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.
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:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • 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:
- • 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 |  Hotjar | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Survey Tools | Screen Recording |
Rating | 84/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | SurveyMonkey | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 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 SurveyMonkey and Hotjar solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.SurveyMonkey positions itself as "online survey platform" while Hotjarfocuses on "heatmaps and session recordings". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 84/100, 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?
When every dollar counts, SurveyMonkey lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: SurveyMonkey
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. SurveyMonkey handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: SurveyMonkey
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: SurveyMonkey
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with SurveyMonkey, upgrade when you're ready.
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 SurveyMonkey higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Hotjar more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What SurveyMonkey Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- 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 SurveyMonkey (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. SurveyMonkey 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 SurveyMonkey or Hotjar better?
Based on our analysis, SurveyMonkey scores higher with 84/100. SurveyMonkey isfreemium 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 SurveyMonkey 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 SurveyMonkey and Hotjar offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. SurveyMonkey is freemium with a free tier.Hotjar is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.