- Link shortener alternatives to Bitly in one table
- Nine Bitly alternatives, in alphabetical order
- How to choose a link shortener to replace Bitly
- Questions to ask before moving your short links
- Why a smaller link tool can be a smart choice
- Link shortening mistakes to avoid when you leave Bitly
- A short checklist for your link shortener switch
- Frequently asked questions
The right Bitly alternative depends on why you're leaving. Look for custom domain support, QR code features, team tools, clear analytics and an API if you build software. This page lists nine link tools in no particular order, from small independent makers to long-running names, so you can shortlist quickly.
Bitly is the link shortener most people know, and for plenty of owners it does the job. The searches for Bitly alternatives usually start when something changes: a team grows and needs shared links, a campaign needs links on your own domain, the QR codes or analytics sit behind a higher plan, or you simply want a tool that fits how you work.
This page lists nine other link tools worth a look. It mixes smaller independent makers with a couple of long-running names, because the small ones often do one thing well and move quickly. I've worked from each tool's own website and directory listings, and the list is in no particular order. Bitly itself isn't an entry here, and it's still a reasonable pick if your needs are simple.
Link shortener alternatives to Bitly in one table
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuttly | Link manager | Branded links, QR codes and bio pages together | Yes |
| Dub | Link attribution platform | Developers and teams tracking clicks through to sales | No |
| Kutt | Open-source shortener | Self-hosting your own link service | Yes |
| Rebrandly | Branded link platform | Marketers who want links on their own domain | Yes |
| Replug | Marketing link tool | Bio pages, retargeting and branded links | Yes |
| Short.io | Branded link service | Custom domains with analytics and an API | Yes |
| Switchy | Link and retargeting tool | Capturing people who click a link | Trial only |
| T.ly | Shortener and QR tool | Short links with QR codes and smart routing | Yes |
| TinyURL | Long-running shortener | Quick links with a familiar name | Yes |
The last column only reflects what each tool's own site says about a free plan today. Allowances and limits change, so read the current plan details before you rely on one.
Nine Bitly alternatives, in alphabetical order
Each entry is a single line on where that tool fits. Use them to narrow the list, then try two.
Cuttly
Best for: Owners who want branded links, QR codes and a bio page in one place.
Dub
Best for: Developers and growing teams who want click tracking tied to sign-ups and sales.
Kutt
Best for: Technical owners who would rather run their own link service on their own server.
Rebrandly
Best for: Marketers who want short links on their own domain with team tools.
Replug
Best for: Small marketing teams who want branded links, bio pages and retargeting together.
Short.io
Best for: Businesses that want branded links on a custom domain with analytics and an API.
Switchy
Best for: Marketers who want to track clicks and retarget the people who made them.
T.ly
Best for: Owners who want short links, QR codes and device-based routing from one dashboard.
TinyURL
Best for: Anyone who wants a familiar shortener for everyday links.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
How to choose a link shortener to replace Bitly
Begin with why you're looking. The reason decides which kind of tool you need.
- You want links on your own domain: look for custom domain support and automatic security certificates.
- You share links in print or on packaging: look for QR code tools that let you edit the destination later.
- You run campaigns: look for tags, a built-in way to add campaign tracking, and clear click reports.
- You work with a team: check for shared folders, roles and a way to see who created each link.
- You build software: look for an API, webhooks and developer libraries.
- You value ownership: an open-source tool you host yourself keeps the data on your own server.
If you add campaign tags by hand today, my UTM builder guide will save you time, and the QR code side is covered in my comparison of QR code generators for business.
Questions to ask before moving your short links
Switching a link tool is easy for new links and awkward for old ones. Work through these before you start.
- Where are your existing short links printed or published? Old links must keep working, so don't cancel the old account early.
- Can the new tool import your list of links, or will you need to recreate them?
- Will you keep the same domain? Pointing a domain at a new tool is the cleanest way to keep old links alive.
- Does the new tool keep click history for as long as you need it? Some limit how far back you can look.
- What happens if the tool closes? Check whether you can export links and reports.
- Is the redirect fast and reliable? Slow redirects annoy visitors and can hurt campaign results.
Why a smaller link tool can be a smart choice
Link tools are simple at heart, so a small team can do the core job as well as a large company. What you often gain is a cleaner dashboard, faster support and features built around one audience, such as developers or small marketing teams. Some are open source, which means you can check how they work or run them yourself.
The risk is longevity. A link is a promise that it'll keep working, so look at how long the tool has been running, whether it has recent updates, and whether you can use your own domain. A custom domain is your safety net, because you can move the links to a different service later without breaking anything. If you're sending people to a profile page from social media, my guide to link in bio tools and my page on Linktree alternatives are good companions.
Link shortening mistakes to avoid when you leave Bitly
- Deleting your old account before checking where its links are still in use.
- Using a free shared domain for a campaign you plan to run for years.
- Skipping campaign tags, then being unable to tell which link brought the visit.
- Shortening links inside emails to the point that they look suspicious to spam filters.
- Forgetting that a QR code printed on paper can't be changed unless the link behind it can be edited.
Do you make a link management tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
A short checklist for your link shortener switch
Decide whether you need a custom domain, QR codes, a team or an API. Strike out any option that misses a must-have. Test the remaining two with a handful of real links, check that the click report shows what you need, and only then move your important links.
Frequently asked questions
Why would someone look for a Bitly alternative?
Common reasons are wanting links on your own domain, needing more analytics or QR code features, supporting a team, running an open-source tool, or finding a tool that suits their workflow better.
Are there free Bitly alternatives?
Several tools on this page list a free plan or are free open-source software. Allowances differ, so read the current plan details on each site.
Can I keep my old Bitly links working?
Keep the old account active while those links are in use. If you used your own domain, you can usually point it at a new tool and recreate the links there.
Do I need a custom domain for short links?
It isn't essential for casual use, but it builds trust and lets you move providers later without breaking links. It's worth setting up for any campaign you'll run for a long time.
Is it safe to use a small link tool?
It can be, as long as you use your own domain, keep a copy of your links and check that the tool is actively maintained. Avoid putting important printed links on a service you can't leave.
