Formspree is one of the original form backend services, having launched in 2014 as an open-source project that let developers receive form submissions via email. Over the years it has grown into a commercial platform with features like form validation, file uploads, and integrations with tools like Zapier and Airtable. Its long track record means it has a loyal user base and extensive documentation.
However, Formspree's pricing has evolved significantly since its early days. What was once a completely free service now charges based on submission volume, and the free tier is limited to 50 submissions per month — a threshold many developers hit within the first week of launching a site. The platform also lacks built-in AI-powered spam filtering, relying instead on reCAPTCHA and Akismet as add-ons.
FormsList takes a different approach by offering a generous free tier of 500 submissions per month across 5 forms, with AI spam scoring included on every plan at no extra cost. Where Formspree charges for features like file uploads and custom redirects on higher tiers, FormsList includes these capabilities across all plans. For developers and small teams who want a modern form backend without surprise bills, FormsList delivers more value per dollar.
By Vaibhav Jain · Last updated March 27, 2026
| Feature | FormsList | Formspree |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | 5 forms, 500 submissions/mo | 2 forms, 50 submissions/mo |
| Submissions/month (paid) | 5,000 (Pro) / 50,000 (Business) | 1,000 (Gold) / 5,000 (Platinum) |
| Integrations | Slack, Google Sheets, Discord, Zapier, Webhooks | Zapier, Airtable, Mailchimp, Slack |
| Spam protection | AI scoring + honeypot + reCAPTCHA | reCAPTCHA + Akismet (add-on) |
| API access | REST API on all plans | REST API on paid plans |
| File uploads | All plans | Gold plan and above |
| Custom redirects | All plans | All plans |
| Team support | Business plan | Platinum plan |
| Starting price | $9/mo (Pro) | $10/mo (Gold) |
| Submission analytics | Built-in dashboard | Basic stats |
10x more free submissions (500 vs 50 per month)
AI-powered spam scoring included on every plan
File uploads available on the free tier
REST API access on all plans including free
Built-in submission analytics dashboard
Longer track record since 2014
Native Airtable integration
Open-source origins with community support
Form validation rules built into the platform
For most developers and small teams, FormsList offers significantly better value than Formspree. The free tier alone is 10 times more generous, and paid plans include features like AI spam filtering and file uploads that Formspree reserves for higher-priced tiers. If you are building a new project today, FormsList gives you more room to grow before needing to upgrade.
That said, Formspree remains a solid choice for teams already invested in its ecosystem, particularly those who rely on its Airtable integration or form validation features. If you need a battle-tested platform with years of stability behind it, Formspree has proven itself. But for a modern, cost-effective form backend with smarter spam protection, FormsList is the stronger pick.
Learn how to add a working contact form to your Next.js application in minutes. No backend code required — just create your form, point it at FormsList, and start receiving submissions by email.
Learn moreLearn how to process form submissions on any website without writing server-side code. Use a form backend service to receive, store, and forward submissions by email.
Learn moreStop spam submissions on your website forms using honeypot fields, CAPTCHAs, rate limiting, and AI-powered spam detection. Protect your inbox without hurting real users.
Learn moreNever miss a form submission again. FormsList's Slack integration delivers every submission directly to your chosen Slack channel in real time. Whether it's a new lead, a support request, or a piece of feedback, your team sees it the moment it arrives — without leaving Slack. The integration formats each submission into a clean, readable Slack message with all form fields displayed as structured data. You can configure which channel receives notifications, customize the message format, and even filter which submissions trigger a Slack notification based on field values. Setting up the Slack integration takes under two minutes. Connect your Slack workspace from the FormsList dashboard, choose a channel, and you're live. No webhooks to configure manually, no code to write, and no Zapier subscription required.
Learn moreFormsList's email notification feature ensures you never miss a form submission. Every time someone fills out your form, you receive a detailed email with all the submitted data — delivered to one or more email addresses instantly. Email notifications are the most fundamental way to stay on top of form submissions. They work universally — no app to install, no integration to configure, no third-party account needed. If you have an email address, you can receive form submissions. You can customize which email addresses receive notifications, set a custom subject line and reply-to address, and control which form fields appear in the email. FormsList email notifications also include a direct link to view the submission in your dashboard for additional context and actions.
Learn moreFormsList's Google Sheets integration automatically adds every form submission as a new row in your spreadsheet. No manual exports, no copy-pasting, no Zapier middleware. Submissions flow from your form to your spreadsheet in real time. This integration is perfect for teams that use Google Sheets for lead tracking, data analysis, or reporting. Each form field maps to a spreadsheet column, and new submissions are appended as rows. You get a living, always-up-to-date record of every submission. The setup is seamless: authorize FormsList to access your Google Sheets, select or create a spreadsheet, and map your form fields to columns. From that point on, every submission automatically appears in your sheet within seconds.
Learn moreSet up your form backend in under a minute. No server required, no complex configuration — just a simple endpoint for your forms.