Google Forms vs Gravity Forms: What are the differences?

Introduction

Google Forms and Gravity Forms are both online form builders that allow users to create and customize forms for various purposes. However, there are several key differences between the two platforms that set them apart. In this article, we will highlight the main differences between Google Forms and Gravity Forms.

1. Pricing Model: The pricing models of Google Forms and Gravity Forms differ significantly. Google Forms is a free tool included in the Google Drive suite of apps, making it accessible to anyone with a Google account. On the other hand, Gravity Forms is a premium plugin for WordPress sites, meaning users need to purchase a license to use it.

2. Features and Customization: While Google Forms provides basic form building capabilities, Gravity Forms offers a more extensive set of features and customization options. Gravity Forms allows users to create complex forms with conditional logic, multi-page forms, file uploads, calculations, and integration with third-party services. Google Forms, while constantly improving, has more limited customization options compared to Gravity Forms.

3. Integration: Gravity Forms provides seamless integration with popular third-party services and applications, allowing users to connect their forms with email marketing tools, CRM systems, payment gateways, and more. Google Forms integrates directly with Google Sheets, enabling form responses to be automatically logged and organized in a spreadsheet.

4. User Interface: Google Forms has a clean and intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for users with minimal technical experience. Gravity Forms, while still user-friendly, has a more advanced interface that may require some familiarity with WordPress and plugin settings.

5. Supported Platforms: Google Forms is a web-based tool that can be accessed on any device with an internet connection. It is compatible with all major browsers and doesn't require any specific platform or content management system. In contrast, Gravity Forms is a WordPress plugin and can only be used on websites built with the WordPress platform.

6. Support and Documentation: Gravity Forms offers comprehensive documentation, video tutorials, and a support forum where users can seek assistance and find answers to their questions. In addition, users with a valid license also have access to priority support from the Gravity Forms team. Google Forms provides support through their Help Center, but the level of individualized support is more limited compared to Gravity Forms.

In summary, Google Forms is a free and user-friendly option for creating basic forms, accessible to all Google account holders. On the other hand, Gravity Forms is a premium WordPress plugin that offers more advanced features, customization options, and integration capabilities, making it a better choice for users with specific form requirements and who have a WordPress-based website.