Table of contents
Open Source
AWStats is open-source software, allowing users to inspect, modify, and enhance the code to suit their needs. This makes it a cost-effective solution for individuals or organizations with limited budgets.
Detailed Reporting
It offers a comprehensive array of reports on various metrics like visitor numbers, page views, and referral sites. This can help businesses understand their traffic and visitor behavior better.
Log File Compatibility
AWStats works with most common types of log files, including Apache, Nginx, and IIS. This makes it a versatile tool for webmasters managing different server environments.
Multiple Operating Systems
Supports multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform compatibility allows it to be used in diverse IT environments easily.
Real-Time Updates
AWStats can be configured to provide real-time updates, allowing webmasters to monitor the latest traffic data without delays.
Customizability
Because it is open source, it can be tailored extensively to meet specific needs, whether that means customizing the look and feel of reports or adding new functionality through plugins.
AWStats is a solid choice for users who need detailed analysis and are comfortable managing web servers and log files. It may not be as user-friendly or turnkey as some SaaS analytics solutions, but its powerful features and customization options make it a worthwhile tool for those who can leverage its capabilities.
We have collected here some useful links to help you find out if AWStats is good.
Check the traffic stats of AWStats on SimilarWeb. The key metrics to look for are: monthly visits, average visit duration, pages per visit, and traffic by country. Moreoever, check the traffic sources. For example "Direct" traffic is a good sign.
Check the "Domain Rating" of AWStats on Ahrefs. The domain rating is a measure of the strength of a website's backlink profile on a scale from 0 to 100. It shows the strength of AWStats's backlink profile compared to the other websites. In most cases a domain rating of 60+ is considered good and 70+ is considered very good.
Check the "Domain Authority" of AWStats on MOZ. A website's domain authority (DA) is a search engine ranking score that predicts how well a website will rank on search engine result pages (SERPs). It is based on a 100-point logarithmic scale, with higher scores corresponding to a greater likelihood of ranking. This is another useful metric to check if a website is good.
The latest comments about AWStats on Reddit. This can help you find out how popualr the product is and what people think about it.
> it isn’t a managed SaaS product. It’s open source software purpose-built to self-host on Cloudflare’s developer cloud, in such a way that anyone can do it. This doesn't sound like self-hosting, it sounds like self-operated. Is it possible to run Counter scale on-prem against logs from HAProxy, Nginx, or Apache? That would be cool, and is the benchmark because AWStats [0] has been around for decades and works... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
AWstats [1] on an isolated machine. I just pull down logs to it from each node to keep logs off the live servers. [1] - https://awstats.sourceforge.io/. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
Https://awstats.sourceforge.io/ — used that stuff ~15 years ago already. Source: over 2 years ago
I don't know if many still use it but AWStats [1] is one of the oldest self hosted solutions. I used it ages ago but I nullify my access logs daily. [1] - https://awstats.sourceforge.io/. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
AWStats is an established open-source web analytics tool that has garnered varied public opinion due to its long-standing presence in the market and its privacy-centric approach. Primarily used for processing web server log files, AWStats is recognized for its functionality and breadth of data presentation, although it is often critiqued for its outdated interface design.
Robust Data Processing: One of the primary merits of AWStats is its ability to efficiently parse and provide insight from web server log files. Users appreciate that it requires only server logs to deliver comprehensive statistical data, making it a valuable tool for those who prioritize privacy and data ownership.
Open Source and Self-Hostable: Being an open-source tool, AWStats aligns well with users seeking alternatives to proprietary analytics solutions like Google Analytics. The software's adaptability for self-hosting is highlighted as a significant advantage, allowing users to maintain control over their data and systems.
Legacy and Longevity: AWStats has been a staple in the web analytics landscape for decades. Its longstanding history is seen as a testament to its reliability and effectiveness. Users often cite it as a benchmark in discussions about self-hosted analytics solutions, underscoring its reputation within the community.
Outdated User Interface: A common critique is AWStats' antiquated design, which can deter users seeking modern aesthetics and user experience. While functional, the interface does not align with contemporary UI standards, potentially influencing users opting for more visually appealing alternatives.
Competition with Modern Platforms: AWStats faces stiff competition from newer analytics platforms such as Matomo, Fathom Analytics, and Plausible.io, which offer more modern dashboards and ease of integration. These competitors tend to attract users who prefer streamlined setups and innovative features over traditional log analysis.
Perception as Legacy Technology: There is a perceived notion among some users that AWStats is outdated technology. Several mentions from discussions, especially those from forums like Hacker News, reflect a nostalgic sentiment, with many noting they previously used AWStats years ago but have since moved on to other solutions.
Despite its limitations, AWStats occupies a niche position in the analytics ecosystem. It is particularly favored by those who prioritize privacy and data sovereignty, often using it in environments where data protection is paramount. It continues to serve as a practical tool for users who are adept at managing server-side solutions and prefer a tried-and-tested methodology for web analytics.
AWStats remains a relevant tool for a specific segment of the analytics market, catering to users who value open-source solutions and self-hosting capabilities. While it may lack the polish of newer platforms, its robust data processing features and legacy support make it a viable option for organizations and individuals seeking a reliable, privacy-respecting analytics platform. As the analytics space evolves, how AWStats adapts to modern expectations will be crucial in maintaining its place among open-source solutions.
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Is AWStats good? This is an informative page that will help you find out. Moreover, you can review and discuss AWStats here. The primary details have not been verified within the last quarter, and they might be outdated. If you think we are missing something, please use the means on this page to comment or suggest changes. All reviews and comments are highly encouranged and appreciated as they help everyone in the community to make an informed choice. Please always be kind and objective when evaluating a product and sharing your opinion.
