Cognito Forms

cognitoforms.com
Workflow Automation
Weekend Project

Free Online Form Builder With Workflow Automation

How to Replace Cognito Forms

Overview

Cognito Forms is a no-code online form builder that enables users to easily create powerful, customized forms for data collection with integrated workflow automation. The platform allows teams to collect consistent data from customers and employees, then automate actions like approvals, notifications, and task assignments. It supports electronic signatures, online payments, document generation, and integrations with popular business software.

Features

47 features across 9 categories

Access Control(2)

Folder PermissionsPremium

Set granular folder-level permissions for access control

User RolesPremium

Define internal and external user roles to identify people involved in processes

Also in: Kubernetes Dashboard, Lacework, LastPass

Compliance(2)

ADA CompliancePremium

Ensure forms meet ADA accessibility standards

HIPAA CompliancePremium

Meet HIPAA compliance requirements for healthcare data

Also in: Insider CDP, Airtable, 1Password

Customization(2)

Custom ThemesPremium

Customize the appearance and style of forms to match brand identity

Style Customization

Customize form styling and appearance

Also in: monday.com, Obsidian, Smartsheet

Data Collection(9)

Data Collection

Gather, format and validate any kind of data with customizable field types

File Uploads

Allow users to upload files directly through forms

Form Builder

Drag-and-drop form builder to create customized online forms

Lookup Field

Field type that enables data lookups from datasets

Multi-Page Forms

Create forms spanning multiple pages for better user experience

Person Field

Specialized field type for collecting person information

Rating Scales

Field type for collecting rating scale responses

Repeating SectionsPremium

Create repeating sections and tables within forms for collecting multiple entries

Save & Resume

Allow users to save form progress and resume later

Also in: Insider CDP, Lytics, monday.com

Data Management(8)

Bulk Actions

Perform bulk operations on multiple form entries

CalculationsPremium

Perform calculations on form data automatically

Data LookupsPremium

Manage datasets to use in lookups for greater process efficiencies

Document GenerationPremium

Automate creation of custom Word or PDF files when form data is submitted

Entry Sharing

Share form entries with others for collaboration

Exporting

Export form data in various formats

Importing

Import data into forms and datasets

Saved Entry Views

Create custom views and defaults for easier entry viewing

Also in: monday.com, Notion, Airtable

Integration(3)

Cognito Forms APIPremium

API for programmatic access and integration with external systems

IntegrationsPremium

Connect form data to third-party software to expand functionality and automate workflows

JSON WebhooksPremium

Send form data via JSON webhooks to external applications

Also in: monday.com, Notion, Airtable

Payment Processing(5)

Card on FilePremium

Store payment cards for future transactions

Online PaymentPremium

Accept secure online payments directly through forms using Square, Stripe or PayPal

PayPal PaymentsPremium

Accept payments through PayPal integration

Square PaymentsPremium

Accept payments through Square integration

Stripe PaymentsPremium

Accept payments through Stripe integration

Security(6)

Audit LogPremium

Track and log all form and account activities for compliance

Authenticated FormsPremium

Require authentication to access and submit forms

Data Encryption & PrivacyPremium

Encrypt data and maintain privacy compliance standards

Data Protection & PrivacyPremium

Implement data protection and privacy controls

Single Sign-On (SSO)Premium

Implement SSO for enhanced security and user management

Two Factor AuthenticationPremium

Add two-factor authentication for additional account security

Also in: Hugging Face, Notion, Airtable

Workflow Automation(10)

Auto-Create EntriesPremium

Automatically create form entries based on workflow triggers

Client PortalPremium

Secure, self-service portal for clients and partners to submit forms, view submissions and track progress

Conditional LogicPremium

Apply conditional logic to route requests and show/hide fields based on conditions

Electronic SignaturesPremium

Create legally binding signatures directly integrated with forms for contracts and purchase orders

NotificationsPremium

Email notifications that keep customers and teams in the loop as status changes

Quantity LimitsPremium

Set limits on the number of form submissions

Status + ActionPremium

Display necessary data for each status and allow specific roles to perform actions

Workflow AutomationPremium

Build flexible, efficient workflows that automate actions at the right time

Workflow LinksPremium

Generate automatic customized links to prompt users to take action or review data

Workflow TasksPremium

Automatic in-app task assignments to engage the right people at the right time with due dates

Pricing

Individual

Free
  • 1 user
  • Unlimited forms
  • 100 entries/month
  • 100 MB storage
  • No guest access
  • Accept payments

Pro

$19/mo
  • 2 users
  • Add more users for $5/user/month
  • Unlimited forms
  • 2,000 entries/month
  • 1 GB storage
  • No guest access
  • Accept payments

Team

$39/mo
  • 5 users
  • Add more users for $5/user/month
  • 5 included guests
  • Up to 2,500 guests with additional fees
  • Unlimited forms
  • 10,000 entries/month
  • 10 GB storage
  • Accept payments
  • Securely collaborate with people outside your organization

Enterprise

$129/mo
  • 20 users
  • Add more users for $5/user/month
  • 20 included guests
  • Up to 2,500 guests with additional fees
  • Unlimited forms
  • Unlimited entries
  • 100 GB storage
  • Accept payments
  • Securely collaborate with people outside your organization

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying Cognito Forms

Monthly$19/mo
Yearly$228/yr
5-Year Total$1.1k

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~4 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 Year
SaaS
$228
DIY
$240
3 Years
SaaS
$684
DIY
$720
5 Years
SaaS
$1.1k
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 47 features at very easy complexity.

Build vs Buy

Should you build a Cognito Forms alternative or buy the subscription? Estimate based on 47 features.

Buy Cognito Forms

Better Value
Monthly cost$190/mo
3-year total$6,840
Time to deployDays

Build Your Own

Development cost$24,000
Maintenance$360/mo
3-year total$36,960
Dev time~2 months

Buying Cognito Forms saves ~$30,120 over 3 years vs building.

Estimates based on 47 features and a BuildScore of 5/5. Actual costs vary.

Integrations

6 known integrations

MakeMicrosoft Power AutomatePayPalSquareStripeZapier