Forminator vs Gravity Forms: A Comparative Analysis

Posted by Josh Blackburn, in Contact Form Plugins

Overview of WordPress Form Plugins

WordPress has evolved significantly since its inception, and so have the tools used to build interactive websites on the platform. An essential component of this evolution is custom forms, integral for user engagement and data collection. As we explore this domain, let’s consider the popular options like Forminator, Gravity Forms, and other counterparts that have shaped user experiences on WordPress sites.

Rise of Custom Forms in WordPress

We’ve witnessed a surge in the demand for custom forms as WordPress has grown. Early on, basic contact forms sufficed, but as e-commerce, membership sites, and other interactive features became standard, the need for more sophisticated form solutions emerged. This led to the development of versatile form plugins like Gravity Forms, which debuted in 2009, and quickly set a high standard for premium form builders. Forminator and other plugins such as WPForms, Formidable Forms, and Ninja Forms followed, each offering unique features and ease of use.

WordPress.org Plugin Repository

Our go-to directory for finding reliable and secure plugins is the WordPress.org Plugin Repository. It houses thousands of plugins, with forms being a significant category. Here, you can find Forminator at wordpress.org/plugins/forminator/, a free plugin that enhances WordPress by allowing easy creation of quizzes, polls, and forms. Sites looking for advanced form capabilities often choose Gravity Forms, available at www.gravityforms.com, renowned for its developer-friendly arsenal of tools. While it’s not on the WordPress.org repository because it’s a premium-only plugin, it has long been one of the most respected names in the WordPress form plugin market.

Free alternatives like Contact Form 7, first introduced in 2007, offer basic functionality that serves the needs of many WordPress users, while plugins like WPForms cater to both novices and professionals with its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and pre-built templates. This diversity ensures that irrespective of a user’s skill level or specific needs, there’s a WordPress form plugin that fits.

Introduction to Forminator and Gravity Forms

In this section, we will explore the origins, features, and basic comparisons between two prominent WordPress form plugins: Forminator and Gravity Forms. Both tools are developed with the intention of simplifying form creation and data collection processes for websites.

Forminator: A WPMU DEV Creation

Forminator is a versatile form plugin for WordPress created by WPMU DEV, a well-known name in the WordPress community. This plugin is recognized for its no-cost entry point and its capability to construct various form types such as contact forms, polls, and quizzes. Forminator Pro offers extended functionalities and integrates seamlessly with several third-party services like Google Sheets, Zapier, and MailChimp. The drag-and-drop editor enhances the user experience by making form creation intuitive.

Gravity Forms: Developed by Rocketgenius

On the other hand, Gravity Forms is a premium WordPress form solution developed by Rocketgenius, Inc.. Established as a powerful and flexible plugin, Gravity Forms supports advanced form fields and features. The plugin requires an active license for accessing direct support, and it does not support third-party add-ons. A strong point in favor of Gravity Forms is the quality of user support and the extensive nature of its documentation.

Forminator vs Gravity Forms: A Comparative Overview

When we review Forminator and Gravity Forms side by side, the contrast becomes apparent. Forminator promises ease of use without the need for coding, offering more than 10,000 templates to streamline the form creation process. Gravity Forms, while not offering a free version, positions itself as a robust solution for professionals seeking high levels of customization. Both plugins serve as significant alternatives to one another and can be compared on various aspects such as price, ease of use, features, and integrations. Our form plugin comparison aims at providing you with a clear understanding of which plugin could better serve your specific needs.

Core Features and Functionalities

When choosing a contact form plugin for WordPress, the core features and functionalities are pivotal in deciding which tool fits your project’s needs. We’ll explore the form building capabilities and the advanced conditional logic and calculations offered by Forminator and Gravity Forms.

Form Building Capabilities

Forminator and Gravity Forms both provide a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, allowing us to create a wide variety of forms with ease. With Gravity Forms, we gain access to a plethora of templates for basic to complex form types, including newsletter signups, contest entries, and ecommerce forms. On the other hand, Forminator also offers a diverse range of pre-designed templates complemented by the ability to accept eSignatures, which broadens its application.

