Kutt
Open-source shortener with custom domains, link statistics, link protection and an API. The nearest all-round match to YOURLS.
YOURLS Alternatives: 21 URL Shorteners and Link Tools Compared
YOURLS is a free, self-hosted shortener you run yourself. If you would rather not maintain servers, or you need QR codes, bio pages or teams, compare 21 alternatives here.
QuitURL plans start at $4.44/mo. Cancel anytime.
What are the best YOURLS alternatives?
The closest self-hosted alternatives to YOURLS are Kutt, Shlink, Polr, Fli.so and Chhoto URL. The main hosted alternatives are Bitly, Rebrandly, Short.io, Dub, TinyURL and Cuttly. QuitURL is a hosted platform that adds dynamic QR codes, barcodes, link-in-bio pages, file hosting and SMS to link shortening.
Why people look for a YOURLS alternative
YOURLS stands for Your Own URL Shortener. It is a set of PHP scripts with a plugin system, a developer API and click stats. It needs PHP and MySQL, and you handle the install, configuration and upkeep. These are the usual reasons people move on.
You run the server
Hosting, updates, backups and uptime are your job.
Features come from plugins
Extras such as extra analytics or UI changes depend on plugins you find, vet and maintain.
Link shortening only
QR codes, bio pages and file sharing mean adding separate tools.
Teams and clients
Agencies often want hosted accounts, roles and shared reporting without building them.
YOURLS alternatives compared
The table covers hosting model, primary focus and how each tool is typically used. Scroll sideways on small screens. Plans and limits change, so confirm pricing on each vendor's official site.
| Tool | Model | Primary focus | Pricing | Notable trait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QuitURL | Hosted | Links, QR codes, barcodes, bio pages, files, SMS | From $4.44/mo ($2.75/mo billed yearly); lifetime plans listed | Six tools in one dashboard. Custom aliases on all plans. Get started |
| Kutt | Self-hosted / hosted | Open-source shortener | Open source; hosted pricing on its site | Custom domains, API, link passwords |
| Shlink | Self-hosted | PHP shortener with REST API and CLI | Open source | Multiple domains, visit analytics |
| Polr | Self-hosted | Minimal open-source shortener | Open source | Simple, API-friendly |
| Fli.so | Self-hosted | SvelteKit and PocketBase shortener | Open source | QR codes and security controls |
| Chhoto URL | Self-hosted | Lightweight, Rust-based | Open source | Deliberately minimal |
| Sink | Self-hosted | Shortener with analytics on Cloudflare | Open source | Runs on Cloudflare |
| Dub | Hosted / open source | Link management for marketing teams | See Dub pricing | Analytics and QR codes per link |
| Bitly | Hosted | Links, QR codes, landing pages | Free tier; paid from $10/mo (annual billing) | Custom domains start on Growth tier |
| Rebrandly | Hosted | Branded links | See Rebrandly pricing | Custom domains, link management |
| Short.io | Hosted | Branded short links | See Short.io pricing | Developer-friendly API |
| TinyURL | Hosted | Shortening, branded links | See TinyURL pricing | Long-standing name |
| Cuttly | Hosted | Links, QR, bio pages | See Cuttly pricing | Broad link toolkit |
| BL.INK | Hosted | Enterprise link management | Quote-based | Large-organization focus |
| T.LY | Hosted | Link shortening and tracking | See T.LY pricing | Simple branded links |
| Linkly | Hosted | Link tracking and retargeting | Free tier listed | Bitly import tool |
| Replug | Hosted | Marketing links, CTAs | See Replug pricing | Call-to-action overlays |
| Geniuslink | Hosted | Affiliate and geo-aware links | See Geniuslink pricing | Affiliate link routing |
| Tiny.cc | Hosted | Shortening and tracking | See Tiny.cc pricing | Established shortener |
| Pretty Links | WordPress plugin | Link cloaking inside WordPress | Free and paid versions | Lives in your WP admin |
| Switchy | Hosted | Creator and marketer links | See Switchy pricing | Link-in-bio and retargeting |
| Y.gy | Hosted | Bitly-style shortener | See Y.gy pricing | Lightweight alternative |
All 21 YOURLS alternatives in detail
Grouped by how you would run them. These are descriptions, not rankings.
Self-hosted and open source
For people who want to keep running their own shortener, as with YOURLS.
Shlink
PHP-based, with REST and CLI interfaces, multiple domains and visit analytics. Suits developers comfortable with ops work.
Polr
A fast, simple open-source shortener with an API for command-line use. Minimal by design.
