Simple Analytics, based in the Netherlands, offers a clean, privacy-first web analytics service fully hosted in the EU.

Introduction

Simple Analytics is a European analytics platform located in the Netherlands. It operates under a privacy-first model: hosting is entirely within the European Union, with strong GDPR compliance. Unlike many analytics giants from the USA—such as Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics—this service avoids the collection of personal data, cookies, IP storage, and fingerprinting. The result is a modern analytics tool designed with user privacy and regulatory compliance at its core. For more details, its official website is simpleanalytics.com.

Privacy, Data Collection and GDPR Compliance

Simple Analytics does not collect personal data. It never uses cookies or device identifiers, nor does it fingerprint users. In fact, IP addresses—should they be sent to the service—are immediately discarded. In its documentation, the company states that all its metrics are based on fully anonymous and aggregated data.

The service fully complies with GDPR and UK GDPR rules. Since none of the data it collects qualifies as “personal data,” many legal obligations under GDPR—such as needing consent banners or signing Data Processing Agreements—are simplified or not required. Simple Analytics also follows ePrivacy, PECR (UK), CCPA, and HIPAA compliance (where applicable), because of this anonymized, minimal-data approach.

Hosting Location and Data Residency

All data related to Simple Analytics is hosted securely in the Netherlands, using European, GDPR-compliant providers (e.g. Dutch infrastructure companies Worldserver and Leaseweb, CDN partner bunny.net from Slovenia).

Servers are encrypted both at rest and in transit. The tool is designed so that data never needs to leave the EU for its basic operation, which helps organizations that need to meet strict data sovereignty regulations.

Key Features

• Cookieless Tracking: There are no cookies used. That means websites using Simple Analytics don’t need cookie pop-ups purely for analytics tracking.
• No IP Logging, No Fingerprinting: IP addresses are dropped, device fingerprinting is off the table.
• Essential Metrics Only: Metrics include page views, unique visitors, referrers, location (country level), device and browser type.
• Encrypting and Downloading Data: Data ownership remains with the user. All stored data are encrypted and may be exported or deleted at any time.

Comparison with Big U.S. Players

Google Analytics (a product of Alphabet, based in the USA) is widely used and feature-rich. However, it often collects personal or potentially personal data (for example, via cookies, IPs, or identifiers) and depends on U.S.-based servers. These features raise potential conflicts with GDPR or national privacy laws in the EU.

Adobe Analytics and other U.S. services also typically require more complex data governance, cookie banners, and data transfer safeguards—especially for companies operating in or targeting European visitors. By contrast, Simple Analytics removes much of this burden through its design. Users do not need to worry about consent pop-ups for analytics (depending on national law) because the tool collects no personal identifiers.

Plans, Pricing, Free Offer & Open Source Status

Simple Analytics is not freeno forever-free plan offering full features. Instead, the service operates on paid subscription tiers.

The company does offer a trial period so users can test its features without committing.

Regarding open source: Simple Analytics is not open source

Advantages and Trade-Offs