Hotjar vs FullStory: Which is Better 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.
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
- • You need heatmaps features specifically
- • 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 need web analytics features specifically
- • 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 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $39/moPlus | Contact Sales/moBusiness |
Best For | Heatmaps | Web Analytics |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Hotjar or FullStory?
Choose Hotjar if
Heatmaps and session recordings
- Easy to use
- Visual heatmaps
- User feedback
- Your work is heatmaps-shaped, not web analytics-shaped
Choose FullStory if
Digital experience intelligence
- Great session replay
- Frustration signals
- Rich analytics
- Your work is web analytics-shaped, not heatmaps-shaped
| Feature | Hotjar | FullStory |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 878 reviews | ★4.5/5 936 reviews |
| Categories | HeatmapsAnalytics | Web AnalyticsProduct Analytics |
In-Depth Analysis
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Strengths
- +Easy to use
- +Visual heatmaps
- +User feedback
Weaknesses
- -Limited analytics
- -Can slow site
Key features
FullStory
Digital experience intelligence
Strengths
- +Great session replay
- +Frustration signals
- +Rich analytics
Weaknesses
- -Expensive
- -Privacy concerns
Key features
Pricing: Hotjar vs FullStory
| Plan | Hotjar | FullStory |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Basic | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $39 Plus | Contact Sales Business |
| Tier 3 | $99 Business | Contact Sales Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Hotjar pricing and FullStory pricing.
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: Hotjar
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?
Hotjar is a heatmaps tool. FullStory is in web analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
FullStory
- Larger review base (936 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Hotjar
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for heatmaps
The Bottom Line
FullStory is our pick. Hotjar has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotjar or FullStory better?
FullStory is rated 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.