Jotform vs Google Forms vs Feathery: Leader in Bespoke Form Creation

Jotform

Jotform is a versatile player in the form-building field, often leaving its competitors green with envy – and not just because of its vibrant logo.

One of Jotform's standout features is its extensive library of over 10,000 templates.

So, whether you're a tech start-up looking to gather user feedback, a teacher creating a quiz for your students, or a doctor's office needing a HIPAA-compliant patient intake form, Jotform can help.

While Jotform’s a powerhouse for form creation, there are a few areas where it doesn't quite hit the mark.

The free version comes with certain limitations – the number of forms you can create, the submissions you can receive, and the storage you can use are all capped. 

Plus, the Jotform branding on the forms might not sit well with those aiming for a more professional look.

When it comes to conditional logic, while Jotform does offer support for it, the platform may not provide the extensive customization abilities found in some other form builders. 

If you want to craft highly intricate conditional pathways in your forms, Jotform might not be the best option. 

Want to learn more about Jotform? Check how its platform compares with Typeform. 

Pros and cons

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Variety of third-party integrations
• Supports form customization and branding
• Offers HIPAA-compliant platform
• Affordable with a free version available
• Multiple templates and widgets to use

Cons

• Reported glitches on the mobile app 
• Inability to duplicate individual pages within a form
• Countersigning and payment setup can be challenging
• Limitations in the free version's monthly submissions
• The free plan has limited space for uploads and responses

Google Forms 

Used mainly by individuals and educators, Google Forms is a free form builder that's part of Google's Workspace. 

Its greatest strength? Simplicity.

With an intuitive interface and fuss-free design, Google Forms makes creating forms as easy as pie, even for those who aren't particularly tech-savvy.

It allows you to create various question types – from multiple choice and drop-downs to linear scales and date pickers.

One of Google Forms' standout features is its real-time collaboration. This makes it an excellent tool for collaborative projects or organizations where multiple stakeholders need input. 

However, while Google Forms is reliable, it does have drawbacks.  

You may find its customization capabilities could be greatly improved. The platform lacks extensive design flexibility, and adding a custom domain requires a paid Google Workspace account.

And then there's the issue of advanced features. If you're looking for multimedia support, payment integration, or complex conditional logic, Google Forms might seem like it's lacking a few gears. 

This is quite restrictive, considering that tools like Feathery make setting up payment flows a breeze. 

Google Forms is a reliable and straightforward tool, but it might not be the best fit for everyone. The platform lacks advanced features, extensive customization, or specific add-ons. 

See how Google Forms fares against Typeform. 

Pros and cons 

Pros

• Basic and user-friendly interface
• Automatic saving feature
• Easy integration with Google account
• Supports real-time collaboration
• Convenient data collection and export

Cons

• Limited customization options and templates
• Not ideal for larger organizations
• Lacks branding and domain customization
• Not suitable for complex logic needs
• Few add-ons available

Feathery 

Feathery has swiftly made a name for itself, offering a lightweight, highly customizable solution for developers and non-developers.

Creating a form in Feathery is a straightforward process, providing access to more technical tools without compromising simplicity. 

The platform provides a modern, user-friendly interface, enabling users to craft forms with various field types, including: 

• Text fields
• Phone number 
• Email
• Drop-down
• Checkbox
• Ratings 
• Signatures
• SSN 
• Color picker 
• URL 
• Pin input and many others

Feathery's forms are highly customizable, enabling users to tailor the form's look and feel to their specific needs.

But where Feathery truly shines is in its developer-friendly features. It supports server-side rendering and split testing, making it a powerful tool for optimizing forms.

Feathery also provides a REST API, enabling developers to easily integrate the forms created with the builder into their existing tech stack easily.

Feathery's commitment to customization extends to its integrations. The platform supports integrations with popular marketing tools, analytics platforms, and CRM systems including Hubspot, Salesforce, Zoho, ActiveCampaign, Google Analytics, and more.

This allows users not just to collect data but to do more with it, streamlining operations and enhancing user experience.

For those seeking a flexible form builder that gives you control over every aspect of your forms, Feathery is a worthy contender in the form builder arena.

Pros and cons 

Pros 

• Packed with extensive features
• Allows creation of forms with complex logic
• User-friendly and offers aesthetically appealing forms
• Quick turnaround for development requests
• Unique Integrations such as Firebase and Plaid 

Cons 

• The free version can be limited
• Requires email access for every login

An overview of the key features

Form editor 

[Callout] Winner: Feathery

Feathery's form editor emerges as a clear leader due to its high customizability and developer-friendly features.

