On July 1st, 2023, Google shut down Universal Analytics in favor of GA4 Analytics - a huge blow for marketers that have relied on the previous version for a long time.
The less-than-ideal experience with GA4 has led to a surge in interest in GA4 alternatives. If you've ever considered exploring alternatives to Google Analytics, this is the perfect opportunity to look at other options.
In this article, we compare Google Analytics to Fathom Analytics, a privacy-friendly web analytics tool that could be a good replacement for Google Analytics. We'll also introduce a third alternative.
- What is Fathom Analytics used for?
- How does it compare to Google Analytics?
- Pricing for Fathom Analytics
- Simple Analytics as an alternative for both
- What to look for in an analytics tool
- Final Thoughts
What is Fathom Analytics used for?
Fathom Analytics was launched just after the implementation of GDPR in 2018 to provide privacy-friendly analytics compliant with the new European privacy laws. Simple Analytics and Plausible launched at the same time. In a sense, these tools are very comparable, but everyone did have a different approach to data collection.
Fathom Analytics is an easy-to-use web analytics tool, much like Simple Analytics, and it also comes with essential features such as event tracking. However, it’s a bit limited, though.
The primary issue with Fathom Analytics is that it’s not 100% privacy-friendly, primarily because of how they collect and store user data. If you want to read more about this privacy issue on Fathom and other popular analytics tools, here’s the report.
How does it compare to Google Analytics?
Data Collection:
GA4: The new version of Google Analytics focuses on event-based and user-level data collection with a lot of flexibility, tracking a wide set of engagements. Advanced features like "Enhanced measurement" comprehensively track users' activities. However, the data collection method, especially event tracking, may be a bit challenging for beginners to understand and implement.
Fathom Analytics: Provides simple, privacy-focused tracking with limited data collection, favoring ease-of-use over extensive data.
User Interface:
GA4: It a complex analytics tool with a complex interface. It can be overwhelming even for users of predecessor versions.
Fathom Analytics: Features a minimalist, easy-to-understand user interface prioritizing readability and clarity.
Usability:
GA4: It's a powerful, user-centric analytics platform that has a steep learning curve, especially for new users. You would probably require training in order to get used to it.
Fathom Analytics: Offers usability with a focus on simplicity and readability, delivering top-level site insights quickly, but without deeper data dive.
Compliance with GDPR and HIPAA:
GA4: Aimed to be adaptable to cookie-less future, with mechanisms for GDPR compliance. However, various counties have banned the use of Google Analytics based on the data transfers to the U.S. Also GA4 indicated that is not compliant with HIPAA. We wrote about this in depth as well here
Fathom Analytics: Built with a privacy-first approach, proving GDPR compliance and does not use cookies, but there is no clear reference to HIPAA compliance.
Pricing for Fathom Analytics
Fathom Analytics has multiple pricing plans (10+), but the good thing is that all plans have the same feature set, with the only capping on monthly pageviews.
The pricing starts at $14/month for up to 100,000 pageviews and goes to $274/month for up to 25,000,000 monthly pageviews.
Simple Analytics as an alternative for both
As the name goes, Simple Analytics is a simple and easy-to-use analytics tool. It's also one of the few analytics tools completely GDPR-compliant with EU-hosted servers.
Also, simple doesn’t refer to a lack of features here. It's a robust web analytics tool that doubles as a minimal product analytics tool too, with capabilities such as event and goal tracking.
SA-prodPS: If you are looking for a Google Analytics replacement, you might want to check out a direct comparison with Google Analytics
Now let's review a few benefits of using Simple Analytics.
Pros of using Simple Analytics
- Simplified UI - Using tools that are easy to navigate around is always preferred over complex ones. Simple Analytics offers a straightforward user interface that makes analysis easier. Working with it is, therefore, a smooth activity.
- Affordable Pricing- Simple Analytics is exceptionally cost-effective. They offer both product and web analytics tools at a reasonable price. They have plans starting at $9/month. It packs the tools and features from the most expensive tools for a friendly price.
- Automated Event Collection- Another feature that makes Simple Analytics stand out in its product category is automated event collection. While you must manually set additional tags for other tools, Simple Analytics does the job for you. Once you link it to your website, it lets you track the metrics of all action buttons just by hovering over them.
- Mini Websites- As a business with an online presence, you often get featured in the conversation of your users. You might get a mention on Twitter or a feature on a website. While most tools let you know where you got a mention, they don’t deliver the specifics. Simple Analytics stands out here. It gives you the specifics of your feature and helps you track it through a mini website..
Cons of using Simple Analytics:
The user interface of Simple Analytics is made to look simple and easy to understand so everyone, be it the founder or marketing teams, can use it easily. A Product Manager may need a few more screens, but that is something that can be quickly built with goals.
Pricing of Simple Analytics:
Simple Analytics is one of the most cost-efficient tools available in its segment. The product is perfect for businesses. It caters to companies and has plans for individuals and businesses. Therefore it ensures that the best features are available at a very reasonable price.
The pricing of Simple Analytics starts at a low $9/month, making it a pocket-friendly tool for all businesses.
What to look for in an analytics tool
Selecting a tool for product analytics is a crucial decision. You might ask what could possibly go wrong when choosing one, yet you can miss out on a lot. Therefore, be sure to go through this checklist before making a choice. You're good to go if the tool provides these:
- Ease of Use: Regardless of your chosen product, it must be simple to use. You shouldn’t spend your precious time on a complex web analytics tool that takes time and experience to get familiar with.
- Accuracy: Getting an accurate picture of what’s happening on your website is important. Inaccurate data might lead to misjudged decisions that impact your business.
- Straightforward UI: Most of the time, you don’t need 75 custom dashboards (looking at you, Google). A straightforward overview of what’s happening on your website will give you the insights you need instantly. Look for a tool that gives you the insights you need without too many distracting bells and whistles.
- Lightweight: Your website is your storefront on the internet. Providing the best possible experience to your visitors matters. Installing an analytics script has an impact on your page speed. Choose an analytics tool that doesn’t slow your website down. This not only affects your visitors’ experience. Google will notice this as well.
- Privacy: The world is moving in a direction where privacy is becoming increasingly important. Google Analytics has been declared illegal in multiple EU countries. You don’t want to get caught up in this mess. Take privacy or compliance with regulation into account.
- Integration: To get a complete picture of your business, the tool should be able to integrate with other devices you use, such as your CRM or dashboarding tools.
- Pricing: Consider the tool's pricing and ensure it aligns with your budget. Take advantage of some companies' free trials or basic versions to ensure the product suits your needs before committing to a paying plan.
Although this checklist can assist you in getting started, there may be other factors for your organization that you need to consider.
Final Thoughts
If you want a tool that checks these boxes, then check out Simple Analytics. It provides the insights you need in a straightforward dashboard while being 100% GDPR compliant.
We believe the internet should be an independent place that is friendly to website visitors. By opting for Simple Analytics, you’ll be supporting us in our mission and protecting the privacy of your website visitors. If this resonates with you, feel free to give us a try.