Best Free User Tracking Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best free user tracking software:
As a product manager, you face the challenge of understanding your users without breaking the bank. You need insights into user behavior to improve your product, but expensive tools aren't always an option. This is where free user tracking software comes in handy.
I've reviewed and tested various options to help you find the best free solutions. With my experience in the product management industry, I aim to provide you with an unbiased, well-researched review of top picks that offer free plans or trials.
In this article, you'll discover software that can help your team gain valuable insights into user behavior, enabling you to make informed decisions without significant financial investment. Let's dive into the options that could be the perfect fit for your needs.
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Best Free User Tracking Software Summary
While all of the user tracking software in my list have free offerings, they also have paid plans should you wish to upgrade. Here are the base costs for each of the tools that made it onto my shortlist:
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for cross-platform behavior tracking (web + mobile apps) | 30-day free trial + free plan | From $55/month (billed annually) | Website | |
2 | Best for web traffic insights | Free plan available | From $50,000/year (billed annually) | Website | |
3 | Best for product analytics | Free version | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best for visual heatmaps and survey-driven insights | Free plan available | From $39/month (billed annually) | Website | |
5 | Best for privacy-first analytics with a minimalist dashboard | 14-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
6 | Best for granular session recordings with form analytics | Free plan available | From $39/month | Website | |
7 | Best for privacy compliance | 21-day free trial available | Plans start at $21/month | Website | |
8 | Best for live chat support | Not available | Free plan available | Website | |
9 | Best for real-time analytics | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best for event-driven product usage insights | Free plan available | From $25/month (billed annually) | Website |
Best Free User Tracking Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best free user tracking software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you. While some of these tools offer a completely free version, others offer a free trial period. I’ve added a note about what’s free in each of my reviews.
Best for cross-platform behavior tracking (web + mobile apps)
Smartlook is a free user tracking software designed for product managers and UX designers. It reveals how users interact with your website or app to support better design and user experience.
Why I picked Smartlook: Smartlook's free plan offers features like session recordings and heatmaps, which are essential for understanding user behavior. It allows you to track unlimited events, giving you a comprehensive view of user interactions. You can analyze user journeys and identify areas for improvement. This makes it an excellent choice for teams wanting in-depth behavioral data without upfront costs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include funnel analysis, event tracking, and automated alerts to help monitor user behavior effectively. Funnel analysis shows where users drop off in the conversion process, helping you identify friction points. Event tracking captures specific user actions, while automated alerts notify you of important changes or activities in real time.
Integrations include Google Analytics, Slack, Mixpanel, Intercom, Zendesk, HubSpot, Salesforce, WordPress, Shopify, and Adobe Commerce.
What's free? Smartlook offers a free-forever plan with limitations on the number of events and recordings you can store each month.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated alerts feature
- Detailed user journey analysis
- Unlimited event tracking
Cons:
- Complex interface for new users
- Limited storage for recordings
Google Analytics is a free user tracking software that monitors and analyzes how visitors interact with your website. It helps marketers and analysts understand user behavior patterns, optimize site performance, and refine marketing strategies, all without any upfront cost.
Why I picked Google Analytics: The free version offers robust user tracking features, including real-time visitor data, custom event tracking, and detailed audience segmentation. It stands out for delivering deep behavioral insights through a clean and easy-to-navigate interface. With built-in dashboards and pre-configured reports, even non-technical users can start tracking visitors quickly. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals or small teams looking for a cost-effective way to monitor user activity and improve digital engagement.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time data analysis, customizable dashboards, and audience segmentation. You can track user interactions with events and goals, helping you understand how users navigate your site. It also offers data visualization tools to present insights clearly to your team.
Integrations include Google Ads, Google Data Studio, Google Search Console, Google Optimize, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Firebase, BigQuery, YouTube, Google Tag Manager, and Google Cloud.
What's free? Google Analytics offers a free-forever plan with no time limitations. Users can track up to 10 million hits per month per property, providing substantial data insights without cost.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time data insights
- Extensive documentation available
- Free for small businesses
Cons:
- Limited customer support
- Slight learning curve
Amplitude is a free user tracking software built for product teams and data analysts. It helps you monitor user interactions to improve product engagement and performance.
Why I picked Amplitude: Amplitude's free plan provides access to core analytics features, including event tracking and user segmentation. It excels in product analytics, allowing you to track user interactions and generate insights into product usage. You can analyze user behavior patterns to refine your product strategy. This makes it a great option for teams looking to optimize their product offerings without a financial commitment.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include behavioral cohort analysis, pathfinder analysis, and retention tracking to deepen your understanding of user behavior. Behavioral cohort analysis groups users based on actions they take within your product, while pathfinder analysis visualizes the common paths users follow. Retention tracking reveals how effectively your product keeps users engaged over time.
