Microsoft Clarity vs Smartlook: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Microsoft Clarity and Smartlook side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Microsoft Clarity
Free heatmaps and session recordings
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Smartlook requires payment)
Smartlook
Session replay, no longer sold: shuts down September 30, 2027
Best for you if:
- • You want session recordings
| At a Glance | Microsoft Clarity | Smartlook |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free plan |
Category | Web Analytics Screen Recording | Web Analytics Product Analytics |
Rating | 4.6/5 Capterra 4.8 · G2 4.5 · SourceForge 4.0 113 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 874 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Potential for data storage limits (unspecified). | n/a |
Choose Microsoft Clarity or Smartlook?
Choose Microsoft Clarity if
- You want a fully free tool (Smartlook requires payment)
- You want free heatmaps and recordings
- You want easy setup
Choose Smartlook if
- You want session recordings
- You want good analytics
In-Depth Analysis
Microsoft Clarity
Free heatmaps and session recordings
Microsoft Clarity offers an exceptionally generous pricing model, being entirely free.
Watch out
Potential for data storage limits (unspecified).
Strengths
- Pro: Free heatmaps and recordings
- Pro: Easy setup
- Pro: Good insights
- Pro: GDPR compliant option
- Pro: Unlimited traffic
Weaknesses
- Con: Less features than paid tools
- Con: Microsoft ecosystem
- Con: Privacy concerns
- Con: Basic analytics
- Con: Limited filtering
Key features
Smartlook
Session replay, no longer sold: shuts down September 30, 2027
Smartlook was discontinued for new customers on May 31, 2026.
Strengths
- Pro: Session recordings
- Pro: Good analytics
- Pro: Mobile support
- Pro: Fair pricing
- Pro: Active development
Weaknesses
- Con: Privacy concerns
- Con: Storage limits
- Con: Better alternatives exist
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Feature gaps
Key features
Plans and prices: Microsoft Clarity vs Smartlook
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Clarity |
| clarity.microsoft.com/pricing read Nov 1, 2026 |
| Smartlook | No plan prices on file | smartlook.com read Oct 30, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Microsoft Clarity pricing and Smartlook pricing.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Clarity
- Choose if you want free heatmaps and session recordings
Smartlook
- Choose if you want session replay, no longer sold: shuts down September 30, 2027
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.6/5 from 113 reviews for Microsoft Clarity, 4.6/5 from 874 reviews for Smartlook).
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Microsoft Clarity and Smartlook compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.6/5 from 113 reviews for Microsoft Clarity, 4.6/5 from 874 reviews for Smartlook). Both have a free plan.
What are Microsoft Clarity and Smartlook used for?
Microsoft Clarity: Free heatmaps and session recordings. Smartlook: Session replay, no longer sold: shuts down September 30, 2027.
What does Microsoft Clarity cost vs Smartlook?
Microsoft Clarity is free. Smartlook has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 1, 2026.
What's the main difference between Microsoft Clarity and Smartlook?
Microsoft Clarity's main strength: free heatmaps and recordings. Smartlook's main strength: session recordings.