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Marketing & Analytics · head to head

Google Optimize vs PostHog

Google Optimize logo

Google Optimize

Marketing & Analytics

A/B testing for Google Analytics

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PostHog logo

PostHog

Technology

The single platform to analyze, test, observe, and deploy new features

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; PostHog the free tier covers 1M events, 5K web session recordings and 2.5K mobile recordings per month before usage-based billing starts
  • They diverge on capability: Google Optimize covers Google Analytics integration, PostHog covers Product analytics.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Google Optimize and PostHog differ
AttributeGoogle OptimizePostHog
Pricing modelfreemiumusage-based
PlatformsWebWeb, Ios, Android, Api
CategoryMarketing & AnalyticsTechnology
Founded19982020

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 Analytics
  • Google Tag Manager
  • Google's security
  • Web support
  • 40+ languages language support

Only in PostHog

  • Product analytics
  • Session recording
  • Feature flags
  • Heatmaps
  • SQL access
  • Data warehouse
  • Apps platform
  • Slack

Both cover

  • A/B testing
  • Cloud deployment

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

PostHog

  • Product analyticsnot Google Optimize
  • Feature experimentationnot Google Optimize
  • User behavior trackingnot Google Optimize
  • A/B testingnot Google Optimize
  • Debug production issuesnot 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

PostHog

  • The free tier covers 1M events, 5K web session recordings and 2.5K mobile recordings per month before usage-based billing starts
  • Accounts without a card on file are limited to 1 project; adding one raises it to 6
  • Data retention is 1 year until a card is added, which extends it to 7 years
  • Support is community-only until the account is on a paid plan
  • Error tracking is capped at 100K exceptions and surveys at 1500 responses per month on the free tier

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Optimize

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

PostHog

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1M events/month
    • 5K sessions/month
    • Unlimited users
  • Paid$undefined/month
    • $0.00031/event
    • $0.005/session
    • Advanced permissions
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • SAML SSO
    • Advanced security
    • Dedicated support

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 PostHog if

  • You need product analytics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
  • You also want session recording.
PostHog review

Questions people ask

Is Google Optimize or PostHog better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Optimize starts at Free and PostHog at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Optimize or PostHog?
Google Optimize starts at Free and PostHog at Free.
Does Google Optimize or PostHog run on more platforms?
Google Optimize runs on Web. PostHog runs on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
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 PostHog is typically brought in for.
What can Google Optimize do that PostHog cannot?
Google Optimize covers Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics, Google Analytics. PostHog covers Product analytics, Session recording, Feature flags, Heatmaps. Both handle A/B testing, Cloud deployment.
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