Hotjar vs Mode Analytics: Complete Comparison (2026)

By Marcus Johnson, Marketing & Growth Specialistยท7 years of experienceยทUpdated 2026-04-24ยท8 min read

In comparing Hotjar and Mode Analytics in 2026, Hotjar is the stronger choice for ux designers and marketers understanding where users click and drop off due to excellent visual user behavior insights. Mode Analytics excels for data teams wanting sql and python analytics with collaborative reporting with combines sql and python in one tool. Hotjar offers Heatmaps, Session recordings, Surveys starting at $32/mo with a free plan. Mode Analytics provides SQL editor, Python notebooks, Interactive dashboards from Custom pricing with a free tier. For teams prioritizing value, Hotjar delivers a hiltonsoftware Score of 79/100. Hotjar and Mode Analytics compete in the analytics & bi segment of the SaaS market, where cloud-native solutions, API integrations, and workflow automation drive enterprise and SMB adoption. Other leading analytics & bi tools include Google Analytics, Tableau, Power BI. Hotjar serves 1.3M+ websites users globally (founded 2014) while Mode Analytics reports 4K+ orgs active users (founded 2013).

Hotjar vs Mode Analytics at a Glance

Hotjar
Mode Analytics
Starting Price
$32/mo
Custom pricing
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
User Rating
4.6/5
4.4/5
Best For
UX designers and marketers understanding where use...
Data teams wanting SQL and Python analytics with c...
Users
1.3M+ websites
4K+ orgs
Founded
2014
2013
hiltonsoftware Score
79/100
65/100
Pricing verified: March 2026 ยท Based on official vendor data
๐Ÿ”ฅ
Hotjar
Analytics & BI
79
hiltonsoftware.co Score
RECOMMENDED
VS
๐Ÿ“
Mode Analytics
Analytics & BI
65
hiltonsoftware.co Score

What are the main differences between Hotjar and Mode Analytics?

Hotjar and Mode Analytics differ across ease of use, features, value, support, integrations, scalability, and learning curve. Hotjar leads in 6 of 7 categories.

HotjarMode Analytics
89Ease of Use84
77Features79
73Value for Money70
71Customer Support65
69Integrations57
69Scalability58
74Learning Curve74

What are the pros and cons of Hotjar vs Mode Analytics?

Hotjar
+Excellent visual user behavior insights
+Easy to install and use
-Storage limits on free plan
-GDPR requires careful setup
Mode Analytics
+Combines SQL and Python in one tool
+Great for data teams
-Requires technical skills
-Dashboard design is limited

Which is better, Hotjar or Mode Analytics?

After evaluating Hotjar and Mode Analytics across features, pricing, integrations, and user satisfaction, Hotjar earns a higher hiltonsoftware Score of 79/100 versus Mode Analytics at 65/100. Hotjar stands out for "excellent visual user behavior insights" and "easy to install and use". Mode Analytics delivers competitive advantages in "combines sql and python in one tool", making Mode Analytics a viable alternative.

Both Hotjar and Mode Analytics offer free plans. Hotjar paid plans start at $32/mo while Mode Analytics begins at Custom pricing. ROI depends on which features justify upgrading.

Bottom line: Choose Hotjar for ux designers and marketers understanding where users click and drop off. Choose Mode Analytics for data teams wanting sql and python analytics with collaborative reporting. Both Hotjar and Mode Analytics are established analytics & bi platforms.

CHOOSE HOTJAR IF:

UX designers and marketers understanding where users click and drop off.

CHOOSE MODE ANALYTICS IF:

Data teams wanting SQL and Python analytics with collaborative reporting.

Hotjar vs Mode Analytics: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hotjar better than Mode Analytics in 2026?
Hotjar outperforms Mode Analytics in the 2026 hiltonsoftware.co analysis with a score of 79/100 compared to 65/100. Hotjar excels in Heatmaps, Session recordings, Surveys, making Hotjar the better choice for UX designers and marketers understanding where users click and drop off. Mode Analytics is the stronger option for Data teams wanting SQL and Python analytics with collaborative reporting due to combines sql and python in one tool. For teams needing heatmaps, hiltonsoftware.co recommends Hotjar.
How does Hotjar pricing compare to Mode Analytics in 2026?
Hotjar starts at $32/mo and includes a free plan. Mode Analytics starts at Custom pricing and offers a free plan. Hotjar includes features like Heatmaps, Session recordings, Surveys. Mode Analytics provides SQL editor, Python notebooks, Interactive dashboards. Hotjar serves 1.3M+ websites users while Mode Analytics serves 4K+ orgs users. Evaluate total cost of ownership based on team size and required integrations.
What are the main differences between Hotjar and Mode Analytics?
Hotjar specializes in Heatmaps, Session recordings, Surveys, earning a 79/100 hiltonsoftware Score. Mode Analytics focuses on SQL editor, Python notebooks, Interactive dashboards, scoring 65/100. Hotjar is best for UX designers and marketers understanding where users click and drop off. Mode Analytics is best for Data teams wanting SQL and Python analytics with collaborative reporting. Both Hotjar and Mode Analytics serve the Analytics & BI market but target different user profiles.
Can I migrate from Hotjar to Mode Analytics?
Migrating from Hotjar to Mode Analytics is possible since both operate in the Analytics & BI space. Export data from Hotjar and verify Mode Analytics import capabilities. Key features to evaluate: Heatmaps, Session recordings, Surveys (Hotjar) versus SQL editor, Python notebooks, Interactive dashboards (Mode Analytics). Running both Hotjar and Mode Analytics in parallel during a trial period ensures a smooth transition.
Is Hotjar or Mode Analytics better for small business?
Both Hotjar and Mode Analytics offer free plans. Hotjar (79/100) is ideal for UX designers and marketers understanding where users click and drop off. Mode Analytics (65/100) fits Data teams wanting SQL and Python analytics with collaborative reporting. Evaluate both during trial periods.

Reviewed by Marcus Johnson, Marketing & Growth Specialist. Last updated: 2026-04-24. Pricing verified: March 2026.

Read our scoring methodology to understand how the hiltonsoftware Score is calculated.

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