GoatCounter vs Ackee: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between GoatCounter and Ackee comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: GoatCounter is our overall pick for web analytics workflows. Pick Ackee if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
GoatCounter
Privacy-friendly web analytics
Best for you if:
- • GoatCounter is a simple, privacy-friendly web analytics tool
- • It tracks page views without cookies and respects visitor privacy by default
Ackee
Self-hosted, privacy-focused web analytics
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Ackee is a self-hosted, privacy-focused analytics tool that respects visitor privacy
- • It tracks page views and referrers without cookies, making it GDPR-compliant by design
| At a Glance |  GoatCounter |  Ackee |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5/monthPersonal | Free |
Best For | Web Analytics | Web Analytics |
Rating | - | - |
Choose GoatCounter or Ackee?
Choose GoatCounter if
Privacy-friendly web analytics
- Privacy-focused analytics
- Simple and lightweight
- Open source
Choose Ackee if
Self-hosted, privacy-focused web analytics
- Privacy-focused analytics
- Self-hostable
- Open source
- You want a fully free tool (GoatCounter requires payment)
| Feature | GoatCounter | Ackee |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Web AnalyticsAnalytics | Web AnalyticsAnalytics |
In-Depth Analysis
GoatCounter
Privacy-friendly web analytics
Strengths
- +Privacy-focused analytics
- +Simple and lightweight
- +Open source
- +Self-hostable
- +Free for small sites
Weaknesses
- -Very basic features
- -Limited insights
- -No advanced analytics
- -Minimal UI
- -Self-hosting needed
Key features
Ackee
Self-hosted, privacy-focused web analytics
Strengths
- +Privacy-focused analytics
- +Self-hostable
- +Open source
- +Simple setup
- +Free
Weaknesses
- -Limited features
- -Self-hosting needed
- -Basic reporting
- -Smaller community
- -No advanced analytics
Key features
Pricing: GoatCounter vs Ackee
| Plan | GoatCounter | Ackee |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $5 month Personal | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on GoatCounter pricing and Ackee pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Ackee is free. GoatCounter is freemium.
Go with: Ackee
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: GoatCounter
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: GoatCounter
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
GoatCounter is freemium. Ackee is free. Go with Ackee if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are web analytics tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
GoatCounter
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Ackee
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
GoatCounter is our pick. That said, Ackee is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GoatCounter or Ackee better?
GoatCounter is rated in our evaluation. GoatCounter is freemium and Ackee is free.
What are GoatCounter and Ackee used for?
GoatCounter: Privacy-friendly web analytics. Ackee: Self-hosted, privacy-focused web analytics.
What does GoatCounter cost vs Ackee?
GoatCounter is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Ackee is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.