AWStats

AWStats is a legacy open-source log analyzer that generates web, streaming, FTP, and mail server statistics from log files.

Reviewed by 7wData
Share Email

On this page

Profile

Analyzes server log files to generate website traffic and usage statistics.

AWStats is a legacy open-source log analyzer that generates web, streaming, FTP, and mail server statistics from log files. Originally created by Laurent Destailleur in the early 2000s, it gained popularity as a free alternative to commercial analytics tools, distributed under the GNU GPL license. The tool processes log files from major servers like Apache, IIS, and others, providing graphical reports via CGI or command line.

However, as of 2026, AWStats is no longer actively maintained by its original author, who now recommends Matomo for analytics. The project remains hosted on SourceForge, relying on community support and donations. Its simplicity and server-side processing made it attractive for privacy-conscious users, especially after GDPR concerns around Google Analytics emerged in 2022.

While still functional, AWStats faces competition from modern alternatives like GoAccess, which Plesk and other platforms now recommend as replacements. The tool's last significant update was before 2025, leaving users to maintain their own deployments or migrate to newer solutions.

Track AWStats and 240+ vendors.

48k+ subscribers read the daily AI & data note. One email, both newsletters. Unsubscribe anytime.

Products by AWStats

Who buys this

  • Small to medium-sized businesses needing basic web analytics
  • Privacy-conscious organizations avoiding third-party analytics
  • System administrators managing shared hosting environments
  • Developers maintaining legacy systems
  • Educational institutions with limited budgets

Strengths and what to watch

Strengths

  • Server-side processing ensures data never leaves the organization
  • No JavaScript or tracking pixels required, working purely from log files
  • Lightweight and can process large log files efficiently

Watch for

  • No active development since before 2025, leaving security vulnerabilities unpatched
  • Lacks modern features like real-time analytics and machine learning insights
  • Increasing incompatibility with newer web server formats and protocols

Recent moves

Key Information

Founded
1997

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AWStats used for?

AWStats analyzes server log files to generate website traffic statistics without tracking users. This open-source tool processes logs from Apache, IIS, and other servers, creating reports on visits, pages, and referrers. It gained popularity as a privacy-focused alternative to Google Analytics, especially after GDPR concerns emerged.

Is AWStats still maintained in 2026?

No, AWStats has been unmaintained since before 2025. The original creator recommends Matomo for modern analytics needs. While still functional, it lacks security updates and compatibility fixes. Major platforms like Plesk now suggest alternatives such as GoAccess due to maintenance concerns.

How does AWStats handle privacy compared to Google Analytics?

AWStats processes server logs without JavaScript trackers, keeping all data server-side. This approach avoids GDPR compliance issues associated with third-party cookies. Organizations concerned about data sovereignty prefer AWStats because visitor information never leaves their infrastructure.

What are the limitations of using AWStats today?

AWStats lacks modern features like real-time analytics and machine learning insights. Its last update predates newer web protocols, causing compatibility issues. Security vulnerabilities remain unpatched, and major hosting platforms are deprecating support. The tool struggles with complex modern websites.

Who still uses AWStats in 2026?

Legacy system administrators and budget-conscious organizations still deploy AWStats. It serves educational institutions, small businesses, and privacy-focused entities needing basic analytics without cloud dependencies. Developers maintaining older hosting environments also use it, though many are migrating to modern alternatives.

What are the best alternatives to AWStats?

Matomo offers similar privacy features with active development. GoAccess provides real-time log analysis and better modern compatibility. For enterprises, commercial solutions like Adobe Analytics deliver advanced features. Self-hosted options like Plausible balance simplicity with maintenance.

Sources

  1. awstats.sourceforge.io — Project status and feature description
  2. github.com — Plesk's deprecation of AWStats
  3. github.com — User migration from AWStats to alternatives
  4. forums.theregister.com — Context around privacy concerns driving interest in log-based analytics