Qualtrics vs Hotjar: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Qualtrics 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:
Qualtrics
The leading Experience Management (XM) software, amplified with trusted AI to drive business growth.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • You need survey tools features specifically
- • All-in-one Experience Management (XM) platform.
- • Uses AI to analyze customer and employee feedback for actionable insights.
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 |  Qualtrics |  Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Survey Tools | Screen Recording |
Rating | 88/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Qualtrics | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Survey ToolsCustomer Feedback | Screen RecordingSurvey Tools |
Understanding the Differences
Both Qualtrics and Hotjar solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Qualtrics positions itself as "the leading experience management (xm) software, amplified with trusted ai to drive business growth." while Hotjarfocuses on "heatmaps and session recordings". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Qualtrics
Qualtrics makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 88/100, 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. Qualtrics handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Qualtrics
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Qualtrics is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Qualtrics
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 Qualtrics higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Hotjar more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Qualtrics Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- 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 Qualtrics (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Qualtrics 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 Qualtrics or Hotjar better?
Based on our analysis, Qualtrics scores higher with 88/100. Qualtrics 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 Qualtrics 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 Qualtrics and Hotjar offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Qualtrics is paid with potential trial.Hotjar is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.