Userlytics vs UserTesting: Which is best?

When you’re tasked with the decisions that will shape the future of your products, due diligence is essential. UX testing is an integral part of the iterative process, but choosing the best UX research tool for the job can be, well, a job on its own …

This article aims to make it that bit easier.

We look in turn at two prominent contenders – Userlytics vs UserTesting. By the end, you'll be equipped with the insights needed to guide your process and accelerate your growth.

Let’s get started.

Userlytics vs UserTesting: Key takeaways 

• Userlytics: Known for its strong analytical capabilities and diverse participant recruitment features, but with variable pricing that may impact budget planning.

• UserTesting: Offers extensive usability testing tools and excellent customer support, at a premium cost.

• Lyssna: An alternative offering a balanced solution, as well as competitive pricing and enhanced user support.

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Userlytics overview 

Userlytics is a user experience (UX) research platform that helps businesses and organizations gather insights into how users interact with their digital products. The platform allows companies to conduct usability testing, gather user feedback, and understand user behavior through a range of methods, including remote usability testing, card sorting, and tree testing.

Userlytics provides tools for recording and analyzing user sessions, where participants can be observed completing tasks or interacting with the interface. Features like video and audio recordings, screen captures, and user annotations enable researchers to see and hear how users experience a product. This data helps identify usability issues, improve user satisfaction, and refine product design.

UserTesting overview 

UserTesting is a platform that helps businesses of all sizes quickly gather feedback from real users. It allows companies to observe how people interact with their products in real-time, providing direct insights into user experiences.

One of the key features of UserTesting is its video-based feedback, where users record their screens and share their thoughts as they navigate through a product. This gives businesses a clear view of what works well and what needs improvement. By incorporating this user-centered feedback, businesses can make data-driven decisions that enhance product design, making their products more intuitive and user-friendly.

Userlytics main features 

Userlytics offers a range of powerful features to enhance user experience testing:

• Interactive video feedback: See and hear users' reactions in real-time, giving you a better understanding of their emotions and behaviors.

• Prototype testing: Test clickable prototypes on different devices to get early feedback on design and functionality.

• Advanced targeting: Use demographic filters to find test participants who perfectly match your target audience.

• Picture-in-picture user sessions: Watch users' facial expressions and screen interactions simultaneously to get a complete view of their experience.

• Real-time results: Get instant feedback with easy-to-understand analytics that help you quickly grasp user responses and trends.

• Customizable test templates: Create test scenarios tailored to your specific research needs for more relevant insights.

UserTesting main features

UserTesting offers a variety of features to help you understand how users interact with your products:

• Live conversation: Talk directly with participants through real-time interviews to get immediate feedback and deep insights.

• Audience targeting: Choose from a global research panel to fit your specific demographic or behavioral criteria.

• Multi-channel feedback: Gather feedback from websites, mobile apps, prototypes, and real-world experiences to see how users interact in different settings.

• Highlight reels: Easily compile key moments from user sessions to share with your team and support decision-making.

• Templates and test plans: Use ready-made project templates to set up your user research quickly.

• Integrated analytics: Analyze user behavior and create comprehensive reports with built-in tools.

• Mobile and desktop compatibility: Run tests on any platform, whether it's a mobile device or a desktop.

Userlytics: Participant recruitment features

Userlytics provides a range of participant recruitment features to help researchers connect with the right audience quickly and effectively:

• Research panel: Userlytics owns its own research panel, giving you access to a global pool of over 2 million participants from 150 countries. 

• Demographic filters: The platform allows you to set criteria such as age, gender, and location, making it easy to target the specific audience you need for your research. While more niche criteria require a bit more effort, the platform does support advanced participant recruitment options.

• Additional features: Userlytics offers both moderated and unmoderated testing options, as well as a "No SDK" solution for mobile app testing. The platform supports unlimited participants per study, and automated translation of the participant UI is available, making it easier to conduct tests in different languages. 

• Participant management: Userlytics also allows you to bring your own participants, though this may incur additional charges. Costs for recruiting participants start at $49 per participant, which is in addition to the base plan cost.

Userlytics’ participant recruitment features make it a solid choice for companies aiming to conduct thorough and targeted user research with minimal delays, although costs can be prohibitive.  

UserTesting: Participant recruitment features

UserTesting provides a range of features designed to help you recruit a diverse and well-targeted pool of participants:

• Extensive panel: UserTesting gives you access to participants from over 14 countries, allowing you to gather feedback from a broad range of demographics.

