Heap vs Hotjar: Which Is Better in 2026?

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right analytics tool for your needs.

Too Close to Call

Both tools are closely matched with similar overall ratings

Quick Comparison

Aspect
H
Heap
H
Hotjar
Overall Rating
8/10
8/10
Starting Price
Free
$32/mo
Free Plan
Free Trial
Best For
medium
small
Ease of Use
8/10
9/10
Features
9/10
8/10
Value for Money
7/10
7/10
Support
7/10
8/10

Overview

H

Heap

Heap automatically captures all user interactions without manual event tracking. Great for retroactive analysis and teams wanting comprehensive behavioral data.

H

Hotjar

Hotjar combines heatmaps, session recordings, and feedback tools to show how users interact with your website. Great for UX insights and conversion optimization.

Pricing Comparison

Better value: Heap
H

Heap

Better Value
Pricing ModelFreemium
Starting PriceFree
Free Trial
Free Tier
H

Hotjar

Pricing ModelFreemium
Starting Price$32/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier

Features Comparison

Winner: Heap
FeatureHeapHotjar
Web Analytics
Basic
Product Analytics
Heatmaps
Session Recording
Funnel Analysis
Privacy Focused
Real Time
Ab Testing
Data Retention
Varies
365 days
Custom Events
Auto-captured

2

features unique to Heap

0

features unique to Hotjar

Pros & Cons

H

Heap

Pros

  • Auto-captures all events
  • Retroactive analysis possible
  • Session replay included
  • Good free tier
  • Easy implementation

Cons

  • Can be expensive at scale
  • Data can be overwhelming
  • Requires data governance
  • Some features need setup
H

Hotjar

Pros

  • Visual heatmaps and recordings
  • Easy to understand insights
  • User feedback tools
  • Free tier available
  • Quick to implement

Cons

  • Recording limits on lower plans
  • Can slow down site slightly
  • Privacy considerations
  • Limited quantitative analytics

The Verdict: It's a Tie

Both Heap and Hotjar are excellent analytics tools that deliver strong value. With nearly identical overall ratings, the choice between them comes down to your specific requirements rather than one being objectively better.

Heap shines in teams wanting complete data, while Hotjar excels at ux research and optimization. Consider trying both with their free trials to see which fits your workflow better.

Our recommendation: We recommend Heap if you prioritize auto-captures all events, and Hotjar if visual heatmaps and recordings matter more to you.

Choose Heap if you...

  • • Need teams wanting complete data
  • • Need retroactive analysis needs
  • • Need product experimentation

Choose Hotjar if you...

  • • Need ux research and optimization
  • • Need conversion rate optimization
  • • Need understanding user behavior visually

Ready to Get Started?

Try HeapTry Hotjar

Read our full reviews:

Heap Full ReviewHotjar Full Review

* We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit these tools through our links. This doesn't affect our ratings or comparisons.

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Heap vs Hotjar FAQ

Both Heap and Hotjar are excellent choices with similar ratings. The better option depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
Yes, Heap is more affordable with plans starting at $0/month, compared to $32/month for the other.
Hotjar scores higher in ease of use (9/10) compared to Heap (8/10).
Yes, migration between Heap and Hotjar is possible. Most tools offer data export features. Check each tool's documentation for specific migration guides and import capabilities.
For small teams, Hotjar is specifically designed for this use case. Consider your budget and specific feature needs when choosing.
For startups, consider your growth trajectory. Heap offers a free tier which is great for bootstrapped startups.
Yes, each tool has unique strengths. Heap excels at: Teams wanting complete data, Retroactive analysis needs. Hotjar is better for: UX research and optimization, Conversion rate optimization. Review our detailed feature comparison above.
Hotjar rates higher in customer support (8/10) compared to Heap (7/10).
Both tools offer similar value for money, each rated 7/10.
Consider switching if Hotjar's strengths (UX research and optimization) align better with your current needs. However, factor in migration effort and learning curve before making the switch.