---
title: "What is the difference between Funnels and User Journey?"
slug: "what-is-the-difference-between-funnels-and-user-journey"
updated: 2026-08-10T20:14:24Z
published: 2026-08-10T20:14:24Z
canonical: "support.whatfix.com/what-is-the-difference-between-funnels-and-user-journey"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.whatfix.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is the difference between Funnels and User Journey?

[Funnels](/product-analytics/docs/funnels) and [User Journey](/product-analytics/docs/user-journey-1) serve distinct purposes in analyzing user behavior and engagement.

**Funnels** focus on specific sequences of predefined steps that users take to achieve a specific goal or conversion.

Funnels provide the following insights:

- Completion and drop‑off rates
- Time taken per step
- Bottlenecks that block conversion

Use Funnels when you need to optimize a specific workflow or conversion path.

Here is an example of what a Funnel looks like. ![funnel_new_chart_funnel_overview.png](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/funnel_new_chart_funnel_overview.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A05%3A35Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A05%3A35Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=z%2FKYKOFRMFhyZolF7AQL4PLO88wC2gbbtKiFfd%2BMqDo%3D)

**User Journeys** map the entire session, enabling you to see every action and touchpoint a user encounters. It reveals:

- The full path users take, including detours
- Repeating patterns and common sequences
- Hidden pain points or moments of delight

Use User Journeys for a holistic view of engagement across pages and features.

Here is an example of what a User Journey looks like. ![user_journey_sample.png](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/user_journey_sample.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-10T17%3A05%3A35Z&se=2026-11-10T18%3A05%3A35Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=z%2FKYKOFRMFhyZolF7AQL4PLO88wC2gbbtKiFfd%2BMqDo%3D)

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between a Funnel and User Journey.

|  | Funnel | User Journey |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Scope | Focuses on specific sequences of predefined steps or events. | Encompasses the entire end-to-end user experience. |
| Structure | Linear and predefined with a clear start and end point. | Flexible and can encompass multiple paths and interactions. |
| Focus | Conversion rates, drop-off rates, and user behavior. | Overall user experience, engagement, and behavior. |
| Purpose | Optimize user flows, track conversions, and specific actions. | Understand user engagement, identify pain points and issues. |

- Use a Funnel when you want to improve goal‑oriented flows. Examples: checkout, onboarding.
- Use a User Journey when you need to see the big picture across all user interactions.

Funnels pinpoint where users struggle, while User Journeys explain why.