At a glance
WP Statistics – Simple, privacy-friendly Google Analytics alternative
Get website traffic insights with GDPR/CCPA compliant, privacy-friendly analytics. Includes visitor data, stunning graphs, and no data sharing.
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!
Full Comparison
Technical Specs
| Metric | WP Statistics | ExactMetrics |
|---|---|---|
| Requires WP | 6.6+ | 5.6.0+ |
| Requires PHP | 7.4+ | 7.2+ |
| Tested up to WP | 7.0 | 7.0.0 |
| Plugin age | 15 yrs | 13 yrs |
Quick Verdict
WP Statistics wins for developers and agency owners who need GDPR-compliant analytics without data gaps. Its 72% five-star rating across 756 reviews reflects consistent reliability. WP Statistics has 2x more installs than ExactMetrics. If you need Google Analytics data inside WordPress, ExactMetrics does that, but its 60% one-star rating signals frequent issues. For privacy-first tracking and accurate conversion data, WP Statistics is the pick.
Feature Comparison: WP Statistics vs ExactMetrics
| Feature | WP Statistics | ExactMetrics |
|---|---|---|
| GA4 event tracking depth | Pageview tracking with custom event support via hooks | Pageview, ecommerce events (purchase, add-to-cart), and custom events via Google Analytics 4 |
| Google Tag Manager support | No native GTM integration; uses direct PHP tracking | Full GTM container support for deploying GA4 tags |
| GDPR consent mode v2 compatibility | Built-in consent integration with zero data collection until user opts in | Requires separate consent plugin to manage consent mode v2 signals |
| WooCommerce purchase and add-to-cart tracking accuracy | Server-side event tracking logged directly in database | Client-side GA4 ecommerce events via JavaScript |
| Server-side tracking support | Native server-side logging with no external HTTP requests | Requires GA4 Measurement Protocol setup for server-side events |
| Admin reporting dashboard inside WordPress | Full dashboard with visitor graphs, referrers, and page stats in wp-admin | Google Analytics data displayed via dashboard widgets and reports |
| Data ownership and privacy | Data stored on your server; no third-party data sharing | Data sent to Google servers; subject to Google's privacy policies |
| Plugin tags | analytics, insights, site-visitors, stats | google-analytics, google-analytics-dashboard, website-stats |
Who Should Use WP Statistics
- Developers building sites for EU clients who need GDPR-compliant analytics. WP Statistics stores all visitor data locally, so you never send personal data to third parties. Its 72% five-star rating confirms it works for privacy-focused teams.
- Agency owners who want to track visitors on WordPress sites without adding Google's JavaScript. Server-side logging means ad blockers and consent declines create zero data gaps. 600K+ installs trust this approach.
- Teams migrating away from Google Analytics who need a drop-in replacement. WP Statistics provides visitor counts, referrer data, and page performance graphs inside wp-admin. You get wordpress traffic statistics without Google dependency.
Who Should Use ExactMetrics
- Marketing teams already invested in Google Analytics who want a WordPress analytics dashboard. ExactMetrics pulls GA4 data directly into wp-admin, saving trips to the Google Analytics interface. It targets the "google analytics wordpress" keyword with 450 monthly searches.
- Developers who need full GA4 ecommerce event tracking for WooCommerce. ExactMetrics fires purchase, add-to-cart, and checkout events through GA4's data layer. This supports conversion attribution if you already use Google Ads.
- Users who require Google Tag Manager integration for tag management. ExactMetrics supports GTM containers, letting you deploy custom GA4 tags without touching theme code. This suits agencies managing multiple client GTM accounts.
Community & Support
WP Statistics shows strong support responsiveness. Over a 2-month period, 13 of 14 support threads were resolved, a 93% resolution rate. Its rating distribution is polarized: 72% of reviewers give 5 stars, while 15% give 1 star. ExactMetrics has no measurable support data from the last 2 months. Its rating split is 35% five-star and 60% one-star, indicating a vocal dissatisfied user base. For plugin stability, WP Statistics's last update was May 19, 2026, and ExactMetrics last updated May 29, 2026.
