Comparison · Web analytics tools
Google Analytics vs Microsoft Clarity: which is better in 2026?
Google Analytics85.0#4 in best web analytics tools
Microsoft Clarity83.5#6 in best web analytics toolsGoogle Analytics ranks higher in our list of web analytics tools (#4 against #6, score 85.0 against 83.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 85.0Editorial score83.5
- 3Platforms1
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Google Analytics if you want
Marketing teams that already use Google tools.
Free and widely used, with campaign reporting for marketing teams, but Google controls the data. Privacy-focused sites may prefer the cookie-free or self-hosted options in this list.
Choose Microsoft Clarity if you want
Sites that want heatmaps and recordings at no cost.
Free heatmaps and session recordings from Microsoft, with AI summaries of visitor behavior. The homepage says it is free forever, and it is a Microsoft service, so review its data practices before use.
The main differences
- Only Google Analytics runs on iOS.
- Only Google Analytics runs on Android.
Side by side
| Google Analytics | Microsoft Clarity | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 85.0 | 83.5 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 10 | #6 of 10 |
| Price | FreeFree of charge for businesses of every size | FreeFree forever for websites and apps, per its homepage |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android | WebWeb |
| Made by | Microsoft | |
| Data control | Google-held | Microsoft's data practices apply |
| Self-hosted option | No | No |
| Best for | Marketing teams that already use Google tools | Sites that want heatmaps and recordings at no cost |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Google Analytics vs Microsoft Clarity
- Is Google Analytics better than Microsoft Clarity?
- Google Analytics ranks higher in our list of web analytics tools (#4 against #6, score 85.0 against 83.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Google Analytics is best for: marketing teams that already use Google tools. Microsoft Clarity is best for: sites that want heatmaps and recordings at no cost.
- Which is cheaper, Google Analytics or Microsoft Clarity?
- Google Analytics: Free of charge for businesses of every size. Microsoft Clarity: Free forever for websites and apps, per its homepage.
- Do Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity run on the same platforms?
- Google Analytics supports Web, iOS, Android. Microsoft Clarity supports Web.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
