Smartlook vs Hotjar: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Smartlook 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:
Smartlook
Session recordings and behavior analytics
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Smartlook is a product analytics tool with session recordings
- • It combines quantitative analytics with qualitative insights
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 |  Smartlook |  Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Screen Recording | Screen Recording |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Smartlook | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | 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 Smartlook and Hotjar Compare
Smartlook
Session recordings and behavior analytics
Free tier available
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Smartlook
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Smartlook
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Smartlook
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
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
Smartlook
- 0
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Hotjar
The Bottom Line
Smartlook is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smartlook or Hotjar better?
Smartlook is rated high in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Smartlook and Hotjar used for?
Smartlook: Session recordings and behavior analytics. Hotjar: Heatmaps and session recordings.
What does Smartlook cost vs Hotjar?
Smartlook is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Hotjar is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.