Amplitude vs Hotjar
Amplitude is digital analytics platform for understanding user behavior across the full product journey, while Hotjar is behavior analytics tool with heatmaps, session recordings, and user feedback surveys. Amplitude is built for growth teams needing advanced product analytics, whereas Hotjar targets teams wanting heatmaps and session recordings.
| Feature | Amplitude | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | — |
| Behavioral Analytics | ✓ | — |
| CDP | ✓ | — |
| Cohorts | ✓ | — |
| Experiments | ✓ | — |
| Funnels | — | ✓ |
| Heatmaps | — | ✓ |
| Session Recordings | — | ✓ |
| Surveys | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Both tools offer free tiers, so you can test each before committing. Amplitude's free plan: Free up to 10M events/mo. Hotjar's free plan: Free for 35 sessions/day.
Feature gaps: Amplitude offers Behavioral Analytics, CDP and Cohorts that Hotjar lacks. Hotjar brings Funnels, Heatmaps and Session Recordings that Amplitude does not have.
Team fit: Amplitude is geared toward mid-size teams teams, while Hotjar is aimed at small teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Where each tool shines: Amplitude's biggest strengths are: includes behavioral analytics as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows. includes cohorts as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows. Hotjar's biggest strengths are: includes heatmaps as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows. includes session recordings as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows.
Watch out for: With Amplitude, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With Hotjar, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose Amplitude if
- You need a tool built for growth teams needing advanced product analytics
- You specifically need Behavioral Analytics and CDP
- You care about includes cohorts as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows
- Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile Amplitude is designed for
- The free tier works for you: free up to 10m events/mo
choose Hotjar if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting heatmaps and session recordings
- You specifically need Funnels and Heatmaps
- You care about includes session recordings as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Hotjar is designed for
- The free tier works for you: free for 35 sessions/day
frequently asked
What is the difference between Amplitude and Hotjar?
Amplitude is digital analytics platform for understanding user behavior across the full product journey, while Hotjar is behavior analytics tool with heatmaps, session recordings, and user feedback surveys. Amplitude is built for growth teams needing advanced product analytics, whereas Hotjar targets teams wanting heatmaps and session recordings.
Should I use Amplitude or Hotjar?
Amplitude is built for growth teams needing advanced product analytics. Hotjar is built for teams wanting heatmaps and session recordings. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Amplitude over Hotjar?
Choose Amplitude if You need a tool built for growth teams needing advanced product analytics; You specifically need Behavioral Analytics and CDP; You care about includes cohorts as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows; Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile Amplitude is designed for; The free tier works for you: free up to 10m events/mo.
When should I choose Hotjar over Amplitude?
Choose Hotjar if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting heatmaps and session recordings; You specifically need Funnels and Heatmaps; You care about includes session recordings as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile Hotjar is designed for; The free tier works for you: free for 35 sessions/day.
related comparisons
Google Analytics vs Amplitude · Plausible vs Amplitude · Fathom vs Amplitude · Umami vs Amplitude · PostHog vs Amplitude · Mixpanel vs Amplitude · Amplitude vs Heap · Amplitude vs Pirsch