Hotjar vs PostHog
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Hotjar and PostHog are credible product analytics tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Hotjar — Heatmaps and session recordings.
Choose PostHog if you'd rather have broader platform coverage and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). The open-source product OS.
Hotjar vs PostHog: side by side
| Dimension | Hotjar | PostHog |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $32/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best for | Marketers, Ux Teams | Startups, Product Teams, Developers |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Self Hosted, ApiWinner |
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.7/5Winner |
Hotjar key facts
- Vendor
- Contentsquare
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $32/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web
- Best for
- Marketers, Ux Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2014
- Headquarters
- St. Julian's, Malta
PostHog key facts
- Vendor
- PostHog
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Self Hosted, Api
- Best for
- Startups, Product Teams, Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2020
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Hotjar better than PostHog?
Neither is universally better — PostHog edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Hotjar or PostHog cheaper?
Hotjar is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $32/mo. Hotjar starts at free – $32/mo; PostHog starts at free.
Can Hotjar replace PostHog?
Yes for most teams — both are product analytics tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.