Smartlook vs Hotjar: Which is Better 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.
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:
- • You need screen recording features specifically
- • 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 need heatmaps 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 |  Smartlook |  Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Screen Recording | Heatmaps |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
Choose Smartlook or Hotjar?
Choose Smartlook if
Session recordings and behavior analytics
- Session recordings
- Good analytics
- Mobile support
- Your work is screen recording-shaped, not heatmaps-shaped
Choose Hotjar if
Heatmaps and session recordings
- Easy to use
- Visual heatmaps
- User feedback
- Budget matters (Free vs Free)
- Your work is heatmaps-shaped, not screen recording-shaped
| Feature | Smartlook | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 873 reviews | ★4.5/5 878 reviews |
| Categories | Screen RecordingWeb Analytics | HeatmapsAnalytics |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Strengths
- +Easy to use
- +Visual heatmaps
- +User feedback
Weaknesses
- -Limited analytics
- -Can slow site
Key features
Pricing: Smartlook vs Hotjar
| Plan | Smartlook | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Basic |
| Tier 2 | $55 month Pro | $39 Plus |
| Tier 3 | custom Enterprise | $99 Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Smartlook pricing and Hotjar pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Smartlook
Want the highest-rated option?
Smartlook: 4.6/5 (873 reviews). Hotjar: 4.5/5 (878 reviews).
Go with: Smartlook
Value user reviews?
Smartlook: 873 reviews (4.6/5). Hotjar: 878 reviews (4.5/5).
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?
Smartlook is a screen recording tool. Hotjar is in heatmaps. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Smartlook is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Hotjar
- Larger review base (878 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Smartlook
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.5/5
- Better fit for screen recording
The Bottom Line
Hotjar is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smartlook or Hotjar better?
Hotjar is rated 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.