Jotform vs Hotjar: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Jotform and Hotjar 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:
Jotform
Online form builder
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • You need form builders features specifically
- • 10,000+ templates for any use case
- • HIPAA compliant for healthcare
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.
| At a Glance |  Jotform |  Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Form Builders | Screen Recording |
Rating | 85/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Jotform | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Form BuildersSurvey Tools | Screen RecordingSurvey Tools |
Understanding the Differences
Both Jotform and Hotjar solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Jotform positions itself as "online form builder" while Hotjarfocuses on "heatmaps and session recordings". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Jotform
Jotform makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Hotjar
Hotjar is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Jotform lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Jotform
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Jotform handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Jotform
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Jotform
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Jotform, 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 Jotform higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Hotjar more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Jotform Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Hotjar If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 Jotform (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Jotform scores higher in our analysis, but Hotjar 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 Jotform or Hotjar better?
Based on our analysis, Jotform scores higher with 85/100. Jotform isfreemium while Hotjar is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Jotform to Hotjar 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 Jotform and Hotjar offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Jotform is freemium with a free tier.Hotjar is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.