• Forminator: Drag-and-drop builder, templated forms, eSignature acceptance.
• Gravity Forms: Drag-and-drop interface, extensive form templates, strong focus on advanced form types.

Both plugins support the creation of multi-page forms, enabling us to manage longer forms by splitting them into multiple steps, thus improving user experience.

Conditional Logic and Calculations

Conditional logic is a feature within both Forminator and Gravity Forms that allows us to create dynamic forms, where fields can change based on user input. This functionality enhances user interaction by simplifying or expanding the form based on the information provided.

• Forminator: Offers conditional logic for dynamic forms.
• Gravity Forms: Advanced conditional logic that can show or hide fields, sections, or pages.

In terms of calculations, both plugins provide the capability to perform basic to complex operations based on the data entered into the form fields. This is particularly useful for forms requiring an interactive element, such as quotes or calculations.

• Forminator: Supports basic calculations.
• Gravity Forms: Offers a powerful calculation feature, suitable for intricate data manipulation.

Through our detailed feature comparison, we can see that both Forminator and Gravity Forms are equipped with robust advanced features that cater to a wide range of form-building functionality. Each has its strengths, and the choice between them would largely depend on the specific requirements of our form and the desired user experience.

Integration and Automation

As we explore the landscape of WordPress form plugins, it’s evident that both Forminator and Gravity Forms offer robust integration and automation features that are crucial for creating efficient digital workflows. Let’s delve into the specifics of how these plugins handle third-party integrations, workflow automation, and compatibility with other WordPress tools.

Third-Party Integrations

Forminator:

• CRM Integrations: Integrates seamlessly with popular CRM platforms such as HubSpot, ensuring that customer data is effortlessly synced.
• Email Services: Offers direct integration with Mailchimp, facilitating efficient email list management and campaign deployment.
• Payment Gateways: Supports both PayPal and Stripe, making it simple and secure to process payments within forms.

Gravity Forms:

• CRM Integrations: Provides API access for a tight integration with various CRM systems including HubSpot, allowing for advanced data management.
• Email Services: Connects with Mailchimp amongst others, enabling users to grow their email lists through form submissions.
• Payment Gateways: Accepts payments through PayPal and Stripe with additional options, solidifying its position as a versatile form solution for e-commerce.

Workflow Automation

Both Forminator and Gravity Forms elevate workflow efficiency through automation.

• Forminator offers automation through direct Zapier integration, providing users with the ability to connect their forms with over a thousand apps for streamlined data transfer and task automation.
• Gravity Forms also harnesses Zapier to automate workflows, additionally boasting advanced features that trigger actions based on form submissions which can be tailored to specific business processes.

Compatibility with Other WordPress Tools

Ensuring compatibility with the larger WordPress ecosystem is crucial for any plugin, and both Forminator and Gravity Forms excel in this area.

• Page Builder Compatibility: Forminator integrates effortlessly with WordPress page builders such as Elementor, and also includes its own Gutenberg block, making it highly adaptable to various design needs.
• Gutenberg and Elementor Support: Gravity Forms, keeping pace, offers comprehensive support for both the Gutenberg editor and Elementor page builder, ensuring that users can seamlessly include forms in their layouts regardless of the tools they use.

User Experience and Customization

In closely examining Forminator and Gravity Forms, we find that both offer distinctive features aimed at enhancing user experience and providing extensive customization options. Let’s delve into the specifics of how each platform approaches usability and personalization.

Ease of Use

Both Forminator and Gravity Forms boast a drag-and-drop interface, which simplifies the form creation process for users irrespective of their technical expertise. We find that Forminator’s interface is intuitive, with a straightforward approach to building forms, polls, and quizzes. Gravity Forms, on the other hand, also provides an easy-to-use interface, but with a slight learning curve due to its advanced functionalities that cater to more complex form-building needs.

• Forminator: Offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface
• Gravity Forms: Presents an efficient drag-and-drop interface with more advanced options

Customization and Styling

When we consider customization, both plugins enable extensive control over the look and feel of forms. With Forminator, users have access to a variety of styling options that include colors, fonts, and structure without needing additional CSS. Gravity Forms allows for deep customization, but often requires custom CSS to achieve certain styles, which may not be as straightforward for all users.

