Comparisons

Top Google Analytics Alternatives for 2025: Which One Will You Choose?

March 4, 2025

Tymek Bielinski

Product Growth at LiveSession

Introduction to the Best Google Analytics Alternatives

As someone who's been using Universal Analytics for years, I've been watching the shift to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) with mixed feelings- You might say. On the one hand, GA4 offers free advanced web analytics and intuitive data analysis tools. But on the other hand, I'm concerned about privacy issues. With GDPR and other data protection regulations tightening, it's becoming harder to collect and use visitor data like we used to.

What to Consider in Web Analytics Tools?

If you have been exploring Google Analytics alternatives for 2025 or just getting started it's crucial to find a web analytics tool that respects user privacy while still providing valuable insights. Many of these alternatives offer features similar to those of GA4. However, its analytics is one of the most widely used website analytics platforms.

The amount of data and data points we can collect is changing, and we need to adapt. Some GA4 alternative platforms focus on customer journey analytics without relying heavily on personal data. Unlike Google Analytics, these tools often have different approaches to data processing and storage of historical data in one comprehensive platform. As we look ahead, it's clear that the landscape of web analytics is evolving, and we need to stay informed about the best Google Analytics alternatives to make the right choice for our businesses.

9 Best Alternatives to Google Analytics

LiveSession

Overview

LiveSession is a powerful tool designed for teams that want actionable insights on user behavior quickly. Its sleek app design makes it easy to navigate, helping users understand analytics data without added complexity. With features that cater to both qualitative and quantitative analysis, LiveSession stands out in the realm of user behavior tracking.

Key features

LiveSession's features are making data sharing seamless. This analytics suite provides real-time data to help teams make informed decisions.

  • Session replays: Watch exactly how users interact with your website to identify pain points
  • Advanced filtering: Segment user data for more precise insights
  • Dev Tools (JS Errors, Network Requests, Console Logs): Identify technical issues affecting user experience
  • Heatmaps: Visualize where users click and focus their attention
  • Custom dashboards: Create personalized data views for different team needs
  • Product Analytics: Track product usage metrics
  • Funnels: Analyze user conversion paths
  • Custom Events: Track specific user actions
  • Webhooks: Integrate with your development workflow
  • Slack Integration: Get alerts and insights directly in your team communication platform

🏷️ Pricing Information

At LiveSession a free plan is available alongside a paid option at $65 per month. A 14-day free trial is available, allowing users to explore its capabilities before committing. This flexibility makes it accessible for teams looking for a privacy-friendly Google Analytics alternative.

  • Starts Free. Upgrade from $65/month, 14-day free trial available

📣 G2 Reviews

On G2, LiveSession has a commendable score of 4.6 out of 5. Users appreciate its good price-to-value ratio, ease of use, and excellent UI design. This feedback highlights its effectiveness compared to other analytics platforms.

  • G2 score: 4.6/5

Comparison to GA4
LiveSession uniquely combines qualitative and quantitative focus, unlike Google Analytics, which offers a broader analytics approach. LiveSession's easy-to-use tools and reports can provide deeper insights into user behavior, especially for those navigating privacy regulations and simplified UI, making it a strong contender as a privacy-focused GA alternative.

Heap

Overview

Heap is a quantitative product analytics platform designed for businesses tired of manual tracking efforts. Its core value lies in automatic analytics, allowing users to gather insights without extensive setup. Heap aims to simplify data tracking and provide actionable metrics for product performance. This makes it particularly appealing for companies looking to move away from traditional methods like Adobe Analytics or Analytics 360.

Key features

  • Product analytics metrics: Comprehensive data on how users interact with your product
  • Account based analytics: Track behavior at the organization level
  • Events autocapture: Automatically track user actions without manual setup
  • Custom events: Define specific interactions to monitor

🏷️ Pricing Information

Heap offers a free plan; however, detailed pricing is not publicly available. This lack of transparency can be a significant drawback for businesses comparing analytics platforms. Many companies prefer clear pricing structures, especially when exploring alternatives to Google Analytics, which often provides more upfront information.

  • Free plan available, but price is not publicly available

📣 G2 Reviews

On G2 Heap has a score of 4.4/5, with users highlighting concerns about pricing transparency and the speed of the interface. These criticisms suggest that while Heap has valuable features, its execution may leave users wanting more.

