Smartlook vs Hotjar: Complete Comparison
Both offer heatmaps and recordings, but with key differences. Smartlook covers mobile apps; Hotjar has surveys.
Quick Verdict
Choose Smartlook
- You need mobile app analytics
- You want web + mobile in one tool
- You need crash reports for mobile
- You prefer more affordable pricing
Choose Hotjar
- You only need web analytics
- You want built-in surveys and feedback
- You prefer a larger community/ecosystem
- You value Contentsquare integration
Consider Clickyard
- You want AI to find insights automatically
- You focus on web conversion optimization
- You don't want to watch session recordings
- You need actionable recommendations
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of Smartlook, Hotjar, and Clickyard
| Feature | Smartlook | Hotjar | Clickyard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web heatmaps | |||
| Session recordings | |||
| Mobile app support | Strong | ||
| Surveys | Yes (Ask) | ||
| Crash reports | Yes (mobile) | ||
| AI insights | Limited | Basic | Comprehensive |
| Free tier | Basic | 35 sessions/day | 10K sessions |
Detailed Overview
Smartlook Overview
Smartlook offers session recordings, heatmaps, and event analytics for both web and mobile apps. Recently acquired by Cisco.
Strengths
- Web + mobile app support
- Crash reports for mobile
- Affordable pricing
- Clean, modern interface
- Instant heatmaps from recordings
Weaknesses
- No surveys or feedback tools
- Limited AI capabilities
- Future uncertain (Cisco acquisition)
- Smaller community than Hotjar
Teams needing behavior analytics for both web and mobile apps
Free → $55/mo → $239/mo → Enterprise
Hotjar Overview
Hotjar focuses on web behavior analytics with heatmaps, recordings, and built-in survey tools. Part of Contentsquare.
Strengths
- Built-in surveys and feedback
- Large community and resources
- Good free tier
- Modern, polished interface
- Contentsquare ecosystem
Weaknesses
- No mobile app support
- Session limits on lower tiers
- Requires manual analysis
- Products priced separately
Web-only teams wanting behavior analytics with feedback collection
Free → $39/mo → $99/mo → $213+/mo
Skip the Manual Review
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Smartlook vs Hotjar FAQ
It depends. Smartlook is better if you need mobile app analytics. Hotjar is better if you need surveys and feedback collection for web only.
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