Simple Analytics vs Countly
Both Simple 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
Simple Analytics
EU- Headquarters
- Amsterdam, NL
- Pricing
- From €9/mo
- Open Source
- No
Countly
EU- Headquarters
- London, GB
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Key Differences
- Countly offers a free tier, while simple Analytics starts at €9/month. If you want to try before you buy, Countly lets you get started without any upfront cost.
- Countly is open source, giving you full code transparency and the option to self-host. Simple Analytics is proprietary — typically offering a more streamlined setup and managed support, but without the ability to inspect or modify the source code.
- Data residency differs: Simple Analytics hosts data in Netherlands, 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. Simple Analytics does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter for enterprise procurement requirements.
- Countly was founded in 2013, giving it a 5-year head start over Simple Analytics (founded 2018). 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: Simple Analytics offers Cookieless analytics and No personal data collection, while Countly provides Product analytics and User segmentation. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Simple Analytics | Countly |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Simple Analytics | Countly |
| Pricing | From €9/mo | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Amsterdam, NL | London, GB |
| Data Centers | NL, DE | EU |
| Cookieless analytics | ||
| No personal data collection | ||
| Real-time dashboard | ||
| Event and goal tracking | ||
| UTM campaign tracking | ||
| Google Analytics data import | ||
| Lightweight tracking script | ||
| Tweet and referral tracking | ||
| Automated email reports | ||
| Product analytics | ||
| User segmentation | ||
| Push notifications | ||
| Crash analytics | ||
| A/B testing | ||
| Retention analysis | ||
| Funnel analysis | ||
| Self-hosting option | ||
| GDPR tools |
Pricing Comparison
Simple Analytics
From €9/mosubscription
Countly
Freefree (community) / enterprise
Compliance Comparison
Simple Analytics
GDPRDPA
Countly
GDPRISO 27001DPA
Get Started
Categories
How to Choose
You need code transparency or self-hosting
Choose Countly
You want a fully managed, turnkey solution
Choose Simple Analytics
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 Simple Analytics
Simple Analytics vs Countly — FAQ
What is the main difference between Simple Analytics and Countly?
Both Simple Analytics and Countly are European web analytics solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Countly is open source while Simple Analytics is proprietary, and Simple Analytics uses subscription pricing while Countly uses free (community) / enterprise. Simple Analytics is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, 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, Simple Analytics or Countly?
Simple 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 Simple Analytics and Countly GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Simple 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.