Hotjar vs Riverside
Full side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and use cases to help you pick the right tool.
Bottom line: Riverside is both cheaper and higher-rated - a strong pick for most teams.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Hotjar | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Yes | Yes |
| Starter | $32/mo | $15/mo |
| Pro | $80/mo | $24/mo |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
Riverside is cheaper at the Starter tier ($15/mo vs $32/mo).
Feature Matrix
| Feature | Hotjar | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Heatmaps | Yes | - |
| Session recordings | Yes | - |
| User surveys | Yes | - |
| Feedback widgets | Yes | - |
| Funnels | Yes | - |
| Local track recording up to 4K | - | Yes |
| AI transcription | - | Yes |
| Magic Clips shorts creation | - | Yes |
| Live streaming | - | Yes |
| Text-based editor | - | Yes |
When to Choose Each
Choose Hotjar if you need...
- +Visual behavior insights
- +Easy setup
- +Good for UX research
Choose Riverside if you need...
- +Best quality for remote podcast recording
- +Local tracks avoid internet issues
- +Good editing tools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Hotjar or Riverside?
Riverside scores higher in our review (4.5/5 vs 4.3/5). However, Hotjar may be a better fit depending on your specific needs and budget.
Is Hotjar cheaper than Riverside?
Yes, Riverside is cheaper at the Starter tier ($15/mo).
What is the difference between Hotjar and Riverside?
Hotjar focuses on heatmaps and session recordings, while Riverside emphasizes local track recording up to 4k and ai transcription. Hotjar is best for Marketerss, Designerss, Developerss, Startupss, while Riverside suits Content Creatorss, Agenciess, Solopreneurss.