The platform provides a modern, user-friendly interface with advanced capabilities. 

From adding CAPTCHAs for spam prevention to the availability of a dropdown multiselect form field, Feathery offers tools tailored for diverse needs. 

Widths can be set in responsive pixel dimensions, hidden fields can be edited, and there's flexibility in saving URL parameters and IP addresses. 

Usability is further enhanced through options like read-only fields, min-max values for number fields, default country code configurations for phone fields, and clear navigation in the dashboard.

These features set Feathery apart and secure its winning position.

Jotform's form editor offers an intuitive and user-friendly design. Its drag-and-drop interface makes form creation accessible, even for those without coding experience. 

With a broad array of field types and support for conditional logic, Jotform allows for some customization.

While these features provide Jotform with a strong foundation, they are somewhat overshadowed by the more advanced capabilities offered by Feathery.

Google Forms provides a straightforward form editor supporting a range of question types and basic conditional logic. 

However, its lack of advanced customization options and conditional logic features leaves it trailing behind. 

Templates

These templates span various industries and use cases, offering an excellent starting point for users. Whether you're looking to create a customer feedback form, a patient intake form, or a detailed survey, Jotform likely has a template that meets your needs.

While offering a simpler and more streamlined approach, Google Forms lags behind in terms of template variety. With around ten templates, it provides basic starting points for creating forms.

While these templates cover common use cases like event registration, feedback collection, and quizzes, they need more breadth and diversity offered by Jotform.

Feathery, though offering a more limited selection of 29 templates, still brings something unique to the table. 

Its templates include unique options like product sign-up pages that allow users to sign in with Google or social media, demonstrating Feathery's commitment to providing versatile, modern solutions.

This selection might not be as extensive as Jotform's, but the emphasis on flexibility and integration with other platforms makes Feathery's template offerings stand out.

Logic capabilities

Jotform also allows users to create dynamic forms that adapt based on user responses. For instance, an event registration form could use conditional logic to reveal additional questions based on the type of ticket a user selects.

But even with this feature, Jotform isn’t on par with Feathery.

Jotform's conditional logic is robust but doesn't offer the same level of customization and flexibility, especially when incorporating custom actions or behaviors beyond the pre-defined options.

Google Forms allows for the creation of simple conditional logic, like a quiz that redirects students to different sections based on their answers. But when it comes to versatility and the ability to manage more complex logic scenarios, Google Forms falls short.

Feathery leaps ahead in this category with its robust and highly customizable logic capabilities.

Whether it's a customer feedback form that redirects to different pages based on the rating given by the customer or a multi-step form that dynamically changes based on user input, Feathery provides the tools to make it happen.

Data analysis

Jotform offers a wide range of form field types, which means you can collect various types of data, from simple text inputs to file uploads. 

But when it comes to data analysis, Jotform's capabilities are more basic. While you can view all responses in a table and export data to Excel or CSV files, these features may not provide the insight or flexibility required for more complex analysis.

For instance, users seeking advanced data segmentation or in-depth statistical analysis might find Jotform's built-in analysis features somewhat limiting.

Google Forms offers seamless integration with Google Sheets for data analysis. This integration is handy, but it may not provide the level of detail or customization that some users need for their analysis.

For example, a researcher aiming to perform a complex statistical analysis might find Google Sheets limiting.

Feathery provides greater customization in how data is handled upon form submission, such as the ability to add custom JavaScript rules.

Our API also allows for easy integration with existing data analysis tools, which can provide even more flexibility and detail.  

Customization

While Jotform also offers a high level of customization, its logo and call to action will be displayed on all forms unless you upgrade to a paid plan. This could detract from your own branding.

Google Forms takes a simpler approach to customization. Users can select from different question types, apply a color scheme, and add their branding. But it's not all smooth sailing.

Google Forms has several limitations that may affect its usability. 

If you set a Google Form to collect email addresses, respondents must log in with their Gmail address, which can hinder form completion. 

There is also only one layout option, resulting in all forms looking the same and being Google branded. 

The lack of customization extends to the dimensions of header images and logos, meaning you might need a third-party tool to fit your image correctly. 

This can be an extra step in the customization process and doesn't offer the same level of precision as Feathery.

Feathery's option to add custom JavaScript rules takes customization to new heights, enabling dynamic forms and custom behaviors.

This level of detail and control, combined with an intuitive interface, makes Feathery a powerhouse for customization.

Whether you're designing a straightforward contact form or a multi-step form with complex logic, Feathery offers the advanced tools to tailor your forms precisely to your needs.

