If you’re trying to decide between MetForm and WPForms, the answer depends on your needs.
Choose MetForm if you use Elementor and want full visual design control. On the other hand, choose WPForms if you want a standalone form builder. Both plugins are powerful WordPress form builders, but they serve slightly different types of users and workflows.
In this post, we’ll break down their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Overview: MetForm vs WPForms
MetForm and WPForms are both powerful WordPress form builders, but they serve different needs: MetForm is best for Elementor users who want full visual design control. At the same time, WPForms is ideal for beginners and users who want a flexible, standalone form builder with strong integrations.
Key Difference Between MetForm and WPForms:
1. Pre-built Templates
✅ MetForm: Offers modern, design-focused templates suited for Elementor layouts.
✅ WPForms: Provides a wider library of templates covering a wider range of use cases.
2. User Interface (UI)
✅ MetForm: Built for Elementor with full-page visual editing.
✅ WPForms: Clean, standalone dashboard focused on form creation.
3. Customizability
✅ MetForm: Advanced visual styling using Elementor tools.
✅ WPForms: Functional customization with conditional logic and add-ons.
4. Responsive Design
✅ MetForm: Responsive control via Elementor settings.
✅ WPForms: Automatically responsive with minimal setup.
5. Integration Capability
✅ MetForm: Supports essential integrations like Zapier and CRM tools.
✅ WPForms: Extensive integrations (CRM, marketing tools, automation platforms)
6. Pricing Plans
✅ MetForm: Budget-friendly with lifetime options.
✅ WPForms: Higher-tier annual pricing with more advanced features.
Example
If your site is built with Elementor and you want a visually appealing food order form that matches your branding exactly, MetForm is the better choice. You can design the form layout, colors, and spacing directly within your page.
Summary
Ultimately, MetForm is best for design-driven Elementor users, while WPForms is the stronger choice for functionality, integrations, and long-term scalability. Your decision should depend on whether you prioritize visual control or business-ready features.
Overview of MetForm and WPForms
Before digging into the specifics, let’s explore what each plugin offers and why they are widely used in the WordPress ecosystem.
What is MetForm in WordPress?
MetForm is a drag-and-drop form builder designed specifically for WordPress. It integrates tightly with Elementor and other WordPress plugins. Users pick it and enjoy its features because they can create different visually appealing forms. It has various pre-built templates professionally designed for different use cases.
Whether you want a quote request form, a food order online form, or any other forms, MetForm has done its best to make them ready for you. But if you prefer to create your own template, MetForm has all the draggable widgets.
Key Features of MetForm:
- Smooth integration with Elementor’s visual builder
- Drag-and-drop design inside Elementor
- Multi-step form creation
- Conditional logic (show/hide fields based on user input)
- Payment support via Stripe & PayPal
- Spam protection (reCAPTCHA)
- Export/import form templates
MetForm is ideal if you:
- Already use Elementor as your page builder
- Want complete design control from the same interface
- Prefer a lightweight form solution with good features at an affordable price
However, MetForm still has limitations:
- No standalone builder, as it only works with Elementor
- Fewer third-party add-ons compared to larger plugins
What is WPForms in WordPress?
WPForms is another popular form plugin for WordPress. It offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and caters to both beginners and advanced users. WPForms is highly versatile, supporting everything from simple contact forms to complex multi-page forms with conditional logic.
Key Features of WPForms:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop form builder
- Hundreds of ready-to-use form templates
- Smart conditional logic
- File uploads
- Multi-page forms
- Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal)
- Lead management and marketing integrations
- Surveys, polls, and conversational forms with certain plans
WPForms is a great choice if you:
- Are new to WordPress and want a simple builder
- Don’t use Elementor (or use another theme builder)
- Want a built-in dashboard to view, manage, and export form submissions
Just like MetForm, WPForms has its limitations:
- Design control is more limited compared with Elementor-based builders
- Some features are only available in higher-tier plans
- Visual design is less flexible by default
Quick Comparison: MetForm vs WPForms
Here’s a quick comparison between MeForm and WPForms:
| Feature | MetForm | WPForms |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Elementor users | All WordPress users |
| Builder Type | Built into Elementor | Standalone drag-and-drop |
| Templates | ~40 | 600+ |
| Free Version | Yes | Yes |
| Conditional Logic | Yes | Yes |
| Payment Integrations | Yes | Yes |
| Add-Ons | Yes | Extensive library |
| Ease of Use | Easy (with Elementor) | Extremely beginner-friendly |
| Pricing | Budget-friendly | Higher tiers for advanced features |
Features and Specs Comparison
Now let’s compare MetForm and WPForms across the most important criteria.
