Fathom Analytics vs Microsoft Clarity
Both are strong picks for analytics, but they make different trade-offs. Here is the honest breakdown for 2026.
| At a glance | Fathom Analytics | Microsoft Clarity |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $14/mo | Free |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | No |
| Best for | Privacy-friendly analytics | Session recordings |
| Platforms | Web, API | Web |
| Launched | 2018 | 2020 |
Fathom Analytics
Analytics
Simple, privacy-focused analytics with EU isolation and uptime monitoring built in.
Strengths
- + 50 sites on the base plan suits portfolio owners
- + EU isolation handles data transfer compliance
- + Uptime monitoring included
Weaknesses
- − Closed source, no self-hosting
- − Slightly pricier entry than Plausible
Pick Fathom Analytics over Microsoft Clarity if: you mainly need privacy-friendly analytics.
Microsoft Clarity
Analytics
Free heatmaps, session recordings, and frustration signals with no traffic limits.
Strengths
- + Completely free with no limits
- + Frustration signals find problems fast
- + Easy setup alongside any analytics tool
Weaknesses
- − Not a traffic analytics tool on its own
- − Data lives with Microsoft; configure masking carefully
Pick Microsoft Clarity over Fathom Analytics if: you mainly need session recordings.
Bottom line
Pick Fathom if you run many small sites or want its compliance posture; pick Plausible for open source. There is no reason not to run Clarity on a site you are actively improving; it is the best free UX insight available. If budget is the deciding factor, start with Microsoft Clarity, since it has a free tier, then upgrade once you hit its limits.