Sift vs Cognito Forms
Cognito Forms is a form builder. Sift takes a different approach: instead of building forms with fields, users write naturally and AI extracts the data.
Cognito Forms approach
Build a form with individual fields. Users fill in each one manually. Longer forms mean more drop-offs.
Sift approach
Users describe their situation in one text block. AI extracts all fields at once — name, email, issue type, urgency, everything.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Sift | Cognito Forms |
|---|---|---|
| AI text extraction | ||
| Natural language input | ||
| Drag-and-drop builder | Not needed — AI extracts from freeform text | |
| Widget embedding | ||
| API access | Growth plan and above | Team plan ($35/month) |
| Webhook integrations | Via Zapier or API | |
| File/image processing | File upload only | |
| Conditional logic | AI-driven | |
| Multi-language support | 120+ via AI | Manual translation |
| Custom branding | Coming soon |
Pricing comparison
Sift
From $29/mo
500 AI extractions included
Cognito Forms
Free (unlimited forms), from $15/month (Pro)
A powerful form builder with advanced calculations, repeating sections, and payment processing at a competitive price.
Why choose Sift
- No form-building required — define your schema and AI handles the entire input experience
- Processes documents, images, and freeform text into structured data automatically
- AI-driven validation catches semantic errors, not just format errors (e.g. revenue vs employee count plausibility)
- 120+ languages without any manual translation or form duplication
Why choose Cognito Forms
- Advanced calculation fields and repeating sections ideal for order forms, invoices, and expense reports
- Generous free tier with unlimited forms and a well-designed conditional logic builder
When Cognito Forms is the better choice
Organisations that need complex calculated forms with repeating line items, like order forms or expense reports, at an affordable price.
The key reason teams switch to Sift
Cognito Forms is powerful for structured, calculation-heavy forms. But when your users need to provide narrative information — project briefs, support requests, intake details — Sift's natural language approach captures far more data with far less friction.
Frequently asked questions
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