Create Custom Forms Fast Without Code Using Form Builders
Introduction
Form builders are software tools that allow you to create online forms and surveys without needing to write any code. They provide an intuitive drag-and-drop interface to add fields, customize design, and deploy your forms. This makes it easy for non-developers to collect customer data through forms on their websites.
Building customized online forms from scratch can be challenging and time consuming for developers. You have to manually code the frontend, handle form logic and validation on the backend, and integrate with third-party services for additional capabilities like email notifications or analytics. Form builders simplify this process drastically.
In this post, we'll compare some of the most popular form building platforms to help you find the right solution for your needs. We'll evaluate them based on crucial criteria like features, ease of use, design options, integrations, and pricing.
As a platform for launching developer tools, DevHunt offers its own form building capabilities to help developers quickly build data collection forms with advanced features like logic, conditional fields, and JavaScript customization available for free up to 50 submissions per month. We'll see how it stacks up against other leaders in the industry.
Overview of Top Form Builders
There are many great form building tools available today. Here are some of the top platforms along with a high-level look at their key capabilities and pricing models:
- Typeform - Offers beautiful, conversational forms. Advanced features like logic jumps, analytics, and integrations. Free plan for basic forms, paid plans from $30/mo.
- JotForm - Great selection of form templates and widgets. HIPAA compliant. Integrates with Zapier. Free "Forever" plan with limits, paid plans from $15/mo.
- Formstack - Lots of customization options. Features drag & drop editor, webhooks, conditional logic. Free plan for 100 submissions/mo, paid plans from $15/user/mo.
- Wufoo - Simple editor for basic forms. Library of templates. Integrates with Zapier. Free plan limited to 100 entries/mo, paid plans from $15/mo.
- Google Forms - Free simple editor, but limited custom branding. Analyze results in Google Sheets. Limited features compared to paid builders.
- DevHunt Forms - Form builder made for developers. Code components, logic, conditional fields. Submission views, webhooks, branding. Free up to 50 submissions/mo.
The main pros of these platforms are the intuitive drag-and-drop builders, various field and design options, and built-in integrations. Downsides can include limitations on free plans, less design customization, and fewer advanced features.
Typeform
Typeform specializes in conversational, interactive forms with a polished mobile-friendly interface. Key features include:
- Logic jumps to direct users through custom paths
- Analytics on form responses and user behavior
- Integrations with apps like Mailchimp, Slack, HubSpot
- Library of beautifully designed form templates
Use cases include surveys, quizzes, job applications, event registrations, and more.
Pricing starts at free for basic forms, up to $38/mo for "Pro" plan with advanced features.
JotForm
JotForm is packed with form widgets like payment integrations, file uploads, drawing tools, and an app marketplace. Other features:
- HIPAA and PCI compliance for sensitive data
- Conditional logic for branching forms
- Email reminders and notifications
- 100+ form templates
Well suited for long, complex forms like applications, bookings, and payments.
Free "Forever" plan has limits. Paid plans start at $15/mo for more fields, storage, and features.
Formstack
Formstack is highly flexible for businesses. Capabilities include:
- Drag and drop form builder with many field types
- Calculations, signatures, file uploads
- Zapier integration to connect 1000+ apps
- Webhooks to integrate custom code
- Public form links and embeds
Use cases range from basic contact forms to enterprise data collection.
Free plan for 100 entries/month. Paid plans start at $15/user/month. Volume discounts available.
Wufoo
Wufoo excels at basic forms with templates, entry management, and integrations. Key features:
- Library of pre-made form templates
- Logins to save and resume forms
- Accept payments through Stripe, PayPal
- Zapier integration
- Embed forms on your site
Great for simple contact forms, online orders, and event registrations.
Free plan limited to 100 entries per month. Paid plans start at $15/month.
Google Forms
Google Forms is a free, convenient option for basic forms as part of Google Workspace. Features include:
- Simple drag and drop form builder
- See results automatically in Google Sheets
- Limited design customization options
- Requires Google account
- More limited features than paid builders
Ideal for simple internal surveys, polls, and other basic data collection.
Free to use with Google account. Limited to Google's ecosystem.
