Amplitude vs Hotjar: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Amplitude and Hotjar comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated March 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Amplitude
Digital analytics platform
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need product analytics features specifically
- • Product analytics platform
- • User behavior tracking
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need screen recording features specifically
- • Behavior analytics tool with heatmaps, session recordings, and user feedback surveys.
- • Visualizes clicks, scrolls, and mouse movements to understand how visitors interact with pages.
| At a Glance |  Amplitude |  Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Product Analytics | Screen Recording |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Amplitude | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Product AnalyticsA/B Testing | Screen RecordingSurvey Tools |
How Amplitude and Hotjar Compare
Amplitude
Digital analytics platform
Free tier available
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Free tier available
Amplitude is a product analytics tool. Hotjar is in screen recording.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Amplitude
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Amplitude
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Amplitude
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Amplitude is a product analytics tool. Hotjar is in screen recording. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Amplitude
- 0
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Hotjar
- Better fit for screen recording
The Bottom Line
Amplitude is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amplitude or Hotjar better?
Amplitude is rated high in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Amplitude and Hotjar used for?
Amplitude: Digital analytics platform. Hotjar: Heatmaps and session recordings.
What does Amplitude cost vs Hotjar?
Amplitude is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Hotjar is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.