Formspree vs React Hook Form: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Formspree and React Hook Form are two popular tools used for managing forms on websites. While both serve similar purposes, they have key differences that set them apart. Below are the top 6 differences between Formspree and React Hook Form.

1. Data Handling: Formspree is a service that allows easy form submission via email, while React Hook Form is a React library that handles form data within the app. With Formspree, form data is sent to an email address specified in the form's HTML, whereas React Hook Form stores form data directly within the app for further processing.

2. Dependency: Formspree is a standalone service, meaning that it can be used with any front-end technology, including React. On the other hand, React Hook Form is solely designed for React applications, relying on React's architecture and hooks to manage form state and validation.

3. Control over UI: React Hook Form gives developers full control over the form's appearance and behavior since it is integrated directly into the app. Formspree, however, has limited customization options, as it relies on emailing the submitted form data without direct integration into the app's UI.

4. Validation: React Hook Form offers robust form validation features out of the box, allowing developers to define validation rules and error messages easily. In contrast, Formspree lacks built-in validation capabilities and requires additional implementation for form validation.

5. Performance: Since React Hook Form manages form data internally, it can offer better performance in terms of speed and responsiveness compared to Formspree, which relies on external email services for form submission. This makes React Hook Form a more efficient choice for handling forms within React applications.

6. Cost: Formspree offers both free and paid plans, with limitations on the number of form submissions and features available. In contrast, React Hook Form is an open-source library that is free to use without any limitations, making it a cost-effective option for developers looking to manage forms in React applications.

In Summary, the key differences between Formspree and React Hook Form lie in data handling, dependency, control over UI, validation, performance, and cost.