Ninja Forms: what it is, how it works & who it's for

Free WordPress form builder plugin with paid add-on bundles for payments, logic and CRM sync

Updated · Pricing checked November 2026

What is Ninja Forms?

Ninja Forms is a WordPress form builder plugin with a free core that covers unlimited forms and unlimited submissions on unlimited sites. It runs inside the WordPress dashboard and stores entries locally, even on the free version. Extra features are sold as add-ons or as Plus, Pro and Elite membership bundles.

The free core includes more than 28 form fields, templates, calculations and anti-spam protection. Paid bundles add conditional logic, multi-step forms, file uploads, email marketing connections and payment add-ons. Plus costs $99 a year for three sites, with a 40% discount on the first year.

Ninja Forms at a glance

Ninja Forms infographic: how it works in 4 steps, key features, pricing model and who it is best for
Ninja Forms at a glance. Share or embed this infographic with a link to this page.

How does Ninja Forms work?

  1. Install the free core

    Install Ninja Forms from WordPress.org at no cost and build forms with the drag-and-drop editor.

  2. Add what you need

    Buy a Plus, Pro or Elite membership, or buy single add-ons for the features your forms need, such as conditional logic or payments.

  3. Connect your tools

    Connect the form to email tools, CRMs and payment processors through the add-ons in your bundle.

  4. Publish and review

    Place the form on any page with a block or shortcode, then review entries inside WordPress.

Ninja Forms key features

Free core plugin

Unlimited forms and submissions on unlimited sites, with more than 28 fields, templates and calculations at no cost.

Add-on bundles

Plus, Pro and Elite bundles group add-ons by price: Plus adds logic, file uploads and PayPal, Pro adds Stripe and Zapier, Elite includes all 47 add-ons.

Local entry storage

Entries are stored in your own WordPress database on every plan, including the free version.

Single add-ons

Individual add-ons can be bought on their own, from $29 a year, if you only need one extra feature.

Payment add-ons

PayPal comes with Plus, while Stripe, Authorize.net and Elavon come with Pro and Elite.

Why use Ninja Forms?

  • Ninja Forms has the most capable free core of the WordPress form plugins here.
  • Unlimited forms and submissions cost nothing to start.
  • Entries stay in your own WordPress database from day one.
  • Buy only the add-ons you need, or take a bundle.
  • A lapsed license keeps working without updates or support.

Who is Ninja Forms best for?

A good fit for

  • WordPress sites that need a free form plugin with no submission cap
  • Small businesses that need one or two extra features
  • Freelancers building forms for a few client sites
  • Anyone who wants to pay per add-on instead of per seat

Less suited to

  • People without a WordPress site
  • Users who want conditional logic or multi-step forms for free
  • Teams that want every feature in one flat price with no add-on choices

Ninja Forms pricing

Pricing modelSubscription
Free planYes
Free trialNot confirmed
Starting priceFree; Plus $99/year (3 sites)

The core plugin is free. Plus costs $99 a year for three sites, Pro $199 a year for 20 sites, and Elite $499 a year for unlimited sites. Memberships are 40% off the first year, so Plus is $59.40 the first year, then renews at $99. Single add-ons start at $29 a year per site.

Prices checked November 2026. Vendors change plans often, so confirm on the official Ninja Forms pricing page before you buy.

Ninja Forms pros and cons

Pros

  • Free core with unlimited forms and submissions
  • Entries stored locally on every plan
  • Add-ons can be bought one at a time
  • Plus bundle is cheap for small sites

Cons

  • Conditional logic and multi-step forms need Plus or a paid add-on
  • Costs add up as you buy more add-ons
  • Webhooks and analytics need the Elite plan
  • Only works with WordPress

Ninja Forms integrations and platforms

Works with

  • Mailchimp
  • ActiveCampaign
  • PayPal
  • Stripe
  • HubSpot
  • Salesforce
  • Zapier
  • Slack

Available on

  • WordPress plugin

Ninja Forms alternatives

Ninja Forms FAQ

Is Ninja Forms free?

Yes. The Ninja Forms core plugin is free on WordPress.org, with unlimited forms and submissions on unlimited sites, more than 28 fields, templates, calculations and anti-spam protection. Paid features such as conditional logic, multi-step forms and payments come as add-ons or in Plus, Pro and Elite bundles.

How much does Ninja Forms cost?

The core plugin is free. Plus costs $99 a year for three sites, Pro $199 a year for 20 sites, and Elite $499 a year for unlimited sites. Memberships are 40% off the first year, so Plus is $59.40 the first year. Single add-ons start at $29 a year per site.

Does Ninja Forms store entries?

Yes. Ninja Forms stores entries in your own WordPress database on every plan, including the free version. The free dashboard shows entries as a flat list, while paid plans add a fuller entry-management workspace.

What does Ninja Forms Plus include?

Plus costs $99 a year for three sites and includes 16 add-ons, such as conditional logic, file uploads, multi-step forms, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign and PayPal. It suits a small site that needs logic and payments but not the wider Pro or Elite add-on sets.

Is Ninja Forms good for beginners?

Yes, the free core is easy to install and the drag-and-drop editor covers basic contact forms without any payment. The add-on model takes more thought once you need logic, payments or CRM sync, since each extra feature is a separate add-on or bundle choice.

Sources

This overview is based on Ninja Forms's official website and documentation, checked November 2026.