A contact form is a simple yet powerful feature that allows visitors to get in touch with you directly through your website. It’s one of the easiest ways to streamline communication and gather inquiries, feedback, or support requests without exposing your email address.
Choosing the best contact form plugin for WordPress is crucial because it affects how easily users can reach you, how you manage submissions, and how secure and professional your communication looks. A well-designed form can also improve user interaction and reduce spam.
- Improved communication with visitors. A contact form creates a direct line for questions, requests, and feedback—without relying on third-party tools.
- Better organization and lead tracking. Submissions can be stored, emailed, or integrated with CRM systems, helping you manage responses efficiently.
- Enhanced user experience. Clear, mobile-friendly forms are easier for visitors to use and help increase trust in your brand.
- Spam prevention features. Built-in CAPTCHA or reCAPTCHA options help reduce unwanted messages while keeping the form accessible.
- Customizable to match your brand. Most contact form plugins let you adjust layout, colors, and fields to maintain design consistency.
With so many plugins available, this article compares the best free contact form plugins for WordPress to help you pick the right one for your website’s needs.
Top Contact Form Plugins Compared
To help you choose the right solution faster, we’ve compared the top WordPress contact form plugins side by side. Each tool comes with its own strengths — some focus on ease of use, others on advanced customization or integrations. The table below outlines key differences to guide your decision.
| Plugin | Best For | Pro Pricing (Starting at) | Ease of Use | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elfsight | Visually customizable forms without coding | $0 (Free plan), Paid from $5/month | Very Easy | Drag & drop builder, presets, spam protection, embed anywhere |
| WPForms | Beginners and small businesses | $49.50/year | Very Easy | Templates, conditional logic, email notifications |
| Contact Form 7 | Developers who want full control | Free | Moderate | Markup-based forms, third-party extensions |
| Forminator | Interactive forms and quizzes | Free | Easy | Polls, quizzes, payments, visual builder |
| Ninja Forms | Customizable form layouts | $49/year | Easy | Field customization, file uploads, add-ons |
| Formidable Forms | Advanced forms with calculations | $39.50/year | Moderate | Calculated fields, multi-page forms, integrations |
| Everest Forms | Simple contact and registration forms | $48.30/year | Easy | Pre-built templates, spam protection, drag & drop |
| HappyForms | Lightweight, fast form building | $79/year | Easy | Live preview, GDPR tools, multiple form types |
| Kali Forms | Performance and simplicity | $29/year | Easy | Starter templates, spam filtering, responsive layout |
| Jetpack Forms | Basic forms built into Jetpack | Free (with Jetpack) | Very Easy | Minimal setup, Akismet spam filter, block editor |
Now that you’ve seen how these WordPress form plugin solutions compare, let’s take a closer look at each one — starting with Elfsight, our top recommended contact form builder.
Elfsight
Elfsight’s Contact Form plugin is built for users who need an intuitive and reliable way to receive messages, inquiries, or feedback through their WordPress website. Whether you’re running a business, blog, or service page, this tool ensures smooth communication with your audience.
It stands out for its polished design, ease of use, and complete freedom from WordPress plugins. With ready-made form layouts and a visual editor, you can quickly build a contact form that fits your brand and functionality needs — without ever touching code.
How it works: Elfsight Contact Form uses a no-code visual configurator where users can build forms by selecting fields, colors, button styles, and behavior settings. The widget is embedded via a simple code snippet, shortcode, or plugin, making it fast to install on any page or post. It supports fully responsive layouts and integrates with reCAPTCHA for spam protection.
- Drag-and-drop builder. Customize your form layout visually with no technical knowledge required.
- Multiple form types. Choose from contact, support, booking, feedback, or quote request forms.
- Custom field support. Add text inputs, dropdowns, checkboxes, email fields, and more.
- reCAPTCHA integration. Protect your form from spam with built-in Google reCAPTCHA.
- Email notifications. Instantly receive form submissions in your inbox with clean formatting.
- Mobile-friendly design. Every form is fully responsive and optimized for mobile use.
- Flexible styling. Match the form to your brand using layout, color, and typography controls.
- Easy embed options. Add the form to your WordPress website using shortcode, HTML, or plugin.
Pricing: A free plan is available with basic features. Paid plans start at $5/month and unlock advanced styling, additional submissions, and premium support.
Ideal for: Bloggers, small business owners, freelancers, agencies, and anyone needing a quick, branded way to connect with users via their WordPress website.
