Design & Product
Sr. Marketing Manager
UserTesting has built a reputation as a go-to platform for usability testing—especially for large enterprises. But let’s face it, not everyone has the time to dive into lengthy sales calls just to try out a tool. For teams looking to experiment firsthand without jumping through hoops, the locked demo experience can feel like a big barrier.
Even if you’ve been using UserTesting, you’ve probably encountered a few roadblocks like high prices (that quickly adds up), limited test options, or even feeling overwhelmed by all the features you might not need.
But hey, that’s where this blog comes in!
There are smarter, simpler alternatives out there—tools that keep things transparent, accessible, and way less overwhelming. Let’s explore your options and find a tool that works for you!
If you’re on UserTesting (and even weighing it as an option), you might be nodding along with these common pain points:
There’s more—like how UserTesting’s reports can feel a bit basic, and it’s not the best for long-term research. But there are other tools out there that’ll get you the same (if not better) results—minus the headache and the wallet fatigue.
Okay, full disclosure: we’re a bit biased—but UXArmy truly is the best alternative to UserTesting.
If you’re a UX researcher, designer, product manager, or even part of a marketing team, you know that understanding user needs and testing prototypes, websites, or apps is key. But juggling different tools for each test type can feel like running in circles. UXArmy is an all-in-one solution that lets you run unmoderated usability tests straight from Figma files (no recording needed!), task-based tests with recording, moderated user interviews and focus groups, surveys, card sorting, tree testing—and soon, UX research repositories—all in one platform. No fragmentation. No confusion.
Plus, UXArmy is easy to jump into. No locked sales funnels here—just sign up and get started with your tests! Whether you’re a small team or managing a large-scale project, UXArmy adapts to your needs.
Another thing that sets UXArmy apart is our free plan, which gives you the ability to create unlimited usability tests and receive two free responses. Plus, you can run two free DeepDive sessions. This allows you to explore the platform and get a feel for its features before deciding to upgrade.
Scalable for Any Team Size: Whether you’re a small team or managing a large team, UXArmy fits your workflow. It’s built to scale, without the hefty costs you might face with other platforms
Userlytics is a solid contender if you’re looking for a platform that brings more automation to usability testing. Unlike UserTesting, which often requires manual efforts in transcriptions and setup, Userlytics offers AI-powered transcriptions to save time, and its diverse testing options allow you to run various tests all in one place. It’s a good fit if you’re looking for convenience and flexibility.
Pricing: Starts at $49 per tester per session or $399/month, offering straightforward pricing with no hidden costs.
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Lookback excels at live, moderated testing, allowing teams to engage with users in real-time, unlike UserTesting which often focuses on automated sessions. If you need a tool to support deep dive user research with live interviews or focus groups, Lookback is a strong choice, especially for those who prefer a hands-on approach during testing.
Pricing: Starts at $300/year for individual users. While it’s pricier, the value it offers for live, real-time feedback justifies the cost.
If you’re after quick, straightforward feedback, UsabilityHub is a strong choice. It offers a range of basic tests like first-click or preference tests, which are perfect for rapid insights compared to the more complex setups required by UserTesting.
Pricing: Starts at $89/month for basic plan. It’s a cost-effective solution for teams looking for quick, simple usability tests.
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Userfeel offers a straightforward, no-frills solution for unmoderated usability testing. If you’re looking for something affordable and easy to use, Userfeel is a great option, especially for smaller teams that need to test basic features without spending too much.
Budget-Friendly: Provides great value with low-cost options for basic usability tests.
Maze is a great option if you’re looking for fast and actionable feedback. Unlike UserTesting, which may take more time for setup and analysis, Maze allows you to quickly run tests directly from prototypes and get instant feedback without much effort. Its streamlined approach makes it a solid alternative for those who need quick validation and iteration.
Pricing: They have a free plan for limited testing, with paid plans starting at $49/month. It’s clear and straightforward pricing for small teams and startups.
Validately is a powerful testing tool that allows teams to run both moderated and unmoderated tests, making it a good fit for businesses that need flexibility in their testing approach. Unlike UserTesting, Validately offers robust features for detailed behavioral analysis, allowing you to really dig deep into user interactions.
Pricing: Pricing starts at $249/month. It’s on the higher end but includes comprehensive features for teams needing advanced testing
Hotjar is perfect for teams that are focused on understanding user behavior on live websites and apps. It’s a bit different from UserTesting, as it focuses more on behavioral analytics rather than structured testing. If you’re looking to get insights directly from live users in real time, Hotjar is a fantastic option.
Pricing: Starts with a free plan for small sites, with paid plans starting at $39/month. It offers a flexible pricing structure depending on the features you need.