Integrations include Segment, Marketo, Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot, Mixpanel, Google Analytics, AWS, Shopify, and WordPress.
What's free? Amplitude offers a free-forever plan with limitations on the number of events you can track and the data history available.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Retention tracking feature
- User path visualization
- Detailed cohort analysis
Cons:
- Complex query builder
- Limited data history
Hotjar is a free user tracking software tailored for marketers and product teams. It captures how users interact with your website using tools like heatmaps and session recordings.
Why I picked Hotjar: The free plan includes heatmaps and session recordings, offering a clear view of user behavior. These tools help identify where users click, scroll, or drop off. It’s a strong option for gaining visual insights without any cost.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include conversion funnels, form analysis, and feedback polls. You can track where users drop off in your conversion process with funnels. The form analysis feature helps you understand where users abandon your forms, and feedback polls gather direct input from your visitors.
Integrations include Slack, HubSpot, Segment, Optimizely, Unbounce, Zapier, WordPress, Shopify, Google Optimize, and Squarespace.
What's free? Hotjar offers a free-forever plan with limitations on the number of sessions you can record and analyze each month.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Session recording available
- Heatmaps for visual data
- Quick setup process
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Limited session recordings
Fathom is a free user tracking software designed for small businesses and website owners who value simplicity and privacy. It provides essential analytics while ensuring user data remains protected.
Why I picked Fathom: Fathom’s free plan offers core tracking features with a focus on privacy. You get a clean interface and simple insights to monitor website traffic effectively. Fathom is a great option for teams that want private, no-fuss analytics at no cost.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time data tracking, GDPR compliance, and fast page load times to enhance performance and reliability. Real-time tracking provides immediate insights into user activity as it happens, while GDPR compliance helps you stay aligned with privacy regulations. The platform is optimized for speed, ensuring that your website performance remains unaffected by the analytics script.
Integrations include WordPress, Ghost, Craft CMS, Webflow, Squarespace, Wix, Weebly, Shopify, BigCommerce, and Carrd.
What's free? Fathom does not offer a free-forever plan; it provides a limited-time free trial with no user or data limitations during the trial period.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Minimal setup required
- Fast data processing
- Privacy-focused design
Cons:
- No free-forever plan
- Limited advanced features
Inspectlet is a free user tracking software built for marketers and UX designers. It records real user sessions to reveal how visitors interact with your website.
Why I picked Inspectlet: The free plan lets you record up to 100 sessions per month, which is ideal for small-scale tracking. You can watch full session replays to see exactly where users click and scroll. It is a cost-free way to uncover usability issues and improve site experience.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include heatmap tracking, form analytics, and error logging. Heatmap tracking helps you visualize user engagement on different parts of your site. Form analytics show where users abandon forms, helping you refine your design. Error logging captures JavaScript errors, allowing you to fix issues promptly.
Integrations include Shopify, WordPress, Adobe Commerce, Joomla, Weebly, Squarespace, BigCommerce, PrestaShop, Drupal, and Wix.
What's free? Inspectlet offers a free-forever plan with a limit of 100 recorded sessions per month, suitable for limited user behavior analysis.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Heatmap visualization
- Detailed session playback
- Simple setup process
Cons:
- No advanced segmentation
- Limited session storage
Matomo is a free user tracking software built for teams that prioritize data privacy. It tracks user interactions while giving you full control over your data through self-hosting.
Why I picked Matomo: The free version supports self-hosted tracking, helping you stay compliant with privacy regulations. It includes key features like visitor profiles and goal tracking. This makes it a strong choice for teams needing analytics without giving up data ownership.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include heatmap analytics, session recording, and form analytics. Heatmap analytics help you visualize user interaction patterns on your site. Session recording allows you to replay user journeys and identify areas of improvement. Form analytics track form completion rates and pinpoint drop-off points.
Integrations include WordPress, WooCommerce, Adobe Commerce, Joomla, Drupal, Shopify, PrestaShop, Typo3, MediaWiki, and OpenCart.
What's free? Matomo offers a free-forever plan when self-hosted, with no user or data limitations, but requires technical setup and maintenance.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports self-hosting
- Customizable dashboards
- Full data ownership
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations
- Self-hosting maintenance needed
Tawk.to is a free user tracking software built for businesses and support teams. It helps you monitor website visitors in real time and engage them through live chat.
Why I picked Tawk.to: Tawk.to’s free plan includes unlimited agents and chat volume for real-time support. You can track visitor activity and engage users as they browse your site. Tawk.to is a solid choice for teams that want live user tracking and chat features without any cost.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable chat widgets, ticketing systems, and automated triggers. Customizable chat widgets allow you to match the chat interface with your brand's design. The ticketing system helps you manage customer inquiries efficiently. Automated triggers let you engage with visitors based on their behavior on your website.
