Linktree suits creators and businesses who want the quickest link in bio page, set up in minutes with a free plan and used by more than 70 million people. Carrd suits people who want a small one-page website they fully control, free for up to three sites, with custom domains, forms and embeds on its Pro plans. If you only need a list of links, use Linktree; if you want a mini landing page on your own domain, use Carrd.
Both are popular link in bio answers, but they come at it from different directions. Linktree is a link page that grew into a tool for creators. Carrd is a one-page website builder that happens to make great link pages. I read Carrd's home and Pro pages and Linktree's home and plans pages.
Carrd and Linktree side by side
| Carrd | Linktree | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, up to three sites per account | Yes, a Free plan |
| What you build | Responsive one-page sites | A link in bio page |
| Custom domain | On Pro, with SSL | Not stated on the pages I read |
| Email sign-ups | Forms with ActiveCampaign, Kit, Mailchimp and more on Pro | Mailing list integrations on Pro |
| Branding | Not covered on the pages I read | Remove Linktree branding on Pro |
| Users | Not stated | 70M+ people |
What the free plans include
Carrd's home page says you can build up to three sites per account and use all of its core features for free, starting from dozens of templates or a blank page. Linktree's plans page lists a Free plan, then Starter, which adds a personalised Linktree, unlimited featured links and basic analytics, and Pro, which adds removal of Linktree branding, custom designs and mailing list integrations, with a 7-day trial.
The domain question
This is the difference that matters for a business. Carrd's Pro plans let you publish to any custom domain you own, with full SSL through Let's Encrypt. That means your link in bio can live on your own web address, and it keeps working as a landing page wherever you share it. Linktree keeps you on its platform, which is simpler but less yours.
Where each one shines
Linktree is built for social profiles on Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube, and its scale means visitors recognise the format straight away. Carrd shines when you want more than links: an email sign-up form connected to ActiveCampaign, beehiiv, Brevo, Kit, Klaviyo, Mailchimp or MailerLite, embedded widgets such as a Typeform, or a simple landing page for an event or offer.
Signs one will suit you better
- You want something live in five minutes: Linktree.
- You want your link page on your own domain: Carrd.
- You want to collect email addresses on the page: Carrd Pro or Linktree Pro.
- You need several small one-page sites: Carrd's free plan covers three.
If you're comparing more options, my roundup of link in bio tools for Instagram and TikTok covers the field, and if you go with Linktree, here's how to add Linktree to TikTok.
What to put on your link page
- One clear line saying who you help and how.
- Your most important link at the top, such as booking a call or joining your list.
- Two or three links to your best content, not twenty.
- An email sign-up if your plan allows it, because followers on a platform aren't yours but an email list is.
Whichever tool you choose, review the page every month and remove anything stale. A short, current page gets more clicks than a long list nobody scrolls.
My advice on Carrd or Linktree
If your link page is just a signpost to your latest posts, Linktree's free plan is all you need. If it's the first thing potential clients see, build it in Carrd on your own domain, add an email sign-up form, and treat it as a small landing page in its own right.
Do you make link in bio or website builder tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place in comparisons like this one.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Carrd free?
Yes. Carrd says you can build up to three sites per account and use all core features for free.
Is Linktree free?
Yes. Linktree has a Free plan, with Starter, Pro and Premium plans above it.
Can I use my own domain with Carrd?
Yes, on Carrd's Pro plans, with full SSL support through Let's Encrypt.
Can I remove Linktree branding?
Linktree lists removing its branding as a Pro feature.
How many people use Linktree?
Linktree says more than 70 million people use it for their link in bio.
Can Carrd embed a form from another tool?
Yes. Carrd's Pro plans support widgets and embeds from third-party services such as Typeform.
Which is better for collecting emails?
Both can on their Pro plans. Carrd's Pro forms connect to services such as ActiveCampaign, Kit, Mailchimp and MailerLite.
