Stop form spam without asking users to solve puzzles.
splitforms replaces reCAPTCHA on contact forms with layered spam protection: honeypot, time-trap, rate limits, disposable-email signals, and AI scoring. No Google script, no tracking badge, no conversion tax.
Replace visible CAPTCHA with invisible layers.
The hidden field catches naive bots. splitforms handles the harder parts server-side: timing, rate limits, domain signals, and message scoring.
<form action="https://splitforms.com/api/submit" method="POST">
<input type="hidden" name="access_key" value="YOUR_ACCESS_KEY" />
<input name="email" type="email" required />
<textarea name="message" required></textarea>
<!-- reCAPTCHA alternative: hidden honeypot -->
<input
type="checkbox"
name="botcheck"
autocomplete="off"
tabindex="-1"
aria-hidden="true"
style="position:absolute;left:-9999px"
/>
<button type="submit">Send</button>
</form>What is the best reCAPTCHA alternative for contact forms?
For most contact forms, the best alternative is a layered server-side filter: honeypot field, time-trap, IP rate limits, disposable-email signals, and AI content scoring. This avoids Google scripts, puzzle friction, and accessibility issues.
Can I stop form spam without CAPTCHA?
Yes. Most form spam is automated and can be blocked with honeypots, rate limits, and backend scoring. Add a visible CAPTCHA only when you have evidence of human-driven abuse that the simpler layers do not catch.
Is a honeypot better than reCAPTCHA?
A honeypot is better for user experience because real visitors never see it. It catches simpler bots and adds no page weight. It should be combined with backend spam scoring for modern AI-written spam.
Does splitforms load third-party anti-spam scripts?
No. The default splitforms spam stack runs server-side after submission. There is no Google reCAPTCHA script, no tracking badge, no puzzle, and no extra client-side dependency.