Softwr

Marketing · head to head

Google Analytics vs SimilarWeb

Google Analytics logo

Google Analytics

Marketing

Get to know your customers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SimilarWeb logo

SimilarWeb

Browser Extensions

Website traffic and competitive analysis

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; SimilarWeb browser extension data accuracy is lower than full platform
  • They diverge on capability: Google Analytics covers Real-time analytics, SimilarWeb covers Traffic analytics.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Google Analytics and SimilarWeb differ
AttributeGoogle AnalyticsSimilarWeb
PlatformsWebWeb, Browser Extension
CategoryMarketingBrowser Extensions
Founded19982007

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), 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
  • Acquisition tracking
  • Behavior flow
  • Conversion tracking
  • Custom reports
  • Mobile analytics
  • E-commerce tracking
  • Google Ads

Only in SimilarWeb

  • Traffic analytics
  • Competitor research
  • Industry analysis
  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support

Both cover

  • Audience insights

What people use each for

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

Google Analytics

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

SimilarWeb

  • Analyzing competitor advertising across display, search, socialnot Google Analytics
  • Understanding traffic loss to search and AI recommendationsnot Google Analytics
  • Tracking brand visibility across ChatGPT and AI chatbotsnot Google Analytics
  • Optimizing Amazon product placement with marketplace analyticsnot Google Analytics
  • Identifying high-intent prospects at optimal buying momentsnot 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

SimilarWeb

  • Browser extension data accuracy is lower than full platform
  • Full platform pricing is not transparent and requires quote-based inquiry

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Analytics

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Analytics review.

SimilarWeb

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Traffic overview
    • Engagement metrics
    • Similar sites

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Analytics if

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

Choose SimilarWeb if

  • You need traffic analytics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Browser Extension.
  • You also want competitor research.
SimilarWeb review

Questions people ask

Is Google Analytics or SimilarWeb better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Analytics starts at Free and SimilarWeb at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Analytics or SimilarWeb?
Google Analytics starts at Free and SimilarWeb at Free.
Does Google Analytics or SimilarWeb run on more platforms?
Google Analytics runs on Web. SimilarWeb runs on Web, Browser Extension.
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 SimilarWeb is typically brought in for.
What can Google Analytics do that SimilarWeb cannot?
Google Analytics covers Real-time analytics, Acquisition tracking, Behavior flow, Conversion tracking. SimilarWeb covers Traffic analytics, Competitor research, Industry analysis, Chrome support. Both handle Audience insights.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SimilarWeb: How much does Similarweb cost?

Similarweb does not publish pricing. Custom packages are available for businesses and enterprises. Self-service options are available for entrepreneurs and small teams. Customers must start a free trial or contact sales to receive a quote.

Source
SimilarWeb: Does Similarweb offer a free trial?

Yes. Similarweb offers free trials for its various products. Users can start a free trial through their registration page or contact support to switch between different product trials.

Source
SimilarWeb: What products does Similarweb offer?

Similarweb offers the Competitive Intelligence Suite, Strategic SEO Suite, Ads Intelligence Suite, Gen AI Intelligence Suite, AI Studio with natural language queries, custom data feeds, API access, and managed services with custom dashboards.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Google Analytics

More on SimilarWeb

Keep looking

Other head to heads