WPForms vs Contact Form 7: A Detailed Comparison

Table of Contents

Choosing between WPForms and Contact Form 7 can significantly impact your WordPress site’s functionality and user experience.

These two popular form builder plugins offer different approaches to creating online forms, with WPForms providing an intuitive drag-and-drop interface perfect for beginners and small businesses, while Contact Form 7 delivers code-based flexibility that developers and tech-savvy users appreciate.

I’ve seen firsthand how the right form plugin can transform data collection and lead generation processes.

Key differences at a glance:

WPForms excels with its user-friendly form creation tool and pre-built templates
Contact Form 7 offers a lightweight form plugin approach with minimal performance impact
Each serves distinct audiences based on technical skill and project requirements

Building effective website contact pages doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you need complex multi-page forms with conditional logic or simple contact forms to gather customer feedback, understanding each plugin’s strengths will guide your decision.

Both plugins include essential form fields and spam protection through reCAPTCHA integration, but their approaches to form submission storage, styling options, and third-party service integration vary dramatically.

For ecommerce sites requiring payment integration forms or businesses needing CRM connectivity, WPForms provides seamless options through its Pro version. Meanwhile, Contact Form 7’s lightweight architecture makes it ideal for sites where performance is paramount.

This comparison explores everything from basic functionality to advanced features like form validation rules and GDPR compliance, helping you select the WordPress form management tool that best fits your specific needs.

Features Comparison

Standard Features in Both Plugins

Basic Form Fields

Both WPForms and Contact Form 7 include essential form fields needed for WordPress data collection:

Text inputs
Email fields
Checkboxes
Radio buttons
Dropdown menus

These basic elements form the foundation of any online form solution, regardless of which WordPress form builder you choose.

Spam Protection

Fighting form spam is crucial for any website contact solution. Both plugins integrate with:

Google’s reCAPTCHA (WPForms supports v2 and v3)
Akismet integration (particularly strong in Contact Form 7)
Custom honeypot fields to catch automated submissions

For e-commerce sites collecting customer data, robust spam protection saves hours of filtering through fake submissions.

File Upload Capabilities

When running sites for real estate agents or design firms, file upload forms are essential. Both plugins handle this well, allowing users to:

Set file type restrictions
Limit file sizes
Upload multiple files

Hospitals using WordPress for patient intake appreciate Contact Form 7’s lightweight approach to handling medical document uploads, while creative agencies prefer WPForms’ visual feedback during the upload process.

Unique Features of WPForms

Drag-and-Drop Builder

WPForms truly shines with its intuitive form creation tool. The visual builder lets you:

Drag fields directly onto your form
Instantly see how forms will appear to users
Group related fields for better organization

This approach makes WPForms particularly valuable for marketing teams at small businesses who need to create lead generation forms without coding knowledge.

Pre-built Form Templates

Time savings matter. WPForms includes dozens of form template library options for:

Newsletter signups
Job applications
Product order forms
Event registrations
Survey forms with custom fields

These templates work wonderfully with popular WordPress themes like Astra, making form deployment quick and consistent across your site.

Conditional Logic Forms

The ability to show or hide fields based on previous answers transforms basic forms into smart, conversational tools. WPForms implements this through:

Simple if/then rules
Multiple conditions per field
Nested logic options

SaaS companies integrating with Mailchimp find this feature particularly useful for qualification questions in trial signup forms.

Multi-Page Forms

Breaking long forms into digestible steps significantly improves completion rates:

Progress indicators keep users engaged
Page breaks organize related questions
Save and continue functionality prevents data loss

Non-profit organizations using WPForms for volunteer applications see higher completion rates with multi-page designs compared to scrolling single-page forms.

Entry Storage and Management

WPForms Pro users gain access to built-in submission tracking:

All entries stored in WordPress database
CSV export functionality
Search and filtering options
Entry notes for team communication

This backend management system eliminates the need for constant email checking, making it ideal for high-volume contact forms on business websites.