With its no-fuss setup, polished UI, and seamless embedding, Elfsight is a top choice for those who want a reliable, good-looking contact form without relying on heavy plugins.
Build your custom WordPress contact form in minutes — no coding needed!
WPForms
WPForms is designed for users who want to build functional and attractive contact forms without technical complexity. It’s ideal for WordPress website owners looking for a reliable plugin that balances ease of use with flexibility. The plugin simplifies the process of collecting inquiries, feedback, or leads through professionally styled forms.
It includes ready-made templates and intuitive drag-and-drop editing tools, allowing users to build and publish forms within minutes. WPForms integrates smoothly with popular marketing and payment platforms, supports mobile responsiveness, and offers detailed control over form fields and behavior — all from within the WordPress dashboard.
How it works: WPForms uses a live drag-and-drop interface to help users design and customize forms in real time. You can choose a template, add or remove fields, and instantly preview changes. The form can then be embedded via shortcode, widget, or block, making deployment easy on any page or section of your website.
- Drag-and-drop builder. Build custom forms visually without writing any code.
- Pre-built templates. Start fast with professionally designed contact, support, and feedback form templates.
- Spam protection. Includes CAPTCHA and Honeypot to prevent spam submissions.
- Smart conditional logic. Show or hide fields based on user responses to improve relevance and clarity.
- Instant email notifications. Receive alerts when someone submits your form to stay responsive.
- Responsive design. Forms are fully mobile-friendly and adapt to any screen size.
- Embed anywhere. Add forms to pages, posts, widgets, or popups using shortcode or block editor.
Pricing: WPForms offers multiple pricing tiers starting at $49.50/year, with advanced features unlocked in Pro and higher plans.
Ideal for: Bloggers, freelancers, small businesses, and marketers who want a straightforward contact form plugin that’s easy to set up and manage.
Contact Form 7
Contact Form 7 is one of the oldest and most downloaded WordPress contact form plugins, known for its simplicity and lightweight footprint. It allows users to build and publish contact forms using HTML-like markup, offering full control over form structure and content. It’s a go-to option for users comfortable with code and looking for a minimal, fast-loading solution.
While it doesn’t offer a visual builder, Contact Form 7 supports essential functionality like email delivery, field validation, and spam protection through integrations such as Akismet and reCAPTCHA. It also supports additional customization via hooks and third-party extensions, making it highly adaptable for developers and technical users.
How it works: Users create forms by manually editing form markup in the plugin dashboard, defining fields, messages, and mail templates. Once created, forms can be embedded into any WordPress page or post using a shortcode. Additional features can be added via plugins that extend its capabilities.
- Simple markup-based editor. Design forms using editable field templates and tag-based controls.
- Multiple form support. Manage and publish multiple forms across your website.
- Akismet and reCAPTCHA integration. Reduce spam and protect against bots.
- Flexible email settings. Customize notification content and recipient addresses.
- Custom validation messages. Define your own field validation and error text.
- Extensible architecture. Works with dozens of third-party plugins for added features.
Pricing: Contact Form 7 is completely free to use and open-source, with optional donation-based support.
Ideal for: Developers and advanced users who want full control over form structure and behavior without relying on visual interfaces.
Forminator
Forminator is designed to give users a flexible and visually guided way to create contact forms and other interactive elements like surveys or calculators. It’s built with simplicity and performance in mind, making it an excellent solution for users who want clean form designs and advanced functionality out of the box.
It includes a drag-and-drop builder, fully responsive design, and pre-built templates to speed up setup. Whether you’re adding a contact form, collecting feedback, or integrating payments via Stripe or PayPal, Forminator makes the process simple. It also supports email marketing integrations and conditional logic, giving users more control over how forms behave.
How it works: You use a visual editor to build forms by dragging and customizing fields. Once configured, the plugin generates a shortcode that can be added to any page or widget area. It also includes built-in spam protection and connects with third-party services through native integrations or webhooks.
- Drag-and-drop builder. Quickly add, remove, and reorder form fields with a visual interface.
- Responsive form layouts. Forms automatically adapt to any screen size and device.
- Interactive elements. Create calculators, polls, and quizzes in addition to contact forms.
- Email notifications. Get form submission alerts sent directly to your inbox.
- Conditional logic. Show or hide fields based on user responses for better targeting.
- Payment support. Accept payments using built-in Stripe and PayPal integrations.
- Third-party integrations. Connect with Mailchimp, HubSpot, Slack, and more.
