Google Analytics 4 vs Hotjar
Side-by-side comparison for 2026
Google Analytics 4
Web and app analytics with AI-powered insights
7.8/10
FreeFree planfreemium
Try Google Analytics 4 →VS
Our Verdict
🏆 Google Analytics 4 wins on overall editorial score (7.8/10)
Google Analytics 4 scored higher across our editorial dimensions. That said, the best tool depends on your specific use case — check the breakdown below.
Editorial Scores
Pricing
Google Analytics 4
FreeFree planfreemium
Hotjar
FreeFree planfreemium
Pros
✓ Google Analytics 4
- ✓Completely free
- ✓Real-time reporting
- ✓AI-powered insights
- ✓Cross-platform tracking
- ✓Excellent integration with Google ecosystem
✓ Hotjar
- ✓Excellent free tier
- ✓Visual heatmaps
- ✓Session replay
- ✓User surveys included
- ✓Easy setup
Cons
✗ Google Analytics 4
- Steep learning curve
- Limited historical data
- Free tier has data sampling limitations
✗ Hotjar
- Limited free tier recordings
- Heatmaps less advanced than specialized tools
- Smaller dataset limits on free