Plausible Analytics vs Countly
Both Plausible Analytics and Countly are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the web analytics space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.
Quick Overview
Plausible Analytics
EU- Headquarters
- Tallinn, EE
- Pricing
- From €9/mo
- Open Source
- Yes
Countly
EU- Headquarters
- London, GB
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Key Differences
- Countly offers a free tier, while plausible Analytics starts at €9/month. If you want to try before you buy, Countly lets you get started without any upfront cost.
- Data residency differs: Plausible Analytics hosts data in Germany, while Countly hosts in EU. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- Countly holds ISO 27001 certification, providing third-party assurance of its security practices. Plausible Analytics does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter for enterprise procurement requirements.
- Countly was founded in 2013, giving it a 6-year head start over Plausible Analytics (founded 2019). More time in market often means a larger user community and more mature integrations, though newer entrants may offer more modern architectures.
- Each product has unique strengths: Plausible Analytics offers Cookieless tracking and Lightweight script (< 1 KB), while Countly provides Product analytics and User segmentation. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Plausible Analytics | Countly |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Plausible Analytics | Countly |
| Pricing | From €9/mo | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Tallinn, EE | London, GB |
| Data Centers | DE | EU |
| Cookieless tracking | ||
| Lightweight script (< 1 KB) | ||
| Real-time dashboard | ||
| Goal and event tracking | ||
| UTM campaign tracking | ||
| Referral source tracking | ||
| No cookie consent needed | ||
| Google Search Console integration | ||
| Email reports | ||
| Self-hosting option | ||
| Product analytics | ||
| User segmentation | ||
| Push notifications | ||
| Crash analytics | ||
| A/B testing | ||
| Retention analysis | ||
| Funnel analysis | ||
| GDPR tools |
Pricing Comparison
Plausible Analytics
From €9/mosubscription
Countly
Freefree (community) / enterprise
Compliance Comparison
Plausible Analytics
GDPRDPA
Countly
GDPRISO 27001DPA
Get Started
Categories
How to Choose
You're a startup or individual on a budget
Choose Countly
Your procurement requires ISO 27001 certification
Choose Countly
You need enterprise-grade support and stability
Choose Countly
You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support
Choose Plausible Analytics
Plausible Analytics vs Countly — FAQ
What is the main difference between Plausible Analytics and Countly?
Both Plausible Analytics and Countly are European web analytics solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Plausible Analytics uses subscription pricing while Countly uses free (community) / enterprise. Plausible Analytics is headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, while Countly is based in London, GB. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Plausible Analytics or Countly?
Plausible Analytics starts at €9/month, while countly offers a free tier. Pricing models differ (subscription vs. free (community) / enterprise), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both Plausible Analytics and Countly GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Plausible Analytics and Countly are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. Additionally, Countly holds ISO 27001 certification. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.