offers better design control: Carrd or Format?
Format offers vastly superior design control with its Flex Block editor. You can scale and overlap elements for unique designs. Carrd provides fast but simpler template-based drag-and-drop editing.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.