Filla vs Fillout: When to choose each
Both Filla and Fillout connect to Airtable. Both let you build forms with conditional logic. Both have modern interfaces.
So how do you choose?
It comes down to one question: Is Airtable your only database, or one of many?
Quick answer: If Airtable is your primary database and you need deep integration with linked records, nested forms, and formula fields, choose Filla. If you use multiple platforms (Notion, Google Sheets, etc.) and want one tool for everything, choose Fillout.
The fundamental difference
Filla is built exclusively for Airtable. Every feature is designed around how Airtable works: linked records, formulas, lookups, views.
Fillout is a multi-platform form builder. It connects to Airtable, Notion, Google Sheets, Supabase, PostgreSQL, and more. This makes it versatile but means Airtable support is generalized.
Neither approach is wrong. They serve different needs.
Where Filla wins
1. Native linked record experience
Linked records are Airtable's superpower. They let you connect tables, build relationships, and create sophisticated data structures.
Filla's approach:
- Full linked record pickers with search and filtering
- Filter options based on previous form answers
- Create new linked records inline (without leaving the form)
- Multi-select across related tables
- Display linked record fields (name, photo, details)
Fillout's approach:
- Basic linked record support
- Limited filtering options
- Can't create new linked records inline
- Works, but feels less native
Real-world example: An event registration form where users select their company from a Companies table. With Filla, users search by company name, see company details, and can add a new company if theirs isn't listed—all in one smooth flow. With Fillout, you get a basic dropdown that may not handle hundreds of companies gracefully.
2. Nested forms (child forms)
Filla lets you create records in multiple linked tables in a single form submission.
Use cases:
- Order forms: Create an order record and multiple line item records
- Project requests: Create a project and its initial tasks
- Event registration: Register an attendee and their session preferences
- Client onboarding: Create a client record and contact entries
Fillout doesn't offer this capability. You'd need separate forms or automation workflows.
3. Formula and lookup field display
Filla can show calculated formula values and lookup data directly in your forms.
Examples:
- Display a calculated total price as users fill out an order
- Show lookup data from linked records (e.g., client's current balance)
- Display formula-based status indicators
Fillout treats formulas and lookups as non-displayable Airtable fields.
4. Zero field mapping
When you connect Filla to your Airtable base, fields sync automatically. Change a single select option? It updates in your form instantly. Add a new field? It's available to add immediately.
Fillout's sync is good, but changes sometimes require manual re-mapping or refreshing.
Where Fillout wins
1. Multi-platform support
If you use Notion, Google Sheets, Supabase, or PostgreSQL alongside Airtable, Fillout connects to all of them. One tool, multiple databases.
Filla is Airtable-only. If you need multi-platform support, Fillout is the obvious choice.
2. Established ecosystem
Fillout has been around longer, which means:
- More templates
- Larger community
- More integrations beyond databases
- Established reputation
3. Payment collection
Fillout has built-in payment processing with Stripe integration. Collect payments directly through forms without additional tools.
Filla doesn't have native payment collection (you'd use an Airtable automation to trigger Stripe).
4. Calculation fields in forms
Fillout lets you add calculation fields that compute values based on form inputs, before submission. This is useful for quotes, estimates, and dynamic pricing.
Filla displays Airtable formula fields but doesn't do form-side calculations before data reaches Airtable.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Filla | Fillout |
|---|---|---|
| Airtable integration | Exclusive, native | One of many platforms |
| Linked record support | Full (search, filter, create inline) | Partial (basic selection) |
| Nested/child forms | Yes | No |
| Formula field display | Yes | No |
| Lookup field display | Yes | No |
| Conditional logic | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-step forms | Yes | Yes |
| Update existing records | Yes | Yes |
| Custom branding | Yes (paid) | Yes (paid) |
| Multi-platform support | No (Airtable only) | Yes (Notion, Sheets, etc.) |
| Payment collection | No | Yes |
| Form calculations | No (uses Airtable formulas) | Yes |
| Field auto-sync | Instant | Good, occasional refresh |
Pricing comparison
Filla
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 5 forms, unlimited submissions, all features except branding |
| Starter | $12/mo yearly | Unlimited forms, branding removal |
Fillout
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Limited responses/month |
| Starter | $15/mo | More responses, basic features |
| Pro | $29/mo | Full features, integrations |
Key difference: Filla's free tier includes unlimited submissions with a form limit. Fillout's free tier has response limits that can stop form collection mid-month.
Real scenarios: Which should you choose?
Scenario 1: Project request forms with linked clients
Your situation: You have a Projects table linked to Clients and Team Members. You want users to submit project requests, select the client from your Clients table, assign team members, and create initial task records.
Better choice: Filla
Why: You need full linked record pickers and nested forms to create tasks alongside the project. Fillout's basic linked record support would require workarounds.
Scenario 2: Multi-database feedback collection
Your situation: You use Airtable for client data but Notion for internal knowledge management. You want one form tool that can send feedback to both platforms.
Better choice: Fillout
Why: Fillout connects to both Airtable and Notion. Filla only works with Airtable.
Scenario 3: Order forms with calculated pricing
Your situation: You want customers to select products, see real-time pricing, and submit orders that create records in your Orders and Line Items tables.
Better choice: Filla
Why: Filla's nested forms can create an order and its line items in one submission. You can display Airtable formula fields for pricing. Fillout would need multiple forms or Zapier automation to achieve the same result.
Scenario 4: Quick survey with payment
Your situation: You need to collect survey responses and charge a registration fee, sending data to Airtable.
Better choice: Fillout
Why: Fillout's native Stripe integration handles payment collection directly. With Filla, you'd need a separate payment flow or Airtable automation.
Scenario 5: Client intake with dynamic questions
Your situation: You want a client intake form that shows different questions based on service type, with the ability to select from your Services and Team Members tables.
Better choice: Filla
Why: Filla's linked record filtering lets you show only relevant services and team members based on previous answers. Conditional logic combined with native linked records creates a seamless experience.
What users say
Users who chose Filla
"We tried Fillout first because it connected to more platforms. But our entire business runs on Airtable, and linked records were clunky. Filla understood our data structure immediately."
"The nested forms feature was the deciding factor. Creating a project and its tasks in one form submission? That would have taken us three separate forms in Fillout."
Users who chose Fillout
"We use Airtable and Notion. Having one form tool for both saves us from managing two systems."
"We needed payment collection built-in. Fillout's Stripe integration was straightforward."
The honest tradeoff
Filla's tradeoff: You get deeper Airtable integration at the cost of platform flexibility. If you ever need to connect forms to Notion or Google Sheets, you'll need a different tool.
Fillout's tradeoff: You get multi-platform support at the cost of Airtable depth. Linked records, nested forms, and formula display are limited compared to Airtable-native tools.
Our recommendation
Choose Filla if:
- Airtable is your primary (or only) database
- You rely heavily on linked records
- You need to create records in multiple tables at once
- You want formula and lookup values displayed in forms
- Zero-maintenance field sync matters to you
Choose Fillout if:
- You use multiple platforms beyond Airtable
- You need built-in payment collection
- Basic Airtable integration is sufficient
- You want one tool for all your databases
Try both and decide
Both tools offer free tiers. The best way to decide is to build the same form in each and see which feels right for your workflow.
Test these specific features:
- Create a form with a linked record field. How does selection feel?
- Try conditional logic based on linked record selection
- Evaluate how changes in Airtable sync to your form
- Build your most complex form and see where you hit limits
Ready to try Filla?
If Airtable is your world, Filla speaks your language.
Start free with 5 forms and unlimited submissions. See how native linked record support, nested forms, and instant field sync change how you collect data.