GA Insights vs Umami: What are the differences?

# Introduction

1. **Data Collection Method**: Google Analytics Insights uses client-side JavaScript to track user behavior and collect data, while Umami relies on server-side tracking which provides more accurate data without being affected by ad blockers.
2. **Privacy and Data Ownership**: Umami stores all data locally on the server, ensuring complete ownership and control over the data collected, whereas Google Analytics Insights sends data to Google servers which may raise privacy concerns for some users.
3. **Customization and Flexibility**: Umami offers more flexibility in terms of customization and tailoring the tracking setup according to specific requirements, allowing for more meaningful and detailed insights compared to the standard features provided by Google Analytics Insights.
4. **Ease of Use**: Google Analytics Insights is more user-friendly and intuitive for beginners due to its well-established interface and extensive documentation, while Umami may require a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with server-side tracking and configuration.
5. **Cost**: Umami is a more cost-effective option compared to Google Analytics Insights for businesses or websites with high traffic volumes, as it offers a one-time payment model with no recurring costs, whereas Google Analytics may involve subscription fees for advanced features and services.
6. **Real-time Data Processing**: Umami prides itself on providing real-time data processing and instant insights, whereas Google Analytics Insights may have a slight delay in reporting due to data processing and aggregation periods.

In Summary, Google Analytics Insights and Umami differ in data collection methods, privacy and data ownership, customization and flexibility, ease of use, cost, and real-time data processing capabilities.