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GDPR Compliance Risk

PostHog is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.

PostHog logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to PostHog

🇺🇸PostHog · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

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Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to PostHog

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like PostHog has become a significant legal risk for EU organizations. The US CLOUD Act gives American authorities the power to access data held by US companies, regardless of where that data is physically stored — even if it's in an EU data center.

While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) adopted in 2023 provides a new legal basis for transfers, privacy experts and legal scholars have raised concerns about its long-term viability. The framework could face the same fate as its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield), both of which were struck down by the Court of Justice of the EU.

For organizations that want to eliminate compliance risk entirely, switching to a European-based web analytics is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to PostHog, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by PostHog, even if servers are located in Europe.

GDPR Fine Risk

Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.

EU Alternative Available

4 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.

4 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to PostHog

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Matomo logo

Matomo

🇪🇺

Matomo is a comprehensive web analytics platform that empowers businesses to gain insights into their website traffic and user behavior. As an open-source, self-hosted solution, Matomo offers users complete control over their data, ensuring privacy and compliance with EU regulations. Key features include customizable dashboards, real-time data tracking, and detailed reports on visitor interactions. Unlike many analytics tools, Matomo is EU-hosted, providing a significant advantage for organizations prioritizing GDPR compliance and data sovereignty. This makes it particularly appealing to European businesses and any global entity concerned with stringent data protection standards. Matomo's pricing model is straightforward, with a free version available, allowing users to explore its capabilities without financial commitment. Its target audience includes small to medium-sized enterprises, digital marketers, and web developers who require robust analytics without compromising on data privacy. By choosing Matomo, users benefit from a reliable analytics service that respects user privacy and adheres to the highest standards of data protection.

EU-hostedISO 27001GDPR CompliantOpen SourceSelf-Hostable
freeMigration:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • Matomo is open-source, allowing full code customization and transparency.
  • EU hosting ensures compliance with GDPR, reducing legal risks.
  • End-to-end encryption is optional, enhancing data security for users.

Consider

  • Migration from PostHog may require significant data export/import effort.
  • Matomo lacks advanced session recording features found in PostHog.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Matomo
Piwik PRO logo

Piwik PRO

🇪🇺

Piwik PRO is a web analytics service from Poland, with analytics, a tag manager and a consent manager.

EU-hostedISO 27001SOC 2GDPR CompliantOpen Source
contactMigration:●●●1-2 days

Why switch?

  • EU-hosted data centers ensure compliance with local data laws.
  • Customizable data reports allow tailored insights for specific needs.
  • User consent management simplifies GDPR compliance for users.

Consider

  • Migration may require significant time to transfer data and settings.
  • Session recording feature is less advanced compared to PostHog.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Piwik PRO
Plausible logo

Plausible

🇪🇪

by Plausible

Plausible is a web analytics service designed to provide essential insights without compromising user privacy. It operates without cookies, ensuring a lightweight and straightforward experience for website owners who prioritize user trust. Key features include real-time data tracking, simple integration, and a user-friendly dashboard that delivers clear and actionable insights. Plausible stands out by being hosted entirely within the EU, offering full compliance with GDPR regulations and ensuring data sovereignty. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses, bloggers, and developers who are conscious of privacy and legal compliance. The service is particularly beneficial for those who want to avoid the complexities and intrusiveness of traditional analytics tools. Plausible's pricing model is transparent and straightforward, based on the number of monthly page views, making it accessible for websites of all sizes. With Plausible, users can enjoy peace of mind knowing their analytics are both effective and ethically managed.

EU-hostedEU-BasedISO 27001Green HostingOpen SourceSelf-HostableGDPR Compliant
subscriptionMigration:●●●1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • Plausible is fully GDPR compliant, ensuring EU data protection laws.
  • Plausible is cookie-less, improving user privacy and consent rates.
  • Plausible is open source, allowing for community-driven enhancements.

Consider

  • Plausible lacks session recording features for detailed user insights.
  • Migration from PostHog may require significant data reconfiguration.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Plausible
Pirsch logo

Pirsch

🇩🇪

by Pirsch

Pirsch is a web analytics service based in Germany, designed to provide insightful data while prioritizing user privacy. It offers a streamlined approach to tracking website performance without compromising on data protection. Key features include real-time analytics, user-friendly dashboards, and seamless integration with various platforms. Pirsch stands out with its commitment to privacy, ensuring that all data is processed and stored within the EU, adhering to GDPR regulations. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses and website owners who prioritize data sovereignty and compliance. The platform is particularly suited for small to medium-sized enterprises, digital marketers, and privacy-conscious developers seeking a reliable analytics tool. Pirsch operates on a transparent pricing model, offering scalable plans that cater to different levels of usage, ensuring flexibility and affordability. By choosing Pirsch, users benefit from a secure, privacy-focused analytics solution that respects user data and delivers actionable insights.

EU-hostedEU-BasedGDPR CompliantOpen Source
freemiumMigration:●●●1 day

Why switch?

  • Pirsch is fully GDPR compliant with EU-hosted servers.
  • Open source nature allows for customization and transparency.
  • E2E encryption is optional, enhancing data security options.

Consider

  • PostHog's session recording feature is not available in Pirsch.
  • Migration may require significant data transfer and setup time.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Pirsch

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸PostHog
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇪🇺MatomoEUYesYesYesfree
🇪🇺Piwik PROEUYesYesYescontact
🇪🇪PlausibleEEYesYesYessubscription
🇩🇪PirschDEYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PostHog GDPR compliant?

PostHog is a US-based service operated by PostHog. While it may have some GDPR compliance measures, as a US company it is subject to the CLOUD Act, which allows US authorities to access data stored by US companies regardless of where the data is physically located. This creates a fundamental conflict with GDPR requirements for data protection.

What are the GDPR risks of using PostHog?

The main GDPR risks include: (1) Data transfers to the US may lack adequate protection since the Schrems II ruling invalidated Privacy Shield, (2) US authorities can demand access under the CLOUD Act, (3) Your organization may face GDPR fines up to 4% of annual revenue for non-compliant data transfers, and (4) User consent may not be sufficient to legitimize transfers given the systematic access by US authorities.

What are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to PostHog?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to PostHog include Matomo, Piwik PRO, Plausible. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

How do I migrate from PostHog to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from PostHog using their data export tools, (2) Create an account with your chosen EU alternative, and (3) Import your data into the new service. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative to make the switch as smooth as possible.

Can EU companies legally use PostHog?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like PostHog. While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (2023) provides a new legal basis, its long-term stability is uncertain. Many EU data protection authorities recommend using EU-based alternatives to avoid compliance risks entirely.

Other GDPR Alternatives in Web Analytics

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Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 24, 2026