FullStory vs Hotjar: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between FullStory 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:
FullStory
Digital experience intelligence
Best for you if:
- 0
- • FullStory is a digital experience platform that records and analyzes user sessions
- • It captures every click and scroll to help teams understand and improve UX
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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 |  FullStory |  Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | FullStory | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Screen RecordingWeb Analytics | Screen RecordingSurvey Tools |
How FullStory and Hotjar Compare
FullStory
Digital experience intelligence
Paid
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Hotjar has a free tier. FullStory is paid only.
Go with: Hotjar
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: FullStory
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: FullStory
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
FullStory is paid. Hotjar is freemium. Hotjar lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are screen recording tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
FullStory
- 0
- Our pick for this comparison
Hotjar
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
FullStory is our pick. Hotjar has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FullStory or Hotjar better?
FullStory is rated high in our evaluation. FullStory is paid and Hotjar is freemium.
What are FullStory and Hotjar used for?
FullStory: Digital experience intelligence. Hotjar: Heatmaps and session recordings.
What does FullStory cost vs Hotjar?
FullStory is a paid tool. Hotjar is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.