Question 3: Plausible vs Fathom vs Simple Analytics - which one should I choose for a small blog?

For a small blog, all three—Plausible, Fathom, and Simple Analytics—are fantastic, lightweight, privacy-focused alternatives to Google Analytics. Because they are completely cookieless, none of them require an annoying cookie consent banner, and their scripts are tiny so they won't slow down your blog.

The main differences for a small blog come down to price, site limits, and free tier availability.

Comparison at a Glance

Plausible Analytics

Best for: A single small blog on a budget.

Starting Price: Starts at $9/month (Starter tier for 1 site and solo use).

Pros: Cleanest entry-level pricing if you only have one site; fully open-source if you want to self-host it for free.

Cons: The cheapest tier restricts you to 1 site and a single user.

Fathom Analytics

Best for: If you plan on running multiple small sites/projects.

Starting Price: Starts at $15/month (up to 100,000 monthly pageviews across 50+ sites).

Pros: Incredible value if you manage more than one blog or side project because all plans include unlimited/dozens of sites. Extremely fast and polished interface.

Cons: Higher starting price ($15 vs. $9) if you genuinely only have one single blog. No free tier.

Simple Analytics

Best for: True hobbyists who want a completely free option (with a small badge) or enterprise needs.

Starting Price: Has a Free tier for hobby sites (up to 5 websites, 1 user, 1 month history, requires their small badge on your site). Paid plans start at $20/month.

Pros: The free hobby tier is great if you are just starting out and don't mind displaying a discreet Simple Analytics badge.

Cons: Paid tiers are the most expensive of the three ($20/mo) and extra users cost $20/mo each.

Which one should you choose?

Choose Plausible if you have just one blog and want the most affordable paid option ($9/mo), or if you have technical skills and want to self-host the open-source version for free. Check out the Plausible Pricing Page to explore their tiers.

Choose Fathom if you have 2 or more blogs/projects (since $15/mo covers up to 50+ sites) or if you prefer a flat, premium experience with stellar support. See the Fathom Pricing Details.

Choose Simple Analytics if your blog is a brand-new hobby and you want to use their free tier (and don’t mind having their badge on your footer). Review the Simple Analytics Pricing to check the hobby plan limits.

Simple Analytics

To help narrow it down: How many websites or blogs are you planning to track right now, and do you prefer a free hobby plan or a paid setup?