1. Pre-built Templates
MetForm offers a great selection of pre-built templates, especially for Elementor users. They are modern and visually appealing. Users can still customize the forms to match their theme in the fastest way.
Each form template has well-organized fields and a logical layout. The templates allow users to launch forms quickly without worrying about the form’s performance on all devices.
On the other hand, WPForms’ pre-built templates cover most of the common use cases. Users can create simple contact forms to more complex forms like surveys, registration forms, and payment forms.
If you are asking which plugin stands out most for its pre-built templates, both form builders stand out because they serve their purpose well. But, if you are looking for a plugin that has a more pre-built template selection, you can go with WPForms. You can pick MetForm if you are looking for a form builder that gives visual flexibility.
2. User Interface
The UI for MetForm is intuitive for Elementor users. Non-Elementor users may find it less straightforward. WPForms does not require Elementor, as it is a standalone form plugin. Here’s a detailed comparison of the user interface of the two form builders.
| UI Aspect | MetForm | WPForms |
|---|---|---|
| Where are you building forms | Inside Elementor’s visual builder | In its own dashboard interface |
| Required builder | Requires Elementor | Does not require Elementor |
| Interface style | Visual, page-design oriented (Elementor panels) | Form-focused interface (field list + live preview) |
| Live preview | Yes, you can see the form in context on the page as you design | Yes, you can see the form structure live, but separate from full page layout |
| Drag-and-drop UI | Uses Elementor’s drag-and-drop design | Built-in drag-and-drop specifically for form fields |
| Styling controls | Controlled through Elementor (content, style, advanced tabs) | Has its own style/settings controls (field labels, sizes, buttons, etc.) |
| Field settings panel | Inside Elementor sidebar (mixed with design controls) | Dedicated form settings panel (clean focus on fields/data) |
| Design flexibility | High and full visual control with Elementor | Moderate form-specific controls and separate from page layout |
| Ease for beginners | Easy if familiar with Elementor, but steeper if not | Very beginner-friendly with simple form UI |
3. Customizability
MetForm offers robust customization options, particularly for styling forms to match your site’s theme. Conditional logic is available but may require higher-tier plans. On the other hand, WPForms provides extensive customization with conditional logic, multi-page forms, and custom CSS support.
| Customizability Aspect | MetForm | WPForms |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Design Controls | Uses Elementor’s visual styling interface for colors, spacing, fonts, layouts, etc. | Offers design settings in the builder itself (field sizes, button styles), but deeper styling often requires custom CSS. |
| Styling Without Code | Most design changes are available via Elementor controls. | Offers basic styling in the UI panels for common settings. But the advanced style tweaks usually need custom CSS. |
| Conditional Logic | Available (show/hide fields based on input). | Supports skip logic and conditional fields. |
| Custom CSS Support | Mainly through Elementor’s custom CSS panels. | You can add CSS classes and styles manually for fine-grained control. |
| Advanced Functionality (Multi-Page, Payment, Zapier, CRM) | Available via integrations/extensions (including Zapier in Pro). | Extensive add-ons and integrations (payments, CRM, marketing tools). |
You can choose MetForm if you want tight control over how forms look in place with your page design. But if you are not comfortable with Elementor and you feel like WPForms has a simpler user interface, WPForms is your choice.
4. Responsive Design
Both plugins ensure that forms are fully responsive. This means that they work smoothly on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. Also, MetForm has a slight edge for design aesthetics due to Elementor integration.
| Aspect | MetForm | WPForms |
|---|---|---|
| Responsive by Default | MetForm forms are designed to be fully responsive across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices as part of Elementor’s responsive framework. | All forms are 100% responsive and mobile-friendly without coding. |
| Responsiveness Control | Responsive behavior is influenced by Elementor settings (e.g., hiding/showing at breakpoints) that give more design control, but configuration is manual. | Forms adapt automatically to screen size with limited manual adjustment needed. |
| Theme / CSS Dependency | Relies on theme + Elementor responsive rules. | Uses built-in responsive CSS that works consistently across themes. |
| Column/Field Stacking | You can define how columns stack at different breakpoints. | Automatically stacks multi-column layouts into single columns on narrow screens. |
| Advanced Mobile Tuning | Can use Elementor’s device-specific settings (hide/show, spacing for mobile vs tablet). | Does not provide device-specific builder controls, but tweaks mostly via form layout options. |
Choose MetForm if you want fine-grained control over responsive behavior. But WPForms is a great choice if you want simple, automatic responsiveness with minimal setup.
