Google Analytics vs Umami — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Google Analytics and Umami to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Umami takes the lead with a 4.4 rating and is best for developers who want free self-hosted analytics. Google Analytics (4.0) is the better pick if you need every website. it is free and provides more analytics than most teams will ever use..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Google Analytics | Umami |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.0(489) | ★★★★ 4.4(57) |
| Pricing Model | free | open-source |
| Starter Price | N/A | $9/mo (cloud) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web | web, docker |
| Learning Curve | hard | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Every website. It is free and provides more analytics than most teams will ever use. | Developers who want free self-hosted analytics |
| Verdict | recommended | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Google Analytics | Umami |
|---|---|---|
| Event-based tracking | — | |
| Conversion tracking | — | |
| Audience building | — | |
| Explorations (flexible analysis) | — | |
| BigQuery export | — | |
| Google Ads integration | — | |
| Self-hostable | — | |
| Privacy-focused | — | |
| Custom events | — | |
| Multiple websites | — | |
| Realtime dashboard | — |
Google Analytics
Pros
- ✓Free with enterprise-grade analytics capabilities
- ✓Deep integration with Google Ads ecosystem
- ✓BigQuery export enables advanced analysis
Cons
- ✕GA4 interface is complex and unintuitive
- ✕Privacy concerns with Google tracking
- ✕Migration from Universal Analytics frustrated many users
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 Google Analytics 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 every website. it is free and provides more analytics than most teams will ever use., Google Analytics is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.