Marketing · head to head
Google Analytics vs Moz
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; Moz smaller keyword database with only 500M+ keywords compared to 25 billion for Semrush
- They diverge on capability: Google Analytics covers Real-time analytics, Moz covers Keyword Explorer.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Google Analytics and Moz actually diverge.
| Attribute | Google Analytics | Moz |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | freemium | Unknown |
| Founded | 1998 | 2004 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Marketing).
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 Moz
- Keyword Explorer
- Link Explorer
- Site Crawl
- Rank Tracking
- Page Optimization
- Competitive research
- Local SEO tools
- Fresh Web Explorer
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Google Analytics
- Website and web application analyticsnot Moz
- Event tracking and user behaviour analysisnot Moz
- Traffic source and conversion trackingnot Moz
Moz
- SEO auditsnot Google Analytics
- Keyword researchnot Google Analytics
- Link buildingnot Google Analytics
- Local SEOnot Google Analytics
- Competitive 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
Moz
- Smaller keyword database with only 500M+ keywords compared to 25 billion for Semrush
- Unreliable competitive analysis for B2B companies with niche competitor sets
- Weekly rank tracking on lower plans creates bottlenecks versus daily updates on competitors
Pricing, plan by plan
Google Analytics
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Google Analytics review.
Moz
Free- Starter$39/month
- Limited keyword tracking
- Basic site audit
- Standard$99/month
- Enhanced keyword tracking
- Competitive analysis
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 Moz if
- You need keyword explorer.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want link explorer.
Questions people ask
- Is Google Analytics or Moz better?
- Neither clearly leads. Google Analytics starts at Free and Moz at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Google Analytics or Moz?
- Google Analytics starts at Free and Moz at Free.
- Does Google Analytics or Moz run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- 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 Moz is typically brought in for.
- What can Google Analytics do that Moz cannot?
- Google Analytics covers Real-time analytics, Audience insights, Acquisition tracking, Behavior flow. Moz covers Keyword Explorer, Link Explorer, Site Crawl, Rank Tracking.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Moz: What are Moz's main weaknesses compared to Semrush and Ahrefs?
Moz has a smaller keyword database (500M+ keywords vs Semrush's 25B), weaker competitive analysis tools for B2B niches, weekly rank tracking on lower plans, and limited local SEO features compared to modern competitors.
SourceRelated pages
More on Google Analytics
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- Moz vs Crazy Egg
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- Moz vs VWO
- Moz vs Buffer
- Moz vs Wrike
- Moz vs Hootsuite
- Moz vs Ahrefs
- Moz vs Attribution
- Moz vs Typeform
- Moz vs Countly
- Moz vs Dreamdata
- Moz vs Triple Whale
- Moz vs AB Tasty
- Moz vs Adobe Analytics
- Moz vs Adverity
- Moz vs Convert


