Microsoft Clarity is a completely free UX analytics tool from Microsoft that provides heatmaps, session recordings, and user behaviour insights with no traffic caps, no sampling, and no time limit on data retention. It is the obvious first choice for any team that needs basic UX analytics without a budget.
Product Overview
Clarity's standout proposition is that it is entirely free — no usage limits, no premium tier required for core features. It captures 100% of sessions (configurable), provides click and scroll heatmaps at page-template level, and surfaces co-pilot AI insights that explain user behaviour patterns in plain language. Its native integration with Google Analytics allows teams to view session recordings for specific GA segments directly from Clarity.
Key Features
- Session Recordings: Record 100% of sessions (or a configurable sample) with dead-click and rage-click highlighting.
- Heatmaps: Aggregated click and scroll heatmaps at the URL-template level — no per-page setup needed.
- Copilot AI Insights: Microsoft AI summarises session patterns and surfaces the top UX issues automatically in plain language.
- Google Analytics Integration: View Clarity session recordings for specific GA4 segments without leaving the Clarity dashboard.
- No Traffic Limits: Capture all user sessions regardless of traffic volume — no sampling or upgrade required.
Best For
Teams of any size that want free, no-strings-attached heatmaps and session recordings — especially as a complement to Google Analytics for diagnosing conversion issues.
Pricing
Completely free — no paid tiers, no usage caps, no trial period. Microsoft funds it as a marketing tool for Azure and Microsoft 365.
Key Integrations
Google Analytics 4, Google Tag Manager, WordPress, Shopify, Wix
Pros
- Completely free — no limits on sessions or features
- Easy 5-minute setup via tag or plugin
- GA4 integration is genuinely useful
- Copilot AI insights add unexpected value
Cons
- Less powerful than Hotjar or FullStory for surveys and qualitative feedback
- Scroll heatmaps less detailed than competitors
- Microsoft may use data to improve its own products
