Open Analytics vs Simple Analytics: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Open Analytics and Simple Analytics 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: Simple Analytics wins this matchup. Google Analytics is our overall Web Analytics pick. Google Analytics is our free Web Analytics pick. Pick Open Analytics if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Open Analytics
Privacy-first web analytics, simpler than Google Analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want privacy-first: no cookies, no personal data, no consent banner needed
Simple Analytics
Privacy-first website analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want privacy-focused analytics
| At a Glance | Open Analytics | Simple Analytics |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $9/mo Starter | $15/month Simple |
Category | Web Analytics Attribution | Web Analytics Analytics |
Rating | n/a | 4.6/5 Capterra 4.8 · G2 4.4 68 reviews |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Open Analytics or Simple Analytics?
Choose Open Analytics if
- You want privacy-first: no cookies, no personal data, no consent banner needed
- You want built-in revenue attribution connects analytics directly to payments
Choose Simple Analytics if
- You want privacy-focused analytics
- You want simple setup
In-Depth Analysis
Open Analytics
Privacy-first web analytics, simpler than Google Analytics
The pricing is generous for the event volume; Starter at $9/mo covers 50K events, which is 5x the typical allowance from competitors at that price.
Strengths
- Pro: Privacy-first: no cookies, no personal data, no consent banner needed
- Pro: Built-in revenue attribution connects analytics directly to payments
- Pro: Fast performance with ClickHouse database and real-time updates
Weaknesses
- Con: Starter plan limits events to 50,000 per month, which may be restrictive for high-traffic sites
- Con: As a newer platform, it has a smaller community and fewer third-party integrations compared to Google Analytics
Key features
Simple Analytics
Privacy-first website analytics
Simple Analytics offers a fair and competitive pricing structure, especially with its generous Free tier and the well-priced Simple plan at $15/month for individuals.
Strengths
- Pro: Privacy-focused analytics
- Pro: Simple setup
- Pro: GDPR compliant
- Pro: No cookies
- Pro: Good documentation
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited features
- Con: Expensive for what it is
- Con: Basic reporting
- Con: No events on starter
- Con: Less data than GA
Key features
Pricing: Open Analytics vs Simple Analytics
| Plan | Open Analytics | Simple Analytics |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $9/mo Starter | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $19/mo Growth | $15 month Simple |
| Tier 3 | $49/mo Pro | $40 month Team |
| Tier 4 | Contact us Enterprise | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Open Analytics pricing and Simple Analytics pricing.
Key Takeaways
Simple Analytics
- Our pick for this comparison
Open Analytics
- Choose if you want privacy-first web analytics, simpler than Google Analytics
The Bottom Line
Simple Analytics wins this matchup. Google Analytics is our overall Web Analytics pick. Google Analytics is our free Web Analytics pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Open Analytics or Simple Analytics better in 2026?
Simple Analytics wins this matchup. Google Analytics is our overall Web Analytics pick. Google Analytics is our free Web Analytics pick. Pick Open Analytics for web analytics workflows (main strength: privacy-first: no cookies, no personal data, no consent banner needed). Pick Simple Analytics for web analytics workflows (main strength: privacy-focused analytics).
What are Open Analytics and Simple Analytics used for?
Open Analytics: Privacy-first web analytics, simpler than Google Analytics. Simple Analytics: Privacy-first website analytics.
What does Open Analytics cost vs Simple Analytics?
Open Analytics's paid plans start at $9/mo (Starter). Simple Analytics's paid plans start at $15/month (Simple).
What's the main difference between Open Analytics and Simple Analytics?
Open Analytics's main strength: privacy-first: no cookies, no personal data, no consent banner needed. Simple Analytics's main strength: privacy-focused analytics.