Hotjar vs Heap
Hotjar is behavior analytics tool with heatmaps, session recordings, and user feedback surveys, while Heap is digital analytics platform that auto-captures every user interaction without manual event tracking. Hotjar is built for teams wanting heatmaps and session recordings, whereas Heap targets teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging.
| Feature | Hotjar | Heap |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | — |
| Auto-Capture | — | ✓ |
| Funnels | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heatmaps | ✓ | — |
| Segments | — | ✓ |
| Session Recordings | ✓ | — |
| Session Replay | — | ✓ |
| Surveys | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Both tools offer free tiers, so you can test each before committing. Hotjar's free plan: Free for 35 sessions/day. Heap's free plan: Free up to 10K sessions/mo.
Feature gaps: Hotjar offers Heatmaps, Session Recordings and Surveys that Heap lacks. Heap brings Auto-Capture, Segments and Session Replay that Hotjar does not have. Both share Funnels.
Team fit: Hotjar is geared toward small teams teams, while Heap is aimed at mid-size 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: 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. Heap's biggest strengths are: includes auto-capture as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows. includes session replay as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows.
Watch out for: With Hotjar, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With Heap, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose Hotjar if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting heatmaps and session recordings
- You specifically need Heatmaps and Session Recordings
- 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
choose Heap if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging
- You specifically need Auto-Capture and Segments
- You care about includes session replay as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows
- Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile Heap is designed for
- The free tier works for you: free up to 10k sessions/mo
frequently asked
What is the difference between Hotjar and Heap?
Hotjar is behavior analytics tool with heatmaps, session recordings, and user feedback surveys, while Heap is digital analytics platform that auto-captures every user interaction without manual event tracking. Hotjar is built for teams wanting heatmaps and session recordings, whereas Heap targets teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging.
Should I use Hotjar or Heap?
Hotjar is built for teams wanting heatmaps and session recordings. Heap is built for teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Hotjar over Heap?
Choose Hotjar if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting heatmaps and session recordings; You specifically need Heatmaps and Session Recordings; 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.
When should I choose Heap over Hotjar?
Choose Heap if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging; You specifically need Auto-Capture and Segments; You care about includes session replay as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows; Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile Heap is designed for; The free tier works for you: free up to 10k sessions/mo.
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