Marketing & Analytics · head to head
Google Optimize vs Attribution
Google Optimize
Marketing & Analytics
A/B testing for Google Analytics
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
A
Attribution
Marketing & Analytics
First-party data marketing attribution platform
- From
- $2000/month
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Google Optimize has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- They diverge on capability: Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Attribution covers First-party data attribution.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Google Optimize and Attribution actually diverge.
| Attribute | Google Optimize | Attribution |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $2000/month |
| Pricing model | freemium | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Mobile, Api |
| Founded | 1998 | 2020 |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Marketing & Analytics).
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 Optimize
- A/B testing
- Google Analytics integration
- Visual editor
- Real-time analytics
- Google Analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Google's security
- Cloud deployment
Only in Attribution
- First-party data attribution
- Multi-touch attribution
- Privacy-compliant tracking
- Real-time insights
- Conversion tracking
- Channel attribution
- Custom reporting
- API access
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Google Optimize
- A/B and multivariate testing of web pages tied to Google Analytics goalsnot Attribution
- Personalising page content for defined audience segmentsnot Attribution
- Redirect tests between alternative landing page URLsnot Attribution
Attribution
- Marketing attributionnot Google Optimize
- ROI trackingnot Google Optimize
- Privacy-compliant trackingnot Google Optimize
- First-party datanot Google Optimize
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Google Optimize
- Google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023
- Any experiments and personalizations still running on that date were ended by Google
- Google directs former users to third-party A/B testing tools, naming AB Tasty, Optimizely and VWO, rather than a replacement Google product
Attribution
Nothing recorded yet. See the Attribution review.
Pricing, plan by plan
Google Optimize
Free- FreeFree
- A/B testing
- Google Analytics integration
- Visual editor
Attribution
$2000/month- Starter$2000/month
- Up to 5 channels
- Basic attribution
- Monthly reports
- Professional$5000/month
- Unlimited channels
- Advanced attribution
- Weekly reports
- Enterprise$undefined/month
- Custom implementation
- Real-time attribution
- Dedicated support
Which should you pick?
Choose Google Optimize if
- You need a/b testing.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want google analytics integration.
Choose Attribution if
- You need first-party data attribution.
- You work on Web, Mobile, Api.
- You also want multi-touch attribution.
Questions people ask
- Is Google Optimize or Attribution better?
- Neither clearly leads. Google Optimize starts at Free and Attribution at $2000/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Google Optimize or Attribution?
- Google Optimize has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Google Optimize and $2000/month for Attribution.
- Does Google Optimize or Attribution run on more platforms?
- Google Optimize runs on Web. Attribution runs on Web, Mobile, Api.
- Can I use Google Optimize for free?
- Yes. Google Optimize has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Attribution starts at $2000/month.
- What is Google Optimize best used for?
- Google Optimize is most often used for a/b and multivariate testing of web pages tied to google analytics goals, personalising page content for defined audience segments, redirect tests between alternative landing page urls. Of those, a/b and multivariate testing of web pages tied to google analytics goals and personalising page content for defined audience segments are not what Attribution is typically brought in for.
- What can Google Optimize do that Attribution cannot?
- Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics. Attribution covers First-party data attribution, Multi-touch attribution, Privacy-compliant tracking, Real-time insights.