Fathom Analytics alternatives: 3 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
Simple privacy analytics with enough events and goals to avoid paying for simplicity.
licenseMIT
runsyour machine or their cloud
installCreate an Umami Cloud account or deploy the Node application with Docker Compose and PostgreSQL
dataA self-hosted deployment stores analytics and account data in PostgreSQL; Umami Cloud stores it in Umami's managed service
the catch vs Fathom AnalyticsIt is less deliberately minimal and, when self-hosted, lacks Fathom's managed reliability and support.
setupNone for hosted signup; self-hosting requires Docker or Node hosting and a PostgreSQL database
facts verified 2026-08-10
The closest philosophical match, except you operate the Compose file.
licenseAGPL-3.0+
runsyour server
installDeploy the Community Edition with the official Docker Compose installer
dataAccount and configuration records live in PostgreSQL and analytics events live in ClickHouse on the user's server
the catch vs Fathom AnalyticsThe philosophy is close, but the user must run PostgreSQL and ClickHouse and loses Fathom's managed operations and support.
setupDocker Compose, roughly 2 GB of RAM, a domain with DNS and TLS, and backups for PostgreSQL and ClickHouse
facts verified 2026-08-10
A smaller privacy dashboard for people who truly meant simple.
runsyour machine or their cloud
installCreate a hosted account or run the single static binary or Docker image
dataA self-hosted instance uses SQLite by default or PostgreSQL; the hosted service stores analytics on GoatCounter's infrastructure and supports JSON and CSV exports
the catch vs Fathom AnalyticsIt offers fewer polished goals, events, reports, team controls and support than Fathom's managed product.
setupNone for hosted use; self-hosting needs a reachable binary or container plus a public URL and TLS
facts verified 2026-08-10
latest recorded source check 2026-08-10 · check current terms at the source
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umami | MIT | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 38,073 | 2026-08 |
| Plausible Community Edition | AGPL-3.0+ | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 28,377 | 2026-08 |
| GoatCounter | open source | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 5,800 | 2026-08 |
They pay to avoid maintaining analytics infrastructure and privacy copy themselves. The recorded subscription totals $180 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Fathom Analytics?
Yes: Umami, Plausible Community Edition, GoatCounter. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own Fathom Analytics?
Our verdict is YES. A simple privacy analytics clone is very buildable; the paid service is hosted compliance posture, uptime, data retention, and polished reporting. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Fathom Analytics build guide.
