PostHog vs Heap
PostHog is open-source product analytics suite with session replay, feature flags, A/B testing, and surveys, while Heap is digital analytics platform that auto-captures every user interaction without manual event tracking. PostHog is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. PostHog is built for product teams that need analytics, session replay, and feature flags in one tool, whereas Heap targets teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging.
| Feature | PostHog | Heap |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| A/B Testing | ✓ | — |
| Auto-Capture | — | ✓ |
| Feature Flags | ✓ | — |
| Funnels | — | ✓ |
| Product Analytics | ✓ | — |
| Segments | — | ✓ |
| Session Replay | ✓ | ✓ |
| Surveys | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Both PostHog and Heap are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.
Feature gaps: PostHog offers A/B Testing, Feature Flags and Product Analytics that Heap lacks. Heap brings Auto-Capture, Funnels and Segments that PostHog does not have. Both share Session Replay.
Team fit: PostHog is geared toward any size 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.
Open source: PostHog is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Heap is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: PostHog's biggest strengths are: all-in-one: analytics, session replay, feature flags, a/b tests. generous free tier (1m events/mo). 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 PostHog, users commonly note that can be overwhelming — lots of features. With Heap, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose PostHog if
- You need a tool built for product teams that need analytics, session replay, and feature flags in one tool
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need A/B Testing and Feature Flags
- You care about generous free tier (1m events/mo)
- Your team size fits the any size profile PostHog is designed for
choose Heap if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging
- You specifically need Auto-Capture and Funnels
- 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 PostHog and Heap?
PostHog is open-source product analytics suite with session replay, feature flags, A/B testing, and surveys, while Heap is digital analytics platform that auto-captures every user interaction without manual event tracking. PostHog is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. PostHog is built for product teams that need analytics, session replay, and feature flags in one tool, whereas Heap targets teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging.
Should I use PostHog or Heap?
PostHog gives you open source and self-hosting; Heap is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose PostHog over Heap?
Choose PostHog if You need a tool built for product teams that need analytics, session replay, and feature flags in one tool; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need A/B Testing and Feature Flags; You care about generous free tier (1m events/mo); Your team size fits the any size profile PostHog is designed for.
When should I choose Heap over PostHog?
Choose Heap if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging; You specifically need Auto-Capture and Funnels; 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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