Software · head to head
Google Optimize vs Northbeam
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; Northbeam limited creative-level reporting focused on campaign and ad set rather than individual ad performance
- They diverge on capability: Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Northbeam covers Cross-platform attribution.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Google Optimize and Northbeam actually diverge.
| Attribute | Google Optimize | Northbeam |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $1500/month |
| Pricing model | freemium | Unknown |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Web | Web, API |
| Founded | 1998 | 2020 |
Identical on both: 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
- A/B testing
- Google Analytics integration
- Visual editor
- Real-time analytics
- Google Analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Google's security
- 40+ languages language support
Only in Northbeam
- Cross-platform attribution
- Media mix modeling
- Creative analytics
- Real-time dashboards
- Incrementality testing
- Customer journey
- Cohort analysis
- LTV predictions
Both cover
- 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 Northbeam
- Personalising page content for defined audience segmentsnot Northbeam
- Redirect tests between alternative landing page URLsnot Northbeam
Northbeam
- Marketing attributionnot Google Optimize
- Media optimizationnot Google Optimize
- Creative testingnot Google Optimize
- Budget allocationnot 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
Northbeam
- Limited creative-level reporting focused on campaign and ad set rather than individual ad performance
- Lack of transparency in attribution modeling methodology and how credit is assigned
- Pageview-based pricing that can scale faster than perceived value for high-traffic, lower-conversion brands
- Slower reporting cadence limits real-time feedback for teams requiring immediate performance data
Pricing, plan by plan
Google Optimize
Free- FreeFree
- A/B testing
- Google Analytics integration
- Visual editor
Northbeam
$1500/month- Starter$1500/month
- Multi-touch attribution
- Media mix modeling
- Up to 1M monthly pageviews
- Professional$2500/month
- All Starter features
- Creative analytics
- Export API access
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 Northbeam if
- You need cross-platform attribution.
- You work on Web, API.
- You also want media mix modeling.
Questions people ask
- Is Google Optimize or Northbeam better?
- Neither clearly leads. Google Optimize starts at Free and Northbeam at $1500/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Google Optimize or Northbeam?
- Google Optimize has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Google Optimize and $1500/month for Northbeam.
- Does Google Optimize or Northbeam run on more platforms?
- Google Optimize runs on Web. Northbeam runs on Web, API.
- Can I use Google Optimize for free?
- Yes. Google Optimize has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Northbeam starts at $1500/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 Northbeam is typically brought in for.
- What can Google Optimize do that Northbeam cannot?
- Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics. Northbeam covers Cross-platform attribution, Media mix modeling, Creative analytics, Real-time dashboards. Both handle Cloud deployment, Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Northbeam: How is Northbeam priced?
Northbeam offers three tiers: Starter ($1,500/month), Professional ($2,500/month), and Enterprise (custom quote). Pricing is based on monthly pageviews and refreshed data frequency. There are no setup fees, free plan, or free trial.
SourceNorthbeam: What platforms does Northbeam integrate with?
Northbeam integrates with Shopify, Meta Ads, Google Ads, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube, Klaviyo, Recharge, and others. It pushes attribution data to Meta CAPI, Google Conversion API, GA4, and TikTok Events API.
SourceNorthbeam: What does Northbeam measure?
Northbeam uses multi-touch attribution (MTA), media mix modeling (MMM), and Northbeam Apex to measure how paid media spend translates to revenue. Apex sends attribution data directly back to ad platforms for algorithm optimization.
SourceNorthbeam: Who should use Northbeam?
Northbeam is ideal for intermediate to advanced ecommerce operators at Shopify-based DTC brands generating $1M+ annual revenue and spending at least $1.5M yearly on paid media across multiple channels.
SourceNorthbeam: What are Northbeam's main limitations?
Key limitations include a steep learning curve and complex interface, shallow creative-level reporting, lack of model transparency, pricing that can scale faster than value for high-traffic brands, and slower reporting cadence compared to real-time dashboards.
Source