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Heap vs Hotjar: Analytics Comparison (2026)

Heap and Hotjar both offer free tiers for their analytics platforms. Heap focuses on core analytics and data enrichment, while Hotjar specializes in user behavior understanding through heatmaps, replays, and surveys.

AI Citation Scorecard

How often each is cited by major AI engines when buyers ask analytics questions. Last 90 days across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot.

Heap leads overall — 31% cited vs Hotjar 19% across 108 probes.
ChatGPT
HeapLeads
9 / 12 probes
75%
Excellent
Hotjar
3 / 12 probes
25%
Average
Perplexity
Heap
0 / 12 probes
0%
Invisible
HotjarLeads
2 / 12 probes
17%
Average
Gemini
Heap
0 / 12 probes
0%
Invisible
HotjarLeads
2 / 12 probes
17%
Average
Claude
HeapLeads
8 / 12 probes
67%
Excellent
Hotjar
2 / 12 probes
17%
Average
Copilot
Heap
0 / 6 probes
0%
Invisible
HotjarLeads
1 / 6 probes
17%
Average
Scale:NoneLowFairStrongExcellent

Probes run hourly; each (engine × query) combo retests every ~3 days.

Pricing

Heap
Starting price
—
Free tier
Yes
heap.io ↗
Claim Heap
Badge ↗
Hotjar
Starting price
€0
Free tier
Yes
hotjar.com ↗
Claim Hotjar
Badge ↗

Key Features

Heap
  • ✓Core analytics charts
  • ✓Unlimited enrichment sources
  • ✓6 months data history
  • ✓SSO
Hotjar
  • ✓200k monthly sessions
  • ✓1 project
  • ✓Replays, Heatmaps + Funnels
  • ✓Basic surveys
  • ✓Error & performance monitoring

When to choose Heap

Heap is suitable for users who need core analytics functionalities, unlimited data enrichment sources, and an AI assistant. It provides 6 months of data history and supports SSO.

When to choose Hotjar

Hotjar is suitable for users who prioritize understanding user behavior through visual tools like heatmaps and session replays, along with basic surveys and error monitoring. It offers 200k monthly sessions and integrations with platforms like Slack and Google Analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in features between Heap and Hotjar?
Heap offers core analytics charts, unlimited enrichment sources, 6 months of data history, and SSO. Hotjar provides 200k monthly sessions, includes replays, heatmaps, funnels, basic surveys, and error & performance monitoring.
Do both Heap and Hotjar have a free tier?
Yes, both Heap and Hotjar offer a free tier.
What are the primary advantages of using Heap?
Heap is praised for being good for startups, including core analytics, unlimited data sources, and offering an AI assistant.
What are the primary advantages of using Hotjar?
Hotjar is noted for being great for understanding user behavior, being easy to set up, offering a variety of tools, and providing good customer support.
What are the limitations of Heap?
Heap has custom pricing for larger plans, limited features in the free version, add-on costs for advanced features, and support that varies by plan.

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