IstbanIstban vs Jotform: a simpler Arabic-first alternative for Saudi Arabia
A global platform known for a large template library and many form-building options.
The short answer
Jotform offers wide options for a global audience. Istban focuses on what the Saudi market needs: Arabic first, a Hijri calendar, mada and Apple Pay, and templates written for Saudi context — with forms created by describing them.
Comparison
| Feature | Istban | Jotform |
|---|---|---|
| Full Arabic interface and RTL | Built Arabic-first; accepts Arabic-Indic digits and Saudi mobile formats | Varies by plan — check their website |
| Hijri calendar | Umm al-Qura dates with the Gregorian equivalent | Varies by plan — check their website |
| AI form creation in everyday Arabic | Describe the form in your own words, even in dialect, and edit it by chatting | Varies by plan — check their website |
| Questions from a file or images | Upload a PDF, Word file or images and review suggested questions | Varies by plan — check their website |
| mada and Apple Pay inside the form | Through your own Moyasar account, paid straight to you (plan-dependent) | Varies by plan — check their website |
| SAR pricing, VAT included | Free plan to start; paid plans in SAR with VAT included | Varies by plan — check their website |
| Six display layouts | Question by question, single page, steps and chat | Varies by plan — check their website |
| Quiz mode and certificate | Automatic grading, pass mark and a private certificate link (plan-dependent) | Varies by plan — check their website |
| Google Sheets and webhooks | A row per response in your sheet, plus signed webhooks (plan-dependent) | Varies by plan — check their website |
Paid plans start at SAR 49 per month, VAT included.
Information about other platforms is general and may change — check their official websites.
When Jotform may suit you better
No tool fits everyone. Jotform may be the better choice if:
- You need a very large template library across global industries.
- Your workflow is already built on it and its integrations.
- Your audience is outside the region and doesn't need Arabic or local payments.
How to switch to Istban
- 1
Create your account
Sign in and start on the free plan, no credit card needed.
- 2
Build the form
Describe the form in your own words and let AI build it, or start from a ready template.
- 3
Share the link
Publish the form and share its new link in place of the old one.
Frequently asked questions
Does Istban have ready templates?
Yes, a bilingual template library written for Saudi context: hiring, event and course registration, customer satisfaction, orders and payments. You can try any template before signing up.
Where does in-form payment money go?
Straight to your own Moyasar account; you connect your key once and respondents pay with mada, Apple Pay or card. Available on plans that include it.
Can I import my forms from Jotform automatically?
There is no automatic import tool today. The fastest route is to describe the form in your own words and let AI build it, or start from a ready template, then share the new link.
Can I start for free?
Yes. Istban has a free plan to start, and paid plans are priced in SAR with VAT included. Plan details are on the pricing page.
Try Istban for free
Describe your form in your own words and it's ready in a minute, or start from a template.