Microsoft Clarity vs Mixpanel: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Clarity and Mixpanel 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 February 28, 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:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need screen recording features specifically
- • Microsoft Clarity is a free behavior analytics tool with session recordings
- • It provides heatmaps, recordings, and insights without sampling limits
Mixpanel
Product analytics for mobile and web
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need web analytics features specifically
- • Product analytics for user behavior insights
- • Best-in-class funnel and retention analysis
| At a Glance |  Microsoft Clarity |  Mixpanel |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Screen Recording | Web Analytics |
Rating | 80/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Microsoft Clarity | Mixpanel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Screen RecordingWeb Analytics | Web AnalyticsProduct Analytics |
How Microsoft Clarity and Mixpanel Compare
Microsoft Clarity
Free heatmaps and session recordings
Free · 80/100 score
Mixpanel
Product analytics for mobile and web
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Microsoft Clarity is a screen recording tool. Mixpanel is in web analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft Clarity is free. Mixpanel is freemium.
Go with: Microsoft Clarity
Want the highest-rated option?
Microsoft Clarity: 80/100. Mixpanel: 86/100.
Go with: Mixpanel
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Mixpanel
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Microsoft Clarity is free. Mixpanel is freemium. Go with Microsoft Clarity if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Microsoft Clarity is a screen recording tool. Mixpanel is in web analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Mixpanel scores higher: 86/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Mixpanel
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft Clarity
- Completely free
- Better fit for screen recording
The Bottom Line
Mixpanel (86/100) is our pick. That said, Microsoft Clarity is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Clarity or Mixpanel better?
Mixpanel scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Microsoft Clarity is free and Mixpanel is freemium.
What are Microsoft Clarity and Mixpanel used for?
Microsoft Clarity: Free heatmaps and session recordings. Mixpanel: Product analytics for mobile and web.
What does Microsoft Clarity cost vs Mixpanel?
Microsoft Clarity is completely free. Mixpanel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.