PostHog

Self-Hosted

Open-source product analytics for engineers and data-driven teams

Overview

PostHog is an all-in-one product analytics platform that enables teams to track user behavior, record sessions, run A/B tests, manage feature flags, and analyze funnels—all while retaining full control over their data. It supports self-hosting via Docker Compose, Kubernetes, or cloud providers like AWS/GCP, making it ideal for teams prioritizing privacy and avoiding vendor lock-in. With APIs for custom integrations, SQL query support for deep analysis, and plugin extensibility, PostHog caters to both technical and non-technical users looking for enterprise-grade analytics without the SaaS cost.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  posthog:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: posthog
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Event tracking & user behavior analysis
Session recordings & heatmaps
Feature flags & A/B testing
Funnel & retention analysis
Self-hosted deployment (Docker/Kubernetes/cloud)

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is PostHog hard to install?

PostHog offers a simple one-line Docker Compose setup for self-hosting, which is easy for beginners. Production deployments may require knowledge of Kubernetes or cloud infrastructure to scale effectively.

? Is it a good alternative to Mixpanel?

Yes—PostHog includes most core Mixpanel features (event tracking, funnels, retention) plus extra tools like feature flags and session recordings. Its self-hosted option makes it better for teams needing data privacy.

? Is it completely free?

The open-source self-hosted version is 100% free. PostHog also offers a paid cloud plan with additional features like SLA support and advanced analytics, but the self-hosted core has no cost.

Top Alternatives

Mixpanel Search Google

Amplitude Search Google

Heap Analytics Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Analytics

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full data ownership (self-hosted option)
⊕ No vendor lock-in (open-source core)
⊕ All-in-one platform (no need for multiple tools)
⊕ Extensible via plugins & APIs

Cons

⊖ Requires technical setup for self-hosted production
⊖ Resource-intensive for large datasets (needs scaling)
⊖ Steeper learning curve for advanced features