Comparison · Web analytics tools
Microsoft Clarity vs PostHog: which is better in 2026?
PostHog ranks higher in our list of web analytics tools (#5 against #6, score 84.0 against 83.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 83.5Editorial score84.0
- 1Platforms2
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
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.
Choose PostHog if you want
Product teams that want analytics and session replay.
Product and web analytics with session replay, feature flags and surveys, and an MIT-licensed core. The first 1 million events a month are free on the cloud, and it can be self-hosted, but it covers far more than simple web analytics.
The main differences
- PostHog is open source; Microsoft Clarity is not.
Side by side
 Microsoft Clarity |  PostHog | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 83.5 | 84.0 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 10 | #5 of 10 |
| Price | FreeFree forever for websites and apps, per its homepage | Free plan, paid upgradesFree tier with 1 million events a month; paid usage above it |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted |
| Made by | Microsoft | Not stated |
| Data control | Microsoft's data practices apply | Cloud or self-hosted; code is open to review |
| Self-hosted option | No | Yes |
| Best for | Sites that want heatmaps and recordings at no cost | Product teams that want analytics and session replay |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Microsoft Clarity vs PostHog
- Is PostHog better than Microsoft Clarity?
- PostHog ranks higher in our list of web analytics tools (#5 against #6, score 84.0 against 83.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Microsoft Clarity is best for: sites that want heatmaps and recordings at no cost. PostHog is best for: product teams that want analytics and session replay.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft Clarity or PostHog?
- Microsoft Clarity: Free forever for websites and apps, per its homepage. PostHog: Free tier with 1 million events a month; paid usage above it.
- Do Microsoft Clarity and PostHog run on the same platforms?
- Microsoft Clarity supports Web. PostHog supports Web, Self-hosted.
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.