Top 7 Lightweight Mobile + Web Analytics Platforms App Makers Use When They Need Countly-Style Features But Less Overhead

If you’re building a mobile or web app, you already know how important analytics are. You need real insights to understand users, fix issues, and grow. Platforms like Countly are awesome for this. But sometimes, they come with more features and setup than you actually need. If all you want is fast, light, and straightforward analytics—you’re in the right place.

TL;DR

If you love the depth of Countly but don’t need all its bulk, there are smaller, simpler tools out there. These lightweight platforms give app makers the key features—like real-time tracking, funnel analysis, and event logging—without the complexity. In this article, we dive into 7 great Countly alternatives that are faster to set up, easier to manage, and often cheaper too. No fluff, just the good stuff.

1. Plausible Analytics

Perfect for privacy-first devs who just want fast and clean web analytics.

Plausible is super lightweight and open-source. It was made with simplicity in mind. You just drop a script on your site and boom—you’re up and running.

• No user tracking. No cookies.
• EU-hosted and GDPR-compliant
• Great for mobile websites and lightweight web apps
• Clear, real-time dashboards

It doesn’t go as deep as Countly in terms of segmentation or retention graphs, but sometimes, that’s a good thing. Less noise.

2. PostHog

If you want open-source analytics with a bit more muscle but lower overhead than Countly.

PostHog works well across web and mobile and offers self-hosting or cloud options. It includes session recording, feature flags, and even A/B testing all in one platform.

• Automatic event capture
• Behavioral analytics, funnels, heatmaps
• Built with product teams in mind
• Open-source and scalable

It’s a bit heavier than others on the list, but still lighter than Countly and very developer-friendly. The plug-and-play feel is real.

3. Fathom Analytics

A beautiful, privacy-first analytics tool that doesn’t require a PhD to use.

Fathom is the cousin of Plausible in the simplicity scene. One tiny script gives you instant insight into traffic, referrers, goals, and bounce rates. And like Plausible, it’s cookie-free and GDPR-compliant.

• No complex reports—only what matters
• Spam-free, real-time data
• Fast and beautiful UI

It lacks deep app-focused features like user flows or retention analysis, but for fast user behavior hits—it’s gold.

4. Yandex Metrica

Google Analytics alternative, but with heatmaps and session replay—free!

Yandex Metrica is widely underrated. Not only does it provide great traditional analytics, but it also adds tools like session replay and click maps built right in. No cost.

• User behavior tracking at URL and element level
• Funnel building and goal tracking
• Insightful for both web and mobile experiences

Surprisingly robust for a lightweight tool. Setup takes minutes, and the UI is smooth once you get going. It’s a good free fit if you’re cool with Russian hosting and data privacy warnings.

5. Umami

Open-source, no nonsense analytics. Just the basics, done right.

Umami strips things down to essentials. It’s created for developers who want to self-host and avoid bloated dashboards. It’s ideal for product founders who want full control over their data.

• No cookies, no tracking consent popups
• Great for minimal, modern apps
• Tidy dashboards with live user counts, event tracking, referrers, and more

If you’ve ever sighed while poking through a hundred filters in GA or Countly, Umami might just be your next favorite.

6. Splitbee (Now Vercel Analytics)

Analytics and automations for fast-moving indie makers. Now part of the Vercel ecosystem.

Splitbee was a favorite for small app devs and indie hackers looking to track events, run automations, and personalize UX—not just generate reports. Though it was acquired by Vercel, many features are still present through Vercel Analytics (and in projects based on the old Splitbee open codebase).

• Custom event tracking with minimal setup
• Works great with React/Next.js
• Lightweight and blazing fast

You don’t get session replays or deep user journeys, but for MVPs and lean projects—it’s a great pick.

7. Matomo (formerly Piwik)

Big-player analytics without selling your data to tech giants.

Matomo does a lot—nearly everything Google Analytics or Countly can do. But it’s still developer-owned, open-source, and privacy-safe.

• Web + mobile analytics, goal tracking, tag manager
• GDPR-ready, HIPAA-compliant
• Self-host or use their cloud plan

Sure, it can be heavy once fully loaded. But you can install only the modules you need. Use it lightly and you’ve got a powerful analytics stack with full data ownership.

Final Thoughts

Analytics doesn’t have to be heavy. You don’t always need a giant platform with dashboards inside dashboards. Sometimes, you just want to track users, see where they drop off, and figure out what’s working. That’s where these tools shine.

Here’s a quick refresher:

• Plausible — Simple, private, and open.
• PostHog — Advanced features, still leaner than Countly.
• Fathom — Beautiful and fast. Great for the basics.
• Yandex Metrica — Loaded with extras, and free.
• Umami — Lightweight, clean, and fully yours.
• Splitbee/Vercel Analytics — Fast and dev-friendly for events and automations.
• Matomo — Powerful, modular, and self-governed.

If you want to move fast and keep your apps lightweight, start with these. Try one or two. See what fits your workflow best.

After all, analytics should help you move forward—not slow you down.