Metabase vs Simple Analytics — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Metabase and Simple Analytics to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Metabase takes the lead with a 4.4 rating and is best for teams wanting bi and dashboards without enterprise pricing. self-hosted for maximum value.. Simple Analytics (4.1) is the better pick if you need businesses wanting ethical analytics with ga migration path.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Metabase | Simple Analytics |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.4(198) | ★★★★ 4.1(33) |
| Pricing Model | open_source | paid |
| Starter Price | $85/mo (Cloud Starter, 5 users) | $9/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | web, linux | web |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Teams wanting BI and dashboards without enterprise pricing. Self-hosted for maximum value. | Businesses wanting ethical analytics with GA migration path |
| Verdict | recommended | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Metabase | Simple Analytics |
|---|---|---|
| Visual query builder (no SQL needed) | — | |
| Interactive dashboards | — | |
| Embeddable analytics | — | |
| SQL editor for advanced users | — | |
| Alerts and subscriptions | — | |
| Open source and self-hostable | — | |
| Privacy-first tracking | — | |
| GA import | — | |
| Custom events | — | |
| Goals | — | |
| Public dashboards | — |
Metabase
Pros
- ✓Free self-hosted with no feature limitations
- ✓Visual query builder accessible to non-technical users
- ✓Embeddable analytics for building data products
Cons
- ✕Self-hosting requires DevOps resources
- ✕Cloud pricing jumps quickly above free tier
- ✕Less powerful than Tableau for complex enterprise analysis
Simple Analytics
Pros
- ✓GA data import for easy migration
- ✓Truly simple dashboard
- ✓No consent banner needed
Cons
- ✕More expensive than alternatives
- ✕Very limited features
- ✕No free tier
The Bottom Line
Both Metabase and Simple Analytics are solid tools in the Analytics & Data space. Metabase edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.4 vs 4.1) and is the better choice for teams wanting bi and dashboards without enterprise pricing. self-hosted for maximum value.. However, if you prioritize businesses wanting ethical analytics with ga migration path, Simple Analytics is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.