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Technology · head to head

Apache Spark vs PostHog

A

Apache Spark

Technology

A multi-language engine for data engineering, data science, and machine learning

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PostHog logo

PostHog

Technology

The single platform to analyze, test, observe, and deploy new features

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apache Spark licensed under Apache License 2.0 per spark.apache.org; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare; PostHog the free tier covers 1M events, 5K web session recordings and 2.5K mobile recordings per month before usage-based billing starts

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apache Spark and PostHog actually diverge.

Attributes where Apache Spark and PostHog differ
AttributeApache SparkPostHog
Pricing modelopen-sourceusage-based
PlatformsWebWeb, Ios, Android, Api
FoundedUnknown2020

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Technology).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apache Spark

Nothing recorded that PostHog does not also cover.

Only in PostHog

  • Product analytics
  • Session recording
  • Feature flags
  • A/B testing
  • Heatmaps
  • SQL access
  • Data warehouse
  • Apps platform

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apache Spark

No use cases recorded yet. See the Apache Spark review.

PostHog

  • Product analyticsnot Apache Spark
  • Feature experimentationnot Apache Spark
  • User behavior trackingnot Apache Spark
  • A/B testingnot Apache Spark
  • Debug production issuesnot Apache Spark

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apache Spark

  • Licensed under Apache License 2.0 per spark.apache.org; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
  • Installation on a laptop requires pip install pyspark or a Docker image per spark.apache.org; there is no hosted single-click deployment offered by the Apache project itself

PostHog

  • The free tier covers 1M events, 5K web session recordings and 2.5K mobile recordings per month before usage-based billing starts
  • Accounts without a card on file are limited to 1 project; adding one raises it to 6
  • Data retention is 1 year until a card is added, which extends it to 7 years
  • Support is community-only until the account is on a paid plan
  • Error tracking is capped at 100K exceptions and surveys at 1500 responses per month on the free tier

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache Spark

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Apache Spark review.

PostHog

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1M events/month
    • 5K sessions/month
    • Unlimited users
  • Paid$undefined/month
    • $0.00031/event
    • $0.005/session
    • Advanced permissions
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • SAML SSO
    • Advanced security
    • Dedicated support

Which should you pick?

Choose Apache Spark if

  • You want to start without paying.
Apache Spark review

Choose PostHog if

  • You need product analytics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
  • You also want session recording.
PostHog review

Questions people ask

Is Apache Spark or PostHog better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache Spark starts at Free and PostHog at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache Spark or PostHog?
Apache Spark starts at Free and PostHog at Free.
Does Apache Spark or PostHog run on more platforms?
Apache Spark runs on Web. PostHog runs on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
Can I use Apache Spark for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What can Apache Spark do that PostHog cannot?
PostHog covers Product analytics, Session recording, Feature flags, A/B testing.
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Related pages

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