PostHog vs Simple Analytics
PostHog is open-source product analytics suite with session replay, feature flags, A/B testing, and surveys, while Simple Analytics is privacy-first analytics that doesn't track users or use cookies. The biggest difference up front: PostHog is free, while Simple Analytics starts at $9/mo. PostHog is built for product teams that need analytics, session replay, and feature flags in one tool, whereas Simple Analytics targets privacy-conscious teams wanting ethical analytics.
| Feature | PostHog | Simple Analytics |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | — |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| A/B Testing | ✓ | — |
| Events | — | ✓ |
| Feature Flags | ✓ | — |
| GDPR Compliant | — | ✓ |
| Goals | — | ✓ |
| No Cookies | — | ✓ |
| Product Analytics | ✓ | — |
| Session Replay | ✓ | — |
| Surveys | ✓ | — |
Pricing: PostHog is completely free, 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: PostHog offers A/B Testing, Feature Flags and Product Analytics that Simple Analytics lacks. Simple Analytics brings Events, GDPR Compliant and Goals that PostHog does not have.
Team fit: PostHog is geared toward any size 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.
Open source: PostHog is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Simple Analytics is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: PostHog's biggest strengths are: all-in-one: analytics, session replay, feature flags, a/b tests. generous free tier (1m events/mo). 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 PostHog, users commonly note that can be overwhelming — lots of features. With Simple Analytics, the main complaint is that no free plan — you need to pay $9/mo from day one to use it.
choose PostHog if
- You need a tool built for product teams that need analytics, session replay, and feature flags in one tool
- Budget is a hard constraint — PostHog is free, Simple Analytics is not
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need A/B Testing and Feature Flags
- You care about generous free tier (1m events/mo)
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 PostHog and Simple Analytics?
PostHog is open-source product analytics suite with session replay, feature flags, A/B testing, and surveys, while Simple Analytics is privacy-first analytics that doesn't track users or use cookies. The biggest difference up front: PostHog is free, while Simple Analytics starts at $9/mo. PostHog is built for product teams that need analytics, session replay, and feature flags in one tool, whereas Simple Analytics targets privacy-conscious teams wanting ethical analytics.
Should I use PostHog or Simple Analytics?
PostHog is the free option; Simple Analytics charges $9/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose PostHog over Simple Analytics?
Choose PostHog if You need a tool built for product teams that need analytics, session replay, and feature flags in one tool; Budget is a hard constraint — PostHog is free, Simple Analytics is not; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need A/B Testing and Feature Flags; You care about generous free tier (1m events/mo).
When should I choose Simple Analytics over PostHog?
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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