GA Google Analytics vs Independent Analytics (October 2026)
Updated October 23, 2026 · Data from WordPress.org, refreshed daily · How this works
Both rank in the WordPress.org Analytics Plugins top 10: GA Google Analytics at #4 and Independent Analytics at #6. They split the 6 measures we track, so the choice comes down to which one you weigh most. 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.
Independent Analytics
Independent Analytics – WordPress Analytics Plugin
A simple, yet powerful WordPress analytics plugin that gives you privacy-friendly stats to grow your website. A Google Analytics alternative.
Who leads on what
They split the 6 measures we track, so the choice comes down to which one you weigh most.
GA Google Analytics ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #6 in Analytics Plugins.
GA Google Analytics has more users: 400,000+ active installs against 100,000+.
GA Google Analytics is rated higher: 4.9 out of 5 from 158 reviews, against 4.8 from 166 reviews.
Independent Analytics has more reviews behind its score: 166 against 158.
Independent Analytics was updated more recently, on October 16, 2026; GA Google Analytics on August 10, 2026.
Independent Analytics was downloaded more in the last 30 days: 70,052 times against 38,838.
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 you go by where WordPress.org itself puts them, you want the plugin more sites already run or the review score matters most to you.
Independent Analytics
Pick Independent Analytics if you want the score backed by more reviews, you want the one shipping releases most recently or you want the one being installed faster right now.
GA Google Analytics vs Independent Analytics side by side
| GA Google Analytics | Independent Analytics | |
|---|---|---|
| Analytics Plugins ranking | #4 | #6 |
| Rating | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| Reviews | 158 | 166 |
| Active installs | 400,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Total downloads | 10,407,351 | 3,169,014 |
| Downloads, last 30 days | 38,838 | 70,052 |
| Last updated | Aug 10, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 |
| First published | Nov 13, 2012 | May 31, 2022 |
| Tested up to WordPress | 7.1.3 | 7.1.3 |
| Requires PHP | 5.6.20 | 8.0.30 |
| Pricing | Free on WordPress.org | Free on WordPress.org |
Downloads per day, last 48 days
GA Google Analytics ratings
Independent Analytics 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 Independent Analytics can pay to appear here: the pair exists only because both plugins reached the Analytics Plugins top 10. Full methodology.
GA Google Analytics vs Independent Analytics: common questions
Is GA Google Analytics better than Independent Analytics?
They split the 6 measures we track, so the choice comes down to which one you weigh most. Neither is better at everything, and the answer depends on which measure you weigh. GA Google Analytics ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #6 in Analytics Plugins.
Which has more users, GA Google Analytics or Independent Analytics?
GA Google Analytics ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #6 in Analytics Plugins.
Which is rated higher, GA Google Analytics or Independent Analytics?
GA Google Analytics has more users: 400,000+ active installs against 100,000+.
Are GA Google Analytics and Independent Analytics free?
Both are free to install from WordPress.org. GA Google Analytics may also sell a paid version or add-ons. Independent Analytics may also sell a paid version or add-ons.
Alternatives to GA Google Analytics and Independent Analytics
Plugins that score close to both in the same WordPress.org rankings and tags.
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MonsterInsights
2 million+ installs · 4.5 from 3,156 reviews
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Burst Statistics
200,000+ installs · 4.9 from 186 reviews
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Koko Analytics
60,000+ installs · 5.0 from 244 reviews
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ExactMetrics
200,000+ installs · 2.5 from 1,546 reviews
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Google Analytics for WooCommerce
100,000+ installs · 2.8 from 119 reviews
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Weekly · free
What moved this week
One email a week, built from the same daily snapshots these rankings come from: the plugins that climbed, what launched, and one ranking worth a look.