Hotjar Surveys vs Pendo: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Hotjar Surveys and Pendo 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 February 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Hotjar Surveys
Build responsive surveys to understand your prospects and customers better.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need survey tools features specifically
- • Build and share responsive surveys to collect customer insights.
- • Understand customer needs and thoughts to improve user experience.
Pendo
Product experience platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need product analytics features specifically
- • Pendo is a product analytics and engagement platform
- • It provides usage analytics, in-app guides, and user feedback tools
| At a Glance |  Hotjar Surveys | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Survey Tools | Product Analytics |
Rating | —/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Hotjar Surveys | Pendo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Survey ToolsCustomer Feedback | Product AnalyticsRoadmapping |
How Hotjar Surveys and Pendo Compare
Hotjar Surveys
Build responsive surveys to understand your prospects and customers better.
Free tier available
Pendo
Product experience platform
Paid · 83/100 score
Hotjar Surveys is a survey tools tool. Pendo is in product analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Hotjar Surveys has a free tier. Pendo is paid only.
Go with: Hotjar Surveys
Want the highest-rated option?
Pendo scores 83/100. Hotjar Surveys is unrated.
Go with: Pendo
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Pendo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Hotjar Surveys is freemium. Pendo is paid. Hotjar Surveys lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Hotjar Surveys is a survey tools tool. Pendo is in product analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Pendo
- Higher score: 83/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Hotjar Surveys
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for survey tools
The Bottom Line
Pendo (83/100) is our pick. Hotjar Surveys has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotjar Surveys or Pendo better?
Pendo scores 83/100 in our evaluation. Hotjar Surveys is freemium and Pendo is paid.
What are Hotjar Surveys and Pendo used for?
Hotjar Surveys: Build responsive surveys to understand your prospects and customers better.. Pendo: Product experience platform.
What does Hotjar Surveys cost vs Pendo?
Hotjar Surveys is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Pendo is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.