Smartlook alternative
Need product analytics without requiring session replay? OpenPanel is an open-source alternative to Smartlook that focuses on event-based analytics, funnels, and retention—with self-hosting and transparent pricing.
- Open-source
- Self-hostable
- No session limits
- Product analytics
OpenPanel vs Smartlook: Which is right for you?
Both platforms offer product analytics, but Smartlook adds visual behavior tools (session replay, heatmaps) while OpenPanel focuses on event-based analytics with self-hosting.
Choose OpenPanel if...
Teams needing self-hosting for data ownership and compliance
Open source requirements for transparency
Focus on event-based product analytics without visual replay
Choose Smartlook if...
Teams needing session recordings to watch user interactions
UX designers requiring heatmaps (click, scroll, movement)
Mobile app crash reports with linked session recordings
Key differences at a glance
Here's how OpenPanel and Smartlook compare on the factors that matter most.
| Feature | OpenPanel | Smartlook |
|---|---|---|
| Open source | Yes (MIT) | No (proprietary, Cisco-owned) |
| Self-hosting | Yes, with Docker | No (cloud only) |
| Session replay | Not available | Yes, full recordings |
| Heatmaps | Not available | Click, scroll, movement |
| Pricing model | Event-based / free self-host | Session-based from $55/mo |
| Event tracking | ||
| Funnels | ||
| Retention analysis | Basic | |
| User profiles | ||
| Cohorts | Limited | |
| Custom dashboards | Limited | |
| Real-time data | ||
| Session recordings | ||
| Click heatmaps | ||
| Scroll heatmaps | ||
| Movement heatmaps | ||
| Crash reports with replay | Smartlook links crash reports to recordings | |
| Self-hosting | ||
| Open source | ||
| GDPR compliant | ||
| Cookie-free tracking | ||
| SOC 2 certified | Type II | |
| EU data residency | Via self-hosting | |
| REST API | Pro plans only | |
| Data export | CSV (Pro+) | |
| Webhooks | Limited |
Feature comparison
OpenPanel focuses on product analytics; Smartlook combines analytics with visual behavior insights.
Event tracking
Funnels
Retention analysis
User profiles
Cohorts
Custom dashboards
Real-time data
Self-hosting
Technical comparison
For developers evaluating analytics tools, here's how the implementations compare.
| Feature | OpenPanel | Smartlook |
|---|---|---|
| SDK size (JS) | ~2.3 KB gzipped | Larger (includes recording)Smartlook's SDK includes session replay code |
| Supported platforms |
|
|
| Open source | Yes (MIT) | No |
| Self-hosted deployment | Docker, simple setup | Not available |
| Database | ClickHouse + PostgreSQL | AWS cloud infrastructure |
| Data retention | Unlimited (self-hosted) | 1-3 months base, up to 12 months |
Pricing comparison
OpenPanel offers event-based pricing with free self-hosting. Smartlook uses session-based pricing.
OpenPanel
Event-based, transparent
Start at $2.50/month for 5,000 events.
Self-host for free with unlimited events.
All features included at every tier.
Smartlook
Session-based
Free tier: 3,000 sessions/month with basic features.
Pro: $55/month for 5,000 sessions with extended retention and exports.
Enterprise: Custom pricing for 50,000+ sessions.
Migrating from Smartlook to OpenPanel
Moving from Smartlook to OpenPanel involves transitioning from combined session replay and analytics to event-based product analytics.
Understand feature differences
OpenPanel focuses on event-based product analytics. If you rely on session recordings and heatmaps, consider using complementary tools like Microsoft Clarity.
Create OpenPanel account or self-host
Sign up for OpenPanel cloud or deploy self-hosted using Docker. Configure your project settings.
Install OpenPanel SDK
Replace the Smartlook snippet with OpenPanel's SDK. Install via npm or use the CDN. For mobile apps, install the appropriate native SDK.
Map events and properties
Convert Smartlook's event tracking to OpenPanel's event structure. Set up user identification using identify() to track users across sessions.
Build analytics dashboards
Create funnels, retention charts, and cohort analyses in OpenPanel to replace Smartlook's analytics.
SDK Compatibility
Both use similar event tracking APIs. Main difference is OpenPanel doesn't automatically record sessions.
Historical Data Import
Historical session recordings from Smartlook cannot be migrated. Event data may be exportable depending on your Smartlook plan.
Where OpenPanel is a better fit than Smartlook
OpenPanel shines when you need product analytics with data ownership and don't require visual replay features.
Product analytics & growth
Deep event-based analytics with funnels, retention analysis, and cohorts. Stronger retention and cohort capabilities than Smartlook.
Data ownership & self-hosting
Complete data control with self-hosting. Smartlook is cloud-only with no self-hosting option.
Open source requirements
Full transparency and customization with MIT license. Smartlook is proprietary (now Cisco-owned).
Unlimited data retention
Self-hosted OpenPanel has unlimited retention. Smartlook limits data retention even on paid plans.
Cost-effective for high volume
Event-based pricing or free self-hosting. Smartlook's session-based pricing scales up quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about switching from Smartlook to OpenPanel.
Related resources
Explore more comparisons and guides to help you choose the right analytics tool
Other comparisons
Ready to make the switch?
Test OpenPanel free for 30 days, you'll not be charged anything unless you upgrade to a paid plan.
Start with OpenPanel