• Advanced targeting: The platform allows for detailed targeting based on factors such as age, gender, location, language, and specific behaviors and preferences.

• Recruitment flexibility: UserTesting offers flexibility in how you recruit participants, supporting both automated, on-demand recruitment and the option to use participants from your own network.

• Costs: Recruiting participants through UserTesting involves additional fees, with pricing details available upon request.

While UserTesting’s recruitment features provide extensive reach and precise targeting, they do come with additional costs and a learning curve that may be challenging for some teams.

Userlytics pricing 

Userlytics offers flexible pricing plans tailored to meet the needs of various businesses, from startups to large enterprises:

• Custom plan: Ideal for one-off projects, priced at $99 per session with a minimum of five participant sessions.

• Enterprise plan: The most popular option, starting as low as $34 per session with an annual plan and volume discounts.

• DIY plan: For those who prefer a hands-on approach, available at $499 per month, billed annually.

• Premium plan: Offers comprehensive features for $999 per month.

Userlytics pricing plans are accessible and straightforward, offering flexibility for different budgets and project needs.

UserTesting pricing 

UserTesting offers various pricing plans to suit different types of organizations, from small startups to large enterprises:

• Tiered subscription plans: Choose from multiple levels that offer unlimited tests, access to specialized user panels, and advanced reporting tools. These plans can grow with your business needs.

• Enterprise solutions: Larger companies can get custom solutions with extra features like tool integrations, full-team access, and personalized support.

• Demo offers: You can request a personalized demo to see how UserTesting can meet your specific needs before subscribing.

UserTesting's pricing is designed to be flexible, with options available from their customer support teams, although a lack of transparency is a criticism leveled by many of its users (and, indeed, many of its prospective ones).  

Userlytics customer support

Userlytics provides plenty of support to ensure their customers can maximize the platform's potential:

• 24/7 support: Round-the-clock customer support.

• Multichannel support: Channels include email, live chat, and phone.

• Dedicated account managers: For enterprise clients, Userlytics provides dedicated account managers who offer personalized support and guidance throughout the testing process.

• Extensive knowledge base: A robust online resource center, with tutorials, FAQs, and best-practice guides to help users get the most out of the platform.

• Community forum: Users can share tips, ask questions, and learn from other UX professionals and Userlytics experts.

UserTesting customer support 

UserTesting also offers comprehensive customer support options:

• 24/7 global support: Round-the-clock support.

• Multiple support channels: Various channels such as live chat, email, and phone.

• Personalized account management: Higher-tier plan subscribers have access to dedicated account managers who provide tailored support and strategic insights.

• Comprehensive help center: UserTesting’s help center includes detailed articles, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides for navigating the platform and conducting tests effectively.

• Interactive webinars and training: Regularly scheduled webinars and training sessions help users maximize the platform’s features and stay updated on the latest UX research practices.

Userlytics user ratings and customer reviews 

Userlytics has a 4.4/5 rating on G2. It outscores UserTesting in the following categories (with scores rated out of 10):

• Quality of support (9.5 vs 9)

• Ability to be a good partner in doing business (9.3 vs 8.8)

• Product direction (8.8 vs 8.1)

Its intuitive interface and diverse participant pool draw praise, while the depth of analysis and pricing cause most concern. 

“Userlytics is one of the only companies that supports Testflight and Android testing. They have an easy to use user interface with powerful functionality. But it takes some time to get testers when you screen for specific types of users (to be expected). Very expensive.”- Verified G2 user in Real Estate.

“Strong on potential, weak on supporting natural work- especially in moderated research”- Verified G2 user in Health, Wellness and Fitness. 

UserTesting user ratings and customer reviews 

UserTesting has a 4.5/5 rating on G2. It outscores Userlytics in the following categories:

• Ease of use (8.5 vs 8.1)

• Ease of setup (8.6 vs 8.5)

• Ease of admin (8.7 vs 8.5)

However, it's worth highlighting that Lyssna outranks both Userlytics and UserTesting in all but one category (and only by a small margin). We'll get into this in more detail below.

In terms of positive reviews, customer service and diverse testing are mentioned, while the cost is the biggest issue, along with concerns over participant quality and customization.

“Great for reaching a broad group of people but not without its quality faults”- Julia S, Director of UX Research, Verified G2 review

“I like the platform for user testing. It was easy to use. The pricing went from ‘buy credits’ to needing to pay for way more than we needed. So it was too expensive to keep.”- SME in Health, Wellness and Fitness, Verified G2 review

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Userlytics overall 

Userlytics offers an easy-to-use platform that connects you with participants from around the world. It's a solid choice for companies looking to set up studies and gather valuable feedback quickly.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface: Setting up and managing tests is straightforward, even for those new to UX research.

