Matomo vs Simple Analytics: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Matomo and Simple Analytics? Both are popular analytics tools. Below we compare them on pricing, free tiers, features, and pros & cons so you can pick the right fit for your stack.
Quick verdict
Matomo is the safer pick if budget matters — it has a free tier, while Simple Analytics does not. Choose Simple Analytics when its specific features justify the cost.
Matomo vs Simple Analytics — Side by Side
| Matomo | Simple Analytics | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Analytics | Analytics |
| Pricing | Free · paid from $26/mo | From $20/mo |
| Starting price | Free tier available | From $20/mo |
| Free tier | — | |
| Rating | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Best for | Analytics — privacy, self-hosted | Analytics — privacy, gdpr |
Pros & Cons
- You own 100% of the data
- Closest feature parity with GA
- Self-hosting is free
- Heavier than the minimal trackers
- On-premise needs real maintenance
- Genuinely simple to read
- No personal data collected
- Good AI-referral tracking
- Limited depth for product analysis
- Pricier than Fathom
Key Features Compared
Matomo
- Pageview and visitor tracking
- Traffic source breakdown
- Custom events and goals
- Dashboards and reports
Simple Analytics
- Pageview and visitor tracking
- Traffic source breakdown
- Custom events and goals
- Dashboards and reports
Choose Matomo if…
- You want to start free — Matomo has a free tier and Simple Analytics does not.
- You own 100% of the data
- Closest feature parity with GA
- Self-hosting is free
Choose Simple Analytics if…
- Budget is tight — paid plans start lower ($20/mo vs $26/mo).
- Genuinely simple to read
- No personal data collected
- Good AI-referral tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matomo better than Simple Analytics?⌄
Matomo is the safer pick if budget matters — it has a free tier, while Simple Analytics does not. Choose Simple Analytics when its specific features justify the cost.
What is the difference between Matomo and Simple Analytics?⌄
Matomo — Google Analytics alternative with full data ownership. Simple Analytics — Cookie-free analytics built around a single readable page. Both are analytics tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.
Matomo vs Simple Analytics: which is cheaper?⌄
Matomo pricing: Free · paid from $26/mo. Simple Analytics pricing: From $20/mo. Confirm current pricing on each tool's official site, as plans change.
Which is rated higher, Matomo or Simple Analytics?⌄
In our catalog, Matomo rates 4.1 out of 5 and Simple Analytics rates 4.0 out of 5, so Matomo has a slight edge on reviews.
See more options in our guide to the best analytics tools for startups.
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