Amplitude vs Heap
Amplitude and Heap are both product analytics platforms, but they differ fundamentally in how events are tracked. This comparison focuses on practical differences without recommending one over the other.
Overview
Amplitude uses manual event instrumentation with predictive analytics capabilities. Heap uses automatic event capture that records all user interactions without upfront code instrumentation.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Amplitude | Heap |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/month | $0/month |
| Free Plan | Yes | Yes |
| Event Tracking | Manual instrumentation | Automatic capture |
| Retroactive Analysis | No | Yes |
| Predictive Analytics | Yes | No |
| A/B Testing | Yes (Experiment) | No |
| Session Replay | No | Yes (Enterprise) |
| Cohort Analysis | Yes | Yes |
Key Differences
Event Tracking Approach
Amplitude requires explicit event tracking code for each interaction you want to measure. Heap automatically captures all user interactions (clicks, page views, form submissions) without prior instrumentation.
Retroactive Analysis
Heap’s auto-capture enables retroactive analysis—you can define events after data collection. Amplitude requires planning event schemas before implementation.
Analytics Depth
Amplitude provides deeper behavioral analytics with predictive insights and user lifecycle modeling. Heap focuses on broad data capture with visual event definition.
Implementation Effort
Heap requires minimal upfront implementation—install snippet and it captures everything. Amplitude requires more planning but provides cleaner, intentional data.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Amplitude | Heap |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Cloud only | Cloud only |
| Event Capture | Manual instrumentation | Automatic capture |
| SDKs | JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, iOS, Android, React Native, Unity | JavaScript, iOS, Android, React Native |
| Data Export | Snowflake, BigQuery, S3 | BigQuery, S3, Redshift |
| Session Replay | No | Enterprise plans |
| Predictive Analytics | Yes | No |
| Visual Event Builder | No | Yes |
Data Handling
Amplitude
- Cloud-hosted with SOC 2 Type II certification
- EU and US data center options
- Supports GDPR data deletion requests
- Data governance features on enterprise plans
Heap
- Cloud-hosted with SOC 2 Type II certification
- Automatic data collection stores all interactions
- Visual labeling for event definition
- Enterprise plans include data controls
Use-Case Fit
- Non-technical teams: Heap’s visual event builder suits less technical users
- Predictive needs: Amplitude offers behavioral forecasting
- Quick implementation: Heap enables immediate data collection without planning
- Intentional tracking: Amplitude suits teams wanting curated, clean event schemas
- Retroactive questions: Heap enables analysis of interactions not previously planned
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool is easier to implement?
Heap is faster to implement with automatic event capture requiring minimal code. Amplitude requires planning and explicit tracking implementation.
Which tool supports retroactive event analysis?
Heap captures all interactions automatically, enabling retroactive event definition. Amplitude only tracks events explicitly instrumented.
Which tool has predictive analytics?
Amplitude includes predictive analytics for forecasting user behavior. Heap does not offer predictive capabilities.
Which tool is better for non-technical users?
Heap offers visual event definition that non-technical users can manage. Amplitude requires code changes to add new events.
Can Heap track custom events?
Yes, Heap supports custom event tracking in addition to automatic capture for specific business events.
Which has better free tier limits?
Amplitude offers 10M events/month free. Heap offers 10,000 sessions/month free. The right choice depends on your traffic patterns.
Which tool includes A/B testing?
Amplitude offers Amplitude Experiment for A/B testing. Heap does not include native experimentation.