Hotjar vs Mixpanel: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Hotjar and Mixpanel 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 need screen recording 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.
Mixpanel
Product analytics for mobile and web
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • You need web analytics features specifically
- • Product analytics for user behavior insights
- • Best-in-class funnel and retention analysis
| At a Glance |  Hotjar |  Mixpanel |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Screen Recording | Web Analytics |
Rating | 83/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Hotjar | Mixpanel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 83 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Screen RecordingSurvey Tools | Web AnalyticsProduct Analytics |
How Hotjar and Mixpanel Compare
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Free tier available · 83/100 score
Mixpanel
Product analytics for mobile and web
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Hotjar is a screen recording tool. Mixpanel is in web analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Hotjar
Want the highest-rated option?
Hotjar: 83/100. Mixpanel: 86/100.
Go with: Mixpanel
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Mixpanel
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Hotjar is a screen recording tool. Mixpanel is in web analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Mixpanel scores higher: 86/100 vs 83/100.
Key Takeaways
Mixpanel
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 83
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Hotjar
- Better fit for screen recording
The Bottom Line
Mixpanel (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotjar or Mixpanel better?
Mixpanel scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Hotjar and Mixpanel used for?
Hotjar: Heatmaps and session recordings. Mixpanel: Product analytics for mobile and web.
What does Hotjar cost vs Mixpanel?
Hotjar is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Mixpanel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.