Formstack vs Jotform: Complete Comparison Guide (2025)

When it comes to building forms for data collection, workflows, or approvals, Formstack and Jotform are two of the most popular platforms out there. Both offer user-friendly drag-and-drop builders, a wide range of templates, and powerful integrations, but they take very different approaches when it comes to customization, automation, and data management. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between Formstack and Jotform. We’ll also show you how Knack stacks up for teams that need more than just form building.

Key Takeaways

• Formstack is best suited for secure, enterprise-grade workflows with advanced automation and compliance features.
• Jotform offers a highly intuitive experience with a generous free plan and hundreds of templates for fast form creation.
• Knack stands out with its no-code form builder, custom databases, and multi-step workflows, making it a powerful alternative to both.

At-a-Glance: Jotform vs Formstack Comparison Table

Feature	Jotform	Formstack
Best For	Quick form creation, small teams, and basic data collection	Complex workflows, secure data handling, and enterprise-level compliance
Key Features	Drag-and-drop form builder Ready-made templates and form themes Conditional logic and calculation fields Payment collection and order forms Custom branding options Offline form capabilities and a mobile app	Workflow automation  Advanced conditional logic and branching Document generation  Built-in eSignature  HIPAA compliance and advanced security features Analytics and performance tracking
Pros	Very easy to use Free plan available Wide selection of templates and form types	Built-in workflow and approval tools Strong security and compliance Document automation with smart forms
Cons	Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans Less suitable for complex workflows Limited customization in logic	No free plan (only free trial) Can be expensive for smaller teams Steeper learning curve
Price	Free tier; paid plans starting at $39/month	Starting at $59/month
G2 Rating	4.7	4.3

Platform Overview: What Are Formstack and Jotform?

What is Formstack?

Formstack is a more robust platform geared toward businesses that need advanced data management and workflow automation. In addition to a flexible form builder, it offers tools for document generation, electronic signatures, and team collaboration, making it a strong fit for industries like healthcare, finance, and HR. Formstack prioritizes compliance and scalability, with features like HIPAA support, secure data handling, and deep integrations with CRMs and enterprise software.

What is Jotform?

Jotform is a popular online form builder known for its ease of use, wide selection of templates, and drag-and-drop interface. It offers features like conditional logic, payment integrations, and automation tools without any coding. With hundreds of third-party integrations and support for embeddable forms, Jotform is a go-to option for marketers, event planners, educators, and small businesses looking to streamline data collection and workflows.

Key Features Breakdown

While both platforms are built to help teams create and manage online forms, the way they approach functionality is quite different. Jotform focuses on simplicity and speed, making it great for quick deployments. Formstack, on the other hand, leans into deeper automation and enterprise-level workflows. Here’s a closer look at what each tool offers:

Formstack Key Features

• Workflow automation for routing submissions and approvals
• Advanced conditional logic and branching
• Document generation to auto-fill PDFs and contracts
• Built-in eSignature collection
• HIPAA compliance and advanced security features
• Analytics and performance tracking to measure form engagement

Jotform Key Features

• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop form builder
• Hundreds of ready-made templates and form themes
• Conditional logic and calculation fields
• Payment collection and order forms are built directly into the platform
• Custom branding options, including logos, fonts, and colors
• Offline form capabilities and a mobile app for submissions on the go

Integration Capabilities

Both Formstack and Jotform offer a wide range of integrations designed to connect your forms with the tools you already use. These integrations can help automate tasks, sync data across platforms, and reduce manual entry.

Formstack Integrations

Formstack’s integrations are designed to support more complex business workflows, especially in industries like healthcare, finance, and HR. Many of its integrations help with data routing, customer relationship management, and document handling.

• Salesforce
• Microsoft 365 
• Microsoft Power Automate
• Google Workspace
• HubSpot
• Dropbox
• Webhooks for custom integrations

Jotform Integrations
Jotform offers a wide variety of plug-and-play integrations aimed at streamlining everyday workflows. These tend to focus on communication, data storage, and payment processing, making it easy to connect your forms to the tools you already use.

• Google Workspace
• PayPal
• Stripe
• Slack
• Zoom
• Airtable
• Mailchimp

Pricing and Plan Options

Cost can be a major deciding factor when choosing a form builder, especially if you’re working with a limited budget or need to scale across teams. Here’s how Jotform and Formstack stack up when it comes to free plans, paid tiers, and enterprise features.

Free Plan Comparison

• Jotform offers a generous free plan with up to 5 active forms, 100 monthly submissions, and basic storage. It’s a solid option for individuals or small teams just getting started.
  Formstack doesn’t offer a free plan, but you can test it out with a 14-day free trial that includes access to its advanced features.

Paid Tiers

• Jotform’s paid plans start at $39/month. They offer more form limits, higher submission caps, and access to additional features like HIPAA compliance at higher tiers.
  Formstack’s pricing starts at $59/month for its Forms-only plan, which includes advanced form logic, analytics, and workflow features. Add-ons like document generation or eSignatures require separate plans or bundles.

