Pirsch vs Countly
Both Pirsch and Countly are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the web analytics space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.
Quick Overview
Pirsch
EU- Headquarters
- Koblenz, DE
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- No
Countly
EU- Headquarters
- London, GB
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Key Differences
- Pirsch offers a free tier, while countly offers a free tier. The different pricing models mean you should evaluate which approach better fits your usage pattern.
- Countly is open source, giving you full code transparency and the option to self-host. Pirsch is proprietary — typically offering a more streamlined setup and managed support, but without the ability to inspect or modify the source code.
- Data residency differs: Pirsch hosts data in Germany, while Countly hosts in EU. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- Countly holds ISO 27001 certification, providing third-party assurance of its security practices. Pirsch does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter for enterprise procurement requirements.
- Countly was founded in 2013, giving it a 7-year head start over Pirsch (founded 2020). More time in market often means a larger user community and more mature integrations, though newer entrants may offer more modern architectures.
- Each product has unique strengths: Pirsch offers Cookieless tracking and Server-side tracking option, while Countly provides Product analytics and User segmentation. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Pirsch | Countly |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Pirsch | Countly |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Koblenz, DE | London, GB |
| Data Centers | DE | EU |
| Cookieless tracking | ||
| Server-side tracking option | ||
| Event and goal tracking | ||
| UTM parameter tracking | ||
| Real-time dashboard | ||
| No cookie consent required | ||
| Lightweight script | ||
| Open source core library | ||
| API access | ||
| Product analytics | ||
| User segmentation | ||
| Push notifications | ||
| Crash analytics | ||
| A/B testing | ||
| Retention analysis | ||
| Funnel analysis | ||
| Self-hosting option | ||
| GDPR tools |
Pricing Comparison
Pirsch
Freefreemium
Countly
Freefree (community) / enterprise
Compliance Comparison
Pirsch
GDPRDPA
Countly
GDPRISO 27001DPA
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Categories
How to Choose
You need code transparency or self-hosting
Choose Countly
You want a fully managed, turnkey solution
Choose Pirsch
Your procurement requires ISO 27001 certification
Choose Countly
You need enterprise-grade support and stability
Choose Countly
You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support
Choose Pirsch
Pirsch vs Countly — FAQ
What is the main difference between Pirsch and Countly?
Both Pirsch and Countly are European web analytics solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Countly is open source while Pirsch is proprietary, and Pirsch uses freemium pricing while Countly uses free (community) / enterprise. Pirsch is headquartered in Koblenz, Germany, while Countly is based in London, GB. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Pirsch or Countly?
Both Pirsch and Countly offer free tiers, so you can try either without cost. Pricing models differ (freemium vs. free (community) / enterprise), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both Pirsch and Countly GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Pirsch and Countly are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. Additionally, Countly holds ISO 27001 certification. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.