Microsoft Clarity vs Hotjar: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Clarity 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.
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:
Microsoft Clarity
Free heatmaps and session recordings
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need something completely free
- • Microsoft Clarity is a free behavior analytics tool with session recordings
- • It provides heatmaps, recordings, and insights without sampling limits
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.
| At a Glance |  Microsoft Clarity |  Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Microsoft Clarity | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Screen RecordingWeb Analytics | Screen RecordingSurvey Tools |
How Microsoft Clarity and Hotjar Compare
Microsoft Clarity
Free heatmaps and session recordings
Free
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft Clarity is free. Hotjar is freemium.
Go with: Microsoft Clarity
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Microsoft Clarity
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Microsoft Clarity
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Microsoft Clarity is free. Hotjar is freemium. Go with Microsoft Clarity if free matters most.
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
Microsoft Clarity
- 0
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Hotjar
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Clarity is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Clarity or Hotjar better?
Microsoft Clarity is rated high in our evaluation. Microsoft Clarity is free and Hotjar is freemium.
What are Microsoft Clarity and Hotjar used for?
Microsoft Clarity: Free heatmaps and session recordings. Hotjar: Heatmaps and session recordings.
What does Microsoft Clarity cost vs Hotjar?
Microsoft Clarity is completely free. Hotjar is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.