Google Analytics has become the standard for website traffic analytics. However, as good as it is, it’s not perfect and comes with its own downsides.
The main issues that lead many to move away from Google Analytics are privacy concerns and compliance with GDPR requirements.
For those who value data control and the flexibility to customize their analytics tools, solutions that can be installed on a virtual or dedicated server in just a few clicks are an excellent choice.

In this article, we’ve gathered the most relevant analytics platforms—alternatives to Google Analytics—that are up-to-date for late 2024 and early 2025:

Each of these analytics systems is easy to install, and most of them can be deployed using an official Docker container. You’ll find links to installation instructions in the description of each service.

Bonus

Matomo

Matomo (formerly known as Piwik) is considered a nearly complete alternative to Google Analytics. It is an open-source tool that can be used entirely free of charge on your own server. Matomo offers extensive traffic monitoring capabilities, including visitor analytics, page tracking, goals, and event tracking. It also supports advanced features like A/B testing, e-commerce analytics, heatmaps, and more. Additionally, Matomo’s functionality can be extended through plugins, some of which are paid.

Key Features

  • Full data privacy: all data remains on your server.
  • Support for various plugins and extensions.
  • Compliant with GDPR and other privacy regulations.
  • Flexible reporting and real-time analytics.
  • A dedicated version of analytics for WordPress blogs.

How to Install Matomo

Using our application catalog, you can order Matomo pre-installed on a virtual server.
A detailed installation guide for Matomo using Docker is available on the GitHub page.

GoAccess

GoAccess is a real-time web log analysis tool designed for those who prefer a minimalist approach. Unlike traditional analytics tools, GoAccess does not require JavaScript or cookies to collect data, making it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users. A unique feature of GoAccess is its ability to display analytics not only via a web interface but also directly in the Linux terminal, with real-time data updates.

Key Features

  • Real-time web server log analysis.
  • Easy installation and low resource requirements.
  • Comprehensive reports, including page visits, traffic sources, and IP addresses.
  • No need for third-party tracking scripts.
  • Terminal-based statistics viewing.

How to Install GoAccess

A detailed installation guide is available on the official website. You can also test GoAccess before installation by visiting GoAccess Demo.

Umami

Umami is a simple, open-source web analytics tool focused on ease of use and minimalism. It’s an excellent choice for smaller projects. One of Umami’s key features is that it doesn’t use cookies, and all visitor data is fully anonymized.

Key Features

  • Data security and privacy: all data remains on your server.
  • Simple and intuitive interface.
  • Easy setup and integration with most websites.
  • API integration support.

How to Install Umami

You can rent an Umami VPS server with the analytics system pre-installed.
A detailed installation guide is available in the project’s official GitHub repository. A free demo is also available at Umami Demo.

PostHog {posthog}

PostHog goes beyond traditional analytics, offering insights into real-time user behavior. This tool is more complex to integrate and requires more server resources. It’s designed for companies looking to not only track metrics but also deeply understand user behavior to optimize their websites.

Key Features

  • Event analysis, including heatmaps, session recordings, and user analytics.
  • A/B testing and conversion analysis capabilities.
  • Integration with other platforms and APIs for custom solutions.
  • Customizable reports and data visualizations.

How to Install PostHog

The latest installation instructions for PostHog are available in the official GitHub repository.

Plausible Analytics

Plausible Analytics is a simple, lightweight, open-source, privacy-focused alternative to Google Analytics. Plausible doesn’t use cookies and fully complies with GDPR, CCPA, and PECR. You can use it as a self-hosted solution on your VPS server or as a cloud-based service. One major advantage is its integration with Search Console directly within Plausible Analytics.

Key Features

  • Simplicity and minimalism: only essential metrics, no clutter.
  • Full compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy standards.
  • Easy to install and low resource requirements.
  • Data security: all data remains on your server.

How to Install Plausible Analytics

A detailed guide on installation is available in the plausible/community-edition repository. You can also check out the Plausible Analytics Demo.

Comparison Table of Analytics Tools

Tool Features Best For Resources VPS Installation
Matomo Comprehensive analytics, plugin support, GDPR-compliant Businesses and large projects requiring data privacy Medium Installation via Docker or manually
GoAccess Real-time log analysis, minimal resource usage, no cookies Small to medium websites, server admins Low Easy installation via apt/yum
Umami Minimalist interface, privacy-focused, easy to use Small to medium websites with minimal requirements Low Quick Docker installation
PostHog Flexible, user behavior analysis, event tracking, A/B testing Medium to large projects, startups, analysts High Installation via Docker or Kubernetes
Plausible Analytics Simple, GDPR-compliant, minimalistic Small to medium websites, privacy-conscious users Low Quick Docker installation

Comparison: PostHog vs Matomo

Conclusion

In this article, we explored five alternatives to Google Analytics, each suitable for different use cases:

  • Matomo – perfect for those seeking a powerful and customizable solution with extensive plugin support.
  • GoAccess – a minimalist tool for web log analysis with low resource requirements.
  • Umami – a simple and user-friendly analytics tool focused on privacy.
  • PostHog – an advanced solution for user behavior analysis, ideal for startups and businesses.
  • Plausible Analytics – a lightweight and fast tool for small and medium-sized businesses, fully GDPR-compliant.

All these solutions can be easily installed on a virtual server, giving you complete control over your analytics without compromising security. Choosing the right tool depends on your needs, the size of your project, and the resources available.