Build vs Heap

Behavioral analytics with auto-capture — Should you build, vibe code, or buy?

Our Verdict

🤔 It Depends

Auto-capture is useful but expensive. Consider if retroactive analysis matters.

Pricing

$0-$1000/mo

Founded

2013

San Francisco, CA

Vibe Time

2-3 weeks

What is Heap?

Heap is a behavioral analytics with auto-capture. The company is $95m raised. With 200+ employees, Heap serves teams looking for analytics solutions.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

Auto-capture everything
Retroactive analysis
No instrumentation needed
Good UX

Weaknesses

Expensive
Data can be noisy
Performance impact

Who Should Use Heap?

Best For

Product Teams
Non Technical
Retroactive Analysis

Not Ideal For

Budget Conscious
Performance Critical

Vibe Coding Heap

Using AI tools like Cursor and Claude, you can build a heap-like solution in 2-3 weeks for approximately $5k-15k.

What You Can Build

What's Harder to Replicate

Getting Started

Use this prompt with Cursor or Claude to scaffold your alternative:

Build a behavioral analytics with auto-capture with these core features:


Tech stack: Next.js 14, TypeScript, Prisma, PostgreSQL, Tailwind, shadcn/ui
Include authentication, API routes, database schema, and a clean UI.

Alternatives to Heap

Mixpanel

Event-based, more control

PostHog

Open source

FullStory

Session replay focus

The Bottom Line

Whether to build or buy Heap depends on your situation. Evaluate your actual requirements before deciding.

Calculate Your Build vs Buy Costs →