Google Analytics vs Plausible: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Google Analytics and Plausible 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Google Analytics
The free analytics standard that tracks most websites
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need real-time analytics features specifically
- • Industry standard web analytics, free and deeply integrated with Google Ads
- • Event-based tracking model for flexible interaction measurement
Plausible
Privacy-friendly analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need web analytics features specifically
- • Website analytics that respects privacy
- • No cookies means no consent banners needed
| At a Glance |  Google Analytics |  Plausible |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Real-Time Analytics | Web Analytics |
Rating | 82/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Google Analytics | Plausible |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Real-Time AnalyticsWeb Analytics | Web AnalyticsPrivacy Management |
How Google Analytics and Plausible Compare
Google Analytics
The free analytics standard that tracks most websites
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Plausible
Privacy-friendly analytics
Paid · 86/100 score
Google Analytics is a real-time analytics tool. Plausible is in web analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Google Analytics has a free tier. Plausible is paid only.
Go with: Google Analytics
Want the highest-rated option?
Google Analytics: 82/100. Plausible: 86/100.
Go with: Plausible
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Plausible
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Google Analytics is freemium. Plausible is paid. Google Analytics lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Google Analytics is a real-time analytics tool. Plausible is in web analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Plausible scores higher: 86/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Plausible
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 82
- Our pick for this comparison
Google Analytics
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for real-time analytics
The Bottom Line
Plausible (86/100) is our pick. Google Analytics has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Analytics or Plausible better?
Plausible scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Google Analytics is freemium and Plausible is paid.
What are Google Analytics and Plausible used for?
Google Analytics: The free analytics standard that tracks most websites. Plausible: Privacy-friendly analytics.
What does Google Analytics cost vs Plausible?
Google Analytics is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Plausible is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.