Is there a free alternative to Hotjar?

Yes, 3 free alternatives exist to Hotjar: VWO Insights, Crazy Egg, Lucky Orange. These tools offer free plans or trials that cover core Heat Map Software functionality for small teams and startups.

Last updated: May 22, 2026

9.6

Spot Score

Top Alternatives to Hotjar - Better Options for 2026

Unlocking user behavior for website success.

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User Ratings

4.1

(Based on 1267 reviews)

Trusted by 254,745+ software buyers annually.

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Main Features

Customer Feedback
Filtered Results
Form Testing
Funneling

Pricing

Starts from $39/Month, also offers free forever plan

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Hotjar is a Heat Map Software platform with a user rating of 4.1★ based on 1,267 reviews. Teams looking for alternatives typically need better pricing flexibility, easier deployment, or a closer feature fit for their specific use case. Below you'll find 10 vetted Heat Map Software alternatives ranked by user rating, with filters to narrow by pricing, platform, and features — so you can find the right fit for 2026.

How we rank: Alternatives are ordered by Spotsaas Spot Score — a composite of user ratings, review volume, and feature coverage — with sponsored placements clearly labeled.

Hotjar vs Top Alternatives at a Glance

Side-by-side comparison of pricing, user rating, and free trial availability to help you shortlist faster.

Tool	Best For	Pricing	Rating	Free Option
Hotjar Current	Heat Map Software	$39	4.1 ★	✓ Yes
VWO Insights	Heat Map Software	$169	No reviews	✓ Yes
VWO FullStack	AB Testing Software	Custom pricing	No reviews	✗ No
Crazy Egg	Heat Map Software	Free trial	4.3 ★	✓ Yes
Lucky Orange	Heat Map Software	$9	4.3 ★	✓ Yes
Smartlook	Heat Map Software	$39	4.5 ★	✓ Yes

Why Teams Look for Hotjar Alternatives

Users may seek alternatives to Hotjar if they require more advanced analytics features, such as deeper segmentation or custom reporting, which some competing tools offer for enhanced data insights.
Cost considerations can drive users to explore alternatives, especially for startups or small businesses that find Hotjar's pricing structure less accommodating compared to budget-friendly options.
Some users may look for alternatives if they need better integration capabilities with their existing tech stack, as certain competitors provide seamless connections with a wider range of third-party applications.
Users might also consider alternatives if they prioritize specific usability testing features, such as remote user testing or advanced session recording options that better fit their research methodologies.
Lastly, organizations seeking enhanced customer support and training resources may find alternatives appealing, especially if they require more hands-on assistance than what Hotjar offers.

Why Reviewers Recommend These Hotjar Alternatives

Crazy Egg: Users often switch to Crazy Egg for its straightforward heat mapping tools and user-friendly interface. The pricing structure is generally seen as more affordable for small to medium-sized businesses, making it a budget-friendly alternative for visualizing user behavior.
Lucky Orange: Many users find Lucky Orange appealing due to its robust live chat feature, which allows for real-time engagement with visitors. Its comprehensive suite of tools, including visitor recordings and polls, coupled with competitive pricing, makes it a strong contender for those seeking enhanced interactivity.
Smartlook: Users are drawn to Smartlook for its powerful session recording and event tracking capabilities, which offer in-depth insights into user behavior. The platform's advanced analytics features are appreciated, particularly by those who need detailed data without sacrificing ease of use.
Mouseflow: Mouseflow stands out for its unique funnel analysis and form analytics, helping users identify where drop-offs occur in their conversion process. Its pricing is often seen as favorable, especially for businesses focused on optimizing user journeys and improving conversions.
FullStory: Users switch to FullStory for its comprehensive digital experience analytics that provide deep insights into user interactions. The platform’s robust integration capabilities and emphasis on performance make it ideal for larger teams needing extensive data analysis.
VisitorLAB: Many opt for VisitorLAB due to its focus on real-time visitor engagement and customizable dashboards. The simplicity of its setup process and competitive pricing appeal to users looking for a quick yet effective solution without the complexity.
PinPut: Users appreciate PinPut for its straightforward approach to capturing user feedback through surveys and polls. Its ease of use and affordability make it attractive for smaller businesses wanting to gain insights directly from their audience without extensive setup.
Mixpanel: Switching to Mixpanel is common among those who prioritize advanced product analytics. Its powerful segmentation and cohort analysis capabilities cater well to data-driven teams looking to understand user behavior more deeply, despite potentially higher pricing.
WebForce Analytics: Users may choose WebForce Analytics for its comprehensive reporting features and strong customer support. The platform's integration capabilities with other marketing tools help streamline processes, making it appealing for users looking for a holistic solution.

