Formidable Forms vs WPForms
This comparison tackles the two giants of WordPress form building. Formidable Forms is the flexible app builder, popular among developers for complex projects. WPForms focuses on user experience and conversion optimization right out of the box. Choosing the right one depends entirely on your primary goal and technical comfort.
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.
Exceptional support backs powerful forms.
We find WPForms is the definitive choice for WordPress users prioritizing usability and customer service. Its expansive feature set, including deep payment and CRM integrations, makes it suitable for complex needs ranging from simple contact forms to sales portals. Overall, this is a premium, dependable solution offering excellent long-term value.
Pros
- Extremely intuitive drag-and-drop form builder requiring no code.
- Customer support is exceptionally fast, helpful, and often provides personalized video assistance.
- Access to 2,000+ pre-built templates for rapid form deployment.
- Reliable payment acceptance via Stripe, PayPal, and Square (Pro plan and up).
Cons
- Core payment and advanced conversion features are locked behind the higher-tier Pro license.
- Pricing scales up significantly from the Basic plan ($49.50) to unlock full functionality.
- Some long-term users noted that the recurring subscription price had increased over time.
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.
AboutWPForms
WPForms is the ultimate drag & drop WordPress form builder. It’s designed to allow anyone to create professional online forms without needing extensive development skills. This plugin serves millions of professionals across every industry, including eCommerce, non-profits, and educational institutions. Whether you need a simple contact form or a powerful payment portal, WPForms offers the flexibility you need. It even provides over 2,000 pre-built templates to get you started quickly. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Dynamic Data Display
Formidable Forms excels at turning entries into displayable web content; WPForms focuses on data collection.
Formidable Forms includes Views, a powerful integrated application builder. This lets users instantly transform form entries into front-end content. Formidable Forms can create user profiles, searchable directories, and calendar views using submitted data. This makes Formidable Forms far more than a simple entry tool. WPForms lacks a direct, built-in feature equivalent to Formidable Views. WPForms focuses heavily on collecting data efficiently, not displaying the submissions dynamically. If displaying collected data publicly is a core requirement, Formidable Forms is the undisputed essential choice.
Ease of Use / Templates
WPForms leads with simplicity and templates; Formidable Forms is highly capable but more technical.
Formidable Forms offers over 325 customizable templates to speed up development workflow. The builder is robust but better suited for users comfortable with advanced configuration. WPForms provides an unmatched 2,000+ pre-built form templates for every use case. Users praise WPForms for its extremely intuitive, beginner-friendly drag-and-drop interface. The core difference lies in template volume and initial onboarding simplicity. WPForms is built to deploy forms in minutes, prioritizing speed and wide usability. If you value rapid deployment and simplicity over application building, WPForms provides a smoother, quicker experience.
Conversion Tools
WPForms has dedicated tools to maximize lead capture; Formidable Forms requires more manual customization.
Formidable Forms supports multi-page forms and conditional logic essential for lead capture. It requires advanced configuration to replicate features like abandonment tracking. WPForms includes dedicated conversion tools like Conversational Forms and Form Abandonment. These features actively help users recover partial submissions and increase completion rates. For marketers focused on optimizing lead generation metrics, WPForms provides superior, built-in features. WPForms makes it easier to turn website traffic into actual entries. Using Form Abandonment in WPForms ensures you capture leads even if users navigate away prematurely.
Developer Flexibility
Formidable Forms offers deeper developer customization; WPForms integration is focused on CRMs and Webhooks.
Formidable Forms provides extensive customization using over 125 different hooks. Developers can expertly tailor the functionality to specific demands and advanced applications. WPForms supports advanced integration via Webhooks and API access in its Elite plan. Customization focuses more on seamless data routing than code-level form modification. Formidable Forms is the better choice if deep code-level modification and control are your priority. It allows for advanced use cases right out of the box. This high degree of control positions Formidable Forms strongly for sophisticated WordPress development projects.
Customer Support
Both tools offer excellent support, but WPForms users often highlight personalized video assistance.