Enterprise Plans

• Jotform offers enterprise plans with HIPAA compliance, white labeling, admin tools for managing users, and priority support.
• Formstack provides custom-priced enterprise solutions that include enhanced compliance support (HIPAA, GDPR), SSO, advanced user permissions, and dedicated onboarding.
  

Common Use Cases: When to Use Jotform or Formstack

While both platforms can handle a wide range of form-building needs, the right choice often depends on the complexity of your workflow and the level of customization you need. 

When to Use Jotform

Jotform is a great fit for individuals and teams who need to build and launch forms quickly without a steep learning curve. Its ease of use, mobile app, and wide template selection make it ideal for simple data collection and everyday business tasks.

• Collecting event signups or RSVPs with custom branding
• Accepting payments for orders, donations, or registrations
• Creating quick polls, surveys, or quizzes
• Managing volunteer or job applications
• Gathering responses offline via mobile devices

When to Use Formstack
Formstack is built for teams with more complex workflows, especially in regulated industries or enterprise environments. With features like document generation, workflow automation, and HIPAA compliance, it’s designed to support advanced operations and secure data handling.

• Automating internal request and approval processes across departments
• Generating contracts, invoices, or onboarding documents from form data
• Collecting sensitive information in HIPAA-compliant healthcare forms
• Managing HR workflows like PTO requests, evaluations, or incident reports
• Tracking submission trends and performance with built-in analytics

User Experience & Ratings

One of the best ways to determine whether a for builder will fit your needs is by hearing what real users have to say. Below, we’ve analyzed reviews from platforms like G2 and Capterra to help you make an informed decision.

Formstack Reviews

Formstack is often recognized for its powerful features tailored to business and enterprise needs. Users value its advanced analytics, workflow automation capabilities, and the ability to handle complex form requirements. The platform’s integration options and compliance features, such as HIPAA support, make it a preferred choice for industries like healthcare and finance. 

However, some users have expressed concerns about the platform’s pricing, especially for smaller organizations, and have reported occasional issues with form responsiveness and customer support. Despite these concerns, many find Formstack to be a reliable solution for sophisticated data collection and process automation needs.

Jotform Reviews
Jotform consistently receives high praise for its user-friendly interface and versatility. Users appreciate the intuitive drag-and-drop form builder, extensive template library, and robust customization options. Many highlight the platform’s affordability and the value it offers, especially for small businesses and individual users. 

The responsive customer support and active user community are also frequently commended, making it easier for users to find solutions and share best practices. However, some users have noted occasional delays in form submissions and minor glitches, though these issues are generally considered infrequent and not deal-breakers. 

5 Reasons Why You Should Choose Knack Instead

While Jotform and Formstack are great for building and sharing forms, Knack is designed to go a step further. It’s not just a form builder—it’s a complete data management platform. With Knack, you can collect, connect, and take action on your data all in one place. Here are five reasons Knack stands out if you need more than basic form submissions. 

1. Built-In Database 

Knack comes with a powerful built-in database, so you can store, organize, and relate your form data without needing a separate system. Unlike traditional form builders, Knack allows you to create custom data structures and link records together—perfect for things like customer directories, job applications, inventory, or project tracking.

2. Fully Customizable Workflows

Automate your processes with custom workflows that go beyond simple form submissions. Trigger actions like status changes, email alerts, or record updates based on user input. Whether you’re managing approvals, onboarding steps, or internal reviews, Knack lets you build logic that matches how your team works.

3. Drag-and-Drop Simplicity

Knack’s visual builder makes it easy to create custom apps without any code. Design forms, dashboards, and user portals with simple drag-and-drop tools—no technical skills required. You get full control over layout, formatting, and behavior, all from a clean, intuitive interface.

4. Enterprise-Ready Security

From user permissions to encrypted data, Knack is built with security in mind. Role-based access ensures users only see what they need, and features like SSO, SSL, and audit logs support compliance for industries with strict requirements.

5. Fast Start with Templates

Need to get up and running quickly? Knack offers a wide selection of ready-to-use templates for everything from project management and CRMs to job boards and event planning. Each template is fully customizable, so you can tailor it to your exact workflow and data needs.

Which Online Form Builder Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for a fast, user-friendly tool to create simple forms and collect responses, Jotform is a strong contender. For teams that need secure data handling, advanced approvals, and document automation, Formstack delivers with powerful workflow features. But if you’re ready to move beyond standalone forms and start building full-scale business apps with connected data, Knack is the way to go.

Start building smarter, more powerful forms (and much more!) today—sign up with Knack and start building for free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which tool is better for HIPAA compliance?

Formstack is generally considered the stronger option for HIPAA compliance because it offers enterprise-level features, a signed BAA, and secure workflows. Jotform also offers HIPAA-compliant plans, but only on its Gold tier or higher. Both platforms support healthcare use cases, but Formstack is often preferred by larger organizations with stricter requirements.

Can I use multi-step forms in both?

Yes, both Jotform and Formstack support multi-step forms. Jotform offers a visual card-style layout, while Formstack provides more customizable control over page logic and flow. 

Which one is easiest to learn?

Jotform is typically easier to learn thanks to its drag-and-drop builder, guided setup, and large library of templates. It’s ideal for users with little to no technical background. Formstack has a steeper learning curve but offers more depth for users who need advanced features.