Which Hotjar Alternative Is Right for You?

If you need a free or low-cost option: VWO Insights — offers a free plan or trial suitable for small teams.
If user satisfaction is your top priority: Mouseflow — holds the highest user rating (4.6★) among Hotjar alternatives.
If you want a mid-range option: Mouseflow — sits in the middle of the list by rating and may fit teams with mixed requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Stuck on something? We're here to help with all the questions and answers in one place.

What are the best alternatives to Hotjar for Heat Map Software?

The top-rated alternatives to Hotjar for Heat Map Software are Mouseflow (4.6★), Smartlook (4.5★), FullStory (4.4★). Compare all 10 alternatives side-by-side above.

What should I look for when choosing a Heat Map Software alternative?

When evaluating alternatives to Hotjar, prioritize: Form Testing, JavaScript Error Detection, Funneling, Customer Feedback, Filtered Results, transparent pricing, free trial availability, and integrations with tools you already use. Use the filters above to compare by feature, budget, and team size.

Which Heat Map Software tools are best for small businesses?

For small businesses, the best Heat Map Software tools are Smartlook, FullStory, Hotjar. Look for affordable per-seat pricing, quick setup (under 1 day), no long-term contracts, and strong onboarding support to reduce time-to-value.

How does Hotjar pricing compare to its alternatives?

Hotjar starts from $39 /Month. Many alternatives offer similar functionality at different price points — some with free tiers, others with more flexible per-seat pricing. Use the filters above to narrow by budget.

How difficult is it to migrate from Hotjar to an alternative?

Migration difficulty depends on how deeply Hotjar is integrated into your workflows. Most alternatives offer data export/import tools and dedicated onboarding support. We recommend shortlisting 2–3 options, running a free trial, and checking each vendor's migration guides before committing.

Is Hotjar better than its top alternatives?

Hotjar has a rating of 4.1. 6 alternatives — including Crazy Egg and Lucky Orange — rate higher. The right choice depends on your workflow, team size, and budget.

About the reviewer

Rajat Gupta

Rajat Gupta is the founder of Spotsaas. Over the past two years, he has reviewed 2,000+ tools across CRM, HR, AI, and finance — applying hands-on product research and a background in commerce and the CFA program to evaluate software through a business and ROI lens. His goal: help teams make software decisions they won't regret.

Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

VWO Insights

Uncover user behavior, optimize your strategy with VWO Insights.

VWO FullStack

Unlock the power of A/B testing effortlessly.

Top Alternatives to Hotjar - Better Options for 2026

Hotjar vs Top Alternatives at a Glance

Crazy Egg

Unlock the power of user insights.

Lucky Orange

Track user behavior for better insights.

Smartlook

Uncover customer insights to maximize your potential.

Mouseflow

Uncover insights, optimize your site.

FullStory

Track every move, understand your users.

VisitorLAB

Transform your UX testing experience with VisitorLAB.

PinPut

Simplifying feedback collection for seamless user experience.

Mixpanel

Unleash the power of customer data.

Why Teams Look for Hotjar Alternatives

Why Reviewers Recommend These Hotjar Alternatives

Which Hotjar Alternative Is Right for You?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About the reviewer

Why Teams Look for Hotjar Alternatives

Why Reviewers Recommend These Hotjar Alternatives

Which Hotjar Alternative Is Right for You?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About the reviewer

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