Best Hotjar Alternatives (2026)
Hotjar is heatmaps, session recordings, and feedback tools, starting at $32/mo. Here are the best alternatives — whether you need something cheaper, simpler, or with different features.
Why people switch from Hotjar
- →Session limits on lower tiers
- →Less powerful for event analytics
- →Can slow down pages slightly
Auto-capture analytics — no tagging required
Heap
Auto-capture analytics — no tagging required
Heap automatically captures every user interaction — clicks, form submissions, page views — without any manual event tracking setup. This retroactive data collection means you never miss an event, even if you didn't think to track it.
Hotjar vs alternatives: quick comparison
| Tool | Starting price | Free plan | Pricing model | G2 score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotjar (current) | $32 | ✓ | freemium | 4.3/5 |
| Heap | Free | ✓ | freemium | 4.4/5 |
How to switch from Hotjar
- 1. Export your data first
Before cancelling, export everything from Hotjar — contacts, projects, records, or reports. Most tools offer a CSV export under Settings → Data Export. Download and store it as a backup even if you don't need it immediately.
- 2. Trial the alternative with a real project
Heap offers free plans — sign up and run a live project in parallel before committing. Most paid alternatives also offer 14–30 day trials.
- 3. Import and run both tools briefly
Use the import wizard in your chosen alternative to bring across your exported data. Run both tools in parallel for 2–4 weeks so your team can adapt without losing continuity. Most migrations take less than a day for small teams.
- 4. Cancel before the next billing cycle
Cancel Hotjar before renewal to avoid being charged for another month or year. Check whether you're on a monthly or annual plan — annual plans often have no mid-cycle refunds. Keep your final data export on file.
Our verdict
If you are switching from Hotjar, Heap is our top pick — auto-capture analytics — no tagging required, with a G2 score of 4.4/5. For a free option, Heap is worth considering. Use the comparison links above to do a side-by-side before committing.
Hotjar alternatives: frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Hotjar?
Heap is our top-ranked alternative. It starts at Free/mo with a free plan and scores 4.4/5 on G2.
Is there a free alternative to Hotjar?
Yes — Heap all offer free plans.
What is the cheapest alternative to Hotjar?
Heap offers the lowest entry point with a free plan. Paid plans start at Free/mo.
Not sure which tool to pick?
See a detailed breakdown of Hotjar pricing before you decide.
See Hotjar pricing →