VS
GoatCounter vs Pirsch — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of GoatCounter and Pirsch to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
TLDR
Quick Verdict
Pirsch takes the lead with a 4.2 rating and is best for european businesses needing gdpr-compliant analytics. GoatCounter (4.0) is the better pick if you need personal sites and blogs wanting free, simple analytics.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | GoatCounter | Pirsch |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.0(19) | ★★★★ 4.2(28) |
| Pricing Model | open-source | paid |
| Starter Price | $15/mo (commercial) | $5/mo (10K pageviews) |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | web | web |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Personal sites and blogs wanting free, simple analytics | European businesses needing GDPR-compliant analytics |
| Verdict | situational | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | GoatCounter | Pirsch |
|---|---|---|
| Page view tracking | — | |
| Referrer data | — | |
| No cookies | — | |
| Self-hostable | — | |
| Custom events | ||
| Cookie-free tracking | — | |
| GDPR compliant | — | |
| Goals and conversions | — | |
| API access | — |
GoatCounter
Pros
- ✓Free for non-commercial use
- ✓Extremely lightweight
- ✓No cookies or tracking
Cons
- ✕Very minimal features
- ✕No custom events
- ✕Basic referrer data only
Pirsch
Pros
- ✓No cookies or consent banners needed
- ✓German hosting for GDPR
- ✓Clean simple dashboard
Cons
- ✕Less features than Plausible
- ✕No free tier
- ✕Limited integrations
The Bottom Line
Both GoatCounter and Pirsch are solid tools in the Analytics & Data space. Pirsch edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.2 vs 4.0) and is the better choice for european businesses needing gdpr-compliant analytics. However, if you prioritize personal sites and blogs wanting free, simple analytics, GoatCounter is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GoatCounter better than Pirsch?▼
Pirsch scores higher overall with a 4.2 rating vs 4.0. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. GoatCounter is best for Personal sites and blogs wanting free, simple analytics, while Pirsch is best for European businesses needing GDPR-compliant analytics.
Can I switch from GoatCounter to Pirsch?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. Pirsch offers trial options to help you evaluate the switch.
Which is more affordable, GoatCounter or Pirsch?▼
GoatCounter starts at $15/mo (commercial), while Pirsch starts at $5/mo (10K pageviews). GoatCounter offers a free tier.