Hotjar vs Microsoft Clarity: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Hotjar and Microsoft Clarity 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.
Bottom line: Hotjar wins this matchup. FullStory is our overall Heatmaps pick. Mouseflow is our free Heatmaps pick. Pick Microsoft Clarity if you need web analytics.
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 easy to use
- • You want visual heatmaps
Microsoft Clarity
Free heatmaps and session recordings
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Hotjar requires payment)
- • You want free heatmaps and recordings
- • You want easy setup
| At a Glance | Hotjar | Microsoft Clarity |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Heatmaps | Web Analytics |
Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity?
Choose Hotjar if
Heatmaps and session recordings
- You want easy to use
- You want visual heatmaps
- Your work is heatmaps-shaped, not web analytics-shaped
Choose Microsoft Clarity if
Free heatmaps and session recordings
- You want a fully free tool (Hotjar requires payment)
- You want free heatmaps and recordings
- You want easy setup
- Your work is web analytics-shaped, not heatmaps-shaped
| Feature | Hotjar | Microsoft Clarity |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★3.8/5 948 reviews | ★4.6/5 113 reviews |
| Categories | HeatmapsAnalytics | Web AnalyticsHeatmaps |
In-Depth Analysis
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Hotjar (now Contentsquare) offers solid heatmaps and recordings but pricing got complicated after the merger.
Watch out
Three separate products (Observe, Ask, Engage) each billed independently
Strengths
- +Easy to use
- +Visual heatmaps
- +User feedback
Weaknesses
- -Limited analytics
- -Can slow site
Key features
Microsoft Clarity
Free heatmaps and session recordings
Microsoft Clarity offers an exceptionally generous pricing model, being entirely free.
Watch out
Potential for data storage limits (unspecified).
Strengths
- +Free heatmaps and recordings
- +Easy setup
- +Good insights
- +GDPR compliant option
- +Unlimited traffic
Weaknesses
- -Less features than paid tools
- -Microsoft ecosystem
- -Privacy concerns
- -Basic analytics
- -Limited filtering
Key features
Pricing: Hotjar vs Microsoft Clarity
| Plan | Hotjar | Microsoft Clarity |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Basic | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $39 Plus | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $99 Business | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Hotjar pricing and Microsoft Clarity pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft Clarity is free. Hotjar is freemium.
Go with: Microsoft Clarity
Want the highest-rated option?
Hotjar: 3.8/5 (948 reviews). Microsoft Clarity: 4.6/5 (113 reviews).
Go with: Microsoft Clarity
Value user reviews?
Hotjar: 948 reviews (3.8/5). Microsoft Clarity: 113 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Hotjar
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Hotjar is freemium. Microsoft Clarity is free. Go with Microsoft Clarity if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Hotjar is a heatmaps tool. Microsoft Clarity is in web analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Microsoft Clarity is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 3.8/5.
Key Takeaways
Hotjar
- Larger review base (948 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft Clarity
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 3.8/5
- Better fit for web analytics
The Bottom Line
Hotjar wins this matchup. FullStory is our overall Heatmaps pick. Mouseflow is our free Heatmaps pick. That said, Microsoft Clarity is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity better?
Hotjar is rated in our evaluation. Hotjar is freemium and Microsoft Clarity is free.
What are Hotjar and Microsoft Clarity used for?
Hotjar: Heatmaps and session recordings. Microsoft Clarity: Free heatmaps and session recordings.
What does Hotjar cost vs Microsoft Clarity?
Hotjar is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Microsoft Clarity is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.