Integrations

Whether it's integrating with Salesforce for lead management, syncing with Mailchimp for email campaigns, or connecting to Dropbox for file submissions – Jotform will provide an integrated experience.

As a part of the Google ecosystem, Google Forms integrates smoothly with other Google services such as Google Sheets, Google Calendar, and Google Drive.

But when it comes to non-Google services, its integration capabilities are relatively limited.

While you can connect Google Forms to other platforms using Google Scripts or a third-party automation service like Zapier, these processes can be time-consuming. And they might not provide the same level of integration that Jotform or Feathery offer.

Feathery supports integrations with popular and innovative product development platforms like Firebase, Stytch, and Plaid.

For instance, integrating with Firebase lets you leverage its various services like authentication, database, and cloud storage directly from your forms. 

Similarly, integrating with Stytch or Plaid can simplify the process of adding user authentication or banking services to your forms.

These unique integrations, while not as numerous as Jotform's, bring a level of modernity and specificity that is quite impressive.

Pricing

Google Forms, integrated into Google Workspace, is entirely free. It doesn't offer specific trials or tiered plans, making it an ideal choice for those on a budget or those who need a simple, user-friendly tool for essential tasks.

For more advanced functionalities, though, you might want to consider a paid plan. Jotform's paid offerings start at $39 monthly, going up to $129, enabling access to features like complex form logic, priority support, and comprehensive reporting. 

Feathery also offers its services for free, but to unlock advanced features, paid plans would be required.

Starting from $49 to $190 monthly, Feathery is your go-to option if you're looking for a more sophisticated, customizable form builder and you're willing to invest a little more.

Is Jotform, Google Forms, or Feathery, the best form builder? 

Feathery is your go-to form builder. 

Feathery stands out with its powerful form editor that gives you ultimate control over customization. Our platform speaks to the tech-savvy user who values robust features and the ability to tweak and optimize to their heart's content.

Imagine being able to add your own JavaScript rules to forms or having access to a REST API to integrate the form builder into your existing tech stack.

It's not just about the customization, though. Feathery provides you with the tools to analyze your data more effectively right within the platform. It includes an analytics dashboard that provides real-time insights. 

Jotform and Google Forms are great tools in their own right. If you're a business owner who needs a form builder that can connect to over a hundred different services, Jotform might seem attractive.

On the other hand, Google Forms is super simple to use. It's a straightforward, no-nonsense tool that works well for quick data collection. 

But here's the thing: neither Jotform nor Google Forms can match Feathery's advanced features and flexibility.

And yes, while Feathery doesn't have as many templates or integrations as Jotform, the ones it does offer are versatile and powerful.

Integrations with platforms like Firebase, Stytch, and Plaid are incredibly useful, making Feathery an excellent choice if you're looking for more options for your SaaS product.

It all boils down to what you value the most. If it's customization, advanced features, effective data analysis, and modern integrations, Feathery is the clear winner.

It's not just a form builder; it's a powerhouse of features bundled into an intuitive interface. Feathery gives you the flexibility and control to create precisely the forms and functionality you need.

FAQ

Which is easier to use, Jotform or Google Forms?

Both Jotform and Google Forms are designed with ease of use in mind. Google Forms has a simpler interface, making creating a basic form quick and straightforward. Jotform has a more intuitive interface for creating more complex forms. If you're after advanced features with an easy-to-use interface, you might also want to check out Feathery.

Can I use my own branding with Jotform and Google Forms?

With Jotform, you can use your own branding, but the Jotform logo and call to action will be displayed unless you upgrade to a paid plan. Google Forms allows for some branding, like custom colors, but with limitations. On the other hand, Feathery offers comprehensive customization, making it easier to incorporate your branding.

Which form builder offers the best integration with other platforms?

Jotform offers numerous integrations with popular web services across various categories, such as email service providers, project management tools, and data analysis software. Google Forms integrates smoothly within the Google ecosystem but is limited outside of it.

How do Jotform and Google Forms handle data analysis?

Jotform has basic data analysis capabilities, allowing you to view all responses in a table and export data. Google Forms integrates with Google Sheets for data analysis. Feathery offers a built-in analytics dashboard that provides real-time insights.

What types of forms can I create with Jotform and Google Forms?

Both Jotform and Google Forms support a variety of form types, including surveys, quizzes, and registration forms. Jotform, however, offers a wider range of field types and conditional logic features. For a more flexible and customizable form creation experience, you might consider Feathery with its unique onboarding and sign-up flows.