• Forminator:
  • Extensive styling options without extra coding
• Gravity Forms:
  • Advanced styling with custom CSS

Responsive Design and Mobile Compatibility

We recognize the importance of mobile responsiveness in today’s digital landscape. Our assessment shows that both Forminator and Gravity Forms templates are designed to be responsive across devices. This ensures that forms look and function properly on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

• Forminator and Gravity Forms:
  • Ensure forms are mobile-friendly and responsive

In summary, both Forminator and Gravity Forms cater to users seeking user-friendly and customizable form solutions, with each offering a unique approach to form design and user interaction.

Pricing and Value for Money

In our comparison of Forminator and Gravity Forms, we focus on the pricing structures and the value they bring to users.

Free vs Paid Options

Forminator offers a compelling free version that provides a variety of features without any cost. This is ideal for users who need basic form functionalities without the need for advanced features. Meanwhile, Gravity Forms does not provide a free version; it is a premium-only plugin with its plans starting at a base price.

Forminator:

• Free Version Available: Yes, with ample features

Gravity Forms:

• Free Version Available: No, premium plans only

Cost-Benefit Analysis

When evaluating the cost against the expected benefits, we consider factors like features, ease of use, and support.

Forminator Pro and Gravity Forms offer tiered pricing that aligns with the scale and complexity of users’ needs. Forminator Pro adds advanced features and support beyond the free offering, while Gravity Forms has been a strong contender in the market since 2007 with robust features that justify its cost for many users.

To determine which product offers better value for money, users must weigh the cost against their specific requirements for form functionalities and the level of support they need. The pro version of each product aims to meet more demanding needs that justify their pricing.

Deployment and Support

When assessing Forminator and Gravity Forms, it’s essential to consider how each plugin is deployed on your website and the kind of support services provided to ensure a smooth experience for users.

Website Deployment

We find that both Forminator and Gravity Forms are designed to integrate seamlessly with WordPress websites. Deploying either plugin involves a relatively straightforward installation process from the WordPress plugin repository or by uploading the plugin files to your server.

• Forminator: This plugin is available for free in the WordPress plugin repository, making it accessible for immediate installation and deployment on your website.

• Gravity Forms: While it is a premium plugin, it offers robust features and the deployment process is managed through a license key obtained after purchase.

User Support Services

Support services are a critical component for our website’s functionality, and both plugins offer a range of options to assist users.

• Forminator:

  • Training: There are extensive documentation and community forums available.
  • Support: Access to a support team is provided, especially for users of the premium version.

• Gravity Forms:

  • Training: It offers comprehensive documentation, and there are numerous tutorials available online.
  • Support: Premium support is accessible through a ticket-based system, ensuring users get personalized assistance.

For both plugins, the level of support and training materials can vary depending on the version of the plugin you have (free or premium). The vendor details, including years in business and region, may also influence the support infrastructure and availability.

Additional Features and Considerations

In selecting between Forminator and Gravity Forms, it’s crucial to consider additional features such as data management, marketing tools, e-commerce capabilities, and optimization for form conversions that can significantly impact your website’s functionality and user engagement.

Data Management and Security

Forminator and Gravity Forms both take data management and security seriously. With Forminator, we can leverage its capability to store, manage, and export data efficiently. Gravity Forms offers extensive data handling features, where data encryption and secure submissions through SSL is a staple. Your forms’ data and submissions are crucial, and both plugins provide tools to manage them with confidence.

Lead Generation and Marketing

Generating leads is a breeze when using either Forminator or Gravity Forms. Forminator has features such as interactive polls and surveys which can enhance lead generation campaigns. Gravity Forms excels with its robust integration with marketing tools and CRMs, ensuring that leads get channeled effectively for newsletter sign-ups or emails list building. Both tools can create complex contact forms designed to convert visitors to subscribers.

