Comparison · Web analytics tools

Google Analytics vs PostHog: which is better in 2026?

Google Analytics ranks higher in our list of web analytics tools (#4 against #5, score 85.0 against 84.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

  • 85.0
    Editorial score
    84.0
  • 3
    Platforms
    2
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Google Analytics if you want

Marketing teams that already use Google tools.

Free and widely used, with campaign reporting for marketing teams, but Google controls the data. Privacy-focused sites may prefer the cookie-free or self-hosted options in this list.

Choose PostHog if you want

Product teams that want analytics and session replay.

Product and web analytics with session replay, feature flags and surveys, and an MIT-licensed core. The first 1 million events a month are free on the cloud, and it can be self-hosted, but it covers far more than simple web analytics.

The main differences

  • Only Google Analytics runs on iOS.
  • Only Google Analytics runs on Android.
  • PostHog is open source; Google Analytics is not.

Side by side

Google AnalyticsPostHog
Score85.084.0
Rank in list#4 of 10#5 of 10
PriceFreeFree of charge for businesses of every sizeFree plan, paid upgradesFree tier with 1 million events a month; paid usage above it
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsWebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, AndroidWebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted
Made byGoogleNot stated
Data controlGoogle-heldCloud or self-hosted; code is open to review
Self-hosted optionNoYes
Best forMarketing teams that already use Google toolsProduct teams that want analytics and session replay
Strengths
  • Free for most sites
  • Detailed traffic and campaign reporting
  • Part of Google's marketing platform
  • MIT licensed core, with source on GitHub
  • 1 million events a month free on the cloud
Limits
  • Data is processed by Google, not the site owner
  • Privacy-focused visitors may object to its tracking
  • Broader than simple web analytics, so setup takes more work
  • Usage limits need checking as traffic grows
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Google Analytics vs PostHog

Is Google Analytics better than PostHog?
Google Analytics ranks higher in our list of web analytics tools (#4 against #5, score 85.0 against 84.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Google Analytics is best for: marketing teams that already use Google tools. PostHog is best for: product teams that want analytics and session replay.
Which is cheaper, Google Analytics or PostHog?
Google Analytics: Free of charge for businesses of every size. PostHog: Free tier with 1 million events a month; paid usage above it.
Do Google Analytics and PostHog run on the same platforms?
Google Analytics supports Web, iOS, Android. PostHog supports Web, Self-hosted.