Software · head to head
Google Analytics vs HubSpot
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Google Analytics data retention limited to maximum 26 months on standard properties, with automatic deletion after retention period expires; HubSpot free tier limited to 2 users and 1,000 contacts; severely restricts growing teams
- They diverge on capability: Google Analytics covers Real-time analytics, HubSpot covers CRM.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Google Analytics and HubSpot actually diverge.
| Attribute | Google Analytics | HubSpot |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web | Web, Mobile, Cloud |
| Founded | 1998 | 2006 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 Google Analytics
- Real-time analytics
- Audience insights
- Acquisition tracking
- Behavior flow
- Conversion tracking
- Custom reports
- Mobile analytics
- E-commerce tracking
Only in HubSpot
- CRM
- Email marketing
- Marketing automation
- Sales pipeline
- Customer service
- Content management
- Analytics
- Social media
Both cover
- Salesforce
- SOC2
- ISO27001
- Privacy Shield
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Google Analytics
- Website and web application analyticsnot HubSpot
- Event tracking and user behaviour analysisnot HubSpot
- Traffic source and conversion trackingnot HubSpot
HubSpot
- Small businesses and startups using CRM, email marketing, sales pipeline, and customer service in single platformnot Google Analytics
- Organisations requiring integration with 2,000+ third-party applicationsnot Google Analytics
- Teams leveraging AI agents for prospecting, service automation, and data analysisnot Google Analytics
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Google Analytics
- Data retention limited to maximum 26 months on standard properties, with automatic deletion after retention period expires
- Large and XL properties capped at 2-month data retention only
- Age, gender, and interest data always expire after 2 months regardless of retention settings
- Free tier does not include GA360 advanced features
HubSpot
- Free tier limited to 2 users and 1,000 contacts; severely restricts growing teams
- Many advanced features (automation workflows, custom objects, advanced reporting) gated to paid tiers
- Starter plan at $7/month per seat scales quickly for larger teams (300+ users would cost significantly more)
- Free tier removes credit card requirement but lacks most enterprise capabilities
Pricing, plan by plan
Google Analytics
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Google Analytics review.
HubSpot
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the HubSpot review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Google Analytics if
- You need real-time analytics.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want audience insights.
Choose HubSpot if
- You need crm.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Mobile, Cloud.
- You also want email marketing.
Questions people ask
- Is Google Analytics or HubSpot better?
- Neither clearly leads. Google Analytics starts at Free and HubSpot at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Google Analytics or HubSpot?
- Google Analytics starts at Free and HubSpot at Free.
- Does Google Analytics or HubSpot run on more platforms?
- Google Analytics runs on Web. HubSpot runs on Web, Mobile, Cloud.
- Can I use Google Analytics for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Google Analytics best used for?
- Google Analytics is most often used for website and web application analytics, event tracking and user behaviour analysis, traffic source and conversion tracking. Of those, website and web application analytics and event tracking and user behaviour analysis are not what HubSpot is typically brought in for.
- What can Google Analytics do that HubSpot cannot?
- Google Analytics covers Real-time analytics, Audience insights, Acquisition tracking, Behavior flow. HubSpot covers CRM, Email marketing, Marketing automation, Sales pipeline. Both handle Salesforce, SOC2, ISO27001, Privacy Shield.