Playbook by MediaBistro | Tools & Software for Creative Professionals
Google Analytics delivers enterprise-grade web analytics with deep audience insights, conversion tracking, and predictive metrics at no cost. Plausible takes a radically different approach with lightweight, privacy-focused analytics that requires no cookie consent and loads in under 1KB.
Google Analytics has dominated web analytics since 2005, and the latest GA4 version represents a complete rebuild around event-based tracking. The platform monitors everything from page views and session duration to complex user journeys across websites and mobile apps. GA4 introduces machine learning predictions for purchase probability and churn risk, giving marketers forward-looking insights instead of just historical reports.
The interface offers unlimited custom reports, audience segmentation by dozens of dimensions, and integration with Google's advertising ecosystem. For publishers and content creators, GA4 tracks engagement metrics like scroll depth and video plays automatically. The learning curve is steep, but the depth of data available makes it the standard analytics solution for businesses that need granular audience understanding and want to connect analytics directly to ad spend.
Plausible launched in 2019 as a direct response to privacy concerns and bloated analytics scripts. The entire tracking script weighs less than 1KB (Google Analytics is 45KB), which means faster page loads and better SEO performance. The tool displays all key metrics on a single dashboard without requiring clicks through multiple reports or configuration of custom views.
Because Plausible doesn't use cookies or collect personal data, sites avoid cookie consent banners and GDPR complications entirely. The analytics run on European-owned infrastructure with full data ownership for customers. Plausible is open source, allowing technical teams to audit the code or self-host if needed. The simplicity is intentional: you see traffic sources, popular pages, geographic data, and device breakdowns without the complexity of segments, funnels, or predictive models.
45KB tracking script with multiple HTTP requests
Under 1KB script, single HTTP request
Unlimited custom dimensions, audience segments, and event parameters
Basic metrics only: pages, sources, locations, devices
Requires cookie consent, tracks individual users across sessions
No cookies, no personal data, GDPR compliant by default
Complex interface requiring training, extensive configuration options
Install script and view single-page dashboard immediately
Native integration with Google Ads, Search Console, BigQuery, Data Studio
Limited integrations, focuses on standalone analytics
Machine learning predictions for conversions, churn, and revenue
No predictive features, historical data only
Google Analytics wins on pure cost for small to medium sites, since it's completely free regardless of traffic volume. Plausible's pricing becomes significant for blogs or small business sites but remains reasonable compared to other privacy-focused alternatives. The question is whether you're paying for simplicity and privacy or accepting complexity to avoid a monthly fee.
Google Analytics remains the default choice for businesses that need comprehensive data and don't mind the complexity. If you're running paid advertising, building detailed customer segments, or need to predict future user behavior, GA4 provides tools that Plausible simply doesn't attempt to match. The free pricing makes it accessible to everyone, though the interface intimidates beginners and the data practices require cookie consent infrastructure.
Plausible makes sense when privacy matters to your audience or when Google Analytics feels like using a tractor to mow a lawn. The performance benefit is real (faster page loads directly improve SEO and user experience), and the single-dashboard approach means you'll actually check your analytics instead of avoiding the complexity. You pay monthly instead of with user privacy and page speed. For bloggers, indie publishers, and businesses serving European audiences, that trade makes Plausible worth the subscription cost.
