Software · head to head
Google Optimize vs Convert
The short version
- Only Google Optimize has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Google Optimize google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023; Convert pricing is driven by monthly tested users, starting at $399 per month for 100,000 monthly tested users on Growth and $599 on Pro
- They diverge on capability: Google Optimize covers Google Analytics integration, Convert covers Multivariate testing.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Google Optimize and Convert actually diverge.
| Attribute | Google Optimize | Convert |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $1000/month |
| Pricing model | freemium | quote |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Founded | 1998 | 2012 |
Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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
- Google Analytics integration
- Visual editor
- Real-time analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Google's security
- 40+ languages language support
Only in Convert
- Multivariate testing
- Analytics
- API access
- SSL encryption
- English language support
Both cover
- A/B testing
- Google Analytics
- Cloud deployment
- Web support
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 Convert
- Personalising page content for defined audience segmentsnot Convert
- Redirect tests between alternative landing page URLsnot Convert
Convert
- A/B, split and multivariate testing on websitesnot Google Optimize
- Server-side experimentation and feature flaggingnot Google Optimize
- Personalising site content to visitor segmentsnot 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
Convert
- Pricing is driven by monthly tested users, starting at $399 per month for 100,000 monthly tested users on Growth and $599 on Pro
- Single Sign-On requires the Pro plan at $599 per month
- Multivariate testing, multi-page testing, full stack and feature flags, sequential testing and raw test data export are all withheld from the Growth plan
- Phone support, change history and guided onboarding require Pro
- The advertised $299 and $420 per month rates require paying the full year up front at $3,588 or $5,040
- The Enterprise plan is price on request, is only available as an annual plan, and its data segregation feature carries additional costs
- Listed prices exclude VAT, GST and other taxes, which are added at checkout
- Above 5 million monthly tested users there is no published rate
Pricing, plan by plan
Google Optimize
Free- FreeFree
- A/B testing
- Google Analytics integration
- Visual editor
Convert
$1000/month- Professional$1000/month
- A/B testing
- Analytics
- API access
Which should you pick?
Choose Google Optimize if
- You need google analytics integration.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want visual editor.
Questions people ask
- Is Google Optimize or Convert better?
- Neither clearly leads. Google Optimize starts at Free and Convert at $1000/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Google Optimize or Convert?
- Google Optimize has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Google Optimize and $1000/month for Convert.
- Does Google Optimize or Convert run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use Google Optimize for free?
- Yes. Google Optimize has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Convert starts at $1000/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 Convert is typically brought in for.
- What can Google Optimize do that Convert cannot?
- Google Optimize covers Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics, Google Tag Manager. Convert covers Multivariate testing, Analytics, API access, SSL encryption. Both handle A/B testing, Google Analytics, Cloud deployment, Web support.