Recommended Free Tools
For a straightforward website dashboard, compare Plausible, Fathom, Simple Analytics, and Umami; for self-hosting or deeper reporting, look at Matomo and Umami; for event-based product analytics, consider PostHog. Pirsch, Cloudflare Web Analytics, and GoatCounter are also candidates, but the available product details do not support a confident feature-by-feature recommendation for them here. No platform makes cookie-banner requirements disappear automatically: your data collection, configuration, legal basis, and visitors’ jurisdictions matter.
How to choose among privacy-first analytics platforms
“Privacy-first” is not a single technical standard. A tool may avoid cookies by default but still require decisions about what data it collects, how long it keeps it, where it is hosted, and whether optional features change its behavior. Vendor statements about privacy are not a legal determination for your site.
Start with the job you need done, then compare:
- Reporting depth: Do you need basic traffic and referral reports, or also custom reports, heatmaps, session recordings, funnels, or revenue analysis?
- Deployment: Is managed cloud acceptable, or do you need to run the analytics stack yourself?
- Data and configuration: Which privacy defaults apply, and what settings must you change for your intended use?
- Location: Where will analytics data be processed and stored? Check the current service documentation for the plan and region you would use.
- Billing unit and limits: Compare pageviews, events, sites, retention, and usage caps—not only the headline price.
- Operational fit: Consider data export, migration, access for teammates, and who will maintain a self-hosted installation.
Matomo’s June 2026 comparison describes Plausible, Fathom, and Simple Analytics as simpler options, while Matomo adds features such as heatmaps, recordings, custom reporting, log analytics, and a built-in tag manager. That is a useful distinction between lightweight site reporting and a broader analytics suite, not a universal ranking.
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Which nine platforms belong on your shortlist?
The table separates established details from points that should not be assumed. The descriptions of Matomo, Plausible, Fathom, and Simple Analytics reflect Matomo’s June 2026 comparison; Umami and PostHog details reflect their vendor pages accessed October 7, 2026. For Pirsch, Cloudflare Web Analytics, and GoatCounter, the available information is not sufficient to assert comparable privacy, hosting, or feature details.
| Platform | What the available product information supports | Consider it when |
|---|---|---|
| Matomo | Open-source and fully self-hostable; the comparison describes configurable cookieless tracking and a broad set of reporting and behavioral tools. | You want hosting control or need more than a basic traffic dashboard. |
| Plausible | Described as open-source, cookieless by default, and EU-hosted; self-hosting options are more limited than its cloud offering. | You want a simpler website analytics service and are comfortable with its deployment choices. |
| Fathom | Described as proprietary in its current version, cookieless by default, with an EU hosting option and a limited self-hosted Lite option. | You want a lightweight service and want to compare its current cloud and Lite arrangements. |
| Simple Analytics | Described as cloud-only, with cookieless defaults, EU-only hosting, and open-source scripts. | A cloud service and its stated hosting scope suit your requirements. |
| Umami | Offers managed cloud and open-source self-hosted deployments; its vendor describes privacy defaults, event analysis, funnels, conversion and revenue reporting, and data export. | You want a choice of managed or self-hosted deployment with more than basic page reporting. |
| Pirsch | Its official pricing page was accessed October 7, 2026, but comparable feature and pricing details are not established here. | Keep it on the evaluation list, then verify the current plan, privacy, and hosting documentation directly. |
| PostHog | Its official pricing describes event-based product analytics, a monthly free event allowance, and usage-based pricing above that allowance. | Your work centers on product events and behavioral analysis rather than only a simple website dashboard. |
| Cloudflare Web Analytics | Feature and privacy details are not established here. | Evaluate it only after checking its current official documentation against your data and hosting requirements. |
| GoatCounter | Feature and privacy details are not established here. | Evaluate it only after checking its current official documentation against your data and hosting requirements. |
Which tools fit different needs?
For a lightweight website dashboard
Plausible, Fathom, and Simple Analytics are positioned as simpler alternatives in Matomo’s June 2026 comparison. Their deployment and hosting descriptions differ, so do not treat “simple” as meaning interchangeable: Plausible and Fathom have limited self-hosting options described in that comparison, while Simple Analytics is described as cloud-only. Confirm current packaging and settings with each vendor before choosing.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible Model(s): Magicmoon brand filter only for 24 inch -diagonally measured - widescreen monitor - aspect ratio 16:9 - filter size: width: 20 15/16", Height: 11 13/16" (531mm x 298mm)
- Superior Privacy: The computer privacy filter makes the screen appear dark when looking at it from an angle (the angle is about 30 to 60 degree), but bright when looking directly at it. To change the privacy level - simply adjust your monitor’s brightness accordingly
- Eye and Screen Protection: Privacy Filter does not only protect your private life but also protects your eyes by blocking 30% of blue light , blocking the harmful blue light between 380 to 495 nm, it filters out the blue light and relieves eye strain
- Perfect For Open Workspaces: Great for maintaining screen privacy in open work spaces
- Includes Two Options: Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the privacy screen filter on and off as needed
For control over hosting or deeper reporting
Matomo is the clearest fit in this group if self-hosting is a requirement or you need a richer feature set. Its described capabilities include heatmaps, session recordings, custom reports, log analytics, and a built-in tag manager. Those tools can provide more insight, but they also mean more configuration and operational decisions than a basic traffic dashboard.
