Hotjar vs Smartlook: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Hotjar and Smartlook 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 April 14, 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:
- 0
- • Behavior analytics tool with heatmaps, session recordings, and user feedback surveys.
- • Visualizes clicks, scrolls, and mouse movements to understand how visitors interact with pages.
Smartlook
Session recordings and behavior analytics
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Smartlook is a product analytics tool with session recordings
- • It combines quantitative analytics with qualitative insights
| At a Glance |  Hotjar |  Smartlook |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Hotjar | Smartlook |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| 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 Smartlook Compare
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Free tier available
Smartlook
Session recordings and behavior analytics
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
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: Hotjar
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?
Both are screen recording tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Hotjar
- 0
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Smartlook
The Bottom Line
Hotjar is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotjar or Smartlook better?
Hotjar is rated high in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Hotjar and Smartlook used for?
Hotjar: Heatmaps and session recordings. Smartlook: Session recordings and behavior analytics.
What does Hotjar cost vs Smartlook?
Hotjar is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Smartlook is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.