Softwr

No-Code · head to head

Appsmith vs Formstack

Appsmith logo

Appsmith

No-Code

The open-source low-code framework

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Formstack logo

Formstack

Surveys

Form builder with document generation and e-signature

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Appsmith has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Appsmith the free cloud tier is capped at 5 users, 5 workspaces and 3 Git repositories; Formstack more expensive than form builders that only collect, which is the fair comparison for simple use
  • They diverge on capability: Appsmith covers Drag-and-drop builder, Formstack covers Form builder.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Appsmith and Formstack actually diverge.

Attributes where Appsmith and Formstack differ
AttributeAppsmithFormstack
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelsubscriptionTiered monthly subscription published on the vendor site; HIPAA-capable plans priced separately
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Self-hostedWeb, Cloud
CategoryNo-CodeSurveys
Founded2019Unknown

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Appsmith

  • Drag-and-drop builder
  • Database integration
  • REST API
  • Workflows
  • Authentication
  • Custom code
  • Git integration
  • 100+ integrations

Only in Formstack

  • Form builder
  • Document generation
  • E-signature
  • Workflow routing
  • Salesforce integration
  • Compliance features

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Appsmith

  • Building internal admin panels over existing databases and APIsnot Formstack
  • Self-hosting a low-code internal tool platformnot Formstack
  • Custom CRUD dashboards for operations teamsnot Formstack
  • Versioning applications through Gitnot Formstack

Formstack

  • Processes where a submitted form must become a signed documentnot Appsmith
  • Regulated intake needing HIPAA-capable handlingnot Appsmith
  • Salesforce shops wanting forms and documents inside the CRMnot Appsmith

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Appsmith

  • The free cloud tier is capped at 5 users, 5 workspaces and 3 Git repositories
  • Workflows, custom roles and audit logs all require the Business plan at $15 per user per month
  • SAML and OIDC single sign-on need Enterprise, which starts at $2,500 a month with a 100 user minimum
  • Embedding an app privately is Enterprise only; the lower tiers embed publicly
  • Managed hosting is an Enterprise add-on rather than an included option

Formstack

  • More expensive than form builders that only collect, which is the fair comparison for simple use
  • Document generation and signature sit in higher tiers, so the headline price is not the working price
  • The interface has accumulated features over a long life and shows it
  • Overkill where a form only needs to collect an answer

Pricing, plan by plan

Appsmith

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Up to 5 users on cloud
    • 5 workspaces
    • 3 Git repos
  • Business$15/month per user
    • Up to 99 users
    • Unlimited workspaces and Git repos
    • Workflows and reusable packages
  • Enterprise$2500/month
    • Minimum 100 users
    • Unlimited users above 100
    • SAML/OIDC SSO

Formstack

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Formstack review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Appsmith if

  • You need drag-and-drop builder.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Self-hosted.
  • You also want database integration.
Appsmith review

Choose Formstack if

  • You need form builder.
  • You work on Web, Cloud.
  • You also want document generation.
Formstack review

Questions people ask

Is Appsmith or Formstack better?
Neither clearly leads. Appsmith starts at Free and Formstack at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Appsmith or Formstack?
Appsmith has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Appsmith and On request for Formstack.
Does Appsmith or Formstack run on more platforms?
Appsmith runs on Web, Self-hosted. Formstack runs on Web, Cloud.
Can I use Appsmith for free?
Yes. Appsmith has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Formstack starts at On request.
What is Appsmith best used for?
Appsmith is most often used for building internal admin panels over existing databases and apis, self-hosting a low-code internal tool platform, custom crud dashboards for operations teams, versioning applications through git. Of those, building internal admin panels over existing databases and apis and self-hosting a low-code internal tool platform are not what Formstack is typically brought in for.
What can Appsmith do that Formstack cannot?
Appsmith covers Drag-and-drop builder, Database integration, REST API, Workflows. Formstack covers Form builder, Document generation, E-signature, Workflow routing.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Appsmith: How much does Appsmith cost?

Appsmith offers a free plan for up to 5 users, a Business plan at $15 per user per month (up to 99 users), and an Enterprise plan starting at $2,500 per month for a minimum of 100 users with unlimited users available at that rate.

Source
Formstack: What does Formstack cost?

It publishes tiered monthly pricing; document generation and e-signature sit in higher tiers, and HIPAA-capable plans are priced separately.

Appsmith: Does Appsmith have a free version?

Yes, Appsmith's Free plan provides access for up to 5 users with 5 workspaces, 3 Git repos, and community support at no cost. All plans offer unlimited apps.

Source
Formstack: What makes it different from a plain form builder?

It generates documents from submissions and collects signatures on them, which is the step that otherwise involves retyping form data into a template.

Appsmith: What does the Business plan include compared to Free?

The Business plan at $15 per user per month supports up to 99 users, provides unlimited workspaces and Git repos, includes workflows and reusable packages, premium integrations, custom roles, and access controls with email and chat support compared to the Free plan's community support only.

Source
Formstack: Is it HIPAA compliant?

It offers HIPAA-capable plans for regulated data. That is a plan-level feature, not the default.

Appsmith: How are Appsmith users counted for billing purposes?

Appsmith counts any user who builds or edits applications as a standard user for billing. Developers and builders are treated the same as other users and all users count toward the per-user billing model without separate developer seat charges.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Appsmith

More on Formstack

Keep looking

Other head to heads