GoatCounter vs Visitors: Which One Deserves Your Money?
Two analytics tools, one budget. We compared GoatCounter and Visitors head-to-head — real pricing, real features, honest verdict. No affiliate games.
Updated February 2026 · Web analytics
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free | $9/month |
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Free Tier | ||
| Free Trial | 14 days | |
| Best For | Startups | Startups |
| Tool Type | Best-value |
GoatCounter vs Visitors — Quick Summary
Who each tool is built for, what it does best, and how much effort it takes to get started.
| Tool | Best for | Strength | Setup effort | Ideal ICP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy-first teams | Strong features at a fraction of enterprise pricing | Low | Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers |
| Early-stage startups | Realtime web analytics for understanding visitor engagement | Low | Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers |
At a Glance
What Each Tool Does
GoatCounter
GoatCounter is web analytics without tracking personal data. It's open source and you can host it yourself or use their free service.
Standout features:
- •No personal data tracking — keeps user privacy safe.
- •Lightweight and fast — only adds ~3.5KB to your site.
- •Open source — see the code and make changes if needed.
Limitations:
- •Not for high traffic — might not handle millions of pageviews/day.
- •Self-hosting needs some tech skills — not ideal for non-tech users.
Pricing: Free for reasonable use, donations welcome.
Visitors
Visitors offers fast, private, realtime web analytics to understand how visitors engage with your website.
Standout features:
- •GDPR compliant — respects user privacy.
- •No cookie banners — simplifies compliance.
- •Simple setup — easy for non-tech users.
Limitations:
- •Event-based pricing — may not suit high traffic sites.
- •No free plan — budget-conscious users might hesitate.
Pricing: Starts at $9/month for 10,000 events.
Growth Hacker Verdict
GoatCounter is a breath of fresh air in the analytics space—it's straightforward and respects user privacy, making it a solid choice for anyone tired of bloated, invasive tools. If you're looking for a no-nonsense solution without the hefty price tag, this is definitely worth your time.
Solid choice for privacy-focused analytics. $9/month tier. Unique realtime features vs alternatives.
TL;DR — GoatCounter vs Visitors
Choose GoatCounter if you want maximum value for your money — does 80% of what the big names do at a fraction of the cost. Starts at Free.
Choose Visitors if you want maximum value for your money — does 80% of what the big names do at a fraction of the cost. Starts at $9/month.
When to Choose GoatCounter Over Visitors
GoatCounter is a best-value analytics tool built for startups, starting at Free. GoatCounter is an open-source web analytics tool designed for simple, privacy-focused tracking of website visitors.
Choose GoatCounter if:
- Privacy-first teams — This is where GoatCounter shines. Strong features at a fraction of enterprise pricing.
- Setup effort: Low — You can be up and running in minutes, not days.
- Pricing starts at Free — Factor this into your monthly burn rate and compare feature-for-feature.
- Ideal for: Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers
See all Visitors alternatives or browse the Analytics directory.
When to Choose Visitors Over GoatCounter
Visitors is a best-value analytics tool built for startups, starting at $9/month. Realtime web analytics for understanding visitor engagement.
Choose Visitors if:
- Early-stage startups — Realtime web analytics for understanding visitor engagement.
- Setup effort: Low — Quick onboarding with minimal configuration needed.
- Pricing starts at $9/month — Compare what you get at each pricing tier, not just the starting price.
- Ideal for: Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers
See all GoatCounter alternatives or browse the Analytics directory.
GoatCounter vs Visitors: Pricing Breakdown
Let's talk money — because that's usually what drives the decision for startups and growth teams.
GoatCounter starts at Free. Priced for startups — won't wreck your runway.
Visitors starts at $9/month. 14-day free trial available. Startup-friendly pricing.
Our take: Pricing varies by plan and usage. Check the comparison table above for tier-by-tier details. We always list monthly billing rates — not the discounted annual price that makes everything look cheaper.
FAQ: GoatCounter vs Visitors
Is GoatCounter better than Visitors in 2026?
It depends on your team size, budget, and priorities. GoatCounter is a best-value analytics tool built for startups, starting at Free. Visitors is a best-value option aimed at startups, starting at $9/month. See the feature comparison above for a detailed side-by-side.
Which is cheaper, GoatCounter or Visitors?
GoatCounter starts at Free, while Visitors starts at $9/month. Check the comparison table for tier-by-tier pricing. Keep in mind: the cheapest plan isn't always the best deal. Compare what you get at each tier, not just the starting price. We always list monthly billing rates, not discounted annual prices.
Can I use both GoatCounter and Visitors together?
Since they focus on different aspects of analytics, they can actually complement each other. Many teams use both in their stack.
Does GoatCounter or Visitors have a free tier?
Neither tool offers a permanent free tier. Visitors has a 14-day free trial.
How do I switch from GoatCounter to Visitors (or vice versa)?
Most analytics tools support data export. Start by exporting your data from your current tool, then check the new tool's import documentation. Many offer migration assistance or onboarding calls to help with the switch.
