Fathom Analytics vs Hotjar: Analytics Comparison (2026)

Fathom Analytics and Hotjar are both analytics platforms, but they cater to different needs: Fathom Analytics focuses on privacy-first website analytics with a simple pricing model, while Hotjar specializes in user behavior analytics, offering tools like heatmaps and session replays.

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.

Too early to call — probes still building data.
ChatGPT
Fathom Analytics
Tracking…
No data yet
Hotjar
19 / 185 probes
10%
Below average
Perplexity
Fathom Analytics
Tracking…
No data yet
Hotjar
93 / 187 probes
50%
Good
Gemini
Fathom Analytics
Tracking…
No data yet
Hotjar
78 / 188 probes
41%
Good
Claude
Fathom Analytics
Tracking…
No data yet
Hotjar
23 / 185 probes
12%
Below average
Copilot
Fathom Analytics
Tracking…
No data yet
Hotjar
50 / 255 probes
20%
Average
Scale:NoneLowFairStrongExcellent

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

Pricing

Fathom Analytics
Starting price
$15/month
Free tier
No
usefathom.com ↗
Hotjar
Starting price
€0
Free tier
Yes
hotjar.com ↗

Key Features

Fathom Analytics
  • ✓50 sites included
  • ✓100% data ownership
  • ✓No cookie banners required
  • ✓Unlimited email reports
  • ✓Full analytics history while subscribed
  • ✓Unlimited CSV data exports
  • ✓Privacy law compliance
  • ✓Built for high traffic
Hotjar
  • ✓200k monthly sessions
  • ✓1 project
  • ✓Replays, Heatmaps + Funnels
  • ✓Basic surveys
  • ✓Error & performance monitoring

When to choose Fathom Analytics

Fathom Analytics is better for users who prioritize privacy, data ownership, and a straightforward analytics solution without cookies. It is suitable for those managing multiple sites (up to 50 included) and needing unlimited email reports and CSV data exports. It offers full analytics history while subscribed and ensures privacy law compliance.

When to choose Hotjar

Hotjar is better for users who need in-depth understanding of user behavior through tools like heatmaps, session replays, and funnels. It offers a free tier, basic surveys, and error and performance monitoring. Hotjar also provides integrations with platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zapier, HubSpot, and Google Analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting price for Fathom Analytics?
Fathom Analytics starts at $15/month.
Does Fathom Analytics offer a free tier?
No, Fathom Analytics does not offer a free tier.
What are key features of Fathom Analytics?
Key features of Fathom Analytics include 50 sites included, 100% data ownership, no cookie banners required, unlimited email reports, full analytics history while subscribed, unlimited CSV data exports, privacy law compliance, and being built for high traffic.
What is the starting price for Hotjar?
Hotjar starts at €0.
Does Hotjar offer a free tier?
Yes, Hotjar offers a free tier.

AI visibility profiles

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Fathom Analytics

usefathom.com

Hotjar

hotjar.com

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