Hardal vs Google Analytics 4

Hardal compares to Google Analytics 4 for web analytics, server-side tracking, and privacy-compliant measurement. GA4 is the standard free analytics tool with Google ecosystem integration, while Hardal becomes the server-side measurement infrastructure that captures complete data before cookie consent and iOS restrictions create blind spots.

Server-side tracking architecture	Native	Client-side
Data completeness (with cookie consent)	95%+	40-60%
iOS app data collection
Conversions API (Meta, Google, TikTok)	Native s2s
Cookie consent bypass
Mobile attribution (Firebase, Adjust)	Direct s2s	Firebase only
Data ownership	100% first-party	Optional
Self-hosted option
BigQuery export		Paid feature
Unsampled reports	Always	Sometimes
Not-set data	Never
Custom event parameters		25 per event
Data retention	Custom	2-14 months
GDPR/CCPA compliance	Built-in	Requires consent mode
Auto PII hashing		Manual setup
Report sampling	Never	Above 10M events
Annual pricing	Custom	Free (limits apply)

Details above are indicative, based on publicly available information. Please always verify with each vendor's latest documentation and pricing.

When to use Hardal vs Google Analytics 4

• Choose Hardal when you need complete data despite cookie consent and iOS restrictions, with server-side architecture that captures every event before browsers can block them. Essential for accurate attribution and ad platform optimization.

• Choose Google Analytics 4 when you want free analytics with Google Ads integration and operate primarily in low-cookie-consent regions, with limited mobile app tracking needs and can accept 40-60% data loss.

You can also use Hardal + GA4 together — Hardal as the server-side measurement layer ensuring data completeness and accurate ad platform sync, and GA4 for Google Ads integration and reporting interface your team already knows.