PostHog vs Hotjar
PostHog is open-source product analytics suite with session replay, feature flags, A/B testing, and surveys, while Hotjar is behavior analytics tool with heatmaps, session recordings, and user feedback surveys. 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 Hotjar targets teams wanting heatmaps and session recordings.
| Feature | PostHog | Hotjar |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| A/B Testing | ✓ | — |
| Feature Flags | ✓ | — |
| Funnels | — | ✓ |
| Heatmaps | — | ✓ |
| Product Analytics | ✓ | — |
| Session Recordings | — | ✓ |
| Session Replay | ✓ | — |
| Surveys | ✓ | ✓ |
Pricing: Both PostHog and Hotjar are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.
Feature gaps: PostHog offers A/B Testing, Feature Flags and Product Analytics that Hotjar lacks. Hotjar brings Funnels, Heatmaps and Session Recordings that PostHog does not have. Both share Surveys.
Team fit: PostHog is geared toward any size 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.
Open source: PostHog is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Hotjar 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). 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 PostHog, users commonly note that can be overwhelming — lots of features. With Hotjar, 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 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 PostHog and Hotjar?
PostHog is open-source product analytics suite with session replay, feature flags, A/B testing, and surveys, while Hotjar is behavior analytics tool with heatmaps, session recordings, and user feedback surveys. 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 Hotjar targets teams wanting heatmaps and session recordings.
Should I use PostHog or Hotjar?
PostHog gives you open source and self-hosting; Hotjar is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose PostHog over Hotjar?
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 Hotjar over PostHog?
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.
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