Google Analytics and Plausible take opposite approaches to web analytics. GA4 is free, powerful, and complex; Plausible is paid, simple, and privacy-first.
Full reviews: Google Analytics review · Plausible review
Quick verdict
- Choose Google Analytics for free, deep measurement and Google Ads integration.
- Choose Plausible for a simple, cookie-free, GDPR-friendly dashboard you can set up in minutes.
Head to head
| Google Analytics | Plausible | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Price | Free | From $9/mo |
| Privacy | Cookies & consent needed | Cookie-free, no banner |
| Ease of use | Complex | Very simple |
| Depth | Deep | Lightweight |
Bottom line
Pick Google Analytics for free depth; pick Plausible for simplicity and privacy. Read the full Google Analytics review and Plausible review.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Google Analytics or Plausible?
Google Analytics is free, while Plausible starts at $9/month, so Google Analytics is cheaper on price alone.
Which is more privacy-friendly?
Plausible is cookie-free and requires no consent banner. Google Analytics relies on cookies and needs consent.
Which is easier to use?
Plausible is very simple and quick to set up. Google Analytics is more complex, though it offers deeper measurement.
Which should I choose, Google Analytics or Plausible?
Choose Google Analytics for free, deep measurement and Google Ads integration. Choose Plausible for a simple, cookie-free, GDPR-friendly dashboard you can set up in minutes.