  • Score 4.4/5 on G2

Comparison to GA4
In comparison to other software, Heap’s autocapture approach is a significant advantage over Google Analytics' implementation requirements. Unlike Google Analytics, which often requires extensive setup and manual input, Heap's automatic data tracking offers a user-friendly alternative. However, businesses should weigh this benefit against the limitations in pricing clarity and interface performance.

Matomo

Overview

Matomo is an open-source web analytics platform aimed at organizations that prioritize data privacy and ownership. Unlike many tools that rely on cloud solutions, Matomo allows users to host their analytics data on their own servers. This aspect positions it as a privacy-first Google Analytics alternative, appealing to those concerned about data security and compliance with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Key features

Matomo offers several advanced analytics features. These tools provide an in-depth look at traffic analytics and can enhance marketing strategies. However, the platform requires a certain level of technical expertise to navigate effectively, which may not appeal to all users.

  • Standard reports: Get essential metrics about your website performance
  • Funnels: Tracking user journeys
  • User flow visualization: Understand engagement paths
  • White labeling: Customize the platform with your branding
  • Heatmaps: Visualize user engagement
  • Session recording: Watch real user interactions
  • A/B testing: For optimizing conversions
  • Custom reports: Create tailored analytics views
  • Cohorts analysis: Examine user behavior over time

🏷️ Pricing Information

Matomo presents flexible pricing options. Cloud hosting starts at €29 per month for up to 50,000 hits. For organizations looking to maintain control over their data, the On-Premise hosting option is available for free. This makes it a cost-effective solution for those needing an analytics platform that gives them ownership of their data.

  • Cloud hosting starts at €29/month for up to 50,000 hits

📣 G2 Reviews

Matomo holds a G2 score of 4.2 out of 5. Users commend its open-source nature and robust privacy features. However, some reviews highlight tracking issues with ad blockers and the steep learning curve associated with its advanced functionalities.

  • G2 Score 4.2/5

Comparison to GA4

In comparison to Google Analytics, Matomo's commitment to privacy and its open-source framework stand out. While Google Analytics provides extensive features, it is cloud-based and may raise concerns regarding data ownership. For organizations seeking a Google Analytics alternative that prioritizes privacy, Matomo offers a compelling choice, albeit with challenges in usability and setup.

Kissmetrics

Overview

Kissmetrics is an event-based web analytics platform designed to help businesses understand and optimize customer behavior. Unlike traditional analytics tools, it focuses on tracking individual user events, providing deeper insights into user interactions and engagement. However, its user interface can be challenging for beginners, which may hinder the overall experience.

Key features

Kissmetrics offers several key features, including event tracking, which allows users to monitor specific actions on their websites. Retention analysis helps identify how well customers return over time. Funnels and cohort analysis provide insights into user journeys, while revenue reports track financial performance. Additionally, A/B testing reports enable users to experiment with different strategies. Despite these features, the platform lacks comprehensive educational materials to support users effectively.

  • Standard and custom event tracking: Monitor pre-defined and custom user actions
  • Retention analysis: Understand how well you keep customers
  • Funnels: Track conversion paths
  • Cohort analysis: Compare groups of users over time
  • Revenue reports: Link user behavior to business outcomes
  • A/B testing reports: Measure the impact of different experiences
  • Advanced reporting tools: Create custom insights

🏷️ Pricing Information

Kissmetrics starts at $125.99 per month for tracking up to 1 million events. While this pricing may seem reasonable, businesses might find better value in alternatives like Google Analytics, which offers a free plan with robust features. In a landscape filled with options, the cost could be a barrier for small businesses seeking efficient analytics solutions.

  • Plans start $125.99/month for 1M events

📣 G2 Reviews

On G2, Kissmetrics holds a rating of 4.1 out of 5. Users appreciate its focus on revenue and customer journeys but often cite challenges with limited educational resources and UX issues. These criticisms are significant when comparing it to more user-friendly platforms.

