goatcounterEasy web analytics. No tracking of personal data.

goatcounter

GoatCounter is a privacy-friendly web analytics platform that provides meaningful insights without tracking personal data. It offers an accessible, lightweight alternative to Google Analytics and Matomo, available as both a hosted service and self-hosted option.

Key Features

• Privacy-aware tracking: Identifies unique visits without cookies using non-identifiable hashes, eliminating the need for GDPR consent notices
• Lightweight integration: Adds just 3.5K of extra data with JavaScript, pixel-based, or middleware integration options
• Comprehensive insights: Tracks browser information, location, screen size, referral sources, and campaigns without bloat
• Data ownership: Export all data and cancel anytime with complete control over collected information
• Accessibility focused: High-priority design that works seamlessly with assistive technologies and screen readers
• Self-hosting capability: Fully open source with simple deployment using SQLite or PostgreSQL databases

Use Cases

• Privacy-conscious websites: Monitor analytics without collecting or storing personal identifiers
• GDPR compliance: Track meaningful metrics without triggering strict data protection requirements
• Small to medium sites: Get essential analytics without overwhelming options and configuration complexity
• Backend integration: Import analytics from log files or integrate via REST API for server-side tracking

Who Is It For

GoatCounter is ideal for website owners, developers, and organizations seeking straightforward web analytics with privacy at the core. It appeals to those frustrated with Google Analytics complexity and GDPR concerns, from independent bloggers to small businesses wanting to self-host their analytics infrastructure.