OpenPanel

What it does

OpenPanel is an open-source web and product analytics platform that combines the power of Mixpanel with the ease of Plausible. It offers cookie-less, GDPR-compliant tracking, session replays, funnel analysis, retention cohorts, revenue tracking, and AI-native analytics via MCP (Model Context Protocol). Users can self-host or use the cloud version with a 30-day free trial.

Who it is for

OpenPanel is designed for indie hackers, startups, and teams that need a privacy-friendly, open-source analytics solution. It is used by projects like Lucide Animated, KiddoKitchen, Maneken, Midday, Screenzen, and Tiptip. Testimonials highlight its appeal to builders who value data ownership, ease of deployment (e.g., one-click install on Coolify), and a clean UI.

Why it matters

OpenPanel addresses the need for a transparent, cost-effective alternative to proprietary analytics tools like Mixpanel. It offers unlimited events on self-hosted plans, no sampling, and full data ownership. The platform includes features like revenue tracking, Google Search Console integration, and AI querying, making it a comprehensive tool for understanding user behavior without compromising privacy.

Launch signal

OpenPanel was launched by Carl Lindesvard and quickly gained traction, with Steven Tey tweeting about it reaching 750K+ events tracked. The website claims it is trusted by 1,000+ projects. The product is actively developed with constant updates, as noted by users.

Brand and naming

The name "OpenPanel" clearly communicates its open-source nature and its role as a dashboard (panel) for analytics. The tagline "The open-source alternative to Mixpanel" positions it directly against a well-known competitor, emphasizing cost savings and privacy. The brand is memorable due to its straightforward, descriptive name and strong community endorsements.