  • G2 Score 4.1/5

Comparison to GA4

When compared to Google Analytics 4, Kissmetrics is more focused on revenue and customer journey analytics. However, for those looking for a Google Analytics alternative that’s easier to use, platforms like LiveSession or Fathom may offer a more intuitive experience while still providing essential data insights.

Simple Analytics

Overview

Simple Analytics is a privacy-centric and user-friendly analytics platform designed for businesses that prioritize user privacy. Unlike traditional web analytics tools, it does not collect personal data, making it an attractive option for privacy-conscious organizations. However, it may not meet the needs of all users due to its limited features compared to more established platforms like Google Analytics.

Key features

This platform offers several notable features, including custom views, and role-based access. It also has an export API and an ad-blocker bypass, ensuring data collection remains effective. Users can block specific IP ranges and enjoy a data retention period of five years. While these features are beneficial, they may fall short for those looking for comprehensive real-time analytics and deeper insights.

  • Privacy-focused analytics: Get insights without compromising user data
  • Custom views: Create personalized analytics dashboards
  • Role-based access: Control who sees what data
  • Ad-blocker bypass: Ensure more complete data collection

🏷️ Pricing Information

Simple Analytics provides a free plan for hobby projects, making it accessible for beginners. For professional use, pricing starts at $15 per month. While this is competitive, users should weigh the value against the limitations in features compared to platforms like Google Analytics 360 and Matomo Analytics.

  • Free plan available for hobby projects (1 user, up to 5 sites), Paid Plan starts at $15/month.

📣 G2 Reviews

With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on G2, Simple Analytics receives mixed feedback. Users report challenges like app performance glitches, a lack of advanced features, and inconsistent stability. These criticisms highlight the potential drawbacks of adopting this privacy-friendly GA alternative.

  • Score 4.4/5

Comparison to GA4

When compared to Google Analytics 4, Simple Analytics presents a simpler, more privacy-oriented approach. However, for those needing robust traffic data and advanced capabilities, the trade-offs may not be worth it. Therefore, businesses must consider their specific analytics needs carefully.

Umami

Overview

Umami is a usage-based analytics software designed for a wide range of users, from individual hobbyists to larger enterprises. However, it lacks the depth and functionality of more established platforms, such as Google Analytics. While it presents itself as a privacy-friendly GA alternative, it may not fully meet the demands of users seeking comprehensive data insights.

Key features

Umami offers basic features like reports, funnels, custom events, and web analytics. While these features can be useful, they fall short compared to the extensive capabilities of Google Analytics. For instance, importing your Google Analytics data may not be as seamless or informative. Users looking for advanced metrics or integrated tools, like Google Tag Manager, may find Umami lacking and less intuitive.

  • Reports: Access essential web metrics
  • Funnels: Track user conversion paths
  • Custom events: Monitor specific user interactions
  • Web analytics: Get comprehensive site performance data

🏷️ Pricing Information

Umami has a free plan available, which makes it accessible to new users. The Pro plan starts at $20 per month, which is competitive yet could present challenges for those needing more advanced features. Users might find better value in other analytics tools, especially considering the limited offerings that come with Umami's pricing tiers.

  • Free plan limited to 100K events, up to 3 websites, and 6-month data retention. Paid plan starting at $20/month. Free trial: 14-day.

📣 G2 Reviews

Umami holds a rating of 4.5/5 on G2, but it faces criticism for its complex pricing structure and the need for UI improvements. Many users express frustration over its limitations compared to more robust platforms.

Score 4.5/5

Comparison to GA4
Umami is lightweight and more straightforward than Google Analytics 4, yet it sacrifices essential analytics depth. Users seeking comprehensive insights may find it times smaller than Google Analytics and lacking in necessary functionality.

Fathom Analytics

Overview

Fathom Analytics is a web analytics platform that focuses on providing essential insights while prioritizing user privacy and ensuring fast website performance. Unlike many competitors, Fathom offers a simple interface that appeals to users looking for privacy-friendly analytics. However, it lacks some functionalities that more comprehensive tools provide.

Key Features

Fathom includes user-friendly dashboards that display real-time metrics for quick analysis. It also offers filters to refine data views and ensures forever data retention, allowing businesses to access historical Google Analytics data. However, users may find the limited features inadequate for deep analysis, which is a significant drawback.

