Simple 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.
Privacy analytics without cookies, personal profiles or a monthly invoice.
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 Simple AnalyticsIt exposes more configuration and dashboard complexity while offering fewer of Simple Analytics' reporting conveniences.
setupNone for hosted signup; self-hosting requires Docker or Node hosting and a PostgreSQL database
facts verified 2026-08-10
A nearly identical promise, delivered from a Compose file you own.
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 Simple AnalyticsThe core promise is similar, but the user operates the stack and Community Edition does not include every hosted-cloud extra.
setupDocker Compose, roughly 2 GB of RAM, a domain with DNS and TLS, and backups for PostgreSQL and ClickHouse
facts verified 2026-08-10
The spartan version: useful traffic numbers and very little else to argue about.
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 Simple AnalyticsIt is much more spartan and lacks Simple Analytics' polished reports, automations and privacy-focused workflow conveniences.
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 for low-maintenance analytics they can put in a privacy policy with confidence. The recorded subscription totals $240 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Simple 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 Simple Analytics?
Our verdict is YES. Pageview analytics, events, dashboards, and exports are very buildable; paid value is hosted privacy posture, reports, reliability, and support. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Simple Analytics build guide.
