LaunchDarkly vs Hotjar: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between LaunchDarkly 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:
LaunchDarkly
Feature flags and experimentation at scale
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • You need feature flags features specifically
- • Enterprise feature flag management at scale
- • Sophisticated targeting for progressive rollouts
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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 |  LaunchDarkly |  Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Feature Flags | Screen Recording |
Rating | 84/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | LaunchDarkly | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Feature FlagsA/B Testing | Screen RecordingSurvey Tools |
Understanding the Differences
Both LaunchDarkly and Hotjar solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.LaunchDarkly positions itself as "feature flags and experimentation at scale" while Hotjarfocuses on "heatmaps and session recordings". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose LaunchDarkly
LaunchDarkly makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 84/100, 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?
Hotjar won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
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. LaunchDarkly handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: LaunchDarkly
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. LaunchDarkly is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: LaunchDarkly
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Hotjar has a free tier to get you started.
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 LaunchDarkly higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Hotjar more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What LaunchDarkly Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- 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 LaunchDarkly (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. LaunchDarkly 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 LaunchDarkly or Hotjar better?
Based on our analysis, LaunchDarkly scores higher with 84/100. LaunchDarkly ispaid 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 LaunchDarkly 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 LaunchDarkly and Hotjar offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. LaunchDarkly is paid with potential trial.Hotjar is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.