ExactMetrics vs Independent 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: ExactMetrics at #7 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.
ExactMetrics
ExactMetrics – Google Analytics Dashboard for WordPress (Website Stats Plugin)
Connects Google Analytics with your WordPress site. Displays stats to help you understand your users and site content on a whole new level!
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.
Independent Analytics ranks higher on WordPress.org: #6 against #7 in Analytics Plugins.
ExactMetrics has more users: 200,000+ active installs against 100,000+.
Independent Analytics is rated higher: 4.8 out of 5 from 166 reviews, against 2.5 from 1,546 reviews.
ExactMetrics has more reviews behind its score: 1,546 against 166.
Independent Analytics was updated more recently, on October 16, 2026; ExactMetrics on September 16, 2026.
ExactMetrics was downloaded more in the last 30 days: 82,830 times against 70,052.
Which one to pick
Each plugin is the better answer for the measure it actually leads on. Nothing here is a recommendation we invented.
ExactMetrics
Pick ExactMetrics if you want the plugin more sites already run, you want the score backed by more reviews or you want the one being installed faster right now.
Independent Analytics
Pick Independent Analytics if you go by where WordPress.org itself puts them, the review score matters most to you or you want the one shipping releases most recently.
ExactMetrics vs Independent Analytics side by side
| ExactMetrics | Independent Analytics | |
|---|---|---|
| Analytics Plugins ranking | #7 | #6 |
| Rating | 2.5 | 4.8 |
| Reviews | 1,546 | 166 |
| Active installs | 200,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Total downloads | 52,787,964 | 3,169,014 |
| Downloads, last 30 days | 82,830 | 70,052 |
| Last updated | Sep 16, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 |
| First published | Mar 12, 2013 | May 31, 2022 |
| Tested up to WordPress | 7.1.3 | 7.1.3 |
| Requires PHP | 7.2 | 8.0.30 |
| Pricing | Free on WordPress.org | Free on WordPress.org |
Downloads per day, last 48 days
ExactMetrics 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 ExactMetrics nor Independent Analytics can pay to appear here: the pair exists only because both plugins reached the Analytics Plugins top 10. Full methodology.
ExactMetrics vs Independent Analytics: common questions
Is ExactMetrics 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. Independent Analytics ranks higher on WordPress.org: #6 against #7 in Analytics Plugins.
Which has more users, ExactMetrics or Independent Analytics?
Independent Analytics ranks higher on WordPress.org: #6 against #7 in Analytics Plugins.
Which is rated higher, ExactMetrics or Independent Analytics?
ExactMetrics has more users: 200,000+ active installs against 100,000+.
Are ExactMetrics and Independent Analytics free?
Both are free to install from WordPress.org. ExactMetrics may also sell a paid version or add-ons. Independent Analytics may also sell a paid version or add-ons.
Alternatives to ExactMetrics and Independent Analytics
Plugins that score close to both in the same WordPress.org rankings and tags.
-
MonsterInsights
2 million+ installs · 4.5 from 3,156 reviews
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Google Analytics for WooCommerce
100,000+ installs · 2.8 from 119 reviews
-
Burst Statistics
200,000+ installs · 4.9 from 186 reviews
-
Koko Analytics
60,000+ installs · 5.0 from 244 reviews
-
GA Google Analytics
400,000+ installs · 4.9 from 158 reviews
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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.