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Software · head to head

Google Optimize vs Pendo

Google Optimize logo

Google Optimize

Software

A/B testing for Google Analytics

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Pendo logo

Pendo

Software

Product analytics and digital adoption platform

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; Pendo pricing is not publicly available and requires a custom quote
  • They diverge on capability: Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Pendo covers Product analytics.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Google Optimize and Pendo differ
AttributeGoogle OptimizePendo
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWebWeb, Mobile, Desktop
Founded19982013

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Tag Manager
  • Google's security
  • Cloud deployment
  • Web support

Only in Pendo

  • Product analytics
  • In-app messaging
  • User onboarding
  • Feature adoption tracking
  • User feedback
  • NPS surveys
  • Session replay
  • Mobile analytics

Both cover

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

Pendo

  • User onboardingnot Google Optimize
  • Feature adoptionnot Google Optimize
  • Product analyticsnot Google Optimize
  • User feedback collectionnot Google Optimize
  • Digital 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

Pendo

  • Pricing is not publicly available and requires a custom quote
  • Free tier limited to 500 monthly active users

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Optimize

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

Pendo

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 500 MAU
    • Core analytics
    • In-app guides

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.
Google Optimize review

Choose Pendo if

  • You need product analytics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, Desktop.
  • You also want in-app messaging.
Pendo review

Questions people ask

Is Google Optimize or Pendo better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Optimize starts at Free and Pendo at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Optimize or Pendo?
Google Optimize starts at Free and Pendo at Free.
Does Google Optimize or Pendo run on more platforms?
Google Optimize runs on Web. Pendo runs on Web, Mobile, Desktop.
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 Pendo is typically brought in for.
What can Google Optimize do that Pendo cannot?
Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics. Pendo covers Product analytics, In-app messaging, User onboarding, Feature adoption tracking. Both handle Google Analytics.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Pendo: Does Pendo have a free tier?

Yes, Pendo Free supports up to 500 monthly active users and includes core product analytics, in-app guides, Pendo-branded roadmaps, and Pendo-branded NPS surveys.

Source
Pendo: What is Pendo's core functionality?

Pendo combines product analytics, in-app guides, session replay, NPS surveys, product discovery, roadmaps, and cross-channel orchestration to measure and improve product adoption.

Source
Pendo: What CRM systems does Pendo integrate with?

Pendo offers two-way integrations with Salesforce, mapping Pendo product usage and sentiment data with Salesforce records, and with HubSpot for contact mapping and campaign orchestration.

Source
Pendo: What impact does Pendo have on customer retention?

Companies using Pendo for product analytics see on average a 5% reduction in customer churn and report an average 15% increase in net revenue retention.

Source
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Related pages

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