Privacy-first lightweight web analytics replacing Google Analytics. 1KB script (vs 45KB for GA), no cookies, GDPR compliant, EU-hosted. $9/mo for 10 sites, or self-host for free.
Plausible is open source under AGPL. Self-host with Docker Compose on any VPS for zero monthly analytics cost. The setup takes about 30 minutes following the official docs. Hetzner CX11 (€4/mo) is more than enough to handle millions of monthly pageviews.
Google Analytics 4 collects extensive user behavior data for ad targeting, requires complex cookie consent banners (legally required in the EU), and its large JavaScript bundle slows page loads. Plausible collects only what you actually need—pageviews, referrers, devices, countries—without tracking individuals, without cross-site tracking, and without cookie banners.
For most websites, Plausible provides sufficient data insights for decision-making without Google Analytics excessive privacy data collection. Simplicity is an advantage, not a limitation.