Core differences and capabilities

Decision Factor	GravityView	wpDataTables
Primary purpose	Gravity Forms application builder	General data table/chart plugin
Gravity Forms integration	Native (core feature)	Requires separate add-on
Data sources	Gravity Forms only	Files, MySQL, URLs, Google Sheets, forms, APIs
Layout variety	Flexible layout builder, tables, lists, maps, custom (DIY)	Tables only
Works without Gravity Forms	No	Yes
Charting	Needs separate add-on (GravityCharts)	Yes (native)
Builder	Drag and drop interface	Excel-like table builder
Custom content field	Yes (supports custom code, shortcodes, merge tags)	No
Front-end entry editing	Yes (customizable)	Yes (all fields)
Entry approval	Yes	No
Auto-refresh data	Yes	Yes
Export (CSV, Excel, PDF)	Yes	Yes

Top decision factors explained

Purpose-built solution vs general integration

GravityView is designed specifically for Gravity Forms. It’s developed by GravityKit, a Certified Gravity Forms Developer, and integrates with the broader GF ecosystem, including the Survey add-on, payment gateways, Gravity Flow, and other certified add-ons.

wpDataTables is a general data plugin that happens to offer Gravity Forms support via a paid add-on. While this flexibility is useful if you work with multiple data sources, the Gravity Forms integration isn’t as deep or reliable.

Known limitations

wpDataTables has documented limitations when displaying Gravity Forms data:

1. Sorting/searching conflict: With “server-side processing” enabled (required for entry editing), sorting and searching don’t work properly. You must choose between edit functionality and reliable search/sort.
2. File Upload field issues: Editing entries with File Upload fields can result in lost files—a potentially serious data loss issue.
3. No inline editing: wpDataTables doesn’t support inline editing with Gravity Forms data. GravityView offers inline editing via a dedicated add-on.

While GravityView does not have these limitations when working with Gravity Forms data, it only supports Gravity Forms as a data source. It is not suitable for projects that require pulling in external data from databases, spreadsheets, or APIs—use cases where wpDataTables excels.

Layout flexibility

GravityView offers 6 layouts: Table, List, DataTables, Maps, Layout Builder, and DIY. This enables building directories, member portals, and location-based applications—not just spreadsheet-style tables.

wpDataTables is table-only. If you need lists, maps, or custom grid layouts, it’s not an option. That said, even the basic plugin includes a powerful charting suite that enables you to create custom visualizations for your data. If charting is your primary need, wpDataTables has the edge.

Custom content

GravityView’s Custom Content field lets you add HTML, shortcodes, merge tags, and conditional logic directly in your Views. You can display dynamic content alongside form field data.

With Gravity Forms, wpDataTables only displays form field data. There is no support for custom content. However, as mentioned, wpDataTables supports multiple data sources, meaning you can pull in data from external sources. So if your custom content is coming from a separate database or API, wpDataTables works well.

Pricing and cost considerations

Cost factor	GravityView	wpDataTables
Entry cost	$119 (core) / $199 (Pro) / $399 (All Access)	$59 (single site) + $39 (GF add-on) = starting at $98. Free version available with limitations.
DataTables layout	Included in Pro	Included
Additional layouts	Included in Pro	Not available
Add-ons / extensions	Included in Pro: Premium extensions (Elementor Integration, Magic Links, Advanced Filtering, and more)	Add-ons start at $39 (Gravity Forms, Master Detail Tables, Powerful Filters, and more)
Charting	Requires GravityCharts ($99/year)	Included
Form plugin required	Yes, Gravity Forms	No. Can be used standalone or with other data sources.
Ongoing costs	Annual renewal	Annual renewal
Refund policy	30-day money-back guarantee	15 days