Side by side
GoatCounter vs W3Perl
Both stand on web analytics tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb
GoatCounter focuses on straightforward, privacy-respecting web statistics with hosted and self-hosted routes. Its stated tracking limits and modest scope should be considered by teams seeking broader analytics coverage.
Visit GoatCounter Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
W3Perl provides broad, database-free logfile reporting with optional administration and enrichment modules. Its Perl dependencies and high memory demand at maximum precision should shape deployment plans.
Visit W3PerlThe facts
| GoatCounter | W3Perl | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Self-hosted, Web | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | GoatCounter | Not published |
| Website | goatcounter.com | w3perl.com |
| On web analytics tools | #39 of 142 | #43 of 142 |
GoatCounter: what it does well
- Hosted service free for reasonable usage
- Open-source self-hosting option
- No unique user identifiers
- Multiple tracking methods
- CSV and JSON API access
What to know first
- Not intended for every analytics use case
- Tracking pixel omits referrers and screen size
- API rate limit is 4 requests per second
- Backups may retain deleted data up to 30 days
W3Perl: what it does well
- Free software under the GNU General Public License
- Supports many web and server log types
- HTML, email, and PDF reporting
- No database or account required
- Remote logs via rsync, SFTP, or wget
What to know first
- Perl is required
- Some features need CGI, Ajax, or plug-ins
- Highest precision can require substantial RAM
- Listed stable release dates from 2015
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