GoatCounter vs Umami
Self-host pick — both replace Fathom Analytics (Privacy-first web analytics).
Both GoatCounter and Umami self-host as a replacement for Fathom Analytics (Privacy-first web analytics). Pick GoatCounter if you want a other-licensed codebase (EUPL-1.2); pick Umami for MIT (MIT). Both run in roughly the same cost bracket — $3/mo vps — go binary + sqlite, runs anywhere vs $5/mo vps — postgres-based, very light.
| GoatCounteropen-source | Umamiopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | EUPL-1.2 | MIT |
| Setup time | 5min single-binary | 10min docker-compose (Next.js + Postgres or MySQL) |
| Monthly cost | $3/mo VPS — Go binary + SQLite, runs anywhere. | $5/mo VPS — Postgres-based, very light. |
| GitHub | arp242/goatcounter | umami-software/umami |
| Replaces | Fathom Analytics | Fathom Analytics + 1 other |
Good fit for
GoatCounter
Personal sites and small projects that want analytics with the least operational footprint.
Weak at:Multi-site dashboards and team accounts are thinner than Plausible/Umami; default UI is functional rather than pretty.
Umami
Most teams — Umami is the easiest to install and the cheapest to run.
Weak at:Funnel/cohort analysis — Umami stays focused on top-of-funnel reporting, no deep funnel exploration.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli fathom-analytics prints Fathom Analytics's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, GoatCounter or Umami?
GoatCounter: 5min single-binary. Umami: 10min docker-compose (Next.js + Postgres or MySQL).
What does each cost to run?
GoatCounter: $3/mo VPS — Go binary + SQLite, runs anywhere.. Umami: $5/mo VPS — Postgres-based, very light.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do GoatCounter and Umami replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Fathom Analytics.