Unique Features of Contact Form 7

Code-Based Form Customization

/* Contact Form 7 Submit Button 
-------------------------------*/
.wpcf7 input[type="submit"] {
color: #ffffff;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: 700;
background: #E2272E;
padding: 15px 25px;
border: none;
border-radius: 5px;
width: auto;
text-transform: uppercase;
letter-spacing: 5px;
}
.wpcf7 input:hover[type="submit"] {
background: #494949;
transition: all 0.4s ease 0s;
}
.wpcf7 input:active[type="submit"] {
background: #000000;
}

Developers who know HTML and CSS prefer Contact Form 7’s approach:

Direct HTML editing
Custom shortcode creation
Complete control over form structure
Ability to add custom JavaScript behaviors

Web agencies building sites for technical clients often choose Contact Form 7 precisely because of this flexibility.

Unlimited Field Flexibility

The shortcode system provides nearly unlimited options for field creation:

Custom validation patterns
Advanced field configurations
Database-driven dynamic fields
Integration with third-party APIs

Lawyers and legal firms appreciate being able to create precisely formatted intake forms with complex structure requirements.

Lightweight and Minimal Impact on Website Performance

For speed-critical sites, Contact Form 7’s minimal footprint matters:

Smaller JavaScript payload
Fewer HTTP requests
Lower memory usage
Faster page loading times

News and media websites running on SiteGround hosting report better core web vital scores when using Contact Form 7 compared to heavier form plugins.

Feature Limitations in the Free Versions

Restrictions in WPForms Lite Compared to WPForms Pro

The free version lacks several key features:

No conditional logic
Limited to basic form fields
No entry management system
No payment integrations
Single-page forms only

Small business owners often start with WPForms Lite before upgrading once their needs expand beyond basic contact forms.

Additional Plugins Required for Extended Functionality in Contact Form 7

Contact Form 7 requires companion plugins for certain features:

Flamingo for form submission storage
Conditional Fields for showing/hiding fields
Multi-Step Forms for paged forms
Contact Form 7 Database for advanced entry management

E-commerce stores often need to install multiple add-ons to match the functionality that comes standard in WPForms Pro.

User Experience and Ease of Use

User Interface and Design

WPForms’ Visual Drag-and-Drop Builder

WPForms puts usability first with its intuitive form builder:

Clear visual representation of form structure
Live preview while editing
Simple field configuration panels
Drag-and-drop rearrangement of fields

Real estate agents with minimal technical skills can create property inquiry forms in minutes using this approach.

Contact Form 7’s Text-Based, Shortcode-Dependent Interface

The text-based editor provides a different experience:

Direct HTML editing
Shortcode insertion for fields
Split view between code and preview
Manual positioning of elements

Web developers working with WordPress page builders like Elementor often prefer this approach for its precision and control.

Form Creation Process

How to Create a Basic Form in WPForms

Creating a form follows a straightforward process:

Select “Add New” from the WPForms menu
Choose a template or start blank
Drag fields from the left panel to your form
Configure field options and form settings
Save and embed using the provided shortcode or block

Healthcare websites use this process to create HIPAA-compliant patient intake forms with custom disclaimers and consent checkboxes.

How to Create a Basic Form in Contact Form 7

The process differs significantly:

Add a new form from the Contact Forms menu
Use the generator buttons to create field shortcodes
Arrange shortcodes within the form template
Configure mail settings for form submissions
Save and embed using the provided shortcode

Web agencies building multilingual sites with WPML find Contact Form 7’s text-based approach easier for managing translations across languages.

Form Customization and Flexibility

Pre-designed Templates in WPForms

Starting with templates speeds up form creation:

Industry-specific designs
Mobile-responsive layouts
Field groupings based on form purpose
Consistent styling with WordPress themes

Marketing consultants working with small businesses appreciate how WPForms templates integrate with email marketing platforms like Constant Contact.

HTML and Shortcode-Based Customization in Contact Form 7

The code-based approach offers different advantages:

Complete control over HTML structure
Custom CSS classes and IDs
Integration with theme styling systems
Advanced input validation patterns

Developers building custom WordPress websites for corporate clients prefer the control Contact Form 7 provides over every aspect of form rendering.

