Heap vs Simple Analytics
Heap is digital analytics platform that auto-captures every user interaction without manual event tracking, while Simple Analytics is privacy-first analytics that doesn't track users or use cookies. The biggest difference up front: Heap is free, while Simple Analytics starts at $9/mo. Heap is built for teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging, whereas Simple Analytics targets privacy-conscious teams wanting ethical analytics.
| Feature | Heap | Simple Analytics |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Auto-Capture | ✓ | — |
| Events | — | ✓ |
| Funnels | ✓ | — |
| GDPR Compliant | — | ✓ |
| Goals | — | ✓ |
| No Cookies | — | ✓ |
| Segments | ✓ | — |
| Session Replay | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Heap is completely free (Free up to 10K sessions/mo), which makes it the obvious pick if budget is the top concern. Simple Analytics starts at $9/mo. That cost buys you a more polished or feature-rich experience, so it comes down to whether the extras justify the spend.
Feature gaps: Heap offers Auto-Capture, Funnels and Segments that Simple Analytics lacks. Simple Analytics brings Events, GDPR Compliant and Goals that Heap does not have.
Team fit: Heap is geared toward mid-size teams teams, while Simple Analytics is aimed at small teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Where each tool shines: Heap's biggest strengths are: includes auto-capture as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows. includes session replay as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows. Simple Analytics's biggest strengths are: includes no cookies as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows. includes gdpr compliant as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows.
Watch out for: With Heap, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With Simple Analytics, the main complaint is that no free plan — you need to pay $9/mo from day one to use it.
choose Heap if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging
- Budget is a hard constraint — Heap is free, Simple Analytics is not
- You specifically need Auto-Capture and Funnels
- You care about includes session replay as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows
- Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile Heap is designed for
choose Simple Analytics if
- You need a tool built for privacy-conscious teams wanting ethical analytics
- You specifically need Events and GDPR Compliant
- You care about includes gdpr compliant as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Simple Analytics is designed for
frequently asked
What is the difference between Heap and Simple Analytics?
Heap is digital analytics platform that auto-captures every user interaction without manual event tracking, while Simple Analytics is privacy-first analytics that doesn't track users or use cookies. The biggest difference up front: Heap is free, while Simple Analytics starts at $9/mo. Heap is built for teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging, whereas Simple Analytics targets privacy-conscious teams wanting ethical analytics.
Should I use Heap or Simple Analytics?
Heap is the free option; Simple Analytics charges $9/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose Heap over Simple Analytics?
Choose Heap if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting auto-captured analytics without tagging; Budget is a hard constraint — Heap is free, Simple Analytics is not; You specifically need Auto-Capture and Funnels; You care about includes session replay as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows; Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile Heap is designed for.
When should I choose Simple Analytics over Heap?
Choose Simple Analytics if You need a tool built for privacy-conscious teams wanting ethical analytics; You specifically need Events and GDPR Compliant; You care about includes gdpr compliant as a core feature, purpose-built for analytics workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile Simple Analytics is designed for.
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