GA Google Analytics vs MonsterInsights (September 2026)
Updated September 7, 2026 · Data from WordPress.org, refreshed daily · How this works
Both rank in the WordPress.org Analytics Plugins top 10: GA Google Analytics at #3 and MonsterInsights at #2. MonsterInsights leads on 4 of the 5 measures we track. Every number below comes straight from WordPress.org and is refreshed every day.
GA Google Analytics
GA Google Analytics – Connect Google Analytics to WordPress
Adds Google Analytics tracking code to your WordPress site. Supports many tracking features.
MonsterInsights
MonsterInsights – Google Analytics Dashboard for WordPress (Website Stats Made Easy)
The best free Google Analytics plugin for WordPress. See how visitors find and use your website so you can grow your business with powerful analytics.
Who leads on what
MonsterInsights leads on 4 of the 5 measures we track.
MonsterInsights ranks higher on WordPress.org: #2 against #3 in Analytics Plugins.
MonsterInsights has more users: 2 million+ active installs against 400,000+.
GA Google Analytics is rated higher: 4.9 out of 5 from 158 reviews, against 4.5 from 3,150 reviews.
MonsterInsights has more reviews behind its score: 3,150 against 158.
MonsterInsights was updated more recently, on September 3, 2026; GA Google Analytics on August 10, 2026.
Which one to pick
Each plugin is the better answer for the measure it actually leads on. Nothing here is a recommendation we invented.
GA Google Analytics
Pick GA Google Analytics if the review score matters most to you.
MonsterInsights
Pick MonsterInsights if you go by where WordPress.org itself puts them, you want the plugin more sites already run, you want the score backed by more reviews or you want the one shipping releases most recently.
GA Google Analytics vs MonsterInsights side by side
| GA Google Analytics | MonsterInsights | |
|---|---|---|
| Analytics Plugins ranking | #3 | #2 |
| Rating | 4.9 | 4.5 |
| Reviews | 158 | 3,150 |
| Active installs | 400,000+ | 2 million+ |
| Total downloads | 10,342,977 | 278,968,850 |
| Downloads, last 30 days | – | – |
| Last updated | Aug 10, 2026 | Sep 3, 2026 |
| First published | Nov 13, 2012 | Sep 14, 2007 |
| Tested up to WordPress | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Requires PHP | 5.6.20 | 7.2 |
| Pricing | Free on WordPress.org | Free on WordPress.org |
30-day download figures appear after both plugins have 30 days of tracking.
GA Google Analytics ratings
MonsterInsights ratings
How we compare these two
Every figure here is pulled from the WordPress.org plugin API every day at 03:00 UTC, for both plugins in the same run, so the two are always read on the same day. We compare only what the directory reports: active installs, the rating and how many reviews stand behind it, the last release date and, once we have a month of history, downloads over the last 30 days. Ratings are only called a win above 50 reviews each, because a handful of five-star reviews is not evidence. Nothing is weighted into an overall score, no measure is worth more than another, and neither GA Google Analytics nor MonsterInsights can pay to appear here: the pair exists only because both plugins reached the Analytics Plugins top 10. Full methodology.
GA Google Analytics vs MonsterInsights: common questions
Is GA Google Analytics better than MonsterInsights?
MonsterInsights leads on 4 of the 5 measures we track. Neither is better at everything, and the answer depends on which measure you weigh. MonsterInsights ranks higher on WordPress.org: #2 against #3 in Analytics Plugins.
Which has more users, GA Google Analytics or MonsterInsights?
MonsterInsights ranks higher on WordPress.org: #2 against #3 in Analytics Plugins.
Which is rated higher, GA Google Analytics or MonsterInsights?
MonsterInsights has more users: 2 million+ active installs against 400,000+.
Are GA Google Analytics and MonsterInsights free?
Both are free to install from WordPress.org. GA Google Analytics may also sell a paid version or add-ons. MonsterInsights may also sell a paid version or add-ons.
Alternatives to GA Google Analytics and MonsterInsights
Plugins that score close to both in the same WordPress.org rankings and tags.
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