Advanced Features for E-commerce

For comprehensive e-commerce solutions, Gravity Forms allows for the creation of tailored order forms with options for file uploads. Its compatibility with a range of payment systems emphasizes its role in e-commerce environments. Forminator, while newer in this arena, still provides payment forms and necessary e-commerce features that can cater to businesses looking to sell online.

Form Optimization and Conversion Tracking

Understanding visitors and improving the form experience is key to increasing conversions. Forminator’s analytics offer insights into how users interact with your forms, such as views and completion rates. Gravity Forms steps up with advanced analytics and conversion tracking capabilities, allowing for a detailed analysis of user behavior and the success of your feedback forms, surveys, and quizzes. Both plugins enable us to fine-tune the user experience to boost form effectiveness.

User and Industry Perspectives

When comparing Forminator and Gravity Forms, we look closely at user feedback and industry use cases to provide a comprehensive view of how these WordPress form plugins perform across different sectors and amongst various user groups.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Forminator:

• User Views: Users generally find Forminator to be a robust and user-friendly plugin, appreciating its no-cost entry point.
• Key Testimonials:
  • “Forminator’s intuitive design allows us to build complex forms quickly.”
  • “The visual form builder is a game changer for us.”

Gravity Forms:

• User Views: Gravity Forms is praised for its advanced features and reliability by a more technically oriented user base.
• Key Testimonials:
  • “Gravity Forms’ conditional logic and multi-page forms are exceptionally powerful.”
  • “Support for Gravity Forms customers is top-notch, especially with priority support for premium licenses.”

Use Cases and Industry Applications

Forminator:

• Industry Adoption: Suitable for startups and small businesses looking for cost-effective solutions.
• Common Use Cases:
  • Creating interactive polls and quizzes.
  • Building basic contact and order forms without additional costs.

Gravity Forms:

• Industry Adoption: Widely used by professionals and websites that require complex form functionalities.
• Common Use Cases:
  • Crafting multi-page application forms.
  • Implementing complex registration forms with payment options.

Popularity and Market Share

• Forminator:
  • Popularity: Gaining traction for its no-cost model, particularly with WordPress users seeking essential features.
  • Market Share: While relatively new, Forminator is building its presence, especially in the United States where cost-effectiveness is valued.
• Gravity Forms:
  • Popularity: Highly regarded among WordPress developers for its extensive features and customizability.
  • Market Share: Holds a significant share of the market due to its long-standing reputation and broad feature set.

Comparative Summary and Final Thoughts

In our review, we’ve assessed Forminator and Gravity Forms extensively to determine their pros, cons, and best-fit scenarios for different users.

Comprehensive Pro and Con List

• Forminator:

  • Pros:
    • Free version available, offering basic functionality.
    • Pro License includes advanced post creation, surveys, and quizzes.
  • Cons:
    • Advanced features restricted to Pro License holders.
    • Less responsive eSignature add-on compared to some competitors.

• Gravity Forms:

  • Pros:
    • Powerful form builder with a wide range of functionalities.
    • Robust support options and integrations.
  • Cons:
    • No free version; the entry price might be a barrier for some users.
    • May have a steeper learning curve for new users.

Alternatives like WPForms, Ninja Forms, Formidable, JotForm, Everest Forms, and Typeform offer varying levels of functionality, support, and pricing, providing an extensive market of solutions for users to choose from.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

When deciding between Forminator and Gravity Forms, consider the following:

• Your budget: Gravity Forms does not have a free version, while Forminator does. If budget is a concern, Forminator may be a good starting point.
• Ease of use: Users who prefer simplicity might find Forminator more approachable.
• Functionality needs: If you need advanced features out of the box, Gravity Forms might be worth the investment.
• Support and integration requirements: Gravity Forms generally offers more integrations and robust support, which is essential for complex or critical website functionality.

Do not hesitate to extend your research to other form plugins like WPForms or JotForm, especially if you are looking for specific features that might not be offered by Forminator or Gravity Forms.

Choosing the right form plugin is paramount to ensure it aligns with the specific needs of your website, and both Forminator and Gravity Forms stand as competitive options in the realm of WordPress contact form plugins.