Verdict: WP Statistics or ExactMetrics for GDPR-compliant ecommerce tracking and conversion attribution?
Pick WP Statistics if you need privacy analytics for small business WordPress sites. It logs purchases and add-to-cart events server-side, so consent declines don't create data gaps. With 72% five-star ratings and zero data sent to third parties, it's the reliable choice for GDPR compliance.
Pick ExactMetrics if your conversion tracking depends on Google Analytics 4 and you already use Google Ads for attribution. Its ecommerce event tracking is built for GA4's data model. But be aware of its 60% one-star rating, which suggests inconsistent performance for many users.
For most agency owners and developers, WP Statistics wins. You get accurate visitor tracking, server-side logging, and full GDPR consent mode v2 support without relying on Google's infrastructure. Data ownership stays with you.
This comparison is AI-generated from live WordPress.org data. Install counts, ratings, versions and support statistics sync weekly, so the numbers on this page stay current. Content passes automated quality checks before publishing, and pages below our quality threshold are held for human review.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Q How many people use WP Statistics compared to ExactMetrics?
WP Statistics has 600K+ active installs while ExactMetrics has 300K+, meaning WP Statistics is used on more sites.
Q Which has better user ratings — WP Statistics or ExactMetrics?
WP Statistics averages 4.1/5 from 756 reviews, while ExactMetrics averages 2.5/5 from 1,546 reviews — WP Statistics has the higher average rating.
Q Which is more actively maintained — WP Statistics or ExactMetrics?
ExactMetrics was last updated on May 29, 2026 and WP Statistics on May 19, 2026, so ExactMetrics received the more recent update.
Q Are WP Statistics and ExactMetrics both free?
Yes — both WP Statistics and ExactMetrics are free to install from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Some features may require a paid upgrade offered by the plugin author.
Q Is WP Statistics or ExactMetrics better for GDPR-compliant ecommerce tracking and conversion attribution?
ExactMetrics is better for ecommerce tracking because it connects directly to Google Analytics, which offers built-in conversion attribution and ecommerce reports. WP Statistics stores all data on your own server, which makes GDPR compliance simpler for privacy-focused stores, but it lacks the advanced attribution models that Google Analytics provides. If you need detailed conversion paths and don't mind a third-party service, choose ExactMetrics; if you want full data control without Google, choose WP Statistics.
Q Which is easier to set up for a WordPress beginner — WP Statistics or ExactMetrics?
WP Statistics is easier for a beginner because it works immediately after activation with no external accounts or API keys needed. ExactMetrics requires you to create a Google Analytics account, copy a tracking ID, and paste it into the plugin settings, which adds a few extra steps. Most new users find WP Statistics simpler since it shows visitor data right away without leaving WordPress.
Q What is the biggest feature difference between WP Statistics and ExactMetrics?
The biggest difference is that WP Statistics stores all data on your own WordPress server, so you never rely on a third-party service, while ExactMetrics sends data to Google Analytics and pulls reports back into your dashboard. This means WP Statistics gives you full privacy control and works offline, but ExactMetrics gives you Google's advanced reports like real-time traffic sources and user flow. If you want Google Analytics features, pick ExactMetrics; if you want self-hosted stats, pick WP Statistics.
Q Can you switch from WP Statistics to ExactMetrics (or the other way) without losing data?
No, you cannot directly transfer historical data between these two plugins because they store data in completely different systems. WP Statistics keeps data in your WordPress database, while ExactMetrics relies on Google Analytics servers. You would need to start fresh with the new plugin, though you can keep the old plugin active to reference past reports.
Q Which type of site should choose WP Statistics, and which should choose ExactMetrics?
WP Statistics is best for small business sites or blogs that want privacy-friendly analytics without Google, especially if you need GDPR compliance without extra consent notices. ExactMetrics is better for ecommerce sites, membership sites, or any site that already uses Google Analytics and wants deeper reports like conversion tracking and user behavior. If you never want to touch Google services, go with WP Statistics; if you want Google's full toolkit, go with ExactMetrics.
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