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Marketing & Analytics · head to head

Google Optimize vs Mixpanel

Google Optimize logo

Google Optimize

Marketing & Analytics

A/B testing for Google Analytics

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Mixpanel logo

Mixpanel

SaaS

Product analytics that helps you convert, engage, and retain more users

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Google Optimize google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023; Mixpanel pricing can scale significantly at high volumes with expensive per-user rates
  • They diverge on capability: Google Optimize covers Google Analytics integration, Mixpanel covers Event analytics.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Optimize and Mixpanel actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Optimize and Mixpanel differ
AttributeGoogle OptimizeMixpanel
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWebWeb, Mobile, APIs
CategoryMarketing & AnalyticsSaaS
Founded19982009

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 Optimize

  • Google Analytics integration
  • Visual editor
  • Real-time analytics
  • Google Tag Manager
  • Google's security
  • Cloud deployment
  • Web support
  • 40+ languages language support

Only in Mixpanel

  • Event analytics
  • User segmentation
  • Funnel analysis
  • Retention analysis
  • Predictive analytics
  • Custom dashboards
  • Real-time data
  • Segment

Both cover

  • A/B testing
  • Google Analytics

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 Mixpanel
  • Personalising page content for defined audience segmentsnot Mixpanel
  • Redirect tests between alternative landing page URLsnot Mixpanel

Mixpanel

  • User behavior analysisnot Google Optimize
  • Product optimizationnot Google Optimize
  • Conversion trackingnot Google Optimize
  • Retention improvementnot Google Optimize
  • Feature adoptionnot 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

Mixpanel

  • Pricing can scale significantly at high volumes with expensive per-user rates
  • Limited built-in data visualization options compared to some competitors
  • Requires implementation expertise to properly instrument event tracking

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Optimize

Free
  • FreeFree
    • A/B testing
    • Google Analytics integration
    • Visual editor

Mixpanel

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Mixpanel review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Optimize if

  • You need google analytics integration.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want visual editor.
Google Optimize review

Choose Mixpanel if

  • You need event analytics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, APIs.
  • You also want user segmentation.
Mixpanel review

Questions people ask

Is Google Optimize or Mixpanel better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Optimize starts at Free and Mixpanel at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Optimize or Mixpanel?
Google Optimize starts at Free and Mixpanel at Free.
Does Google Optimize or Mixpanel run on more platforms?
Google Optimize runs on Web. Mixpanel runs on Web, Mobile, APIs.
Can I use Google Optimize for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Mixpanel is typically brought in for.
What can Google Optimize do that Mixpanel cannot?
Google Optimize covers Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics, Google Tag Manager. Mixpanel covers Event analytics, User segmentation, Funnel analysis, Retention analysis. Both handle A/B testing, Google Analytics.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Mixpanel: Is Mixpanel free?

Yes, Mixpanel offers a generous free plan with up to 20 million events per month, unlimited team members, core analytics reports, 10K session replays, and 12 months data retention. No credit card required.

Source
Mixpanel: How does Mixpanel pricing work?

Mixpanel pricing is based on Monthly Tracked Users (MTUs). The free tier includes core analytics. Growth tier starts at $20/month for up to 10,000 MTUs. Enterprise pricing is custom based on volume, retention, and contract terms.

Source
Mixpanel: What are Mixpanel's core analytics features?

Mixpanel provides Insights for user behavior analysis, Funnels for conversion tracking, Flows for user journey visualization, and Retention analysis. All available on the free tier.

Source
Mixpanel: Does Mixpanel track page views or events?

Mixpanel tracks user actions and events rather than page views, providing a more granular understanding of user behavior. It offers a simple SDK compatible with major platforms including mobile.

Source
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Related pages

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