Introduction
In today's digital world, we constantly share links—whether it's through social media, emails, blogs, or other platforms. But how often do we actually think about how we shorten those links? With an overwhelming number of URLs being shared daily, the need to use a short link generator is more common than you might realize. Every time we send out a long link, especially one cluttered with parameters or affiliate tracking, the question arises: "How can we make this URL cleaner and more user-friendly?"
In the early days of the internet, only a few URL shortening tools existed. TinyURL and the Google link shortener were among the most popular choices. Google's URL shortener service, in particular, was widely used due to its simplicity and integration with other Google apps. However, it was discontinued in 2019, leaving a gap in the market for more advanced alternatives like Rebrandly, which is still a best option today.
What are URL shortener apps?
URL shortener apps are tools designed to transform long, complicated URLs into shorter, more manageable links. These short url services make link sharing easier, especially on platforms where space is limited, such as social media. For example, instead of sending a long, cluttered URL, businesses and individuals can use apps like Bitly, Rebrandly, or TinyURL to create concise links that are easy to share and track.
The principle behind link shortening services is simple yet effective. These tools take long URLs and generate a short version that redirects to the original link. When a user clicks on the short link, the service quickly performs link redirection to the intended destination. This process is seamless for the user, and the best URL shorteners also offer features like custom domains, detailed tracking, and analytics.
Additionally, these link shortener apps often provide automatic click tracking features, allowing you to monitor user engagement, including clicks, location, and device data usage. This makes them essential for businesses aiming to streamline their marketing campaigns, track user activity, and improve the overall professionalism of their online presence. URL shortener apps offer a simple way to make links cleaner and more functional, boosting both trust and click-through rates. But what sets the best URL shortener apps apart from other link shortening tools? Which one should you choose?
The 5 best URL shortener services for 2025
- №1 Bitly: Best URL shortener for smart custom links and analytics
- №2 Rebrandly: Best link shortener alternative to Bitly
- №3 GoLinks: Best URL shortener for mid-market and enterprise with excellent customer support
- №4 TinyURL: Easy-to-use link shortener with basic analytics
- №5 BL.INK: Best URL shortener for QR code generation and smart link management
What happened to Google's URL shortener?
Google's URL shortener, known as goo.gl, was a widely-used tool for creating short links, especially for businesses and individuals looking for a simple, reliable service. However, this Google link shortener was discontinued in 2019, leaving many users in search of alternatives. This shutdown means that users can no longer create new short links through the service, and existing links were phased out for most users. If you used Google's URL shortener, this shift likely affected how you track and manage links.
What are the benefits of using URL shortener apps?
URL shorteners solve many critical tasks in marketing and analytics. These apps are used to automatically track user engagement, helping businesses understand how people interact with their content. For example, a short URL can show exactly how many people clicked on it, where they clicked from, and what device they used. This traffic tracking data is extremely valuable for businesses that want to optimize their campaigns and make informed decisions based on real-time analytics.
In digital marketing, using URL shortener apps can improve how efficiently you manage campaigns. By shortening links, businesses save space on platforms with character limits, such as Twitter, and make URLs look more professional in emails and SMS. Custom URLs also help build brand recognition and trust, which is important for driving more clicks and engagement from your audience.
URL shortener apps also allow for bulk link creation, which is especially useful for businesses that run multiple campaigns. The ability to automatically generate short, trackable links means less time spent on managing URLs and more focus on strategy. Furthermore, these link management platforms provide businesses with the power to analyze and track campaigns across different platforms, allowing for better marketing insights.
Why are long links so inconvenient?
Long URLs can cause multiple problems. First and foremost, they tend to look cluttered and unprofessional in posts, messages, or emails. Imagine sharing a long, unwieldy link in a social media post. Not only does it look unsightly, but it can also confuse readers. Here are some tips on why long URLs are inconvenient:
- They can scare readers away: URLs packed with tracking parameters and random characters can appear suspicious. Users might hesitate to click on such links, worrying about malware, phishing, or intrusive advertising. Shortened URLs from a trusted link shortener look cleaner and safer.
- Character limits in social platforms: Many platforms, especially social media, impose limits on the number of characters allowed. For example, Twitter only allows 280 characters per tweet. If your post includes a long link, it could consume a significant portion of that limit. A shortened URL helps save space and leaves more room for meaningful content.
- Poor aesthetics: Long URLs simply don't look good, especially when embedded in professional content like blog posts or newsletters. A best custom shortener app helps maintain a clean and polished appearance, which is particularly important for brand consistency.
- Profile and bio limitations: Social media platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter, limit the number of characters in your bio. A long URL would either take up too much space or wouldn't fit at all. Using a short link from a URL shortener app helps you include a working link within these constraints.
