Pirsch vs PostHog
Both Pirsch and PostHog 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
Pirsch
EU- Headquarters
- Koblenz, DE
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- No
PostHog
EU- Headquarters
- London, GB
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Key Differences
- PostHog is open source, giving you full code transparency and the option to self-host. Pirsch 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: Pirsch hosts data in Germany, while PostHog hosts in EU, US. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- PostHog holds SOC 2 certification, providing third-party assurance of its security practices. Pirsch does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter for enterprise procurement requirements.
- Each product has unique strengths: Pirsch offers Cookieless tracking and Server-side tracking option, while PostHog provides Product analytics and Session replay. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Pirsch | PostHog |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Pirsch | PostHog |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Koblenz, DE | London, GB |
| Data Centers | DE | EU, US |
| Cookieless tracking | ||
| Server-side tracking option | ||
| Event and goal tracking | ||
| UTM parameter tracking | ||
| Real-time dashboard | ||
| No cookie consent required | ||
| Lightweight script | ||
| Open source core library | ||
| API access | ||
| Product analytics | ||
| Session replay | ||
| Feature flags | ||
| A/B testing | ||
| Surveys | ||
| Data pipelines | ||
| SQL access | ||
| Self-hosting option | ||
| Event autocapture |
Pricing Comparison
Pirsch
Freefreemium
PostHog
Freefreemium
Compliance Comparison
Pirsch
GDPRDPA
PostHog
GDPRSOC 2DPA
Get Started
Categories
How to Choose
You need code transparency or self-hosting
Choose PostHog
You want a fully managed, turnkey solution
Choose Pirsch
You need enterprise-grade support and stability
Choose PostHog
You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support
Choose Pirsch
Pirsch vs PostHog — FAQ
What is the main difference between Pirsch and PostHog?
Both Pirsch and PostHog are European web analytics solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: PostHog is open source while Pirsch is proprietary. Pirsch is headquartered in Koblenz, Germany, while PostHog is based in London, GB. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Pirsch or PostHog?
Both Pirsch and PostHog offer free tiers, so you can try either without cost. Both use freemium pricing, so compare the tiers that match your team size and feature needs.
Are both Pirsch and PostHog GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Pirsch and PostHog 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. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.