Hotjar vs Phia: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Hotjar and Phia 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 the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • 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.
Phia
Beautiful Screen Recorder for macOS with automatic cinematic effects and powerful editing features.
Best for you if:
- • macOS screen recorder with automatic cinematic zoom and smooth animations.
- • Offers advanced editing features like integrated slides, text, images, and video-within-video.
| At a Glance |  Hotjar |  Phia |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | 83/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Hotjar | Phia |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 83 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Screen RecordingSurvey Tools | Screen RecordingVideo Editing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Hotjar and Phia solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Hotjar positions itself as "heatmaps and session recordings" while Phiafocuses on "beautiful screen recorder for macos with automatic cinematic effects and powerful editing features.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Hotjar
Hotjar makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 83/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Phia
Phia is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Hotjar lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Hotjar
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Hotjar handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Hotjar
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Phia takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Phia
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Hotjar, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Hotjar higher (83/100). But the community has upvoted Phia more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Hotjar Does Better
- Higher overall score (83/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Phia If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Hotjar (83/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Hotjar scores higher in our analysis, but Phia might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotjar or Phia better?
Based on our analysis, Hotjar scores higher with 83/100. Hotjar isfreemium while Phia is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Hotjar to Phia easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Hotjar and Phia offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Hotjar is freemium with a free tier.Phia is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.