Shlink is a self-hosted, open-source URL shortener. Here are 20+ self-hosted and hosted alternatives, compared on features, domains, analytics and API, plus where QuitURL fits.
You'll continue to the QuitURL login to create your link.
Shlink alternatives fall into two groups. Self-hosted tools such as YOURLS, Kutt, Dub and Sink give you the same ownership model. Hosted platforms such as Bitly, Rebrandly, Short.io and QuitURL remove the server work.
QuitURL is a hosted option that combines branded short links with dynamic QR codes, barcodes, link-in-bio pages, file hosting and SMS in one dashboard.
Shlink does its core job well: short links on your own domains, a REST API, a CLI and visit stats. These are the reasons teams still look elsewhere.
Shlink is installed from a dist file or Docker image. Hosting, updates and backups are your responsibility.
Shlink focuses on short URLs. Bio pages, SMS, file sharing and barcodes need other tools.
It is API-first with a CLI and web client. Marketing teams often want a ready-made dashboard and teammates.
Some teams want data in their own infrastructure. Others prefer a managed service. Both are covered below.
Grouped by how you run them. Details come from each project's own description. Check official sites for current pricing, since plans change.
| Tool | Type | What it is | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuitURL Get Started | Hosted platform | Short links, dynamic QR codes, barcodes, link-in-bio, file hosting and SMS in one dashboard. | Custom domains, targeting, API and teams on paid plans. A free plan with limits exists. Not self-hostable. |
| Self-hosted and open source | |||
| Dub | Open source | Link attribution platform with branded links, real-time analytics and conversion tracking. | Webhooks and affiliate/referral programs are part of the pitch. |
| YOURLS | Self-hosted, PHP | "Your Own URL Shortener": PHP scripts for a private shortener on your domain. | Mature and lightweight, with a plugin architecture and API. |
| Kutt | Open source (MIT) | Modern shortener with custom domains, link management and a REST API. | Self-hostable. Also positioned as freemium. |
| Sink | Serverless | Link shortener with analytics, custom slugs and expiration. | Runs on Cloudflare Workers or Pages. |
| Polr | Self-hosted | Open-source, self-hostable URL shortener web application. | Simple setup-focused option. |
| Chhoto URL | Self-hosted, Rust | Fast, minimal shortener focused on simplicity. | Deliberately light on features. |
| Fli.so | Self-hosted | Shortener built with SvelteKit and PocketBase, with QR codes and security controls. | Organizes and tracks links. |
| Lstu | Self-hosted | "Let's Shorten That URL", an open-source shortener. | Small and simple. |
| Pretty Links | WordPress plugin | Link cloaking and shortening inside WordPress. | Fits sites that already run on WordPress. |
| Hosted link management | |||
| Bitly | Hosted | Widely known link and QR code management platform. | Features vary by plan. |
| Rebrandly | Hosted | Branded links and custom domains for marketing teams. | Built around brand-focused link management. |
| Short.io | Hosted | Branded short links with custom domains and an API. | Developer-friendly. |
| TinyURL | Hosted | Long-standing, simple URL shortener. | Features vary by plan. |
| Cuttly | Hosted | URL shortener with link management tools. | Compare plan limits on its site. |
| BL.INK | Hosted | Enterprise-oriented branded link management. | Aimed at larger organizations. |
| T.LY | Hosted | URL shortener with link tracking. | Compare plan limits on its site. |
| Switchy | Hosted | Link shortener oriented to creators and marketers. | Check current features on its site. |
| Linkly | Hosted | Link management for marketers. | Check current features on its site. |
| Specialist workflows | |||
| Geniuslink | Hosted | Geo-aware smart links, often used for affiliate programs. | Specialist rather than general-purpose. |
| ClickMeter | Hosted | Link tracking and conversion monitoring. | Analytics-led. |
| Replug | Hosted | Branded links with retargeting and bio-page tools. | Marketing-focused. |
Descriptions are summaries. Always confirm plans, limits and prices on each vendor's official website.
QuitURL is a hosted platform for teams that want links, QR codes and more without running servers. These points come from QuitURL's own plans.
Custom aliases on every plan. Branded domains: 3 on Pro, 11 on Business. Geo, device and language targeting from Pro.
Edit the destination after printing. Custom logos and bulk QR codes arrive on Pro, frames on Business.
Barcodes, link-in-bio pages, secure file hosting and SMS marketing sit in the same dashboard.
Developer API from Growth (33 requests/min), rising to 108/min on Business. Team seats: 3 on Growth, 11 on Pro, 99 on Business.
| Plan | Monthly | Yearly (per month) | Lifetime | Short links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $4.44 | $2.75 | $88 | 108/mo |
| Growth | $11.11 | $9.25 | $333 | 500/mo |
| Pro | $22.22 | $18.50 | $555 | 2,000/mo |
| Business | $77.77 | $64.75 | $2222 | 20,000/mo |
A free plan with usage limits is also available. Cancel anytime.
Shlink is an open-source, self-hosted URL shortener written in PHP and released under the MIT license. It offers a REST API, a command-line interface and a web client.
YOURLS, Kutt, Dub and Sink are the most commonly listed self-hosted options. The right one depends on your stack, analytics needs and how much you want to maintain.
Yes. Bitly, Rebrandly, Short.io, TinyURL and QuitURL are hosted, so no server setup is required.
Yes. QuitURL includes dynamic QR codes, barcodes, link-in-bio pages, secure file hosting and SMS marketing alongside its URL shortener.
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