Google Analytics Review (2026): Best Free Analytics Tool?
Google Analytics (especially GA4) is the most widely used free analytics platform in the world. It provides deep insights into your visitors, traffic sources, user behavior, and conversions — without paying a cent.
In this review, we break down what GA4 tracks, how you can use it for affiliate sites, and where it’s limited compared to paid analytics.
Quick Verdict
Google Analytics is the best free analytics tool available in 2026. It gives deep user insights, conversion tracking, and traffic source data — everything you need to improve your affiliate and ecommerce performance.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 100% free
- Industry standard analytics
- Rich data on traffic, users, and conversions
- Integrates with Search Console & BigQuery
⚠️ Cons
- GA4 interface has a learning curve
- Free — so limits on raw data storage duration
- Some advanced features require setup effort
Who Google Analytics Is Best For
Affiliate marketers
Track which pages convert and where traffic comes from.
Small & medium sites
Deep insights without subscription costs.
Growth teams
Use analytics to monitor campaigns and optimize funnel performance.
Key Features
- See live traffic and user behavior
- Track engagement and conversions immediately
- Know where visitors come from
- Organic, paid, direct, referral insights
- User demographics
- Device & platform data
- Set up goals & events
- Track affiliate clicks and form submissions
Best Alternatives
Matomo
Privacy-focused analytics — best for GDPR and ownership.
Hotjar
Session recordings & heatmaps for UX insights.
FAQ — Google Analytics
Is Google Analytics free?
Yes — GA4 is free for most website use cases.
Is GA4 hard to learn?
The interface takes time, but the insights are powerful once set up.
Can I track affiliate conversions?
Yes — set up events and goals to track clicks and conversions.
Final Recommendation
Google Analytics remains the best free analytics solution — a must-have for any affiliate or ecommerce site in 2026.
Go to Google Analytics →