Fathom vs Heap: Analytics Comparison (2026)

Fathom is suitable for users who prioritize data ownership, privacy, and straightforward pricing with extensive site support. Heap is suitable for users who need a free tier to start, and who may benefit from an AI assistant and unlimited enrichment sources.

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.

Heap leads overall73% cited vs Fathom 18% across 1000 probes.
ChatGPT
Fathom
15 / 86 probes
17%
Average
HeapLeads
60 / 86 probes
70%
Excellent
Perplexity
Fathom
25 / 86 probes
29%
Average
HeapLeads
54 / 87 probes
62%
Excellent
Gemini
Fathom
24 / 87 probes
28%
Average
HeapLeads
61 / 85 probes
72%
Excellent
Claude
Fathom
14 / 86 probes
16%
Average
HeapLeads
53 / 86 probes
62%
Excellent
Copilot
Fathom
12 / 155 probes
8%
Below average
HeapLeads
135 / 156 probes
87%
Excellent
Scale:NoneLowFairStrongExcellent

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

Pricing

Fathom
Starting price
$15/month
Free tier
usefathom.com
Heap
Starting price
Free tier
Yes
heap.io

Key Features

Fathom
  • Up to 50 sites included
  • Ecommerce/event tracking included
  • Easy integration with all CMSs/frameworks
  • API access
  • Forever data retention
  • 100% data ownership
  • No cookie banners required
  • Unlimited email reports
Heap
  • Core analytics charts
  • Unlimited enrichment sources
  • 6 months data history
  • SSO

When to choose Fathom

Fathom is suitable when users require up to 50 sites included, ecommerce/event tracking, API access, forever data retention, and unlimited email reports. Fathom also emphasizes 100% data ownership and no cookie banners.

When to choose Heap

Heap is suitable when users need a free tier, core analytics charts, unlimited enrichment sources, and an AI assistant. Heap provides 6 months of data history and SSO.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in pricing and free options?
Fathom has a starting price of $15/month and does not offer a free tier. Heap offers a free tier, but the starting price for paid plans is not specified, and larger plans have custom pricing with potential add-on costs for advanced features.
What are the notable differences in features?
Fathom includes up to 50 sites, ecommerce/event tracking, API access, forever data retention, 100% data ownership, and no cookie banners required. Heap offers core analytics charts, unlimited enrichment sources, 6 months data history, and SSO. Heap also provides an AI assistant.
How do their data retention policies compare?
Fathom offers forever data retention, while Heap provides 6 months of data history.
What are the differences in integrations and customizability?
Fathom offers easy integration with all CMSs/frameworks and API access. Heap lists unlimited enrichment sources and includes SSO.
What are the differences in customer support and reporting?
Fathom includes unlimited email reports and has limited customer support options with no live demos. Heap's support varies by plan, and it offers an AI assistant.

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