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Google Analytics vs PostHog

Google Analytics logo

Google Analytics

All industries

Get to know your customers

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: Google Analytics data retention limited to maximum 26 months on standard properties, with automatic deletion after retention period expires; PostHog the free tier covers 1M events, 5K web session recordings and 2.5K mobile recordings per month before usage-based billing starts
  • They diverge on capability: Google Analytics covers Real-time analytics, PostHog covers Product analytics.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Google Analytics and PostHog differ
AttributeGoogle AnalyticsPostHog
Pricing modelfreemiumusage-based
PlatformsWebWeb, Ios, Android, Api
CategoryAll industriesTechnology
Founded19982020

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 PostHog

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

Both cover

  • SOC2

What people use each for

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

Google Analytics

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

PostHog

  • Product analyticsnot Google Analytics
  • Feature experimentationnot Google Analytics
  • User behavior trackingnot Google Analytics
  • A/B testingnot Google Analytics
  • Debug production issuesnot 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

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

Google Analytics

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Analytics 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 Google Analytics if

  • You need real-time analytics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want audience insights.
Google Analytics 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 Google Analytics or PostHog better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Analytics 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, Google Analytics or PostHog?
Google Analytics starts at Free and PostHog at Free.
Does Google Analytics or PostHog run on more platforms?
Google Analytics runs on Web. PostHog runs on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
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 PostHog is typically brought in for.
What can Google Analytics do that PostHog cannot?
Google Analytics covers Real-time analytics, Audience insights, Acquisition tracking, Behavior flow. PostHog covers Product analytics, Session recording, Feature flags, A/B testing. Both handle SOC2.
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