Choosing the right software
Define the decisions your analytics must support before choosing a dashboard. Distinguish server logs, first-party collection and integrations with external measurement services. Check consent behavior, retention, bot filtering and whether administrators are counted. Reported installation counts describe adoption; they do not show whether a tool measures your conversions accurately or satisfies your own privacy obligations.
This shortlist covers 5 currently listed WordPress options selected from 56 catalog records with supported evidence for this use case. Each included record has an official directory URL, a recent metadata check and a recorded upstream update within two years. The selection prioritizes a matching stated purpose, then reported adoption as a tie-breaker. It is not a hands-on performance ranking or a security endorsement. The snapshot was prepared on 2026-10-02.
1. Site Kit by Google. Source description: “Site Kit is a one-stop solution for WordPress users to use everything Google has to offer to make…”. Deployment: WordPress 5.2 / PHP 7.4. Listed version 1.188.0. 5,000,000 active installations reported by WordPress.org. The source identifies the developer as Google. Its directory metadata records testing through WordPress 7.1.2; this is an upstream compatibility declaration, not a BuyPHP test. Compare the listed 1.188.0 release with the version available when you install. The upstream update recorded for this candidate is 2026-09-21. Open its product record for the attributed facts and official download route before adding it to your implementation plan.
2. MonsterInsights. Source description: “The best free Google Analytics plugin for WordPress. See how visitors find and use your website so you…”. Deployment: WordPress 5.6.0 / PHP 7.2. Listed version 11.3.0. 2,000,000 active installations reported by WordPress.org. The source identifies the developer as chriscct7. Its directory metadata records testing through WordPress 7.1.2; this is an upstream compatibility declaration, not a BuyPHP test. Compare the listed 11.3.0 release with the version available when you install. The upstream update recorded for this candidate is 2026-09-16. Open its product record for the attributed facts and official download route before adding it to your implementation plan.
3. WP Statistics. Source description: “Get website traffic insights with GDPR/CCPA compliant, privacy-friendly analytics. Includes visitor data, stunning graphs, and no data”. Deployment: WordPress 6.6 / PHP 7.4. Listed version 14.16.15. 600,000 active installations reported by WordPress.org. The source identifies the developer as VeronaLabs. Its directory metadata records testing through WordPress 7.1.2; this is an upstream compatibility declaration, not a BuyPHP test. Compare the listed 14.16.15 release with the version available when you install. The upstream update recorded for this candidate is 2026-10-01. Open its product record for the attributed facts and official download route before adding it to your implementation plan.
4. GA Google Analytics. Source description: “Adds Google Analytics tracking code to your WordPress site. Supports many tracking”. Deployment: WordPress 4.7 / PHP 5.6.20. Listed version 20260810. 400,000 active installations reported by WordPress.org. The source identifies the developer as Jeff Starr. Its directory metadata records testing through WordPress 7.1.2; this is an upstream compatibility declaration, not a BuyPHP test. Compare the listed 20260810 release with the version available when you install. The upstream update recorded for this candidate is 2026-08-10. Open its product record for the attributed facts and official download route before adding it to your implementation plan.
5. ExactMetrics. Source description: “Connects Google Analytics with your WordPress site. Displays stats to help you understand your users and site content…”. Deployment: WordPress 5.6.0 / PHP 7.2. Listed version 10.3.0. 300,000 active installations reported by WordPress.org. The source identifies the developer as Syed Balkhi. Its directory metadata records testing through WordPress 7.1.2; this is an upstream compatibility declaration, not a BuyPHP test. Compare the listed 10.3.0 release with the version available when you install. The upstream update recorded for this candidate is 2026-09-16. Open its product record for the attributed facts and official download route before adding it to your implementation plan.
Compatibility comparison: 4 distinct prerequisite statements are recorded across this shortlist. WordPress 5.2 / PHP 7.4; WordPress 5.6.0 / PHP 7.2; WordPress 6.6 / PHP 7.4; WordPress 4.7 / PHP 5.6.20. Match these minimum requirements to your actual PHP and WordPress versions, then test the specific workflow on a copy of your site. A minimum version is not a promise that every theme, extension or newer runtime combination works. Missing integration evidence should remain a question for the developer.
Before choosing, use the linked product records to check current prerequisites and source timestamps. Ask the developer about edition-specific capabilities, update support and any external service account needed. Source metadata helps create a practical shortlist, but deployment quality still depends on your configuration, content and integrations. No price or feature should be treated as verified unless its source is recorded.