Fli.so
Built with SvelteKit and PocketBase. Shortens, organizes and tracks links, with QR codes and security controls.
Chhoto URL
A small, fast Rust shortener focused on simplicity and low resource use.
Sink
Link shortener with analytics that runs on Cloudflare rather than a traditional PHP and MySQL stack.
Hosted link management
No servers to maintain. You pay a subscription instead.
Dub
Link management for marketing teams, with analytics and QR codes. The code is open source.
Bitly
Links, QR codes and landing pages. Offers a free tier with 5 links a month; paid tiers begin at $10/mo on annual billing, and custom domains arrive with the Growth tier.
Rebrandly
Built around branded links and custom domains, with link management for teams.
Short.io
Branded short links with a developer-oriented API and bulk link creation.
TinyURL
One of the oldest shorteners, now with branded links and link tracking.
Cuttly
Link shortening with QR codes and bio pages in a broad toolkit.
BL.INK
Positioned at enterprise link management for large organizations.
T.LY
Straightforward shortening and tracking with branded domains.
Tiny.cc
A long-running shortener with link tracking.
Y.gy
A lightweight, Bitly-style shortener.
Marketing, affiliate and creator links
Tools built around a specific use of short links.
Linkly
Link tracking and retargeting, with a Bitly import tool and a free tier.
Replug
Marketing-focused links with call-to-action overlays.
Geniuslink
Smart routing for affiliate and international links.
Switchy
Branded links and bio pages aimed at creators and marketers.
Pretty Links
Cloaks and manages links from inside your WordPress dashboard.
Descriptions summarize each tool's public positioning. Check each official site for current features and pricing before deciding.
Where QuitURL fits
QuitURL is a hosted platform, so there is nothing to install or patch. It covers short links, dynamic QR codes, barcodes, link-in-bio pages, secure file hosting and SMS in one dashboard.
Branded short links
Custom aliases, branded domains, click analytics and targeting by geo, device and language on Pro and Business.
Dynamic QR codes
Change the destination after printing. Custom logos and bulk creation come with Pro.
Bio pages and files
Link-in-bio pages with widgets, plus password-protected files behind short links.
Teams and API
Developer API from Growth, team seats from Growth, and campaigns from Pro.
QuitURL plans
$4.44Starter, per month108 short links/mo, 50,000 clicks/mo, 33 QR codes/mo. $2.75/mo billed yearly.
$11.11Growth, per month500 links/mo, 1,000,000 clicks/mo, API, SMS, 3 team members. $9.25/mo billed yearly.
$22.22Pro, per month2,000 links/mo, unlimited clicks, 3 branded domains, targeting. $18.50/mo billed yearly.
$77.77Business, per month20,000 links/mo, 11 branded domains, 99 team members. $64.75/mo billed yearly.
Figures from the QuitURL pricing page. Lifetime options are also listed there.
QuitURL suits you if
- You want a managed service instead of running your own server.
- You need QR codes, bio pages or files alongside short links.
- You work with a team or manage links for clients.
A self-hosted tool such as YOURLS, Kutt or Shlink may suit you better if you want full control of your data and infrastructure, and you are comfortable maintaining it.
YOURLS alternatives: frequently asked questions
What is YOURLS?
YOURLS stands for Your Own URL Shortener. It is a self-hosted PHP application with a plugin system, an API and click statistics that you run on your own domain.
What is the best self-hosted alternative to YOURLS?
Kutt, Shlink, Polr, Fli.so and Chhoto URL are the main open-source options. Which fits depends on your preferred stack, how much you need analytics, and how much maintenance you want.
Is there a hosted alternative to YOURLS?
Yes. Bitly, Rebrandly, Short.io, Dub, TinyURL, Cuttly and QuitURL are hosted, so you do not manage servers or databases.
Which YOURLS alternative also makes QR codes?
Several do, including Bitly, Cuttly, Dub and Fli.so. QuitURL includes dynamic QR codes, with custom logos and bulk creation on Pro and Business.
How much does QuitURL cost?
Plans start at $4.44/mo on monthly billing, or $2.75/mo billed yearly, for Starter. Growth is $11.11/mo, Pro $22.22/mo and Business $77.77/mo on monthly billing.
Does QuitURL offer a free plan?
Its pricing page says a Free Plan is free to use indefinitely, with usage limits on features such as short links, QR codes and bio pages.
Can I move my links from YOURLS?
QuitURL's plans list link import as included. Check the dashboard for supported formats before migrating.
Ready to stop running your own shortener?
Start with the Starter plan to create branded links, QR codes and bio pages in one dashboard. Cancel anytime.