Key Evaluation Criteria for Form Builders
With so many form builders to choose from, it's important to know what features and capabilities to look for. Here are some of the key criteria to evaluate when selecting a form building platform:
Extensive Feature Set
The feature set allows you to build a wide variety of complex, interactive forms without custom coding. Important advanced features include:
- Conditional logic for branching forms based on user responses
- Calculations of values like totals or scores
- Multi-page forms with navigation
- File uploads and digital signatures
These types of capabilities enable you to create tailored forms beyond just basic data collection.
Intuitive Interface
An intuitive, low-code interface enables anyone to build forms quickly without technical skills. Consider:
- Drag and drop form editor
- Library of pre-made form templates
- Design wizards and guidance
- Smart fields with dynamic suggestions
Automated tools like these improve form building speed and productivity.
Customizable Design
A polished, customized design ensures your forms align with your brand. Ideal features include:
- Customizable design themes and templates
- Fonts, colors, backgrounds, and layouts
- White labeling to remove builder branding
- CSS customization for full control
These design options help you tailor forms to match your brand style.
Integrations and Connectors
Integrating your forms with other apps enhances capabilities. Look for:
- Native integrations with services like MailChimp, Salesforce, Slack
- Webhooks to connect custom applications and databases
- Embeddable forms to integrate directly into your website
Integrations help forms communicate with other systems without manual work.
Powerful Analytics
Analytics provide insights into your form performance and submissions. Key metrics:
- Form response rates and completion
- Field-specific response data
- Conversion funnels and drop-off points
- Submission timestamps and user details
These analytics inform improvements to optimize form results.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Top Form Builders
| Builder | Pricing | Key Features | Templates | Analytics | Customization | Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typeform | Free - $38/mo | Logic jumps, integrations, mobile-friendly | Yes | Advanced dashboard | Colors, fonts, backgrounds | Optimized |
| JotForm | Free forever - $15+/mo | HIPAA compliance, conditional logic, payments | 100+ templates | Real-time reports | Themes, CSS, widgets | Responsive |
| Formstack | $15+/user/mo | Calculations, signatures, logic, webhooks | Some templates | Charts, graphs, filtering | Colors, fonts, themes | Mobile-ready |
| Wufoo | $15+/mo | Form templates, entry management, Stripe integration | Template library | Basic metrics | Limited customization | Works on mobile |
| Google Forms | Free | Simple builder, Google Sheet integration | No templates | Basic metrics | Very limited styling | Mobile app |
| DevHunt Forms | Free up to 50 subs/mo | JavaScript customization, logic, conditional fields | Some templates | Charts, filtering, exports | Colors, fonts, branding | Responsive |
This comparison shows that paid builders like Typeform, JotForm, and Formstack lead in features, customization, and analytics. Wufoo and Google Forms offer more basic free plans. For developers, DevHunt Forms balances advanced capabilities with free usage up to 50 form submissions per month.
Tips for Selecting the Right Form Builder
Here are some tips when evaluating form builders to choose the right platform aligned with your business needs:
- Consider your budget and volume - Free plans from Google or Wufoo work for very low submission volumes, while paid platforms like Typeform offer more advanced capabilities at higher monthly costs
- Align features to use cases - Know what specific field types, design needs, logic, and integrations you require to support your goals
- Try before buying with free trials - Test builders directly with no commitment to ensure they work for your requirements
- Evaluate mobile experience - Ensure the platform offers responsive design or a mobile app for optimal experience on phones and tablets
- Check security compliance - If collecting sensitive data, confirm the builder is certified for standards like HIPAA or PCI
- Leverage DevHunt's free plan for developers - DevHunt Forms provides advanced form building with 50 free monthly submissions
The best form builder for you depends on aligning with your budget, use cases, volume, and technical needs. Focus on platforms that meet your specific requirements.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
In summary, form builders make it easy to create online forms without coding through intuitive drag and drop interfaces. They provide extensive features for building complex, interactive data collection experiences.
When evaluating form builders, prioritize advanced capabilities, ease of use, design, integrations, analytics, and mobile optimization. Conduct side-by-side comparisons to choose tools that best fit your needs and budget.
For developers seeking advanced forms for free, DevHunt Forms is a compelling option offering conditional logic, custom JavaScript, and other premium features at no cost for up to 50 monthly submissions.
By leveraging form builders instead of hard coding forms, you can get data collection forms up and running faster. Focus on choosing a platform tailored to your specific use cases, volume, and technical needs.