Which is better: Cognito Forms or Tally?

Cognito Forms receives a KEEP score of 44/100 and SWITCH score of 86/100 (Primary verdict: SELF HOST). Tally receives a KEEP score of 44/100 and SWITCH score of 86/100 (Primary verdict: SELF HOST).

What is the price difference between Cognito Forms and Tally?

Cognito Forms starting price is $0/mo (Free tier available). Tally starting price is $0/mo (Free tier available).

⚡ Head-to-Head Deterministic Intelligence

Cognito Forms vs Tally

Comprehensive deterministic comparison evaluating decision scores, pricing models, replacement difficulty, and open-source alternatives for 2026.

Forms & Surveys

Cognito Forms

Starting PriceFree

Cognito Forms is a modern forms & surveys software solution designed to streamline digital workflows and boost operational efficiency.

Verdict:SELF HOST

Full Cognito Forms Review ↗

Forms & Surveys

Tally

Starting PriceFree

Tally is a modern forms & surveys software solution designed to streamline digital workflows and boost operational efficiency.

Verdict:SELF HOST

Full Tally Review ↗

Deterministic Decision Engine

Side-by-Side Decision Scores Matrix

Evaluated using pure deterministic algorithm scoring across retention, migration savings, self-hosting viability, and build complexity.

Evaluation Metric	Cognito Forms	Tally
Primary Verdict	SELF HOST	SELF HOST
KEEP Score (Retention Value)	44/100	44/100
SWITCH Score (Migration Savings)	86/100	86/100
SELF-HOST Score (OSS Viability)	100/100	100/100
AUTOMATE Score (Workflow Parity)	100/100	100/100
BUILD Score (Custom In-House Feasibility)	77/100	77/100
Engine Confidence	60%	60%
Build Complexity (1 - 5)	2 / 5	2 / 5
API & Webhook Availability	4 / 5	4 / 5
Vendor Lock-in Risk	2 / 5	2 / 5
Data Portability Score	4 / 5	4 / 5

Cost Structure Analysis

Verified Pricing Tiers Comparison

Cognito Forms Pricing Tiers

Free Tiermonthly billing

Free

Pro Planmonthly billing

$15/mo

Tally Pricing Tiers

Free Tiermonthly billing

Free

Pro Planmonthly billing

$15/mo

Zero License Fees

Self-Hostable Open Source Options

Cognito Forms Open-Source Options

Formbricks8.5k★

Open-source survey and experience management software.

OhMyForm3.2k★

Open-source form builder alternative to Typeform & Google Forms.

Tally Open-Source Options

Gitea46k★

Lightweight self-hosted Git service.

Coolify37k★

Open-source self-hostable Vercel alternative.

Head-to-Head FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions: Cognito Forms vs Tally

Which tool is easier to migrate or build custom?▼

Cognito Forms has a build complexity of 2/5 and API availability of 4/5. Tally has a build complexity of 2/5 and API availability of 4/5.

Should I choose Cognito Forms or Tally?▼

If you prioritize retention value and deep integrations, Tally leads with a KEEP score of 44/100. If you are looking to switch or optimize costs, review their secondary verdicts and open-source alternatives above.