GA Google Analytics vs Matomo Analytics (October 2026)
Updated October 22, 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 Matomo Analytics at #17. GA Google Analytics leads on 4 of the 6 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.
Matomo Analytics
Matomo Analytics – Powerful, Privacy-First Insights for WordPress
Privacy friendly, GDPR compliant and self-hosted. Matomo is the #1 Google Analytics alternative that gives you control of your data. Free and secure.
Who leads on what
GA Google Analytics leads on 4 of the 6 measures we track.
GA Google Analytics ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #17 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 4.6 from 178 reviews.
Matomo Analytics has more reviews behind its score: 178 against 158.
Matomo Analytics was updated more recently, on September 15, 2026; GA Google Analytics on August 10, 2026.
GA Google Analytics was downloaded more in the last 30 days: 38,838 times against 29,404.
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, the review score matters most to you or you want the one being installed faster right now.
Matomo Analytics
Pick Matomo Analytics if you want the score backed by more reviews or you want the one shipping releases most recently.
GA Google Analytics vs Matomo Analytics side by side
| GA Google Analytics | Matomo Analytics | |
|---|---|---|
| Analytics Plugins ranking | #4 | #17 |
| Rating | 4.9 | 4.6 |
| Reviews | 158 | 178 |
| Active installs | 400,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Total downloads | 10,407,351 | 3,298,474 |
| Downloads, last 30 days | 38,838 | 29,404 |
| Last updated | Aug 10, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 |
| First published | Nov 13, 2012 | Feb 13, 2020 |
| Tested up to WordPress | 7.1.3 | 7.1.0 |
| Requires PHP | 5.6.20 | 7.2.5 |
| Pricing | Free on WordPress.org | Free on WordPress.org |
Downloads per day, last 48 days
GA Google Analytics ratings
Matomo 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 Matomo 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 Matomo Analytics: common questions
Is GA Google Analytics better than Matomo Analytics?
GA Google Analytics leads on 4 of the 6 measures we track. Neither is better at everything, and the answer depends on which measure you weigh. GA Google Analytics ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #17 in Analytics Plugins.
Which has more users, GA Google Analytics or Matomo Analytics?
GA Google Analytics ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #17 in Analytics Plugins.
Which is rated higher, GA Google Analytics or Matomo Analytics?
GA Google Analytics has more users: 400,000+ active installs against 100,000+.
Are GA Google Analytics and Matomo Analytics free?
Both are free to install from WordPress.org. GA Google Analytics may also sell a paid version or add-ons. Matomo Analytics may also sell a paid version or add-ons.
Alternatives to GA Google Analytics and Matomo Analytics
Plugins that score close to both in the same WordPress.org rankings and tags.
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