Pricing: Forminator is completely free and includes all core features, including form types, integrations, and payment support.
Ideal for: Website owners, marketers, and small businesses that need interactive or payment-enabled forms with modern design and flexibility.
Ninja Forms
Ninja Forms is tailored for users who want freedom in designing and managing forms while staying within the WordPress dashboard. It offers a user-friendly interface for building contact, feedback, or registration forms without any development skills. The core plugin is free and provides a solid foundation for basic form needs.
What makes Ninja Forms stand out is its modular structure — users can expand functionality with add-ons only when needed. This makes it highly scalable for both small projects and larger websites. It also supports deep field customization, allowing users to tweak labels, placeholders, logic, styles, and more.
How it works: Users build forms with a live drag-and-drop editor inside the WordPress admin panel. Each field can be customized with detailed settings, and forms can be inserted anywhere on the website using shortcodes or blocks. Conditional logic and integrations are available via extensions.
- Drag-and-drop interface. Build and edit forms in real time with no coding.
- Customizable fields. Modify field labels, types, visibility, and styling options.
- Email notifications. Receive instant alerts for every form submission.
- Reusable templates. Save and reuse form layouts to save time across projects.
- Spam protection. Includes built-in Honeypot and reCAPTCHA support.
- Extendable via add-ons. Add payments, CRM connections, and conditional logic as needed.
Pricing: Ninja Forms offers a free core plugin with optional add-ons. Paid plans start at $49/year for access to premium features.
Ideal for: WordPress users and freelancers who want a customizable form builder that can grow in complexity with project needs.
Formidable Forms
Formidable Forms is built for power users who need more than basic contact form functionality. It goes beyond standard form creation by allowing users to build calculators, surveys, quote generators, and multi-step forms. It’s ideal for professionals managing websites that require high levels of data handling or user input.
The plugin combines a drag-and-drop builder with dynamic form logic, calculations, and styling tools. It also includes a built-in visual styler and form views for displaying submitted data on the front end, making it possible to build directories, listings, and other interactive content from form submissions.
How it works: You create forms using the drag-and-drop interface, configure smart field logic, and apply styling or formatting using built-in tools. Forms can be embedded via shortcodes, blocks, or widgets. Advanced use cases include conditional display logic, math operations, and front-end data display via views.
- Calculated fields. Perform live math operations based on user input for quotes or estimates.
- Multi-page forms. Split long forms into steps with progress bars to boost conversions.
- Drag-and-drop builder. Easily build detailed forms without touching code.
- Form views. Display submitted entries on your website like tables, directories, or lists.
- Conditional logic. Dynamically show or hide fields and sections based on user behavior.
- File uploads. Let users attach documents, images, or other files through the form.
- Custom CSS and styling. Tailor the form appearance with built-in visual styling tools.
Pricing: Paid plans start at $39.50/year, with advanced features like calculations, form views, and integrations included in higher tiers.
Ideal for: Developers, agencies, or businesses that need advanced data collection, calculations, or front-end content display from form submissions.
Everest Forms
Everest Forms is built with simplicity in mind, making it a great option for users with little to no technical experience. It helps you create functional and stylish contact forms quickly using a visual editor and pre-designed templates. The plugin provides essential tools to collect messages, inquiries, and feedback in a streamlined way.
It includes features like drag-and-drop field management, multi-column layouts, and built-in spam protection using Google reCAPTCHA. Its lightweight design ensures fast load times, while customization options allow users to control field order, styling, and submission handling directly from the dashboard.
How it works: You build forms using a visual builder that lets you drag fields into place, edit labels, and configure actions. Once completed, the form is embedded using a shortcode or block element. It supports multiple form types and email notification setup without extra configuration.
- Drag-and-drop builder. Easily design contact forms by visually arranging fields.
- Multi-column support. Create compact and well-structured forms with column layouts.
- Spam protection. Built-in Google reCAPTCHA to block bots and unwanted messages.
- Form templates. Start quickly with pre-made contact, feedback, and inquiry form layouts.
- Email alerts. Get notified instantly when users submit a form.
- Translation ready. Supports multilingual websites via WPML and translation plugins.
- Widget and shortcode embedding. Add forms anywhere with shortcodes or widgets.
Pricing: Everest Forms offers a free version with core features. Premium plans start at $48.30/year and unlock advanced functionality.
Ideal for: Beginners, bloggers, and small business owners who want a fast and user-friendly way to create contact forms with a clean layout.
