Best Analytics Plugins for WordPress
Understanding your visitors’ behavior is essential for improving your WordPress website. Analytics plugins help you track traffic, measure engagement, and optimize your site’s performance. From simple dashboards to advanced tracking, here are the best analytics plugins for WordPress.
1) MonsterInsights
Most popular Google Analytics plugin for WordPress.
- Beginner-friendly setup with Google Analytics.
- View traffic reports directly in your WordPress dashboard.
- Tracks eCommerce performance, downloads, and outbound links.
- Free version: Basic stats and integration.
- Pro version: Advanced tracking, events, forms, and conversions.
2) Site Kit by Google
Official Google plugin for website insights.
- Integrates Google Analytics, Search Console, AdSense, and PageSpeed Insights.
- Dashboard with key metrics (traffic, search performance, revenue).
- No coding required, fully free.
- Free only: Best for users who want official Google tools.
3) ExactMetrics
Lightweight alternative to MonsterInsights.
- Connects with Google Analytics easily.
- Real-time stats and detailed traffic reports.
- Event tracking for buttons, forms, and affiliate links.
- Free version: Basic features.
- Pro version: Advanced reports and integrations.
4) Analytify
Best for simple, clean reports.
- Google Analytics reports in a user-friendly dashboard.
- Tracks posts, pages, and campaign performance.
- eCommerce tracking support for WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads.
- Free version: Simplified stats.
- Pro version: Real-time reports and detailed eCommerce data.
5) WP Statistics
Self-hosted analytics solution (no Google required).
- Tracks visitor data directly in your WordPress database.
- Provides reports on referrers, pages, and geolocation.
- No need for external accounts (good for privacy-focused sites).
- Free: Full access to features, add-ons available.
6) Matomo Analytics
Best for privacy and GDPR compliance.
- Open-source alternative to Google Analytics.
- Host data on your own server or use the cloud version.
- Advanced tracking: heatmaps, session recordings, goals, and A/B testing.
- Free plugin: Self-hosted version.
- Paid cloud version: Scales with traffic.
Comparison Table
| Plugin | Free Version | Premium Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MonsterInsights | ✔ | eCommerce, advanced events, custom reports | Beginners, marketers |
| Site Kit by Google | ✔ | ✘ | Google services integration |
| ExactMetrics | ✔ | Advanced tracking, integrations | Lightweight GA setup |
| Analytify | ✔ | Real-time and eCommerce reports | Clean, simple reports |
| WP Statistics | ✔ | Add-ons for advanced stats | Privacy-focused sites |
| Matomo Analytics | ✔ (self-hosted) | Heatmaps, A/B testing, cloud hosting | GDPR-compliant analytics |
Summary
For most beginners, MonsterInsights or Site Kit by Google are the easiest ways to integrate analytics. If you want advanced but lightweight alternatives, ExactMetrics and Analytify are great. Privacy-conscious site owners may prefer WP Statistics or Matomo, which allow full control over data. Choose the one that best matches your site’s goals and compliance needs.
🔌 Looking for more? Check out our WordPress Plugins Hub to discover recommended tools and how to use them.