Which Approach is Better for Beginners vs. Advanced Users

The best choice depends on technical comfort level:

Non-technical users work more efficiently with WPForms’ visual builder
Developers and designers often prefer Contact Form 7’s code-based flexibility
Marketing teams typically find WPForms more accessible for quick form creation
Agencies with developers on staff tend toward Contact Form 7’s extensibility

Fitness studios and personal trainers with limited technical knowledge consistently report faster form creation with WPForms compared to Contact Form 7.

Embedding Forms into a WordPress Site

WPForms’ Embed Options (Shortcode, Block Editor, Page Builders)

Multiple embedding options provide flexibility:

Gutenberg block for visual placement
Shortcodes for classic editor or widgets
Dedicated blocks for popular page builders
Popup and sidebar options via add-ons

E-commerce stores using WooCommerce find WPForms particularly easy to integrate into product pages through these options.

Contact Form 7’s Shortcode and Block Editor Integration

Embedding options are more limited:

Standard shortcode placement
Basic Gutenberg block
Widget area placement
Manual PHP function calls for developers

News websites and blogs running on OceanWP find Contact Form 7’s lightweight embedding process helps maintain performance standards while collecting reader feedback.

Form Submission Management

Submission Handling in WPForms

Built-In Entry Storage and Management (Pro Feature)

WPForms Pro stores form entries directly in your WordPress database:

All submissions available in a dedicated dashboard area
Search and filter by date, form type, or field values
Star important entries for follow-up
View submission details including user location and device info

Real estate websites collecting property inquiries use this feature to track potential buyer interests across different listings.

CSV Export Functionality

Export options make data portability simple:

One-click CSV downloads of all entries
Selective exports based on date ranges
Custom field selection for exports
Scheduled automatic exports (with add-ons)

Marketing teams working with CRM systems like HubSpot regularly export WPForms data for further analysis and lead scoring.

Ability to Mark, Favorite, and Comment on Submissions

Team collaboration features improve workflow management:

Add private notes to submissions
Star high-priority entries
Assign status labels (new, read, in progress)
Track employee interactions with each entry

Healthcare practices using patient intake forms appreciate these features for tracking follow-up actions required for each submission.

Submission Handling in Contact Form 7

No Built-In Storage (Requires Flamingo Plugin)

Contact Form 7 itself doesn’t store submissions:

Entries sent via email by default
Form data not saved to database
Flamingo plugin required for storage
Additional setup steps needed

Non-profit organizations on tight budgets often start with this basic approach before adding storage capabilities.

Email-Based Submission Management

The default email notification system offers:

Customizable email templates
Multiple recipient options
HTML or plain text formatting
Reply-to field setting to simplify responses

Small business websites with low submission volume find this approach sufficient for basic contact form needs.

Efficiency and Accessibility of Form Entries

How Each Plugin Handles User-Submitted Data

Data handling approaches differ significantly:

WPForms: Centralized database storage with web-based management interface
Contact Form 7: Primary reliance on email with optional database storage through add-ons
WPForms: Structured data ready for reporting and export
Contact Form 7 + Flamingo: Basic storage with limited management features

E-commerce stores collecting product customization requests find WPForms’ structured data approach more compatible with their order fulfillment processes.

Importance of Entry Management for Different Types of Websites

Site needs vary based on form volume and purpose:

High-volume lead generation sites benefit from WPForms’ robust entry management
Simple brochure sites may find Contact Form 7’s email approach sufficient
Multi-department businesses appreciate WPForms’ ability to route and track submissions
Developer-maintained sites often prefer Contact Form 7’s lightweight approach with custom storage solutions

SaaS companies running WordPress sites to collect customer feedback typically need the more robust entry management capabilities of WPForms to properly categorize and respond to submission volume.

Integration with Third-Party Services

Email Marketing and CRM Integrations

WPForms: Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Brevo (Sendinblue), AWeber, GetResponse, etc.

