I replaced Google Analytics with a 2 KB script — here's why

Google Analytics has been the default for over a decade. But in 2026, it comes with baggage that most developers don't need. I built Web Analyzer App as a replacement. Here's the honest breakdown of why — and what I learned. ## The problem with GA4 I'm not here to trash Google. GA4 is powerful. But for most websites, it's overkill with real costs: 45 KB script — that's heavier than most hero images after optimization. It blocks rendering and hurts your Core Web Vitals. Cookies everywhere — GA4 sets cookies, which means you legally need a consent banner in the EU, UK, Brazil, and increasingly in US states. Your data feeds Google's ad machine — read the fine print. Google uses Analytics data to improve its advertising products. The interface is... a lot — GA4's learning curve is steep. Most people just want to know: how many visitors, where from, what pages. ## What I built instead Web Analyzer App is a privacy-first analytics tool. Here's what makes it different: | | GA4 | Web Analyzer