HappyForms
HappyForms is designed to streamline form creation by eliminating complex builders in favor of a fully native WordPress experience. It enables users to create contact, feedback, survey, and newsletter forms right inside the Customizer. This approach ensures that changes appear live as you build, making it ideal for users who prefer simplicity and visual control.
In addition to its unique editing environment, HappyForms includes features like built-in anti-spam, mobile responsiveness, and flexible styling controls. It emphasizes performance, clean code, and compatibility with any WordPress theme, making it especially appealing for users who want minimal setup without sacrificing quality or form flexibility.
How it works: You create and customize forms directly in the WordPress Customizer. Fields, styles, and layout settings can be edited in real time with a live preview. Forms are then inserted into your website using shortcodes or blocks, and responses are sent directly to your inbox.
- Live Customizer editing. Build and preview forms instantly with no external builder.
- Built-in anti-spam. Includes Honeypot protection and optional reCAPTCHA integration.
- Responsive design. Forms work smoothly across desktop and mobile devices.
- Style controls. Adjust colors, spacing, and layout to match your website’s branding.
- Multiple form types. Supports contact, feedback, signup, and custom forms.
- Email delivery. Receive submissions directly to your chosen email address.
- Shortcode embedding. Insert forms anywhere using shortcode or block editor support.
Pricing: HappyForms offers a free version with core functionality. Premium plans start at $79/year for advanced features and integrations.
Ideal for: Bloggers, freelancers, and small teams looking for a simple and fast form builder tightly integrated with the WordPress Customizer.
Kali Forms
Kali Forms is built for users who want to create clean, modern contact forms without sacrificing speed or usability. It uses a React-based architecture to ensure fast load times and smooth performance, making it a strong choice for lightweight websites or those prioritizing efficiency.
With a visual builder and a library of pre-made templates, users can quickly create contact, feedback, booking, or payment forms. The plugin also supports mobile responsiveness, spam protection, and basic field customization — all accessible in the free version. More advanced features like conditional logic, multi-page forms, and payment integrations are available in the Pro version.
How it works: Users create forms using a drag-and-drop interface, selecting from various field types and templates. Forms can be embedded via shortcode or block editor, and submissions are managed directly within the WordPress dashboard. Anti-spam tools like Google reCAPTCHA and honeypot fields help prevent unwanted entries.
- Drag-and-drop builder. Easily design forms without coding knowledge.
- Pre-designed templates. Quickly deploy forms for contact, feedback, booking, and more.
- Responsive design. Forms adapt seamlessly to all screen sizes and devices.
- Spam protection. Built-in reCAPTCHA and honeypot fields to block spam submissions.
- Payment integration. Accept payments via PayPal and Stripe (Pro version).
- Conditional logic. Show or hide fields based on user input (Pro version).
- Multi-page forms. Break lengthy forms into manageable steps (Pro version).
Pricing: Kali Forms offers a free version with core features. Premium plans start at $29/year, unlocking advanced functionalities and integrations.
Ideal for: Users seeking a lightweight, performance-optimized form builder with essential features and the option to upgrade for more complex requirements.
Jetpack Forms
Jetpack Forms is part of the broader Jetpack suite and offers an easy way to create and embed contact forms without installing a separate plugin. It’s designed for users who want basic contact functionality with minimal setup, especially those already using Jetpack for other features like security, performance, or stats.
The form builder is available directly inside the WordPress block editor, making it convenient for users familiar with Gutenberg. You can insert, customize, and publish a contact form directly while editing a page or post. Jetpack also integrates Akismet for spam filtering and offers basic styling options to match your content layout.
How it works: While editing a post or page, users can insert the “Form” block from Jetpack, choose a layout, and customize the fields using the block editor tools. Submissions are emailed to the admin address and can also be tracked via Jetpack’s activity log.
- Block-based form editor. Create forms inside the Gutenberg editor with no extra tools needed.
- Quick setup. Insert a form in seconds during content editing.
- Akismet integration. Automatically blocks spam with built-in filtering.
- Email delivery. Sends form submissions to your admin email address.
- Basic field support. Add name, email, message, and other essential fields.
- Lightweight. No additional form plugin required if Jetpack is already installed.
Pricing: Jetpack Forms is included in the free version of Jetpack. Additional features require upgrading to a paid Jetpack plan.
Ideal for: Bloggers and casual WordPress users already using Jetpack who need a quick and easy contact form with essential functionality.
