VS
GoatCounter vs Umami — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of GoatCounter and Umami to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
TLDR
Quick Verdict
Umami takes the lead with a 4.4 rating and is best for developers who want free self-hosted 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 | Umami |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.0(19) | ★★★★ 4.4(57) |
| Pricing Model | open-source | open-source |
| Starter Price | $15/mo (commercial) | $9/mo (cloud) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web | web, docker |
| Learning Curve | easy | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Personal sites and blogs wanting free, simple analytics | Developers who want free self-hosted analytics |
| Verdict | situational | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | GoatCounter | Umami |
|---|---|---|
| Page view tracking | — | |
| Referrer data | — | |
| No cookies | — | |
| Self-hostable | ||
| Custom events | ||
| Privacy-focused | — | |
| Multiple websites | — | |
| Realtime dashboard | — |
GoatCounter
Pros
- ✓Free for non-commercial use
- ✓Extremely lightweight
- ✓No cookies or tracking
Cons
- ✕Very minimal features
- ✕No custom events
- ✕Basic referrer data only
Umami
Pros
- ✓Free and open source
- ✓Beautiful clean UI
- ✓Easy to self-host
Cons
- ✕Self-hosting requires technical skill
- ✕Fewer features than GA
- ✕Cloud tier is limited
The Bottom Line
Both GoatCounter and Umami are solid tools in the Analytics & Data space. Umami edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.4 vs 4.0) and is the better choice for developers who want free self-hosted 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 Umami?▼
Umami scores higher overall with a 4.4 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 Umami is best for Developers who want free self-hosted analytics.
Can I switch from GoatCounter to Umami?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. Umami offers a free tier to test before committing.
Which is more affordable, GoatCounter or Umami?▼
GoatCounter starts at $15/mo (commercial), while Umami starts at $9/mo (cloud). GoatCounter offers a free tier. Umami offers a free tier.