Plausible vs Umami
Plausible and Umami are both privacy-focused web analytics platforms offering cookie-free tracking. This comparison focuses on practical differences without recommending one over the other.
Overview
Plausible is an open-source, privacy-first analytics tool with paid cloud hosting and self-hosting options. Umami is a fully free, open-source analytics platform designed for self-hosting with optional cloud hosting.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Plausible | Umami |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $9/month | $0/month |
| Free Plan | No | Yes (self-hosted) |
| Open Source | Yes | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Yes | Yes |
| Cookie-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Events | Yes | Yes |
| Real-Time Dashboard | Yes | Yes |
| Team Members | Paid plans | Unlimited |
Key Differences
Pricing Model
Plausible offers paid cloud hosting starting at $9/month with self-hosting available. Umami is completely free for self-hosting with no usage limits.
Cloud Hosting
Plausible provides managed cloud hosting with EU data centers. Umami focuses primarily on self-hosting, though cloud hosting options exist.
Feature Depth
Both provide essential web analytics. Plausible offers more polished reporting; Umami provides straightforward metrics with simpler presentation.
Business Model
Plausible operates as a commercial open-source company. Umami is community-driven with optional premium services.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Plausible | Umami |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0 | MIT |
| Self-Hosting | Docker, Elixir | Docker, Node.js |
| Database | ClickHouse | PostgreSQL, MySQL |
| Data Location | EU (cloud) | Your choice |
| API Access | Yes | Yes |
| Goals/Events | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Domains | Paid plans | Self-hosted |
Use-Case Fit
- Zero budget: Umami self-hosting has no licensing costs
- Managed hosting: Plausible provides hassle-free cloud hosting
- EU compliance: Both support EU data processing
- Developer-friendly: Both offer simple self-hosting options
- Team analytics: Both support multiple team members
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper?
Umami is free for self-hosting. Plausible starts at $9/month for cloud hosting. Total cost depends on hosting infrastructure for self-hosted options.
Which is easier to self-host?
Both are straightforward to self-host with Docker. Umami uses familiar Node.js stack; Plausible uses Elixir with ClickHouse for better performance at scale.
Do both work without cookies?
Yes, both Plausible and Umami operate without cookies and typically don’t require cookie consent banners.
Which has better documentation?
Both have good documentation. Plausible has more extensive guides due to its commercial focus. Umami documentation covers essentials effectively.
Can I migrate between them?
Direct data migration isn’t supported. Both use different data structures. You would start fresh with historical data remaining in the original platform.