Is Google Analytics GDPR compliant?

GA4 has been ruled illegal by multiple EU data protection authorities (Austria, France, Italy, Denmark) without extensive configuration. Databuddy is GDPR compliant by default - no cookies, no personal data collection, no configuration needed.

Does Google Analytics work without cookies?

No, GA4 uses first-party cookies by default. Databuddy is fully cookieless, meaning you never need a consent banner for analytics.

How long does GA4 keep data?

GA4 UI caps data retention at 14 months (extendable to 25 months with configuration). Databuddy retains your data based on your plan with no arbitrary time caps.

Can I use analytics without a cookie banner?

Yes, with Databuddy. Since it's fully cookieless and doesn't collect personal data, no consent banner is required under GDPR. GA4 requires consent management.

Is there a free Google Analytics alternative?

Yes. Databuddy's free plan includes 10,000 events per month, core analytics, Web Vitals, one funnel, two goals, and up to three feature flags. Some capabilities, including error tracking, require a paid plan.

Uptime Monitoring Error Tracking Web Vitals Feature Flags Short Links Databunny

Docs Pricing Compare Changelog GitHub1,119

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Alternative to Google Analytics

GA4 is powerful, but it can take time to configure. Databuddy uses an asynchronous tracker of about 12 KB gzip and is designed to start showing data within minutes.

Searching for an alternative to Google Analytics? Below is the same side-by-side breakdown teams use to compare privacy-first analytics, pricing, and features before they choose Databuddy.

Databuddy

Privacy-first analytics with automatic investigations

Recommended

Starting priceFree

Free tier10K events

Advantages8/15

Start Free - No Credit Card

Google Analytics

The most popular web analytics platform

Starting priceFree

With data sampling and limits

Feature comparison

Databuddy vs Google Analytics - same comparison as our main review, tuned for “alternative to Google Analytics” searches

FeatureDatabuddyGoogle AnalyticsWhy it matters

Databuddy vs Google Analytics

Cookie-free trackingAvoid analytics-specific consent friction when your configuration and jurisdiction allow cookieless measurement

Google

GDPR compliant by defaultAustrian DPA and French CNIL have ruled GA4 transfers non-compliant without heavy setup; Databuddy is compliant by design

Google

No data samplingFull data at any volume; GA4 UI caps retention at 14 months (25 max) - year-over-year analysis needs BigQuery

Google

Data ownershipYour data stays yours - not shared with ad networks

Google

Simple setupOne script tag; skip GTM, Consent Mode v2, and GA4's long exploration flows

Google

No ads influencePure analytics without advertising bias

Google

Predictable costsNo BigQuery bills or consent platform fees

Google

Lightweight scriptAbout 12 KB gzip for the current Databuddy tracker; measure both tools on your own site

Google

Automatic investigations (Databunny)Ask questions in plain English vs navigating complex reports

Google

Real-time analyticsBoth offer real-time - Databuddy's is simpler to read

Google

Event trackingSimple custom events vs complex GA4 event schema

Google

Custom reportsAsk Databunny vs building 40-step Explorations

Google

Raw data exportDirect export vs requiring a GCP billing account

Google

Multiple domainsManage all your sites from one dashboard

Google

API accessBuild custom integrations and dashboards

Google

The Free plan includes core analytics for up to 10,000 monthly events. Feature availability and limits vary by plan. Competitor details can change; confirm them on Google Analytics's website.

Switch from GA4 to Databuddy in under 10 minutes

Add one asynchronous script tag (about 12 KB gzip)
No GTM configuration required
Page views and events flow automatically - no Enhanced Measurement setup
GDPR-friendly by default - you can remove your analytics consent banner

Read the Migration Guide

Pricing comparison

Representative plan and feature differences for Google Analytics and Databuddy

Tier / FeatureGoogle AnalyticsDatabuddy

Up to 10KFree (with sampling, 14-mo retention)Free (core analytics)

Up to 10K

Google Analytics: Free (with sampling, 14-mo retention)Free (core analytics)

Consent platform$10–100/mo (CookieBot, OneTrust)Not needed

Consent platform

Google Analytics: $10–100/mo (CookieBot, OneTrust)Not needed

BigQuery export$5–50+/mo (GCP storage/queries)Included

BigQuery export

Google Analytics: $5–50+/mo (GCP storage/queries)Included

Server-side GTM$50–200+/mo (Cloud Run)Not needed

Server-side GTM

Google Analytics: $50–200+/mo (Cloud Run)Not needed

EnterpriseGA360: ~$50,000+/yearContact us

Enterprise

Google Analytics: GA360: ~$50,000+/yearContact us

Competitor plans and prices can change. Confirm current terms on Google Analytics's website.

Frequently asked questions.

Common questions about Databuddy vs Google Analytics