Reviewed 2026-10-14
Fathom vs Plausible
Two privacy-first analytics tools that make almost the same promise. The differences are in hosting, reporting depth and how they charge.
Our take
Plausible Analytics
Both remove cookies and the consent banner, and both report far less than a full analytics suite on purpose. Fathom leans towards being the simpler of the two; Plausible leans towards slightly more reporting flexibility and a self-hostable option. For most small sites the honest answer is that either will do, so decide on price at your traffic level.
Side by side
Rows marked in colour show which option we think is ahead on that point.
| Criteria | Fathom Analytics | Plausible Analytics |
|---|---|---|
| Cookies | None | None |
| Self-hosting | Not offered | Available, and open source |
| Reporting depth | Deliberately minimal | A little more, including funnels |
| Free tier | Trial only | Trial only |
| How billing scales | By pageviews | By pageviews |
Sources
These are the vendor pages we used when writing this comparison. Prices and plan limits change; confirm them before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Answers restate what this comparison records and link to the vendor pages it cites.
What is the difference between Fathom Analytics and Plausible Analytics?
Two privacy-first analytics tools that make almost the same promise. The differences are in hosting, reporting depth and how they charge.
How do Fathom Analytics and Plausible Analytics compare on price?
Both are tiered, so the figure depends on your own volume. Our entries describe Fathom Analytics as: Paid plans only; a trial is offered instead of a permanent free tier. And Plausible Analytics as: Paid plans; a 30-day trial instead of a free tier. Compare the Fathom Analytics pricing page and the Plausible Analytics pricing page before you commit.
Which should I choose, Fathom Analytics or Plausible Analytics?
Both remove cookies and the consent banner, and both report far less than a full analytics suite on purpose. Fathom leans towards being the simpler of the two; Plausible leans towards slightly more reporting flexibility and a self-hostable option. For most small sites the honest answer is that either will do, so decide on price at your traffic level.
Where did the figures in this comparison come from?
This comparison is based on the vendor pages we read: Fathom Analytics pricing and Plausible pricing. Prices and plan limits change, so check them before you commit.
How do Fathom Analytics and Plausible Analytics compare on "Cookies"?
Fathom Analytics: None. Plausible Analytics: None.
How do Fathom Analytics and Plausible Analytics compare on "Self-hosting"?
Fathom Analytics: Not offered. Plausible Analytics: Available, and open source.