Integrations include WordPress, Joomla, Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, BigCommerce, Weebly, Adobe Commerce, PrestaShop, and Drupal.
What's free? Tawk.to offers a free-forever plan with unlimited agents and chat volume, making it accessible for businesses of any size.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable chat appearance
- Easy setup process
- Unlimited agent support
Cons:
- Basic reporting tools
- Limited advanced features
Clicky is a free user tracking software designed for marketers and website owners. It delivers real-time analytics to help you monitor user behavior as it happens.
Why I picked Clicky: Clicky's free plan includes real-time data, heatmaps, and detailed visitor logs. You can track individual sessions to see how users move through your site. Clicky is a practical choice for teams that need instant behavioral insights without paying.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include uptime monitoring, goal tracking, and detailed visitor segmentation. Uptime monitoring alerts you to any site downtime, ensuring your site is always accessible. Goal tracking lets you set and measure key performance indicators. Detailed visitor segmentation helps you categorize users based on behavior and demographics.
Integrations include WordPress, Joomla, Adobe Commerce, Shopify, Drupal, Squarespace, Weebly, Wix, PrestaShop, and BigCommerce.
What's free? Clicky offers a free-forever plan with limitations on the number of sites and features available, suitable for basic analytics needs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Heatmap analysis included
- Detailed visitor logs
- Instant data access
Cons:
- No advanced segmentation options
- Requires technical setup
Mixpanel is a free user tracking software built for product managers and data analysts. It helps teams monitor user interactions to enhance digital product experiences.
Why I picked Mixpanel: Mixpanel's free plan allows you to track up to 100,000 monthly users, making it suitable for smaller teams or startups. It excels in user interaction analysis by providing event tracking and funnel reports. You can access insights into user behavior that help you refine your product features. This level of detail is valuable for making informed decisions without a financial commitment.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include A/B testing, cohort analysis, and retention tracking. A/B testing lets you compare different versions of your product to see which performs better. With cohort analysis, you can track groups of users over time to understand their behavior. Retention tracking helps you see how well your product retains users after their initial interaction.
Integrations include Segment, Salesforce, Zapier, Google Cloud, AWS, HubSpot, Marketo, Slack, Shopify, and WordPress.
What's free? Mixpanel offers a free-forever plan with a limit on the number of tracked users and data points each month.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Funnel reports included
- Cohort analysis available
- Detailed event tracking
Cons:
- Complex interface for beginners
- Requires some technical setup
Other Free User Tracking Software
Here are some additional user tracking software options that also offer free plans or trials. While these tools didn’t make it onto my shortlist, they’re still worth checking out:
- Userpilot
For in-app guidance
- Plausible Analytics
For lightweight, open-source analytics with GDPR compliance
- ActivTrak
For employee productivity insights
- Heap Analytics
For automatic event tracking without manual setup
- Semrush Traffic Analytics
For competitor analysis
- Microsoft Clarity
For free session replays with AI-powered insights
- PostHog
For open-source analytics
- WhatPulse
For keyboard and mouse tracking
- Cacti
For network monitoring
- W3Perl
For customizable reports
Free User Tracking Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best free user tracking software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like budget constraints and ease of use. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Track user interactions
- Monitor page views
- Analyze user behavior
- Provide session recordings
- Generate heatmaps
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Real-time analytics
- Custom event tracking
- Privacy compliance tools
- Advanced segmentation options
- Multi-platform support
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Clear data visualization
- Responsive design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Live webinars
- In-app guidance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Live chat support
- Comprehensive knowledge base
- Email support
- Community forums
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Feature set relative to cost
- Free plan inclusions
- Discount options
- Scalability of pricing tiers
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall user satisfaction
- Commonly reported issues
- Frequency of updates
- Feedback on customer service
- User recommendations
How to Choose Free User Tracking Software
Complex feature lists and pricing structures can make it hard to figure out what you’re really getting from a free user tracking software. To help you stay focused as you work through your software selection process, here are some factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
---|---|
Free Offer Scope | Check what's included in the free plan. Ensure it covers essential features like user tracking and data analysis without hidden costs. |
Scalability | Consider if the tool can grow with your team. Look for options that allow easy upgrades as your needs expand. |
Integrations | Ensure the software integrates with tools you already use, like CRM or marketing platforms, to streamline workflows. |
Ease of Use | Opt for software that requires minimal training and offers clear data visualization. A user-friendly interface is a must. |
Data Privacy | Make sure the tool complies with data protection regulations like GDPR, especially if you handle sensitive information. |
Customization | Look for software that allows you to tailor reports and dashboards to fit your specific needs and preferences. |
Support | Evaluate the level of customer support available, such as live chat or forums, to assist you when needed. |
Performance | Check if the tool provides real-time data updates and fast processing to keep your team informed without delays. |
What Is Free User Tracking Software?
