Here is a comprehensive list of some of the best free URL shorteners in 2024, considering usability, customization options, tracking features, and reliability:
1. Bitly
- Features: Link customization, QR code generation, basic analytics.
- Strengths: Known for ease of use and reliability, with limited free tracking and branding options.
- Limitations: Full analytics and branded URLs require a paid plan.
2. TinyURL
- Features: Custom aliases, straightforward URL shortening, and a browser extension.
- Strengths: Very simple and doesn’t require an account, suitable for quick, anonymous use.
- Limitations: Lacks detailed tracking and analytics options.
3. Rebrandly
- Features: Branded links, link editing, UTM parameters, and tracking.
- Strengths: Ideal for businesses, with free branded URL options and basic analytics.
- Limitations: Some advanced features like in-depth analytics are part of the paid plan.
4. T2M
- Features: Unlimited URL shortening, QR code generation, detailed analytics, and URL redirection.
- Strengths: Great for tracking user engagement with detailed analytics available on the free plan.
- Limitations: Custom branding and some advanced tracking tools are in the premium version.
5. BL.INK
- Features: Link analytics, custom tags, and campaigns for organized links.
- Strengths: Highly functional free version with link categorization and analytics.
- Limitations: Has limits on link creation, and advanced tracking features are restricted to the premium version.
6. Cutt.ly
- Features: Custom short links, link expiration, and UTM support.
- Strengths: Offers comprehensive analytics even in the free version, good for social media tracking.
- Limitations: Free tier limits custom domains, and more advanced analytics are in the paid version.
7. Is.gd
- Features: Custom URLs and quick shortening with minimal setup.
- Strengths: Known for simplicity and direct, no-frills use.
- Limitations: Limited tracking and customization features compared to other options.
8. Short.io
- Features: Branded domains, link expiration, and UTM parameters.
- Strengths: Provides a free branded domain and basic analytics.
- Limitations: Higher tiers are needed for in-depth analytics and multiple branded domains.
9. Shorte.st
- Features: URL shortening with ad revenue-sharing options.
- Strengths: Allows users to earn revenue on links, good for bloggers and content creators.
- Limitations: Contains ads on redirected pages, and analytics are limited.
10. Tiny.cc
- Features: Custom short links, basic analytics, and link tracking.
- Strengths: Simple and effective for users wanting custom aliases without heavy tracking.
- Limitations: Advanced analytics and branded URLs are part of the paid plan.
These URL shorteners all provide basic services for free, but depending on your needs—like in-depth analytics, branding, or link tracking—some may fit better than others.