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Head-to-head

Hotjar vs Smartlook

Two leading analytics tools, compared on pricing, features, and editorial fit. Updated for 2026.

Hotjar logo
Hotjar

See how visitors really use your site.

Free
Visit Hotjar
Smartlook logo
Smartlook

Session recordings, heatmaps, funnels, and event analytics for web and mobile apps

Price not listed
Visit Smartlook

At a glance

 HotjarSmartlook
TaglineSee how visitors really use your site.Session recordings, heatmaps, funnels, and event analytics for web and mobile apps
Pricing modelFreemiumPaid
Starts atFreeNot listed
Founded2014—
AI-native
CategoriesAnalytics, Landing PagesAnalytics
Vendor claimed

Quick take

Pick Hotjar if you need see how visitors really use your site. Pick Smartlook if you need session recordings, heatmaps, funnels, and event analytics for web and mobile apps.

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Frequently asked

Is Hotjar better than Smartlook?
It depends on your use case. Hotjar is see how visitors really use your site, while Smartlook is session recordings, heatmaps, funnels, and event analytics for web and mobile apps. See the comparison above for which fits your team.
What's the price difference between Hotjar and Smartlook?
Hotjar is free. Smartlook doesn't publish its pricing.
Can I migrate from Hotjar to Smartlook?
Most tools in this category support data import via CSV. For complex migrations, both vendors offer onboarding assistance on higher-tier plans.