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Software · head to head

Mixpanel vs PostHog

Mixpanel logo

Mixpanel

Software

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PostHog logo

PostHog

Software

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Mixpanel pricing can scale significantly at high volumes with expensive per-user rates; 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: Mixpanel covers Event analytics, PostHog covers Product analytics.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Mixpanel and PostHog actually diverge.

Attributes where Mixpanel and PostHog differ
AttributeMixpanelPostHog
Pricing modelUnknownusage-based
PlatformsWeb, Mobile, APIsWeb, Ios, Android, Api
Founded20092020

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 Mixpanel

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

Only in PostHog

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

Both cover

  • A/B testing
  • Segment
  • Slack
  • Zapier
  • SOC2
  • GDPR

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Mixpanel

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

PostHog

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

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

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

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

Mixpanel

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Mixpanel review.

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 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

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 Mixpanel or PostHog better?
Neither clearly leads. Mixpanel 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, Mixpanel or PostHog?
Mixpanel starts at Free and PostHog at Free.
Does Mixpanel or PostHog run on more platforms?
Mixpanel runs on Web, Mobile, APIs. PostHog runs on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
Can I use Mixpanel for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Mixpanel best used for?
Mixpanel is most often used for user behavior analysis, product optimization, conversion tracking, retention improvement. Of those, user behavior analysis and product optimization are not what PostHog is typically brought in for.
What can Mixpanel do that PostHog cannot?
Mixpanel covers Event analytics, User segmentation, Funnel analysis, Retention analysis. PostHog covers Product analytics, Session recording, Feature flags, Heatmaps. Both handle A/B testing, Segment, Slack, Zapier.

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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