How to Pick the Right Contact Form
Choosing the best contact form plugin for WordPress depends on your website’s specific needs, goals, and technical comfort level. From drag-and-drop builders to developer-oriented tools, the right solution will vary for different users. The ideal plugin should align with your business size, communication goals, desired integrations, and the level of control you want over design and logic.
For beginners and non-technical users
If you’re looking for a quick and hassle-free setup, tools like Elfsight Contact Form, WPForms, and Everest Forms offer intuitive interfaces and ready-made templates. These plugins are perfect for users who prefer visual customization without needing to code.
For performance-focused websites
For users prioritizing speed and clean code, Kali Forms and HappyForms are excellent choices. They are lightweight, responsive, and optimized for fast loading, making them suitable for minimalist or SEO-conscious websites.
For advanced users and developers
If you need full control and advanced features, consider Formidable Forms or Contact Form 7. These tools offer extensive customization, logic control, and integrations, though they may require some technical knowledge to configure effectively.
For marketing or lead generation
Businesses that rely on collecting leads should explore WPForms and Forminator, which include features like conditional logic, multi-page forms, and CRM/email marketing integrations for building conversion-optimized experiences.
For Jetpack users and bloggers
If you already use Jetpack and need a simple solution, the built-in Jetpack Forms is a lightweight option that integrates easily into the WordPress block editor. It’s best suited for bloggers or small content-focused websites.
Tips for choosing the best contact form plugin:
- Evaluate your goal — lead generation, support, booking, or basic messaging — to prioritize essential features.
- Check plugin compatibility with your current WordPress theme and other plugins to avoid conflicts.
- Consider ease of use and learning curve if you or your team have limited technical expertise.
- Look into future needs like payment support, multi-step flows, or CRM integration, even if not required now.
- Test the free version first to assess real-world performance before committing to a premium plan.
Ultimately, the best plugin is the one that fits your workflow, integrates with your tools, and simplifies the way you interact with your audience. Refer to the comparison above to match each tool’s features to your priorities.
Now let’s look at the benefits of using a contact form on your WordPress website and why it’s more than just a communication tool.
Why Add a Contact Form to Your Website
After understanding how to choose the right plugin, it’s equally important to recognize why a contact form is such a valuable asset. Whether you’re running a blog, store, or professional portfolio, adding a contact form to your WordPress website can directly support communication, lead generation, and user experience. Here are the key benefits of using one:
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Improves communication | A contact form creates a structured way for visitors to reach you anytime, without relying on third-party apps or email links. |
| Protects your inbox | By hiding your email address and using spam filters, it reduces unsolicited messages and keeps your inbox organized. |
| Captures more leads | Strategically placed forms help collect valuable contact details and inquiries from potential customers or collaborators. |
| Simplifies user interaction | Visitors can send messages directly from the page they’re on, without switching to email or logging in elsewhere. |
| Customizes to fit your goals | You can tailor fields, design, and actions to collect exactly the type of information you need. |
| Supports automation | Many plugins allow email routing, autoresponders, and CRM connections, helping you streamline follow-ups. |
| Accessible on all devices | Most forms are fully responsive, ensuring usability across mobile, tablet, and desktop. |
Adding a contact form is a simple yet strategic upgrade that improves how visitors communicate with you and how you manage incoming messages. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your website more interactive and professional.
Next, let’s address some of the most common questions users have when adding a contact form to a WordPress website.
FAQ
This section answers frequently asked questions about using WordPress contact form plugins. These insights will help you understand what to expect, what features to prioritize, and how to avoid common setup issues.
Do I need coding skills to add a contact form to my WordPress website?
Can I use multiple contact forms on the same website?
How do I prevent spam through my contact forms?
Will my contact form work on mobile devices?
Can I control who receives the form submissions?
What happens to submissions after they’re sent?
These answers should give you a solid foundation for understanding how WordPress contact forms work and what to look for when selecting one.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best free contact form for WordPress comes down to aligning features with your communication needs, website goals, and technical skills. From highly customizable tools to ultra-simple drag-and-drop builders, each plugin in this list offers unique advantages. Whether you’re aiming to collect leads, manage support requests, or just keep an open line of communication, there’s a solution that fits.
Start with a tool that gives you flexibility without overwhelming complexity — especially if you’re new to WordPress. Elfsight’s Contact Form is an excellent starting point for most users, offering intuitive design, fast setup, and essential features without the need for a plugin. By selecting the right form builder, you’ll not only improve user interaction but also streamline how your business receives and manages inquiries.