User tracking software is a tool that monitors and analyzes user interactions on websites or apps, often available as free plans or trials. These tools are typically used by product managers, marketers, and UX designers to gain insights into user behavior and improve user experience. Features like session recordings, heatmaps, and real-time analytics help with understanding user engagement, identifying pain points, and enhancing product usability.
Features of Free User Tracking Software
Let’s go over the features commonly found in user tracking software, and which ones are usually included in free vs. paid plans.
Typically Free User Tracking Software Features
- Session recordings: Capture and replay user interactions to understand behavior and identify issues.
- Heatmaps: Visualize where users click and scroll, helping you see which areas of your site are most engaging.
- Real-time analytics: Provide instant insights into current user activity, allowing for quick responses to trends.
- Basic event tracking: Monitor specific user actions like clicks or form submissions to analyze interaction patterns.
- Visitor segmentation: Group users based on behavior or demographics to tailor experiences and content.
- Privacy compliance: Ensure data collection meets regulations like GDPR, safeguarding user privacy.
- Customizable dashboards: Allow you to tailor your view of data to focus on the metrics most important to your team.
Typically Paid User Tracking Software Features
- Advanced segmentation: Create detailed user groups based on complex criteria for more targeted analysis.
- A/B testing: Test different versions of your site or app to determine which performs better with users.
- Funnel analysis: Track user journeys through your site to identify drop-off points and optimize conversion paths.
- Automated reporting: Generate detailed reports automatically to save time and ensure consistent data analysis.
- Cross-device tracking: Monitor user interactions across multiple devices to get a full view of their journey.
- Advanced data export: Export data in various formats for deeper analysis or integration with other tools.
- Custom event creation: Define specific events to track tailored actions unique to your business needs.
Benefits of Free User Tracking Software
Implementing free user tracking software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Cost-effective insights: Gain valuable insights into user behavior without financial investment, allowing you to allocate resources elsewhere.
- Improved user experience: Use features like session recordings and heatmaps to identify and fix usability issues, enhancing user satisfaction.
- Quick decision-making: Real-time analytics provide immediate data, enabling your team to make informed decisions swiftly.
- Enhanced targeting: Visitor segmentation helps tailor content and experiences to specific user groups, increasing engagement.
- Data privacy assurance: Compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR ensures user data is collected responsibly, building trust with your audience.
- Customization flexibility: Customizable dashboards let you focus on the metrics that matter most, optimizing your analysis process.
- Trial without commitment: Free versions allow you to test the software's capabilities and see its benefits firsthand before deciding on a paid plan.
Costs and Pricing of Free User Tracking Software
I realize you came to this article looking for the best free user tracking software options available. However, since free plans only offer limited features, there's a good chance you'll need to scale your plan up in the future, which is why I’ve included the chart below.
The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in user tracking software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for User Tracking Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
---|---|---|
Free Plan | $0 | Basic analytics, session recordings, heatmaps, and visitor segmentation. |
Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Advanced analytics, custom event tracking, real-time data, and basic reporting. |
Business Plan | $50-$100/user/month | Funnel analysis, A/B testing, automated reports, and cross-device tracking. |
Enterprise Plan | $150+/user/month | Custom integrations, dedicated support, advanced data export, and full customization. |
Free User Tracking Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about free user tracking software:
How does free user tracking software protect user privacy?
Free user tracking software often includes privacy compliance features to ensure data is collected and stored responsibly. Look for tools that comply with regulations like GDPR and offer options for anonymizing user data. It’s crucial to choose software that provides clear privacy policies and user consent options.
Can I integrate free user tracking software with other tools?
Many free user tracking software solutions offer integrations with popular tools like CRM systems and marketing platforms. However, the range of integrations might be limited compared to paid versions. Check if the software supports the essential integrations your team needs to streamline workflows.
What limitations should I expect with a free plan?
Free plans typically come with limitations such as reduced data retention, fewer features, or restricted user seats. While these plans are great for basic tracking needs, teams with growing requirements might eventually need to upgrade to access more advanced features and higher data capacities.
How accurate is the data from free user tracking software?
Free user tracking software generally provides accurate data for basic metrics like page views and user sessions. However, the level of precision and depth might not match that of paid plans, especially for advanced analytics. For critical business decisions, consider whether the free version meets your accuracy needs.
Can I customize reports in free user tracking software?
Customization options for reports in free user tracking software are often limited. While you can usually access basic data and create standard reports, advanced customization features might require a paid plan. Evaluate if the available customization meets your team’s reporting requirements.
Is support available for free user tracking software?
Support options for free user tracking software can vary. Some providers offer community forums or knowledge bases, while others may provide limited email support. If your team anticipates needing more hands-on assistance, consider the level of support available with the free plan.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching free user tracking software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.