Formidable Forms vs Gravity Forms
Users often compare these two powerful WordPress form builders. Formidable Forms is the complex application builder, specializing in dynamic views and calculations. Gravity Forms focuses on robust reliability and seamless workflow automation and integrations. Both handle advanced features well; the difference lies in complexity vs. core stability.
The essential builder for complex web applications.
We reviewed Formidable Forms and found it to be much more than a simple plugin; it's a robust application builder trusted by professionals. The tool excels at dynamic content display (Views) and complex logic, making it suitable for developers managing multiple sites. Overall, its immense flexibility and industry-leading support make it an outstanding investment.
Pros
- Transforms entries into dynamic front-end content using Formidable Views.
- Excellent, rapid customer support that provides customized solutions.
- Highly powerful and flexible toolkit for complex applications (calculators, user registration).
- Features extensive capabilities like conditional logic and repeaters.
Cons
- Introductory pricing increases substantially after the first year.
- Core web application features are restricted to the Plus tier and above.
- Some complex integrations may initially require detailed technical assistance.
The Reliable, Robust WordPress Form Workflow.
We found Gravity Forms to be highly effective for users needing complex, reliable data capture and workflow automation within WordPress. The system is known for its versatility and is backed by exceptional, responsive customer support. Overall, this is the premier choice for professional developers and agencies who require powerful form functionality.
Pros
- Robust handling of complex workflows and conditional logic.
- Highly reliable and consistent performance on various sites.
- Exceptional, rapid, and knowledgeable customer support.
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for effortless form creation.
Cons
- Limited built-in styling options often require custom CSS modifications.
- Users request finer control over drag-and-drop widget spacing.
- Lacks a dedicated, simple text or paragraph description widget.
AboutFormidable Forms
Formidable Forms is the essential builder for professional WordPress websites. You can use this tool whether you are building your first site or developing dozens of sites yearly. It’s designed to help you succeed at any scale, handling simple contact forms or complex multi-page forms and calculations. Formidable Forms is far more than a simple form plugin; it’s an integrated application builder that lets you easily transform collected data into powerful content.
AboutGravity Forms
Gravity Forms is the complete WordPress form management plugin you'll ever need. It's designed to help you move beyond simple contact forms and start using your captured data for good.
The platform provides an intuitive visual editor, making form creation easy and fast. You can quickly build powerful custom forms from scratch or kickstart your flow using helpful pre-built contact, payment, or survey templates. This solution is trusted by thousands of web professionals and big brands alike. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Dynamic Data Display
Formidable Forms excels at showing collected data on the front end. Gravity Forms focuses strictly on data capture and workflow routing.
Formidable Forms uses Formidable Views, an integrated application builder. This displays form entries as dynamic content like calendars or searchable directories. You can build user profiles and entry tables automatically using Formidable Views. Gravity Forms provides robust data capture but lacks this integrated display feature. For front-end output, Gravity Forms users usually need separate plugins or custom coding.
Payment Gateway Access
Gravity Forms grants access to payment integrations sooner in its less expensive tiers. Formidable Forms locks payment processing behind higher costs.
Gravity Forms users get Stripe and PayPal access with the Pro License ($159/yr) for up to three sites. This is vital for e-commerce and registration forms. Formidable Forms requires the Business plan ($199.50/yr) for Stripe and PayPal integrations. If payment collection is essential, Gravity Forms offers better immediate value. Formidable Forms charges no transaction fees, just processor fees.
Pricing Transparency
Gravity Forms uses clear annual pricing that is predictable for users. Formidable Forms heavily relies on introductory offers that significantly increase.
Gravity Forms annual pricing is straightforward, ranging from $59 to $259 per year. Formidable Forms starts lower ($39.50) but renews at up to 50% higher ($79 renewal for Basic). Agencies should note Formidable Forms’ Elite plan renews near $600. Gravity Forms' top Elite License is a flat $259 annually for unlimited sites.
Application Building
Formidable Forms is the better choice for advanced web application features like AI forms and calculations. Gravity Forms focuses on core data stability.
Formidable Forms supports advanced calculations, quizzes, and digital signatures starting at the Business tier. It also features built-in AI Forms requiring 1,000+ monthly requests on higher plans. Formidable Forms’ design makes it a fully-fledged application builder. Gravity Forms excels at powerful conditional logic and includes features like Conversational Forms on its Elite tier. Gravity Forms remains focused on integration and efficient data management.
