PostHog vs Amplitude
PostHog and Amplitude are both advanced analytics platforms, but they differ in key areas. This comparison focuses on practical differences without recommending one over the other.
This page compares PostHog and Amplitude across pricing, features, integrations, and analytics capabilities.
Overview
PostHog offers open-source self-hosting. Amplitude provides hosted predictive analytics.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | PostHog | Amplitude |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/month | $0/month |
| Free Plan | Yes | No |
| Free Trial | No | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Yes | No |
| Predictive Analytics | No | Yes |
| Feature Flags | Yes | No |
| Session Recordings | Yes | No |
Key Differences
Features
PostHog includes feature flags and session recordings. Amplitude focuses on predictive insights.
Pricing
PostHog has a free self-hosted version. Amplitude charges based on usage.
Integrations
Both support data exports. PostHog offers more open-source integrations.
User Interface
PostHog is developer-friendly. Amplitude provides advanced querying.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | PostHog | Amplitude |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment Options | Self-hosted, Cloud | Cloud only |
| Data Residency | Your infrastructure or EU/US cloud | US, EU data centers |
| API Access | REST API, GraphQL | REST API, Cohort Sync |
| SDKs | JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Go, PHP, iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter | JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, iOS, Android, React Native, Unity |
| Data Export | SQL access, S3 export | Snowflake, BigQuery, S3 |
| Event Volume (Free) | 1M events/month (cloud) | 10M events/month |
| Session Replay | Included | Not available |
| Feature Flags | Included | Separate product (Amplitude Experiment) |
Data Handling
PostHog
- Self-hosted deployments keep data on your infrastructure
- Cloud version offers EU and US hosting options
- Full data ownership with self-hosted option
- GDPR-compliant with data processing agreements available
Amplitude
- Cloud-only with SOC 2 Type II certification
- Data centers in US and EU regions
- Supports data deletion requests for compliance
- Enterprise plans offer additional data governance features
Related Pages
Use-Case Fit
- Data sovereignty requirements: PostHog offers self-hosting for complete control
- Predictive analytics needs: Amplitude provides behavioral forecasting
- Feature management: PostHog includes feature flags in the same platform
- Session debugging: PostHog offers session recordings alongside analytics
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PostHog open-source?
PostHog is fully open-source with self-hosting options for teams requiring data sovereignty or customization.
Does Amplitude support self-hosting?
Amplitude is a hosted cloud platform without self-hosting options. Data resides on Amplitude’s infrastructure.
Which platform includes feature flags?
PostHog includes feature flags as part of its platform. Amplitude offers separate experimentation tools through Amplitude Experiment.
Can I migrate between PostHog and Amplitude?
Direct data migration is not supported. Event schemas and implementations differ, requiring code changes to switch platforms.
What is the learning curve for each platform?
PostHog is designed for developers with SQL query access and technical documentation. Amplitude provides a more visual interface suited for product managers and analysts with less technical background.
How do pricing models compare at scale?
PostHog charges based on events with generous free tiers for self-hosted. Amplitude’s pricing scales with monthly tracked users (MTUs) and events, with enterprise pricing requiring direct negotiation.
Which platform has better real-time analytics?
Both offer near real-time data processing. PostHog provides live session replay alongside analytics. Amplitude focuses on behavioral cohorts with scheduled data syncs for warehouse integrations.