WPForms connects directly to popular email marketing platforms:

One-click signup form creation for Mailchimp lists
Custom field mapping to Constant Contact subscriber attributes
Tag assignment for AWeber subscribers
Conditional logic for segment assignment in Brevo
Multiple list selection options in GetResponse

Online course creators using WordPress find these integrations valuable for building segmented email lists based on student interests.

Contact Form 7: Brevo (Sendinblue), Constant Contact

Integration options are more limited:

Third-party add-ons required for most connections
Manual API configuration often needed
Less intuitive setup process
Fewer field mapping options
Limited conditional logic for list assignment

Local business websites with simpler email marketing needs can still accomplish basic list building with these more limited options.

Payment Gateway Support

WPForms: PayPal, Stripe, Square (Pro version required)

Complete payment form functionality available:

Product selection fields with price calculation
Subscription billing options
Coupon code support
Tax and shipping calculations
Receipt emails and order tracking

Non-profit organizations collecting donations benefit from these payment integrations when running fundraising campaigns through their WordPress sites.

Contact Form 7: Stripe (Limited Support, Requires Manual Configuration)

Payment options are possible but limited:

Additional plugins required
More technical setup needed
Basic payment fields only
Limited product options
Minimal order management

Small businesses selling simple services or accepting deposits find these basic payment options workable despite limitations.

Compatibility with WordPress Page Builders

WPForms: Elementor, Divi, SeedProd, and Gutenberg

Seamless integration with popular design tools:

Dedicated Elementor widgets for form embedding
Divi modules with visual styling options
Custom SeedProd blocks for landing pages
Native Gutenberg blocks with inline preview

Web designers building client sites with Elementor can drag and drop WPForms elements directly into their layouts with full styling control.

Contact Form 7: Limited Compatibility, Requires Shortcodes

Less direct integration with builders:

Relies primarily on shortcode blocks
Limited visual editing options
Minimal styling controls within builders
Extra steps needed for display customization

Developers focused on site performance often prefer this approach despite the extra styling work required.

Spam Protection and Security

WPForms: Built-In Anti-Spam Features, reCAPTCHA, hCaptcha, Cloudflare Turnstile

Multiple layers of protection available:

Honeypot technology (invisible to users)
Google reCAPTCHA v2 and v3 options
hCaptcha for privacy-focused sites
Cloudflare Turnstile support
Country blocking options

E-commerce stores processing customer orders appreciate these strong protections against fraudulent submissions.

Contact Form 7: reCAPTCHA v3, Akismet Integration

Core spam protection includes:

Google reCAPTCHA v3 support
Akismet spam filtering
Basic honeypot fields
Custom validation rules

News and media websites collecting reader comments find these options sufficient for their moderation needs when combined with other site security measures.

Support and Documentation

Support Options

WPForms: Dedicated Ticket-Based Support for Pro Users, WordPress Forum for Lite Users

WPForms splits support based on license type:

Pro users get direct access to the support team through a ticket system
Response times typically range from 4-24 hours on business days
Support staff includes WordPress form specialists familiar with common hosting environments
Lite users rely on the WordPress.org plugin forum for community assistance

Healthcare websites using WPForms for patient intake particularly value the priority support when HIPAA compliance questions arise.

Contact Form 7: Support Available Through WordPress Forum Only

Support follows the traditional open-source model:

All users access the same WordPress.org support forum
The plugin creator, Takayuki Miyoshi, personally answers some questions
Community members provide additional help
Response times vary widely from hours to days

Web developers building sites for SiteGround customers often choose Contact Form 7 despite limited support options due to their own troubleshooting expertise.

Documentation and Learning Resources

WPForms: Detailed Documentation, YouTube Tutorials, Blog Guides

Learning resources are comprehensive:

Searchable knowledge base with step-by-step guides
Visual tutorials with screenshots
Dedicated YouTube channel with video walkthroughs
Regular blog posts covering advanced use cases
Getting started guides for different industries

E-commerce site owners appreciate WPForms’ specific documentation on integrating with WooCommerce for product inquiries and custom orders.

