Does Google Analytics work without cookies?

GA4 uses first-party cookies in its standard setup. Advanced consent mode can send cookieless measurements when consent is denied. Databuddy’s browser tracker uses localStorage and sessionStorage instead of analytics cookies.

How long does GA4 retain data?

Standard GA4 offers 2- or 14-month retention for user- and event-level data. That setting does not limit standard aggregated reports.

Does cookieless analytics remove the need for consent?

No automatic exemption follows from being cookieless. Assess the information collected, browser storage, enabled features, and applicable rules.

Databuddy vs Google Analytics

Compare Google Analytics reporting and advertising integrations with Databuddy’s analytics, error tracking, and AI analysis.

Last reviewed October 2026

Databuddy

Analytics, errors, monitoring, and AI analysis

Starting priceFree

Free tier10K events

Start Free - No Credit Card

Google Analytics

Web analytics and advertising integrations

Starting priceFree

Standard is free; Analytics 360 has separate commercial terms.

Which one to pick

When Google Analytics fits better, and when Databuddy does

Pick Google Analytics if

You run Google Ads and want GA4’s advertising integrations.
You want to export raw events to BigQuery.

Pick Databuddy if

You want cookieless tracking by default, not only when a visitor denies consent.
You want to ask Databunny, the built-in AI analyst, about your numbers and see the query behind each answer.
You want uptime monitoring and feature flags in the same dashboard as your analytics.

Feature comparison

How Databuddy compares to Google Analytics across key features

FeatureDatabuddyGoogle AnalyticsWhy it matters

Databuddy vs Google Analytics

Cookieless measurementGA4 advanced consent mode sends cookieless pings when consent is denied; its behavior differs from standard cookie-based collection.

DB

Google

Custom eventsBoth collect custom events; event definitions and reporting differ.

DB

Google

Real-time reportsBoth provide reports of recent visitor activity.

DB

Google

Self-hostingDatabuddy is open source; a packaged self-host release is pending. Google Analytics is a hosted service.

DB

Google

Raw data exportGA4 exports events to BigQuery. Databuddy provides analytics APIs and exports.

DB

Google

The Free plan includes core analytics for up to 10,000 monthly events. Feature availability and limits vary by plan. Competitor details can change; confirm them on Google Analytics's website.

To try Databuddy, add the tracker alongside your current tool and verify the events you need before switching.

Sources checked September 15, 2026:

Pricing comparison

Representative plan and feature differences for Google Analytics and Databuddy

Tier / FeatureGoogle AnalyticsDatabuddy

Entry optionsFree · Standard is free; Analytics 360 has separate commercial terms.Free · 10,000 monthly events

Entry options

Google Analytics: Free · Standard is free; Analytics 360 has separate commercial terms.Databuddy: Free · 10,000 monthly events

Automatic investigationsSee vendor feature documentation100/month on Business, 250/month on Scale · $1 per additional investigation, billed monthly

Automatic investigations

Google Analytics: See vendor feature documentationDatabuddy: 100/month on Business, 250/month on Scale · $1 per additional investigation, billed monthly

Competitor plans and prices can change. Confirm current terms on Google Analytics's website.

Frequently asked questions.

Common questions about Databuddy vs Google Analytics