Microsoft Forms vs Cognito Forms: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Forms and Cognito Forms comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Cognito Forms is our overall pick for form builders workflows. Pick Microsoft Forms if you need survey tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Microsoft Forms
Create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365
Best for you if:
- • You need survey tools features specifically
- • Microsoft Forms is an online survey and quiz creation tool.
- • It allows users to create forms for data collection, feedback, and assessments.
Cognito Forms
Build sophisticated forms with conditional logic and payments
Best for you if:
- • You need form builders features specifically
- • Cognito Forms is a form builder for creating online forms, surveys, and payment collection
- • It offers conditional logic, calculations, and integrations without coding knowledge
| At a Glance |  Microsoft Forms |  Cognito Forms |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Included/moMicrosoft 365 | $15/monthPro |
Best For | Survey Tools | Form Builders |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Microsoft Forms or Cognito Forms?
Choose Microsoft Forms if
Create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365
- Included with Microsoft 365
- Easy to use
- Good for quizzes
- Your work is survey tools-shaped, not form builders-shaped
Choose Cognito Forms if
Build sophisticated forms with conditional logic and payments
- Good form builder
- Conditional logic
- Payment integration
- Your work is form builders-shaped, not survey tools-shaped
| Feature | Microsoft Forms | Cognito Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 770 reviews | ★4.6/5 225 reviews |
| Categories | Survey ToolsProductivity | Form BuildersNo-Code |
In-Depth Analysis
Microsoft Forms
Create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365
Strengths
- +Included with Microsoft 365
- +Easy to use
- +Good for quizzes
- +Teams integration
Weaknesses
- -Limited customization
- -Basic design
- -Microsoft ecosystem required
Key features
Cognito Forms
Build sophisticated forms with conditional logic and payments
Strengths
- +Good form builder
- +Conditional logic
- +Payment integration
- +Good free tier
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -UI dated
- -Limited integrations
- -Customization limited
- -Template selection basic
- -Less known
Key features
Pricing: Microsoft Forms vs Cognito Forms
| Plan | Microsoft Forms | Cognito Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Individual |
| Tier 2 | Included Microsoft 365 | $15 month Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Microsoft Forms pricing and Cognito Forms pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Microsoft Forms
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Microsoft Forms
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Cognito Forms
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Microsoft Forms is a survey tools tool. Cognito Forms is in form builders. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Cognito Forms
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.5/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft Forms
- Larger review base (770 reviews)
- Better fit for survey tools
The Bottom Line
Cognito Forms is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Forms or Cognito Forms better?
Cognito Forms is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Microsoft Forms and Cognito Forms used for?
Microsoft Forms: Create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365. Cognito Forms: Build sophisticated forms with conditional logic and payments.
What does Microsoft Forms cost vs Cognito Forms?
Microsoft Forms is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Cognito Forms is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.