SurveyMonkey vs Hotjar: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SurveyMonkey 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 May 6, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
SurveyMonkey
Online survey platform
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need survey tools features specifically
- • Survey platform with AI-powered creation, 400+ templates, and advanced analytics tools.
- • Features skip logic, data piping, HIPAA compliance, and integration with major CRMs.
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Best for you if:
- 0
- • 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 |  SurveyMonkey |  Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Survey Tools | Screen Recording |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | SurveyMonkey | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Survey ToolsWeb Analytics | Screen RecordingSurvey Tools |
How SurveyMonkey and Hotjar Compare
SurveyMonkey
Online survey platform
Free tier available
Hotjar
Heatmaps and session recordings
Free tier available
SurveyMonkey is a survey tools tool. Hotjar is in screen recording.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: SurveyMonkey
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SurveyMonkey
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SurveyMonkey
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?
SurveyMonkey is a survey tools tool. Hotjar is in screen recording. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
SurveyMonkey
- 0
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Hotjar
- Better fit for screen recording
The Bottom Line
SurveyMonkey is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SurveyMonkey or Hotjar better?
SurveyMonkey is rated high in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are SurveyMonkey and Hotjar used for?
SurveyMonkey: Online survey platform. Hotjar: Heatmaps and session recordings.
What does SurveyMonkey cost vs Hotjar?
SurveyMonkey is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Hotjar is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.