Formbricks vs Hotjar: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Formbricks 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.
Bottom line: Hotjar wins this matchup. Zonka Feedback ranks #1 on our Survey Tools list. SurveyMonkey is our free Survey Tools pick. Pick Formbricks if you need survey tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Formbricks
In-app and website surveys triggered by user behavior
Best for you if:
- • You want open source
- • You want self-hostable
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Best for you if:
- • You want easy to use
- • You want visual heatmaps
| At a Glance | Formbricks | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Survey Tools | Heatmaps |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 3.8/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Formbricks or Hotjar?
Choose Formbricks if
In-app and website surveys triggered by user behavior
- You want open source
- You want self-hostable
- Your work is survey tools-shaped, not heatmaps-shaped
Choose Hotjar if
Heatmaps and session recordings
- You want easy to use
- You want visual heatmaps
- Your work is heatmaps-shaped, not survey tools-shaped
| Feature | Formbricks | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 22 reviews | ★3.8/5 948 reviews |
| Categories | Survey ToolsForm Builders | HeatmapsAnalytics |
In-Depth Analysis
Formbricks
In-app and website surveys triggered by user behavior
Formbricks offers an incredibly generous Free (Open Source) tier at $0, providing a comprehensive survey solution for self-hosted or cloud deployments.
Watch out
Cloud hosting costs not included in free tier.
Strengths
- +Open source
- +Self-hostable
- +User targeting
Weaknesses
- -Newer platform
Key features
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Hotjar (now Contentsquare) offers solid heatmaps and recordings but pricing got complicated after the merger.
Watch out
Three separate products (Observe, Ask, Engage) each billed independently
Strengths
- +Easy to use
- +Visual heatmaps
- +User feedback
Weaknesses
- -Limited analytics
- -Can slow site
Key features
Pricing: Formbricks vs Hotjar
| Plan | Formbricks | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 Free (Open Source) | Free Basic |
| Tier 2 | Contact us Enterprise | $39 Plus |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $99 Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Formbricks pricing and Hotjar pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Formbricks
Want the highest-rated option?
Formbricks: 4.6/5 (22 reviews). Hotjar: 3.8/5 (948 reviews).
Go with: Formbricks
Value user reviews?
Formbricks: 22 reviews (4.6/5). Hotjar: 948 reviews (3.8/5).
Go with: Hotjar
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?
Formbricks is a survey tools tool. Hotjar is in heatmaps. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Formbricks is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 3.8/5.
Key Takeaways
Hotjar
- Larger review base (948 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Formbricks
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 3.8/5
- Better fit for survey tools
The Bottom Line
Hotjar wins this matchup. Zonka Feedback ranks #1 on our Survey Tools list. SurveyMonkey is our free Survey Tools pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Formbricks or Hotjar better?
Hotjar is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Formbricks and Hotjar used for?
Formbricks: In-app and website surveys triggered by user behavior. Hotjar: Heatmaps and session recordings.
What does Formbricks cost vs Hotjar?
Formbricks is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Hotjar is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.