Contact Form 7: Basic Documentation, Third-Party Tutorials

Documentation takes a more minimalist approach:

Core documentation covers basic setup and shortcodes
Limited official examples for advanced features
Community-created tutorials fill knowledge gaps
WordPress blogs like WPBeginner provide supplemental guides
Stack Exchange and GitHub discussions offer technical solutions

Developers working with multilingual sites using WPML find community resources particularly valuable for language-specific form configurations.

Community and User Engagement

WPForms: Private Facebook Group, Active Community Support

The WPForms community offers multiple engagement points:

Private Facebook group for sharing tips and solutions
Regular webinars covering new features
User showcase highlighting creative implementations
Direct feedback channels for feature requests
Active social media presence for quick tips

Small business owners using WPForms for lead generation forms find the Facebook community especially helpful for marketing strategy advice.

Contact Form 7: Relying on WordPress Forums and External Developers

Community support is more fragmented:

WordPress.org forum serves as the main hub
Third-party developers create extension plugins
GitHub repository for code-level discussions
WordPress meetups and WordCamps for in-person knowledge sharing
Stack Overflow for technical problem-solving

Web designers building client sites with Elementor often rely on these developer-focused resources when customizing Contact Form 7 behavior.

Pricing and Value for Money

Free Versions: What’s Included?

WPForms Lite vs. Contact Form 7

Free options provide different starting points:

WPForms Lite includes:
- Basic form fields
- Simple templates
- Spam protection
- Limited to 3 forms
- Single-page forms only
Contact Form 7 includes:
- Unlimited forms
- All field types
- Basic spam protection
- Email notifications
- Custom validation

Non-profit organizations with tight budgets often start with Contact Form 7 due to these unrestricted core features.

Feature Limitations in the Free Versions

Understanding limitations helps prevent surprises:

WPForms Lite lacks:
- Entry management
- File uploads
- Conditional logic
- Multi-page forms
- Payment fields
Contact Form 7 lacks:
- Visual form builder
- Entry storage (without add-ons)
- Premade templates
- User-friendly interface
- Integration capabilities (without add-ons)

Bloggers and content creators often find these limitations acceptable for simple reader feedback forms but restrictive for more complex needs.

WPForms Pro Pricing Plans

Basic Plan ($99/year) – Limited Features

Entry-level paid option includes:

Unlimited forms
All field types including file uploads
Basic integrations (email marketing)
Form templates library
Entry management
Conditional logic

Small business websites handling customer inquiries find this tier sufficient for most needs.

Plus, Pro, and Elite Plans – Advanced Form Functionalities and Integrations

Higher tiers add specialized features:

Plus ($199/year): Adds polls, surveys, and user registration
Pro ($399/year): Adds PayPal, Stripe integration, and form abandonment
Elite ($599/year): Adds client management and white labeling

E-commerce stores selling custom products particularly benefit from the Pro plan’s payment processing capabilities.

Renewal Pricing and Discounts

Cost considerations for long-term use:

Renewal prices match initial purchase prices
Annual billing cycle only
Black Friday/Cyber Monday typically offers 50% discounts
Agency bundle discounts available for multiple sites
No lifetime license options currently available

Marketing agencies managing multiple client sites often time their purchases around these promotional periods.

Contact Form 7 Cost Considerations

Free Core Plugin with No Premium Version

Contact Form 7 follows a different model:

Core plugin remains completely free
No premium version or upgrade path
No licensing fees or renewal costs
Unlimited usage across multiple sites
Developer can accept donations

Web development agencies building sites for OceanWP and Astra theme users appreciate this cost-effective approach for client projects.

Dependence on Third-Party Add-Ons (Some Free, Some Paid)

Extended functionality comes through add-ons:

Flamingo (free) for message storage
Conditional Fields (free) for dynamic forms
Advanced integrations may require paid plugins
Most add-ons range from $29-99/year
Some integration plugins require separate subscriptions

News and media websites collecting reader submissions often find the free Flamingo add-on sufficient for their archiving needs.

Cost vs. Functionality: Which Offers Better Value?