Umami is another deployment-flexible option: its vendor describes both managed cloud and open-source self-hosting. Its platform information also lists event analysis, funnels, conversion and revenue reporting, and data export. Choose between its cloud and self-hosted route based on who should maintain the service and where you need the data to reside.
Rank #2
- 【Privacy Filter Dimensions】- Width: 20 15/16" (532 mm), Height: 11 13/16" (299 mm), Diagonal: 24" (609.6 mm) - SightPro Blackout Privacy Screen Filter is engineered to be compatible with HP, Dell, Samsung, Lenovo, LG, Acer, ASUS, ViewSonic, and other monitor brands. Please verify your computer screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your computer screen's diagonal size.
- 【Two Attachment Options】- Installs in minutes. Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the privacy screen filter on and off as needed.
- 【Superior Privacy and Anti Glare】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your computer screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful glare, UV, and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
- 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- Our computer screen privacy filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports and public areas.
- 【Package Contents】- Each package includes one privacy screen shield filter, two sets of clear adhesive strips, two sets of slide mount tabs, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
For product analytics built around events
PostHog is oriented toward event-based product analytics. Its pricing page, accessed October 7, 2026, listed 1,000,000 analytics events free each month, followed by usage-based pricing. The vendor’s broader pricing information says usage above a configured billing limit can be dropped, so review that control and decide how it should behave before deploying analytics on a critical product.
For Pirsch, Cloudflare Web Analytics, and GoatCounter
These three may be worth comparing, but the available details do not establish a reliable basis for ranking their features, deployment models, or privacy defaults alongside the better-documented options above. Check each vendor’s current official product, privacy, and pricing information rather than inferring capabilities from the name or from third-party summaries.
Rank #3
![[2 Pack] 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter for 16:9 Widescreen Monitor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41SBKw3J4ML._SL160_.jpg)
- 【24 PRIVACY FILTER DIMENSIONS】 Width: 20 15/16" (20.9 inches/532 mm), Height: 11 13/16" (11.8 inches/299 mm) - 16:9 Aspect Ratio. Mamol computer privacy filters are designed to be perfectly compatible with HP, Samsung, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, LG, ViewSonic and other brands of monitors. Please check the width and height dimensions of your computer screen before ordering. If you have any questions about the dimensions, please contact us.
- 【ENHANCED PRIVACY PROTECTION】Mamol 24 inch computer privacy filter keeps your electronic information confidential, making it excellent for use in high traffic areas. the computer privacy screen 24 inch is designed with advanced microlouver technology to block visibility at around 30 degrees and black out screens completely near 60 degrees.
- 【EYES PROTECTION】 This blackout privacy screen greatly reduces eye strain and minimizes potential hazards to vision. It filters 99.9% of UV rays and suppresses 98% of blue light. As a reversible 24-inch privacy screen filter: The glossy side of the protector provides extra clarity and greater privacy, and the matte side minimizes glare and distracting reflections. Satisfy your different daily uses as needed.
- 【BETTER HD CLARTIY】Mamol 24 inch computer privacy screen Shield adds an extra layer of AR Ultra HD light transmission compared to others. It maintains the high definition of the screen without sacrificing too much screen brightness. It won't reduce the brightness and cause eye fatigue because of the privacy screen installed on the screen.
- 【ANTI SCRATCH & WASHABLE 】Our privacy anti-glare Monitor film has a surface enhancement layer to protect the privacy filter from scratches and fingerprints. It is washable and reusable. Even after prolonged use, you will get a brand new privacy screen for your desktop computer monitor after cleaning. Very Durable!
What do Umami and PostHog cost?
Vendor pricing changes, and a headline amount is useful only alongside the plan’s limits. Umami’s pricing page, accessed October 7, 2026, listed the following monthly prices; verify current prices and included features before subscribing.
| Umami plan | Listed price per month | Limits and features |
|---|---|---|
| Hobby | $0 | Plan limits and features vary; check the current vendor pricing page. |
| Pro | $20 | Plan limits and features vary; check the current vendor pricing page. |
| Business | $200 | Plan limits and features vary; check the current vendor pricing page. |
Umami’s pricing FAQ lists US and EU cloud server locations. That does not by itself establish where every deployment or data flow will reside, so confirm the relevant region and terms for the plan you choose.
