AWStats review
A broad, free server-log analyzer for teams that can manage Perl-based reporting.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
AWStats is a free, open-source log analyzer for administrators and website operators who have access to server logs and can run Perl scripts. It turns web, FTP, mail, and streaming-server logs into graphical statistics through command-line or CGI report generation. Support for Apache, IIS, WebStar, proxy, and custom log formats gives it a broad server environment fit, while Windows, macOS, Linux, web, and self-hosted deployment options suit teams managing their own infrastructure.
Its strongest case is reporting breadth within a log-analysis model. AWStats covers visits and unique visitors, browsers, operating systems, geography, referrers, search keywords, entry and exit pages, downloads, and HTTP errors. Configurable ExtraSection reports allow custom tracking, and the plugin architecture includes GeoIP-related plugins. XML analysis database output adds a machine-readable reporting path. Teams seeking server-derived visibility across several traffic dimensions can get substantial coverage without adopting a hosted analytics service.
The tradeoff is that AWStats depends on an operational setup built around logs and Perl, so it is a better fit for technical teams than for marketers seeking a managed interface. Its published feature set centers on generated reports rather than modern event funnels, session replay, API access, or integrations. The official site identifies version 8.0 as the latest stable release and says the original author no longer produces new versions, although community maintenance may continue. Choose AWStats for free, self-managed server-log reporting; choose an alternative when product analytics, active platform integrations, or ongoing first-party development are priorities.
AWStats pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Analyzes web, FTP, mail, and streaming-server logs
- Reports visits, referrers, geography, entry pages, and exit pages
- Supports Apache, IIS, WebStar, proxy, and custom log formats
- Where it doesn't
- Requires server-log access and the ability to run Perl scripts
- Uses command-line or CGI report generation rather than a hosted workflow
- The original author no longer publishes new versions
AWStats fact sheet, pricing and score →
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