Accessibility Compliance
Gravity Forms explicitly guarantees WCAG compliance for users needing strict accessibility standards. Formidable Forms does not publicly specify this compliance.
Gravity Forms assures users that published forms meet WCAG 2.1AA compliance standards. They provide all the necessary tools to create accessible forms for the widest audience. This is crucial for satisfying complex client requirements or government contracts. Formidable Forms does not specify WCAG compliance in its key features documentation. Gravity Forms provides confidence for users facing accessibility requirements.
Customer Support Quality
Both Formidable Forms and Gravity Forms receive exceptional praise for their responsive support teams. Formidable is lauded for rapid, customized solutions.
Formidable Forms users consistently describe the support staff as knowledgeable, friendly, and rapid responders. They often provide customized code snippets and diligent technical assistance. Gravity Forms also has exceptional, highly responsive customer service highlighted in reviews. Gravity Forms offers 'Priority Support' specifically for its Elite license holders. Both plugins have support that consistently goes above and beyond expectations.
Agency/Unlimited Site Cost
Gravity Forms offers a better long-term price for agencies needing unlimited sites. Formidable Forms is slightly more expensive initially and renews higher.
Gravity Forms Elite provides unlimited site licenses and priority support for $259 per year. Formidable Forms Elite also offers unlimited sites and white labeling features. Its price starts at $299.50 and renews substantially higher. For pure site volume scaling, Gravity Forms provides maximum feature set for less annual cost.
Our Verdict
Choosing between Formidable Forms and Gravity Forms is tough; both dominate the WordPress space. Gravity Forms wins for a rock-solid foundation, workflow automation, and reliability. Formidable Forms is the clear choice if your goal is to build dynamic web applications. Formidable Forms’ superpower is Formidable Views, which turns collected entries into front-end content. You can easily build user profiles or searchable directories from those entries. It handles ultra-complex needs like detailed calculators or AI forms features beautifully. Formidable Forms is the ultimate tool for pushing WordPress applications further. Gravity Forms excels in operational reliability and seamless workflow automation. Its payment gateway access starts earlier at the Pro license ($159) with Stripe and PayPal integrations. Gravity Forms also ensures compliance, explicitly meeting WCAG 2.1AA accessibility standards. This plugin is stable, efficient, and highly trusted by web professionals. Consider the hidden pricing structure when comparing. Formidable Forms has higher initial pricing that renews much steeper, often doubling the cost. Gravity Forms is better positioned for high-volume freelancers and agencies needing stable, cost-effective scaling for unlimited sites ($259/year). Pick Formidable Forms if you need dynamic front-end data display or complex custom calculators. Choose Gravity Forms if you need robust payment processing and unlimited sites for a predictable annual cost. You can't lose with either Formidable Forms or Gravity Forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for agencies managing unlimited sites: Formidable Forms or Gravity Forms?
Gravity Forms offers its Elite license with unlimited sites for $259 annually. Formidable Forms also offers unlimited sites on its Elite plan for $299.50 initially. Gravity Forms is the better long-term value because Formidable Forms’ price renews much higher.
Does Formidable Forms or Gravity Forms offer better payment integration value?
Gravity Forms is the better value, including Stripe and PayPal access with its Pro License ($159/year). Formidable Forms requires the more expensive Business plan ($199.50/year) to unlock payments. If collecting money is core to your business, choose Gravity Forms Pro.
Which tool is better for turning submitted data into public directories?
Formidable Forms is the superior choice due to its Formidable Views feature. Views is an integrated application builder that uses collected entries to create dynamic front-end listings. Gravity Forms focuses on collecting and routing data, not displaying it publicly like a directory.
Is there a free trial offered by Formidable Forms or Gravity Forms?
Neither Formidable Forms nor Gravity Forms offers a permanent free trial or free plan. Both provide a money-back guarantee period after purchase. Gravity Forms gives you 30 days, while Formidable Forms offers a 14-day guarantee.
Which tool focuses more on accessibility compliance for forms?
Gravity Forms explicitly states that its forms support WCAG 2.1AA compliance standards. It provides the tools necessary to create accessible forms reliably. Formidable Forms does not make public claims about that specific level of accessibility compliance.
Is Formidable Forms' renewal price much higher than the introductory rate?
Yes, Formidable Forms uses a substantial introductory discount, often 50% off the standard price. Renewal prices automatically increase to the full, standard rate after the first year. Gravity Forms' pricing is more consistently leveled.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.