Head-to-head · October 2026
GA Google Analytics vs Server-Side Google Search
GA Google Analytics comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Server-Side Google Search.
GA Google Analytics
✨ Connects Google Analytics to WordPress ✨ Easily add Google Analytics 4 to your web pages
Server-Side Google Search
This plugin adds Google Custom Search to your website, but unlike other plugins operates on the server side…
| Metric | GA Google Analytics | Server-Side Google Search |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 400K+ | 10+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 46K | 54 |
| Download trend | -80% | +125% |
| Rating | 4.9/5 | — |
| Reviews | 158 | 0 |
| Health score | 89/100 | 23/100 |
| Last updated | 2 months ago | 11 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 7.1.2 | WP 4.3.34 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | 5.6.20+ | Any |
| First released | Nov 2012 | Jan 2015 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
GA Google AnalyticsServer-Side Google Sear…
Choose GA Google Analytics if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- Proven at scale on 400K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.9/5 from 158 reviews
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
Choose Server-Side Google Search if…
You care most about download trend.
- Small user base (10+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 11 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 4.3 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: google
FAQ
GA Google Analytics vs Server-Side Google Search: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 6, 2026
Which is better, GA Google Analytics or Server-Side Google Search?
GA Google Analytics comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Server-Side Google Search. Choose GA Google Analytics if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews. Choose Server-Side Google Search if you care most about download trend.
Is GA Google Analytics more popular than Server-Side Google Search?
GA Google Analytics is the more popular of the two with 400K+ active installs, compared with 10+ for Server-Side Google Search.
Can I use GA Google Analytics and Server-Side Google Search together?
Both plugins cover google, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.
Are GA Google Analytics and Server-Side Google Search free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.
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