  • Dashboards: Get visual overviews of performance metrics
  • Real time metrics: Track visitor behavior as it happens
  • Filters: Segment your data for deeper insights
  • Forever data retention: Never lose historical performance data
  • 100% data ownership: Maintain control of your analytics information

🏷️ Pricing Information

Fathom doesn't include a free plan. Its starting price is $15/month for up to 100,000 pageviews. While this price point is reasonable for businesses seeking privacy-focused analytics, it may not be ideal for many businesses to invest in tools without prior testing.

  • No free option available. Starting price is $15/month for up to 100,000 [pageviews].

📣 G2 Reviews

Fathom has a score of 4.6/5 on G2. While users appreciate the privacy-first approach, many criticize the software for its lack of advanced features and occasional integration issues. This feedback suggests that it may not meet the needs of users accustomed to more comprehensive analytics tools.

  • Score 4.6/5

Comparison
Fathom’s privacy-first approach stands in stark contrast to Google Analytics’ extensive data collection practices. While Fathom offers privacy-friendly analytics, it does not provide the same depth of data across various metrics, making it a limited Google Analytics competitor for users who need comprehensive analytics.

Usermaven

Overview

Usermaven is a web and product analytics platform designed for startups. It offers an easy-to-use interface that allows teams to gain insights quickly, without a steep learning curve. However, its limited functionality can hinder deeper analysis. This makes it appealing primarily for those looking for a lightweight analytics tool rather than comprehensive insights.

Key features

  • Dashboards: Visualize key metrics at a glance
  • Segments: Group users based on behaviors or attributes
  • Funnels: Analyze conversion paths using a web analytics platform that gives detailed insights.
  • Account based analytics: Track organization-level metrics

🏷️ Pricing Information

Pricing for Usermaven starts at $14 per month for 100,000 events. There is no free plan available, which may deter smaller startups or individuals seeking cost-effective analytics solutions. This pricing model raises questions about its value, especially when free alternatives exist.

  • Pricing starts at $14 for 100k events, no free plan.

📣 G2 Reviews

Usermaven holds a strong score of 4.8 on G2, but some reviews indicate that it is missing additonal features. Users sometimes mention a steep learning curve despite its user-friendly UI.

  • G2 Score 4.8

Comparison to GA4

When compared to Google Analytics, Usermaven’s focus on SaaS product metrics is narrower. Google Analytics provides a broader approach, offering extensive features for website analytics, making it a more favored choice for local businesses whereas Usermaven appeals to tech businesses.

Countly

Overview

Countly is a web analytics platform that aims to deliver insights through customizable features. While it offers a range of tools, the effectiveness of these features can vary. Users may find the interface more complex than necessary, especially when seeking straightforward analytics. Overall, Countly positions itself as a privacy-focused Google Analytics alternative, but its usability raises questions.

Key features

  • Customizable metrics: Define what data matters most to your business
  • Account based analytics: Track organization-level behavior
  • Dashboard: Visualize performance at a glance
  • Segments: Group users based on behavior or attributes
  • Feedback collection tools: Gather user input directly

🏷️ Pricing Information

Countly starts its pricing at $0/month for up to 1,000 monthly active users (MAUs). While the free plan is an attractive option, the pricing structure becomes complex as users scale. This could deter potential customers looking for clear, straightforward pricing, especially those familiar with the simplicity of tools like Google Ads.

  • Free plan for up to 1000 MAUs, with paid plans starting from $80/month.

📣 G2 Reviews

With a score of 4.5 on G2, Countly receives mixed reviews. Users often mention that the UI can be improved and criticize the complex pricing. Reports of glitches and bugs further complicate the user experience. While Countly offers a variety of features, many users feel that they are bloated and lack true value and quality.

  • G2 Score 4.5

Comparison to GA4

When comparing Countly to Google Analytics, Countly’s customization options stand out, but at a cost. Google Analytics offers standardized metrics. For those looking for an efficient analytics tool, Google Analytics remains a more reliable choice.

Tymek Bielinski

Product Growth at LiveSession
Tymek Bielinski works in Product Growth at LiveSession, focusing on driving growth and go-to-market strategies. As an avid learner, he shares insights and explores the world of product growth alongside others.
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