Software · head to head
Google Optimize vs Microsoft Clarity
Microsoft Clarity
Software
Free behaviour analytics tool with session recordings, heatmaps, and AI insights
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Google Optimize google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023; Microsoft Clarity no paid tier means no premium support; enterprise SLAs and dedicated account management are unavailable
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Google Optimize and Microsoft Clarity actually diverge.
| Attribute | Google Optimize | Microsoft Clarity |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | freemium | free |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Founded | 1998 | Unknown |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Google Optimize
- A/B testing
- Google Analytics integration
- Visual editor
- Real-time analytics
- Google Analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Google's security
- Cloud deployment
Only in Microsoft Clarity
Nothing recorded that Google Optimize does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Google Optimize
- A/B and multivariate testing of web pages tied to Google Analytics goalsnot Microsoft Clarity
- Personalising page content for defined audience segmentsnot Microsoft Clarity
- Redirect tests between alternative landing page URLsnot Microsoft Clarity
Microsoft Clarity
- SaaS product teams identifying checkout and signup funnel frictionnot Google Optimize
- E-commerce sites optimising product discovery and purchase flowsnot Google Optimize
- Content websites understanding reading patterns and article engagementnot Google Optimize
- Mobile app teams (iOS/Android) analysing user journey and drop-off pointsnot Google Optimize
- B2B platforms optimising onboarding and feature discoverynot Google Optimize
- Agencies and consultants providing UX analysis to clients free of chargenot Google Optimize
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Google Optimize
- Google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023
- Any experiments and personalizations still running on that date were ended by Google
- Google directs former users to third-party A/B testing tools, naming AB Tasty, Optimizely and VWO, rather than a replacement Google product
Microsoft Clarity
- No paid tier means no premium support; enterprise SLAs and dedicated account management are unavailable
- Dependency on JavaScript tracking; websites with strict CSP (content security policy) may struggle with integration
- Session replay is limited to browser-based interactions; native app behaviour in web wrappers is not captured
- AI Chat and summaries require adequate session volume; low-traffic sites lack sufficient data for meaningful pattern detection
- Privacy masking is automatic but lacks granular configuration; custom masking rules for proprietary data require workarounds
Pricing, plan by plan
Google Optimize
Free- FreeFree
- A/B testing
- Google Analytics integration
- Visual editor
Microsoft Clarity
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Clarity review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Google Optimize if
- You need a/b testing.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want google analytics integration.
Choose Microsoft Clarity if
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
Questions people ask
- Is Google Optimize or Microsoft Clarity better?
- Neither clearly leads. Google Optimize starts at Free and Microsoft Clarity at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Google Optimize or Microsoft Clarity?
- Google Optimize starts at Free and Microsoft Clarity at Free.
- Does Google Optimize or Microsoft Clarity run on more platforms?
- Google Optimize runs on Web. Microsoft Clarity runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- Can I use Google Optimize for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Google Optimize best used for?
- Google Optimize is most often used for a/b and multivariate testing of web pages tied to google analytics goals, personalising page content for defined audience segments, redirect tests between alternative landing page urls. Of those, a/b and multivariate testing of web pages tied to google analytics goals and personalising page content for defined audience segments are not what Microsoft Clarity is typically brought in for.
- What can Google Optimize do that Microsoft Clarity cannot?
- Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Microsoft Clarity: Is Microsoft Clarity truly free?
Yes. Microsoft Clarity is completely free with no traffic limits, no paid tier, and no restrictions based on session volume. It integrates with web properties via a single tracking snippet.
SourceMicrosoft Clarity: Does Clarity comply with GDPR and CCPA?
Yes. Clarity automatically masks sensitive form field data before transmission and supports privacy-by-default configuration. EU and California data residency options are available.
SourceMicrosoft Clarity: Can Clarity track mobile apps?
Yes. Clarity provides native SDKs for iOS and Android, as well as support for React Native and Flutter apps.
Source