Microsoft Clarity vs Smartlook: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Clarity 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.
Bottom line: Microsoft Clarity is our overall pick for web analytics workflows. Pick Smartlook if you need screen recording.
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 web analytics features specifically
- • Microsoft Clarity is a free behavior analytics tool with session recordings
- • It provides heatmaps, recordings, and insights without sampling limits
Smartlook
Session recordings and behavior analytics
Best for you if:
- • You need screen recording features specifically
- • Smartlook is a product analytics tool with session recordings
- • It combines quantitative analytics with qualitative insights
| At a Glance |  Microsoft Clarity |  Smartlook |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Web Analytics | Screen Recording |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Microsoft Clarity or Smartlook?
Choose Microsoft Clarity if
Free heatmaps and session recordings
- Free heatmaps and recordings
- Easy setup
- Good insights
- You want a fully free tool (Smartlook requires payment)
- Your work is web analytics-shaped, not screen recording-shaped
Choose Smartlook if
Session recordings and behavior analytics
- Session recordings
- Good analytics
- Mobile support
- Your work is screen recording-shaped, not web analytics-shaped
| Feature | Microsoft Clarity | Smartlook |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 88 reviews | ★4.6/5 873 reviews |
| Categories | Web AnalyticsHeatmaps | Screen RecordingWeb Analytics |
In-Depth Analysis
Microsoft Clarity
Free heatmaps and session recordings
Strengths
- +Free heatmaps and recordings
- +Easy setup
- +Good insights
- +GDPR compliant option
- +Unlimited traffic
Weaknesses
- -Less features than paid tools
- -Microsoft ecosystem
- -Privacy concerns
- -Basic analytics
- -Limited filtering
Key features
Smartlook
Session recordings and behavior analytics
Strengths
- +Session recordings
- +Good analytics
- +Mobile support
- +Fair pricing
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Privacy concerns
- -Storage limits
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Learning curve
- -Feature gaps
Key features
Pricing: Microsoft Clarity vs Smartlook
| Plan | Microsoft Clarity | Smartlook |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $55 month Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Microsoft Clarity pricing and Smartlook pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft Clarity is free. Smartlook is freemium.
Go with: Microsoft Clarity
Want the highest-rated option?
Microsoft Clarity: 4.6/5 (88 reviews). Smartlook: 4.6/5 (873 reviews).
Go with: Microsoft Clarity
Value user reviews?
Microsoft Clarity: 88 reviews (4.6/5). Smartlook: 873 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Smartlook
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Microsoft Clarity is free. Smartlook is freemium. Go with Microsoft Clarity if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Microsoft Clarity is a web analytics tool. Smartlook is in screen recording. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Clarity
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Smartlook
- Larger review base (873 reviews)
- Better fit for screen recording
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Clarity is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Clarity or Smartlook better?
Microsoft Clarity is rated in our evaluation. Microsoft Clarity is free and Smartlook is freemium.
What are Microsoft Clarity and Smartlook used for?
Microsoft Clarity: Free heatmaps and session recordings. Smartlook: Session recordings and behavior analytics.
What does Microsoft Clarity cost vs Smartlook?
Microsoft Clarity is completely free. Smartlook is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.