FullStory vs Phia: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between FullStory and Phia 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.
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:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • 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
Phia
Beautiful Screen Recorder for macOS with automatic cinematic effects and powerful editing features.
Best for you if:
- • macOS screen recorder with automatic cinematic zoom and smooth animations.
- • Offers advanced editing features like integrated slides, text, images, and video-within-video.
| At a Glance |  FullStory |  Phia |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | 85/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | FullStory | Phia |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Screen RecordingWeb Analytics | Screen RecordingVideo Editing |
Understanding the Differences
Both FullStory and Phia solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.FullStory positions itself as "digital experience intelligence" while Phiafocuses on "beautiful screen recorder for macos with automatic cinematic effects and powerful editing features.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose FullStory
FullStory makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Phia
Phia is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Phia
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. FullStory handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: FullStory
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. FullStory is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: FullStory
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with FullStory—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated FullStory higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Phia more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What FullStory Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Phia If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with FullStory (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. FullStory scores higher in our analysis, but Phia might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FullStory or Phia better?
Based on our analysis, FullStory scores higher with 85/100. FullStory ispaid while Phia is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from FullStory to Phia easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do FullStory and Phia offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. FullStory is paid with potential trial.Phia is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.