Formidable Forms is praised for its rapid, knowledgeable customer support that provides customized solutions. The support staff is known to reply quickly, often within hours. WPForms users highlight the exceptionally fast, helpful support, often including personalized video assistance. The support scaling (Standard, Priority, Premium) means higher tiers get faster help. Both Formidable Forms and WPForms have stellar reputations for reliable, expert help. Your experience will be excellent regardless of which tool you choose. WPForms’ personalized video help can be invaluable when dealing with complex troubleshooting or integration challenges.
Pricing Structure
Formidable Forms has a lower starting price but higher renewals; both Elite plans are equivalent.
The introductory Basic plan for Formidable Forms starts at a low $39.50 per year. Note that Formidable Forms renewals after the first year are significantly higher (often double). WPForms Basic plan starts at $49.50 yearly, slightly higher than Formidable Forms introductory price. WPForms Pro is required for core payment features like Stripe and Square integration. WPForms and Formidable Forms both offer their top-tier Elite plans at $299.50/year for unlimited site licenses. If budget is paramount for one site, Formidable Forms offers the lowest first-year cost for essential features including conditional logic.
Payment Integrations
WPForms offers Square integration; Formidable Forms handles robust payment calculations better.
Formidable Forms supports Stripe, PayPal, and Authorize.net for payment collection on the Business plan and above. It excels at feeding complex calculations directly into the payment process. WPForms supports Stripe, PayPal, Square, and Authorize.net from the Pro plan upward. WPForms explicitly handles recurring subscriptions better for standard payment collection. Formidable Forms is better positioned for dynamic pricing based on user inputs due to its advanced calculators. WPForms provides a wider range of core payment gateways. Use WPForms if Square integration is non-negotiable for your business transactions.
Our Verdict
This comparison is tough because both Formidable Forms and WPForms are industry heavyweights. Choosing between them depends entirely on your project's technical scope. Both Formidable Forms and WPForms offer top-tier features and stellar customer support. Formidable Forms is the ultimate web application builder for WordPress. Formidable Forms uniquely offers Views to transform form entries into front-end directories or listings. If your collected data needs to live visibly on your website, Formidable Forms is the tool to use. WPForms is the king of speed and maximizing user interaction and conversion. WPForms offers a massive 2,000+ templates, ensuring rapid deployment for any need. WPForms prioritizes getting higher completion rates quickly with tools like form abandonment. The deciding factor is complexity versus conversion. If you are a developer building dynamic applications, choose Formidable Forms for powerful flexibility. If you are a marketer focused on lead generation, choose WPForms for its built-in conversion features. For truly powerful, data-driven applications, Formidable Forms wins the day. For intuitive setup and maximum lead capture, WPForms is clearly the better choice. Both tools provide excellent value at the Elite agency tier for unlimited sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more suitable for developers: Formidable Forms or WPForms?
Formidable Forms is generally better suited for developers and advanced users. It provides deep customization access using over 125 architectural hooks. While WPForms has webhooks, Formidable Forms allows greater low-level control over form functionality.
Does WPForms have the same dynamic data display features as Formidable Forms Views?
No, WPForms does not offer a direct equivalent to Formidable Forms' Views feature. Views allows Formidable Forms users to display entries as front-end data like directories. WPForms specializes in collecting data, not publishing it dynamically on the site.
Which form builder is cheaper at the entry level: WPForms or Formidable Forms?
Formidable Forms has a cheaper introductory price for its Basic plan at $39.50 per year. WPForms Basic starts slightly higher at $49.50 per year. Be aware that the Formidable Forms renewal price will be significantly higher after the first year.
Which tool is better for maximizing lead capture, Formidable Forms or WPForms?
WPForms is better designed for lead capture and conversion optimization. It includes dedicated features like form abandonment tracking and conversational forms. Formidable Forms offers strong core features but prioritizes complex application building.
Which form solution offers unlimited site licenses?
Both Formidable Forms and WPForms offer unlimited site licenses with their top-tier Elite plans. Both Elite plans are priced the same at $299.50 per year.
Can I integrate Square with Formidable Forms or WPForms?
WPForms supports Square integration starting from its Pro plan. Formidable Forms currently supports Stripe, PayPal, and Authorize.net but does not explicitly list Square integration.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.