ExactMetrics vs Independent Analytics (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: ExactMetrics at #8 and Independent Analytics at #7. ExactMetrics leads on 3 of the 5 measures we track. 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
ExactMetrics leads on 3 of the 5 measures we track.
Independent Analytics ranks higher on WordPress.org: #7 against #8 in Analytics Plugins.
ExactMetrics has more users: 300,000+ active installs against 100,000+.
Independent Analytics is rated higher: 4.8 out of 5 from 167 reviews, against 2.5 from 1,546 reviews.
ExactMetrics has more reviews behind its score: 1,546 against 167.
ExactMetrics was updated more recently, on September 3, 2026; Independent Analytics on August 20, 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.
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 shipping releases most recently.
Independent Analytics
Pick Independent Analytics if you go by where WordPress.org itself puts them or the review score matters most to you.
ExactMetrics vs Independent Analytics side by side
| ExactMetrics | Independent Analytics | |
|---|---|---|
| Analytics Plugins ranking | #8 | #7 |
| Rating | 2.5 | 4.8 |
| Reviews | 1,546 | 167 |
| Active installs | 300,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Total downloads | 52,541,214 | 3,087,226 |
| Downloads, last 30 days | – | – |
| Last updated | Sep 3, 2026 | Aug 20, 2026 |
| First published | Mar 12, 2013 | May 31, 2022 |
| Tested up to WordPress | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Requires PHP | 7.2 | 8.0.30 |
| Pricing | Free on WordPress.org | Free on WordPress.org |
30-day download figures appear after both plugins have 30 days of tracking.
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?
ExactMetrics leads on 3 of the 5 measures we track. Neither is better at everything, and the answer depends on which measure you weigh. Independent Analytics ranks higher on WordPress.org: #7 against #8 in Analytics Plugins.
Which has more users, ExactMetrics or Independent Analytics?
Independent Analytics ranks higher on WordPress.org: #7 against #8 in Analytics Plugins.
Which is rated higher, ExactMetrics or Independent Analytics?
ExactMetrics has more users: 300,000+ 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.
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MonsterInsights
2 million+ installs · 4.5 from 3,150 reviews
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Google Analytics for WooCommerce
100,000+ installs · 2.8 from 119 reviews
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Burst Statistics
200,000+ installs · 4.9 from 183 reviews
-
Koko Analytics
60,000+ installs · 5.0 from 242 reviews
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GA Google Analytics
400,000+ installs · 4.9 from 158 reviews
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