• Global participant pool: Access a diverse range of users from various locations and demographics.

• Versatile testing options: Supports a variety of test types, from prototypes to live websites.

• Real-time feedback: Receive immediate insights through live reactions and interactive video feedback.

• Customizable test templates: Easily tailor your tests to meet specific research goals.

• Intuitive platform: The platform’s design makes usability testing simple and efficient.

• Flexible study formats: Offers support for different research methods, such as card sorting and tree testing.

Cons:

• Feature limitations: Some users need more advanced analytical tools and greater customization options.

• Participant diversity: While generally broad, the participant pool can lack specific demographics in niche markets.

• Cost can add up: Advanced features and options can be pricey, which might be challenging for smaller businesses.

• Learning curve for advanced features: While basic functions are easy to use, mastering advanced features takes some time.

• Limited free options: The platform doesn't offer extensive free trials or freemium options, which could be a drawback for some.

• Occasional technical glitches: Some users report minor technical issues, though customer support is available to help.

UserTesting overall 

UserTesting delivers detailed user insights through its comprehensive suite of UX research tools.

Pros:

• Extensive testing capabilities: Offers a wide variety of testing options, covering every stage of the design process.

• Large user panel: Provides access to a diverse global panel, allowing for broad demographic testing.

• Strong customer support: Offers exceptional support services that enhance the user experience and streamline the research process.

Cons:

• Cost concerns: The platform can be expensive, especially for smaller teams or those with less frequent user testing needs.

• Complexity for new users: The platform's extensive features can be overwhelming for new users or smaller teams without dedicated UX professionals.

• Participant quality control: Some users have noted inconsistencies in participant quality, with occasional feedback that doesn’t fully meet the study criteria.

Userlytics and UserTesting alternative: Lyssna

What if there was a platform that offered the best features of both Userlytics and UserTesting, without their downsides?

When comparing product ratings on G2, Lyssna outranks both Userlytics and UserTesting in almost all categories:

Lyssna reviewers highlight Lyssna's intuitive interface, research panel recruitment, affordability, and responsive customer support:

"Lyssna (formerly UsabilityHub) is the BEST place for quick, reliable user tests! Rather than spending a fortune in time and money to conduct user research (that we'd never get the boss to agree to), we can run fast user tests and get damn-near instant results to help with our important design decisions. It's truly revolutionary, and has already won over even the most sceptical designers! We use it all the time." - Jack D, Small Business, Verified User

Lyssna offers features like:

• Transparent pricing: Lyssna offers clear, straightforward pricing without complex tiers, making it easier for companies of all sizes to predict costs and budget effectively. Costs are significantly lower than both Userlytics and UserTesting, and our generous free plan is popular with smaller businesses. 

• Diverse testing methods: Lyssna provides a range of usability testing and research methods, from prototype testing and card sorting through to user interviews, available on all plans.

• Wide participant pool: Lyssna gives you access to a diverse pool of over 690,000 participants from 124 countries, with over 395 demographics or attributes to target. You can also recruit participants from your own network at no extra cost.

• Simplified user interface: Designed for ease of use, Lyssna’s platform offers a more intuitive experience than UserTesting – particularly beneficial for smaller teams or those new to UX research.

• Rapid results: Lyssna streamlines the process to deliver results faster than UserTesting, reducing wait times and accelerating project timelines.

Lyssna outshines Userlytics and UserTesting by offering more customizable features, targeted participant recruitment, and affordable pricing – all backed by exceptional customer support. It's designed to give you the flexibility and insights you need, without the limitations or high costs.

Final words on Userlytics vs UserTesting

Userlytics and UserTesting both offer valuable tools for UX research, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. 

Userlytics boasts a user-friendly interface and flexible testing options, though some users find it comes up short with its advanced features and participant diversity. 

On the other hand, UserTesting has a comprehensive suite of testing tools and a large global user panel, but it comes with a steep price tag and learning curve, which is challenging, especially for smaller teams or new users.

Lyssna, however, combines the best of both worlds. 

It offers the customization and affordability of Userlytics with the robust capabilities of UserTesting, all while addressing common pain points like cost and ease of use. 

Research is about understanding users, and Lyssna is about empowering that understanding. 

Tuning into your audience's frequency and helping you make data-driven decisions. Faster.

Sign up today and take a step in the right direction.