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 200 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 22, 2026
| Feature | FormsList | Formspree |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | 5 forms, 200 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 |
four times the free submissions (200 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.
Yes. Simply update your form's action URL to point to your FormsList endpoint. The HTML form structure stays the same: just swap the URL and your submissions will start flowing to FormsList.
Yes. FormsList accepts both standard HTML form submissions and AJAX/fetch requests. Send a POST request with JSON or FormData to your endpoint and receive a JSON response.
FormsList includes AI-powered spam scoring on every plan, which analyzes submission content to detect spam without requiring CAPTCHAs. Formspree relies on reCAPTCHA and optional Akismet, which can add friction for legitimate users.
200 free submissions a month and a live endpoint in 30 seconds. No server, no credit card, just point your form at it.