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 February 28, 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:
- • 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:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • 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 | 80/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Smartlook | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 83 |
| 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 · 80/100 score
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Free tier available · 83/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Smartlook
Want the highest-rated option?
Smartlook: 80/100. Hotjar: 83/100.
Go with: Hotjar
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Hotjar
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?
Hotjar scores higher: 83/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Hotjar
- Higher score: 83/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Smartlook
The Bottom Line
Hotjar (83/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smartlook or Hotjar better?
Hotjar scores 83/100 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.