Best Google Analytics Alternatives for 2025

Discover the best Google Analytics alternatives in 2025 for indie makers: lightweight, privacy-first, and affordable. Real user feedback and honest reviews.

Why indie makers are moving past GA4

As an indie maker, I want analytics that are fast, privacy-first, and clear—not an enterprise cockpit. GA4 is powerful, but it can feel heavy, consent-dependent, and complex. In 2025, a wave of privacy-friendly, lightweight analytics has matured. Below are the tools I’ve actually used (or set up for clients), plus what real users say—so you can pick the right Google Analytics alternative without wasting a week migrating dashboards.

What I look for (and what users praise)

• Privacy & compliance by design (GDPR/CCPA, often no cookies)

• Low script weight and ad-block resilience (so counts are closer to reality)

• Clear dashboards (no report-building to answer basic questions)

• Fair pricing for small sites and side projects

• Data ownership options (self-hosted or EU hosting)

Sources consistently highlight privacy, simplicity, and speed as key drivers to switch from GA4.

The shortlist for indie makers (with honest notes)

1. Plausible — Lightweight, open-source, cookie-free

My take: I moved a content site to Plausible and dropped page weight immediately; the one-page dashboard answered 90% of my questions. Great “set it and forget it” vibes.
What users like: tiny script, no cookies, GDPR-friendly hosting in the EU, simple metrics.

Best for: blogs, portfolios, SaaS landing pages that value simplicity and speed.
Why indie makers choose it: minimal tracking + easy setup; strong docs and integrations.

2. Fathom — Minimal UI, ethical analytics

My take: If you love a clean, opinionated dashboard, Fathom is a joy. It filters bot traffic well and keeps numbers consistent.
What reviewers note: simplicity and privacy as core principles; popular among creators who don’t want GA-level complexity.

Best for: creators, freelancers, one-person businesses who want clarity at a glance.

3. Simple Analytics — Clear reports, indie-friendly support

My take: I’ve deployed this for clients who wanted non-technical, straightforward charts and email reports. The UX is genuinely beginner-friendly.
What users say: “easier than GA,” quick insights, responsive support (G2 & Software Advice show strong ease-of-use ratings).

Best for: founders who send weekly metrics to stakeholders; marketers who need clean, shareable dashboards.
Bonus: content and reviews often compare it favorably for simplicity vs. heavier tools.

4. Wide Angle Analytics — GDPR-first, ad-block resilient

My take: My EU clients appreciate the strict privacy posture and the option to use custom domains to dodge ad-blockers. Pricing is founder-friendly.
What users mention: privacy by default; pricing from ~€8.33/month; “easy and user-friendly” feedback on review sites.

Best for: EU-based startups and anyone who wants to skip cookie banners while staying compliant.

5. Pirsch — Budget-friendly, cookie-free, open-source

My take: A solid pick for lean projects. The dashboard covers essentials, and pricing is gentle for small traffic.
What users say: cookie-free, simple UI, real-time insights; starter plan priced for indie makers.

Best for: early-stage sites and small SaaS with predictable volumes.

6. Umami — Open-source, self-hosted or cloud

My take: I’ve self-hosted Umami on a tiny VPS; setup was straightforward. If you’re comfortable with Node + a database, it’s an excellent DIY route.
What users like: privacy-focused, essential insights, event tracking; strong docs and active community.

Best for: developers who want control and zero recurring fees beyond hosting.

7. GoatCounter — No-frills, donation-supported

My take: My “just count visits” choice. It’s fast, privacy-respecting, and ideal for personal projects or minimal sites.
What users note: open source, no personal-data tracking, hosted or self-hosted.

Best for: personal blogs, tiny landing pages, privacy purists.

8. Usermaven — Privacy-first with product analytics flavor

My take: If you want a bridge between web analytics and product analytics, Usermaven’s prebuilt reports and funnels are handy.
What reviewers emphasize: privacy focus, simple setup; often compared head-to-head with Plausible and Fathom.

Best for: SaaS and indie products that need funnel/retention basics without going full Mixpanel.

9. Vemetric — Modern open-source insights (indie-friendly)

My take: Newer name on the block, but I like their educational content and OSS angle. Worth trying if you’re evaluating open tools in 2025.
What they publish: up-to-date comparisons vs. GA and roundups of open-source options signal active development.

Best for: tinkerers who want a fresh, open-source-minded stack.

Quick comparison (what to choose when)

Real user feedback (summarized, not quoted verbatim)

• Simple Analytics: users highlight a clear dashboard, quick setup, and responsive support—ideal for non-marketers.

• Wide Angle Analytics: reviewers praise GDPR focus and ease of use at indie-friendly pricing tiers.

• Pirsch: feedback calls out cookie-free tracking, fair pricing, and simple integrations (e.g., WP/Ghost).

• Umami: developers appreciate the open-source model, straightforward setup, and privacy posture.

My migration checklist (what worked for me)

1. Define the minimum metrics you actually use (sessions, top pages, conversions).

2. Run both tools in parallel for 2–4 weeks to benchmark deltas (ad-block + consent can shift numbers).

3. Recreate key goals/events (sign-ups, demo clicks, checkout).

4. Wire weekly email reports so you don’t fall back into daily dashboard doom.

5. Document naming (events, UTM rules) before anyone else ships campaigns.

Final verdict: pick for your reality

If you want plug-and-play clarity, choose Simple Analytics or Fathom. If you’re EU-focused or allergic to cookie banners, Plausible or Wide Angle Analytics are excellent. Need cheap and hackable? Umami, GoatCounter, or Pirsch are perfect. Blurring web and product analytics without enterprise heft? Try Usermaven. Curious about new OSS? Keep an eye on Vemetric.