Rank #4
- Privacy Screen Filter Size: If the visible area of your display has the following dimension: Width x Height (Exclude Frame/Arrow 1 to 3 mm errors): 20 15/16" x 11 13/16" (532 mm x 299 mm), then this filter is good for you. Very Important to double check your screen's Width and Height excluding frame before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your screen's diagonal size
- Left and Right Privacy: Not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of distance. The privacy filter makes the screen appear dark when looking at it from an angle (left and right 30 to 180 degree), but clear when looking directly at it. To change the privacy levels, simply adjust your monitor's brightness level accordingly
- Matte and Glossy Sides: It's a reversible privacy screen filter, giving you the flexibility to choose glossy or matte finish. The matte side will have less glare, however the glossy side will have stronger privacy
- Perfect for Open Workspaces: Ensure your working space is bright and well lit. Privacy screens do not work in dimly lit areas
- Two Installation Option: Option 1 uses clear double side adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to take out the privacy screen filter easily as needed
PostHog’s free allowance is measured in analytics events per month, not a general promise of unlimited use. Compare expected event volume and the effect of usage limits with your reporting needs before relying on a free tier.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does privacy-first analytics mean you can skip a cookie banner?
Not necessarily. A tool’s cookieless default does not settle whether your particular implementation needs consent or another legal basis. Matomo’s June 2026 comparison explicitly cautions that site operators remain responsible for configuring their legal basis and consent model, especially in regions with stricter privacy rules.
Best Value
- 【PRIVACY FILTER DIMENSIONS】- Width: 23 9/16" (598 mm), Height: 13 1/4" (337 mm), Diagonal: 27" (685.8 mm) - Peslv Dark 27 inch Privacy Screen Filter is engineered to be compatible with 27in Dell, HP, Samsung, Lenovo, LG, Acer, ASUS, Toshiba, ViewSonic, Aoc, Sceptre, PHILIPS, ViewSonic and other brands monitors with 16:9 aspect ratio. Please verify your computer screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It is not recommended to select a size based solely on the diagonal.
- 【HIGH-CLASS PRIVACY ABLE】Peslv collected suggestions from more than 2000 computer users and performed 22188 anti-peep angle corrections on the micro-blind optical technology to ensure that any line of sight beyond +-30° facing the screen will be shielded. With a Peslv computer privacy screen 27 inch, Protect the privacy of your computer monitor screen and no longer leak any confidential data.
- 【2 MOUNTING OPTIONS FOR EASY INSTALLATION】The Peslv 27 inch privacy screen for monitor supply 2 installation options, Various installation options, are Compatible with both 27" computer monitors with raised bezels and full-screen 27" computer monitors without raised bezels, and convenient installation allows you to complete the installation in 10 seconds. NOTE: Monitors without raised bezels are only available with mounting option 2.
- 【EXCLUSIVE DOUBLE-SIDED TECHNOLOGY】27-inch monitor privacy filter has a double-sided surface technology developed by Peslv. Matte or Glossy. With the matte surface facing outward, you can experience the advanced AG anti-glare technology from Germany while maintaining a 30-degree privacy angle, softening the strong light outdoors, and making the screen content clearly visible. With the glossy side facing outward, you can get a super anti-peeping effect with a privacy angle of 26 degrees.
- 【PROTECT SCREEN ALSO EYES】Filtering optical materials imported from Japan can reduce 92% of blue light and 98% of UV light, and filter all harmful light emitted from the screen to protect your eyes. The high-transparent and reinforced built-in protective layer not only presents high-definition picture quality but also protects your screen from scratches. Hurry up and place an order, own a privacy screen for a computer monitor 27 inch, and protect your monitor screen and your eyes.
Before launch, document what the installation collects, which optional features are enabled, how the provider handles data, and what obligations apply to your visitors’ locations. If you enable additional tracking or combine analytics with other systems, reassess the setup instead of relying on a generic “cookieless” label. When in doubt, get jurisdiction-specific legal advice.
Quick Recap
A practical shortlist by use case
- Simple site reporting: Compare Plausible, Fathom, and Simple Analytics, paying attention to hosting and self-hosting constraints.
- Self-hosting or richer reporting: Start with Matomo; compare Umami if you want either managed cloud or self-hosting.
- Product-event analysis: Consider PostHog and model event volume, billing controls, and the analytical depth you actually need.
- Other candidates: Assess Pirsch, Cloudflare Web Analytics, and GoatCounter against current primary documentation before shortlisting them as a fit.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
