Microsoft Forms vs Jotform: Choosing the Perfect Form Builder for Your Needs

Hey there, it's John from Westway IT! Are you in the hunt for a reliable form builder to digitize your forms and streamline your data collection? If so, you're in the right place. In this article, I'll be comparing two popular form building platforms: Microsoft Forms and Jotform. Both have their merits, but which one suits your needs better? Let's dive in!

Microsoft Forms: A Basic Yet Familiar Option
Microsoft Forms comes bundled with many Microsoft 365 licenses, making it a convenient choice for those already using the Microsoft ecosystem. It offers a relatively straightforward form system, allowing you to create forms with text boxes, choices, rankings, pages, and branching logic. The interface is user-friendly, and creating a simple form is a breeze.

However, Microsoft Forms does have its limitations, particularly in terms of the range of question types available. Compared to Jotform, it offers a smaller selection, which may be a drawback for those seeking more diversity in their forms.

Jotform: Versatility and Advanced Features
Jotform, on the other hand, is a separate paid solution that offers more flexibility and features. While it also allows you to create forms with text boxes, choices, rankings, pages, and branching logic, Jotform takes it a step further with an extensive library of built-in question types. Additionally, it offers seamless integrations with various tools, giving you even more possibilities to create customized forms.

One significant advantage of Jotform is its submission handling. Upon form submission, Jotform lets you receive an email copy of the submission, including the answers. Moreover, you can obtain a PDF copy of the completed form, which proves invaluable when you need to take action based on each submission.

The Power of Insights
Both platforms provide options to review the results of your forms. Jotform offers a table layout, allowing you to dive deeper into individual submissions quickly. On the other hand, Microsoft Forms presents a summary view with charts, enabling you to click through individual submissions for more details. Keep in mind that Microsoft Forms lacks an easy way to view different submissions at once and requires downloading the Excel spreadsheet for a table view.

Presentation View and Branding
If you plan to conduct live audience interactions through your forms, Microsoft Forms offers a unique feature called the "presentation view," which utilizes a QR code for easy engagement. However, when it comes to embedding forms into your website, Jotform shines with more branding options, allowing seamless integration with your site's style.

The Verdict: My Personal Winner
As someone who uses both platforms, I find Jotform to be the winner overall. Its diverse question types, advanced features, and submission handling capabilities give it a competitive edge for most use cases. That said, Microsoft Forms remains a solid option, especially for those already integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem.

In conclusion, both Microsoft Forms and Jotform have their strengths, but the choice ultimately depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you're looking for simplicity and have a Microsoft 365 license, Microsoft Forms may suffice. However, if you seek versatility, advanced features, and seamless integration, Jotform is the way to go.

John Fisher

Meet John Fisher, founder of Westway IT, passionate about helping businesses thrive with technology. With a BSc in Computer Science, he values integrity, education, and quality relationships. Active in The Tech Tribe and CompTIA, John simplifies IT and creates scalable strategies. Connect with him on LinkedIn.