GoatCounter
✓ Verified by EU AltsLightweight open-source web analytics that doesn't track personal data.
Overview
GoatCounter builds analytics, open source, and privacy software since 2019 and is listed with a Bergen, Norway base. Its recorded ownership is based in Ireland (operator's declared residence; developer is Dutch by nationality) — claimed "Norway" HQ is not supported by any evidence found, so EU jurisdiction is not assumed. EU Alts has not independently confirmed its exposure to the US CLOUD Act — the ownership and hosting facts recorded for it do not establish that it is outside the Act's reach — see the Details section below for what's known so far.
Why European teams pick GoatCounter
Teams in Europe consider GoatCounter when they want a analytics provider that bills in EUR, operating since 2019. EU Alts has not independently verified GoatCounter's exposure to the US CLOUD Act — check the Details section for the recorded facts.
See more EU analytics tools or browse other startups from Norway.
About
GoatCounter is an open-source web analytics tool focused on simplicity and privacy, developed by a Dutch developer and self-hostable on any EU server. It requires no JavaScript, tracking cookies, or personal data — visitors are counted using a lightweight 1×1 pixel or a small script that never stores IP addresses. It is free for personal and non-commercial use, with a paid cloud plan hosted in the EU. GoatCounter is especially popular with developers and hobbyists who want honest traffic numbers without the compliance complexity of cookie-based analytics. The self-hosted version has no external dependencies and runs on a €5/month VPS.
Details
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- Bergen, Norway
- Ownership
- Independently owned (Ireland (operator's declared residence; developer is Dutch by nationality) — claimed "Norway" HQ is not supported by any evidence found)
- Hosting
- Hetzner Online GmbH, Germany and Finland
- CLOUD Act
- Not independently verified
- Verified
- 2026-07-31
- Last checked
- 2026-07-31
- Company size
- 1–10 employees
Categories
Compare with the US product you may be replacing
GoatCounter is listed in a category that our US-product comparison pages cover. See every EU option side by side:
Also from Norway
1 other listed company is based in Norway. In the same categories as GoatCounter:
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Frequently asked questions
What does GoatCounter do?
GoatCounter is lightweight open-source web analytics that doesn't track personal data. It is listed under analytics, open source, and privacy on EU Alts because its core functionality serves teams looking for a European analytics tool with EU data residency, typically as a switch away from Google Analytics.
Is GoatCounter GDPR compliant?
GoatCounter is listed in Bergen, Norway, but its recorded ownership is based in Ireland (operator's declared residence; developer is Dutch by nationality) — claimed "Norway" HQ is not supported by any evidence found, so EU jurisdiction is not assumed. Customer data processing is supervised by Norway's data protection authority, the Datatilsynet (Norwegian DPA). EU Alts has not independently verified GoatCounter's exposure to the US CLOUD Act; check the recorded ownership and hosting facts below before relying on it for Schrems II purposes.
How do teams switch from Google Analytics to GoatCounter?
Teams considering a move from Google Analytics to GoatCounter are usually drawn by its analytics workflow fit. EU Alts has not independently verified GoatCounter's exposure to the US CLOUD Act, so treat any CLOUD Act or Schrems II conclusions as provisional. Plan a migration in stages regardless: export your data from the US incumbent, pilot GoatCounter with a small team, then move the rest once integration coverage is confirmed.
Where is GoatCounter based?
GoatCounter is headquartered in Bergen, Norway. The company was founded in 2019. Its main website is https://www.goatcounter.com.