Fomr alternatives: 3 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
Typeform-style visual forms without the rent; one container to own the whole thing
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installHosted signup, or Docker Compose with MongoDB and KeyDB/Redis
enginesOptional OpenAI-compatible API for AI features; default model documented as gpt-3.5-turbo-0125
dataHosted data lives in HeyForm Cloud; self-hosted forms and responses live in MongoDB, cache/session data in KeyDB/Redis, and uploads on the server or S3-compatible storage.
the catch vs FomrHeyForm offers a visual form builder and unlimited self-hosted responses, but its design polish and hosting simplicity are weaker once you leave the hosted service and run MongoDB plus KeyDB yourself.
setupSelf-hosting needs Docker, a domain, reverse proxy/TLS, email configuration, and persistent database/storage volumes.
facts verified 2026-08-10
Open-source forms with unlimited respondents; the free self-hosted builder team stops at two
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installHosted signup, or the production Docker deployment
dataHosted data lives in OpnForm Cloud; self-hosted forms and submissions live in MySQL or PostgreSQL, with uploaded files on configured local or object storage.
the catch vs FomrOpnForm gives you open-source forms and self-hosted responses, but the free self-hosted workspace is limited to two users and its design controls are less polished than Fomr's.
setupSelf-hosting requires Docker, a database, a public domain/TLS and mail/storage configuration; the free self-hosted edition allows two workspace users.
facts verified 2026-08-10
A generous hosted form builder with logic and unlimited responses; branding is the upsell
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup
enginesTally AI is available, but its underlying model provider is not publicly documented
dataForms and responses live in Tally's EU-hosted cloud; responses can be downloaded as CSV or synchronized to Google Sheets or Notion.
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs FomrTally installs cleanly and permits unlimited free responses, but removing Tally branding, using a custom domain, and deeper visual customization require a paid plan.
facts verified 2026-08-10
latest recorded source check 2026-08-10 · check current terms at the source
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HeyForm | AGPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 8,924 | 2026-08 |
| OpnForm | AGPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 3,566 | 2026-08 |
| Tally | proprietary, free | they host it | web | — | — |
They pay to publish polished forms without operating a public data-collection service, maintaining email and spreadsheet integrations, or worrying about backups, spam, browser quirks, and lost responses. The recorded subscription totals $204 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Fomr?
Yes: HeyForm, OpnForm, Tally. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own Fomr?
Our verdict is KINDA. A useful single-owner form builder is a realistic weekend project. Matching Fomr's visual editor, design depth, managed delivery, collaboration, integrations, and confidence that every public submission arrives turns it into an ongoing product rather than a one-shot clone. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Fomr build guide.
