Google Analytics vs Friendly Analytics
A comprehensive comparison to help you decide if Friendly Analytics is the right EU alternative to Google Analytics for your needs.
Google Analytics
Google Analytics is the dominant web analytics platform, installed on an estimated 28 million websites. It was declared illegal for use by EU data protection authorities in Austria, France, and Italy (2022) due to the transfer of personal data to US servers without adequate safeguards.
Friendly Analytics
Friendly Analytics was founded in 2020 by Stefan Vetter as a managed Matomo-as-a-Service platform hosted exclusively in Switzerland. It differentiates from self-hosted Matomo by providing Swiss-hosted infrastructure, nFADP and GDPR compliance, and ISO 27001/9001 certified operations without requiring customers to manage their own servers. Vetter has stated "We have an exist strategy, not an exit strategy," signaling commitment to independence over venture-backed growth.
Our Verdict
Why choose Friendly Analytics
- +EU-hosted servers ensure GDPR compliance
- +Open source allows for transparency and customization
- +Data anonymization options enhance user privacy
- +Swiss hosting offers additional data protection
Things to consider
- -Migration from Google Analytics can be complex
- -Lacks integration with Google Ads for ad tracking
- -Potential learning curve with new dashboard
Privacy Winner: Friendly Analytics
Your data stays in the EU and is protected under GDPR, free from US CLOUD Act access.
Ready to try Friendly Analytics?
Feature Comparison
Google Analytics
🇺🇸Friendly Analytics
🇨ðŸ‡Friendly GmbH
US Data Storage
Data subject to US CLOUD Act and may be accessed by US authorities
EU Data Protection
Data protected under GDPR with EU-only data residency
Certifications & Compliance
No certifications listed
Reasons to Switch
- ✓EU-hosted servers ensure GDPR compliance
- ✓Open source allows for transparency and customization
- ✓Data anonymization options enhance user privacy
- ✓Swiss hosting offers additional data protection
Things to Consider
- !Migration from Google Analytics can be complex
- !Lacks integration with Google Ads for ad tracking
- !Potential learning curve with new dashboard
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Friendly Analytics a good replacement for Google Analytics?
Yes, Friendly Analytics is a GDPR-compliant European alternative to Google Analytics. It offers similar functionality while ensuring your data stays within EU jurisdiction and is protected under strict European privacy laws.
Is Friendly Analytics GDPR compliant?
Yes, Friendly Analytics is a European company that fully complies with GDPR regulations. Your data is stored in EU data centers and is not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act.
How much does Friendly Analytics cost?
Friendly Analytics offers subscription pricing. Visit their website for current pricing details and to compare plans based on your specific needs.
Where is my data stored with Friendly Analytics?
Friendly Analytics stores data in EU data centers, ensuring compliance with European data protection regulations and keeping your information within EU jurisdiction.
Other EU alternatives to Google Analytics
Ready to make the switch to Friendly Analytics?
Take control of your data privacy by switching to an EU-based alternative.
Related Pages
- Complete Switching Guide for Google Analytics
- GDPR Alternative to Google Analytics
- European Alternative to Google Analytics
- All EU Alternatives to Google Analytics
- Compare Google Analytics vs Friendly Analytics
- All Web Analytics Alternatives
- Best EU Web Analytics
- Privacy-Focused Web Analytics
- Open Source Web Analytics