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# Hardal vs Google Analytics 4

Hardal compares to Google Analytics 4 for web analytics, server-side tracking, and privacy-compliant measurement infrastructure.

Source: https://usehardal.com/compare/google-analytics-4

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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.

|                     | Hardal         | Google Analytics 4      |
|---------------------|----------------|-------------------------|
| Server-side tracking architecture | Native | Client-side |
| Data completeness (with cookie consent) | 95%+ | 40-60% |
| iOS app data collection | Complete via s2s | Limited by ATT |
| Conversions API (Meta, Google, TikTok) | Native s2s | Via pixels |
| Cookie consent bypass | Yes | No |
| Mobile attribution (Firebase, Adjust) | Direct s2s | Firebase only |
| Data ownership | 100% first-party | Optional |
| Self-hosted option | Yes | No |
| BigQuery export | Yes | Paid feature |
| Unsampled reports | Always | Sometimes |
| Not-set data | Never | Yes |
| Custom event parameters | Unlimited | 25 per event |
| Data retention | Custom | 2-14 months |
| GDPR/CCPA compliance | Built-in | Requires consent mode |
| Auto PII hashing | Yes | 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.