Hotjar vs FullStory: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Hotjar and FullStory 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 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Best for you if:
- • 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.
FullStory
Digital experience intelligence
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • 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
| At a Glance |  Hotjar |  FullStory |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | 83/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Hotjar | FullStory |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 83 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Screen RecordingSurvey Tools | Screen RecordingWeb Analytics |
How Hotjar and FullStory Compare
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Free tier available · 83/100 score
FullStory
Digital experience intelligence
Paid · 85/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Hotjar has a free tier. FullStory is paid only.
Go with: Hotjar
Want the highest-rated option?
Hotjar: 83/100. FullStory: 85/100.
Go with: FullStory
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: FullStory
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Hotjar is freemium. FullStory is paid. 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?
FullStory scores higher: 85/100 vs 83/100.
Key Takeaways
FullStory
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 83
- Our pick for this comparison
Hotjar
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
FullStory (85/100) is our pick. Hotjar has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotjar or FullStory better?
FullStory scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Hotjar is freemium and FullStory is paid.
What are Hotjar and FullStory used for?
Hotjar: Heatmaps and session recordings. FullStory: Digital experience intelligence.
What does Hotjar cost vs FullStory?
Hotjar is freemium (free tier + paid plans). FullStory is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.