Softwr

Marketing · head to head

Google Analytics vs Podtrac

Google Analytics logo

Google Analytics

Marketing

Get to know your customers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Podtrac logo

Podtrac

Podcasting

Industry-standard podcast measurement and analytics

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; Podtrac no pricing information published on homepage or accessible pages
  • They diverge on capability: Google Analytics covers Real-time analytics, Podtrac covers IAB-certified measurement.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Analytics and Podtrac actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Analytics and Podtrac differ
AttributeGoogle AnalyticsPodtrac
CategoryMarketingPodcasting
Founded19982005

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Podtrac

  • IAB-certified measurement
  • Download analytics
  • Industry rankings
  • Audience demographics
  • Trend analysis
  • Custom reporting
  • All podcast hosts
  • Advertising platforms

Both cover

  • Data encryption

What people use each for

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

Google Analytics

  • Website and web application analyticsnot Podtrac
  • Event tracking and user behaviour analysisnot Podtrac
  • Traffic source and conversion trackingnot Podtrac

Podtrac

  • Podcast measurementnot Google Analytics
  • Industry rankingsnot Google Analytics
  • Advertiser reportingnot Google Analytics
  • Audience 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

Podtrac

  • No pricing information published on homepage or accessible pages
  • Dedicated pricing page exists but content not retrievable
  • Model not described publicly; requires direct sales engagement

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Analytics

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Analytics review.

Podtrac

Free
  • PublisherFree
    • Podcast measurement
    • Download analytics
    • Industry rankings
  • Premium$undefined/month
    • Advanced demographics
    • Custom reporting
    • API access

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Analytics if

  • You need real-time analytics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want audience insights.
Google Analytics review

Choose Podtrac if

  • You need iab-certified measurement.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want download analytics.
Podtrac review

Questions people ask

Is Google Analytics or Podtrac better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Analytics starts at Free and Podtrac at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Analytics or Podtrac?
Google Analytics starts at Free and Podtrac at Free.
Does Google Analytics or Podtrac 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 Podtrac is typically brought in for.
What can Google Analytics do that Podtrac cannot?
Google Analytics covers Real-time analytics, Audience insights, Acquisition tracking, Behavior flow. Podtrac covers IAB-certified measurement, Download analytics, Industry rankings, Audience demographics. Both handle Data encryption.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Podtrac: How do I get Podtrac pricing information?

Podtrac does not publish pricing on its homepage. A dedicated pricing page exists (/plans-pricing) but requires visiting the site directly to access full details. Source: https://analytics.podtrac.com

Source
Podtrac: What does Podtrac offer without a paid plan?

Podtrac's free offerings are not detailed on their homepage. Contact via their website for information about complimentary or trial access to their analytics tools. Source: https://analytics.podtrac.com

Source
Podtrac: Is Podtrac pricing publicly available?

Podtrac does not display pricing details publicly online. Prospective customers must navigate to their pricing page or contact sales directly for rate information. Source: https://analytics.podtrac.com

Source
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