5. Integration Capability
MetForm integrates with basic services like email marketing tools and Zapier, but its ecosystem is smaller compared to WPForms.
| Aspect | MetForms | WPForms |
|---|---|---|
| Integration Scope | Supports essential marketing, CRM, and utility integrations directly in the plugin or via REST/Webhooks | Directly integrates with a wide range of apps and services, with official addons and automation support |
| Native CRM/Email Marketing Integrations | Mailchimp, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, Aweber, GetResponse, MailPoet, FluentCRM, Zoho CRM, Help Scout | Built-in support for many CRMs and email tools (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce, etc via addons) |
| Zapier / Automation Platforms | Zapier integration (connect to thousands of services). | Zapier integration (and Uncanny Automator / Webhooks) for 400+ or many more services, unlocking automation with CRM, project tools, spreadsheets, etc. |
| REST API & Webhook Support | REST API support and Webhooks available for custom integrations. | Can connect to external APIs or automation platforms. |
| Payment Gateway Integrations | PayPal & Stripe built-in integration. | Integrated to Stripe, PayPal, Square, Authorize.Net, etc. via addons. |
| Google Sheets / Productivity | Google Sheets exports and integration (e.g., via built-in or docs). | Google Sheets integration (via addons or automations). |
| Maps / Utility Integrations | Map integration (e.g., for location or related use) and reCAPTCHA/SureTriggers. | Has reCAPTCHA. but other utilities are available via addons or automation tools. |
| Custom/Developer Integration Hooks | Action/filter hooks to extend/connect with plugins. | Hooks and filters for developers, plus a robust addon ecosystem. |
| Integration via Third-Party Connectors | Can integrate with Bit Integrations or similar to connect to 200+ services beyond built-ins. | Compatible with third-party connectors like Bit Integrations to tie into many more services. |
6. Pricing Plans
MetForm is a low-cost option with a flexible tier plan. If you need premium integrations, extensive add-ons, and professional support with ongoing updates, WPForms’ structured annual tiers.
| Feature / Plan | MetForm | WPForms |
|---|---|---|
| Free Version | Basic form builder functionality | WPForms Lite to create basic forms |
| Paid Pricing – Annual | * Personal (1 site): $44 * Professional (5 sites): $101 * Agency (unlimited sites): $199 | Basic (1 site): $49.50 Plus (3 sites): $99.50 Pro (5 sites): $199.50 Elite (Unlimited sites): $299.50 |
| Paid Pricing – Lifetime | * Personal: $132.30 * Professional: $286 * Agency: $486 | No lifetime pricing |
| Bundle / Multi-Product Options | All-in-one lifetime bundle for $749 | No bundled pack |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 14-day refund policy | 14-day money-back guarantee |
| Best Value for Basic Users | The free version is quite functional and useful with Elementor | WPForms Lite is sufficient for simple contact forms |
| Best Value for Advanced Users | Lifetime deals are cheaper long-term with deeper Elementor integration | Higher-tier annual plans include CRM, payment integrations, and a broad addon ecosystem |
Pros & Cons: MetForm vs WPForms
Here’s the summary of pros and cons between MetForm and WPForms:
| Plugin | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| MetForm | 1. Smooth Elementor integration2. Full visual design control3. Affordable pricing4. Supports conditional logic and multi-step forms | 1. Requires Elementor2. Smaller template library3. Fewer third-party add-ons |
| WPForms | 1. Beginner-friendly standalone builder2. Massive template library (600+)3. Strong marketing & CRM integrations4. Large add-on ecosystem | 1. Higher cost for advanced features 2. Limited design customization without custom CSS |
FAQs
Q1: Can You Use MetForm Without Elementor?
A: Technically yes, but the plugin is optimized for Elementor, so non-Elementor users may face limitations.
Q2: Which Plugin is Better for Beginners?
A: WPForms is generally more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
Q3: Do Both Plugins Support Conditional Logic?
A: Yes, both support conditional logic, but WPForms offers more advanced options in higher-tier plans.
Q4: Which Plugin is More Cost-effective?
A: MetForm offers a lower starting price, making it appealing for small websites or Elementor users.
So, What is the Best Form Builder for WordPress?
The choice between MetForm and WPForms ultimately depends on your needs:
- Choose MetForm if you use Elementor extensively and want visually striking forms integrated directly into your design. It’s cost-effective and perfect for simpler use cases.
- Choose WPForms if you want a versatile, beginner-friendly form builder with robust integrations, advanced features, and scalability. It’s ideal for growing websites and businesses that need more than just a basic contact form.
In conclusion, both plugins have their strengths, but your website’s workflow, design approach, and integration requirements will determine which one truly stands out.
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