WPForms’ Premium Pricing Justified by Ease of Use and Features

Value proposition centers on efficiency:

Time savings from visual builder and templates
Reduced technical requirements for form creation
All-in-one functionality without piecing together add-ons
Regular updates and new features
Priority support access

Healthcare providers collecting patient information value these convenience factors when weighing the subscription costs.

Contact Form 7 as the Best Free Alternative for Developers and Advanced Users

Value comes from different priorities:

Zero base cost for unlimited usage
Full control over code and implementation
Performance benefits from lightweight design
Ability to selectively add only needed functionality
No ongoing license requirements

Web developers with HTML/CSS skills working on high-traffic WordPress sites often find this approach more cost-effective despite the additional configuration time required.

Final Verdict: Which Plugin Should You Choose?

Best Choice for Beginners and Small Businesses

Why WPForms is the Easiest Solution for Non-Technical Users

WPForms removes technical barriers to form creation:

Visual interface requires zero coding knowledge
Form fields work immediately without configuration struggles
Clear settings panels with helpful tooltips
Consistent design that matches WordPress admin experience
Preview mode shows exactly how forms will appear

Restaurant owners creating reservation forms can build professional-looking contact forms without hiring developers.

The Benefits of Pre-Built Templates and Drag-and-Drop Functionality

Starting with templates dramatically speeds up workflow:

Pre-designed layouts for common business needs
Industry-specific templates (real estate inquiry, job applications)
Simple customization of existing designs
Drag-and-drop rearrangement of fields
Mobile-responsive layouts built in

Marketing consultants creating lead capture forms for clients appreciate these time-saving features when developing WordPress websites.

Best Choice for Developers and Advanced Users

Why Contact Form 7 is Better for Users Comfortable with Code

Developer-friendly approach offers advantages:

Direct HTML/CSS control over every form element
Clean, lightweight code without unnecessary overhead
Freedom to implement custom validation rules
Better performance on high-traffic sites
No licensing restrictions for client work

Web agencies building sites with Astra or OceanWP themes often prefer Contact Form 7’s flexible approach when creating custom branded experiences.

Customization Possibilities and Third-Party Add-Ons

Extensibility becomes a major strength:

Hooks and filters for programmatic customization
Rich ecosystem of free add-ons
Integration with developer-friendly tools
Custom form field creation
Advanced validation through regular expressions

News websites collecting structured reader submissions value this flexibility when creating specialized content submission forms.

When to Upgrade to WPForms Pro

Business and eCommerce Sites Needing Advanced Features

Specific business needs justify the upgrade cost:

Online stores needing payment forms (Stripe/PayPal)
Service businesses requiring appointment booking
Membership sites with user registration forms
Marketing teams needing survey and poll capabilities
Customer support teams requiring ticket submission systems

E-commerce businesses using WooCommerce find the WPForms Pro integration especially valuable for product customization requests.

Importance of Entry Management and Payment Integrations

Data handling capabilities become crucial as businesses grow:

Centralized submission tracking eliminates lost inquiries
Export features support data analysis and reporting
Payment processing enables direct monetization
Conditional logic creates adaptive customer experiences
Multi-page forms increase completion rates for complex requests

Healthcare practices collecting patient information appreciate these advanced capabilities for managing sensitive data properly.

Who Should Stick to Contact Form 7?

Budget-Conscious Users

Financial considerations matter for many site owners:

Zero ongoing license costs
No limitations on forms or submissions
Free add-ons cover most basic needs
No upgrade pressure for additional features
Unlimited usage across multiple sites

Bloggers and content creators with simple contact needs find Contact Form 7’s cost-free approach perfectly adequate.

Websites Requiring a Simple Contact Form Without Additional Features

Simpler needs don’t require complex solutions:

Basic “get in touch” forms work perfectly
Standard contact details collection needs no advanced logic
Performance benefits from lightweight code
Less maintenance and update concerns
Fewer plugin dependencies

Local business websites with minimal form requirements appreciate Contact Form 7’s reliable simplicity when all they need is a basic way for customers to reach them.