How to shorten a link:
Shortening a link is a quick and best way to make long, unwieldy URLs more manageable and professional. Whether you're sharing links on social media, in emails, or in SMS messages, a shortened link not only looks cleaner but also helps track clicks and engagement. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to using a short url service:
- 1. Choose a URL shortener app: Start by selecting a URL shortening app that suits your needs. Popular options include tools like TinyURL, BL.INK, Bitly, and others. These services allow you to shorten your link and offer additional features like analytics and branded short links.
- 2. Paste your long URL: Once you've chosen your URL shortener, go to the service’s website or use their browser extension. You’ll typically see a field where you can paste your long URL.
- 3. Customize (Optional): Some services, like BL.INK and Rebrandly, let you customize the second half of your shortened link, allowing you to create a more personalized and branded URL (e.g., yourbrand.link/specialoffer). Customization adds a professional touch and makes the link more memorable.
- 4. Click shorten URL: After pasting the URL (and customizing it if you wish), simply hit the "Shorten" button. In seconds, your long link is converted into a short, easy-to-share URL.
- 5. Copy and Share: Once your link is shortened, copy it and share it across your preferred channels—whether it's social media, email campaigns, or text messages. Most URL shorteners also offer integration with other apps, allowing you to track the performance of your link.
Additional features:
- Tracking and analytics: The best URL shorteners, like BL.INK and Bitly, offer tracking tools to monitor the performance of your link. You can view detailed link statistics, including click-through rates, geographic location of your audience, and device usage.
- QR code generation: Many URL shorteners now also include the option to generate a QR code for your shortened link, which is perfect for printed materials or in-person events.
By using a URL shortener, you not only improve the appearance of your links but also gain valuable insights into your audience's behavior. Shortening links is an essential step for anyone looking to make their digital content more efficient and trackable.
The Best URL shorteners at a Glance
In the table below, we've summarized the best URL shorteners available today, each offering distinct advantages based on the needs of different users, from small businesses to large enterprises. From Bitly, known for its easy-to-use link shortener features and smart links for social media, to Rebrandly, which is perfect for creating custom-branded URLs, you'll find the best tools to enhance your link optimization strategy and simplify your link management.
| URL Shortener | Feature | G2 Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Bitly | Best for small businesses, smart links, and social media analytics | 4.5 |
| Rebrandly | Best alternative to Bitly for branded links | 4.6 |
| GoLinks | Ideal for mid-market and enterprise with excellent customer support | 4.8 |
| TinyURL | Easy to use, best for basic content analytics | 4.3 |
| BL.INK | Best for QR code generation and smart link management | 4.5 |
What makes a best URL Shortener?
So, what exactly sets the best URL shortener apart from other apps that can accomplish the same task? A short URL is not only more visually appealing, the best URL shorteners allow users to customize the shortened URL, making it more readable and relevant to their content. For example, instead of sharing a random string of characters, you can create a custom short link that includes your brand name or a relevant keyword, which improves memorability and trust.
| Decision Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Link Tracking | Many of the best modern URL shorteners allow users to track how many people click on their links, where those users are coming from, and what devices they are using. This data is crucial for optimizing marketing campaigns and understanding audience behavior. For instance, services like Bitly and Rebrandly provide detailed analytics dashboards to help users monitor link performance. |
| Generating QR Codes | The best URL shorteners, like Bitly, offer the ability to generate QR codes alongside shortened links. These QR codes can be used in physical marketing materials, such as flyers or business cards, making it easy for users to scan and access your content directly. |
| Custom Branded Links | Using a custom URL instead of a generic shortened link helps build brand trust and consistency. For example, a branded link like yourbrand.link/specialoffer looks far more professional than bit.ly/xyz123. |
| Retargeting Potential Customers | The best shorteners like Switchy.io allow you to add retargeting pixels to your shortened links, making it possible to target users with ads after they've clicked on your link. This feature is invaluable for businesses looking to increase conversions and maximize their marketing efforts. |
| Dedicated URL shortener app | The best URL shorteners are easy to set up and use without requiring technical expertise. A standalone app means you don't have to integrate with other tools to use the core features. This makes the process of shortening URLs straightforward and accessible to anyone, regardless of their technical skill level. |
| Budget-Friendly URL solutions | The best URL shorteners offer the best balance between features and cost, including free link shortener options that are genuinely useful. This ensures that users at different levels, from casual users to large businesses, find the service beneficial. |
The Best URL shorteners in 2025
When it comes to choosing the best URL shortener, there are several top-rated apps that provide unique features tailored to different needs. Whether you're looking to track clicks, create branded short links, or manage links at scale for your business, the right URL shortener app can help simplify your marketing efforts. These tools not only make your links look professional but also offer crucial insights through analytics, helping you track performance automatically.
№1 Bitly: Best URL shortener for smart custom links and analytics
Bitly Bitly is a business-grade URL shortener that has been reliably shortening links for over 15 years. But what allows Bitly to remain one of the best URL shortener apps for so many years? It's an all-in-one solution for managing and tracking links, offering features that cover all your needs in one app. Whether you want to create short links, track the performance of your social media campaigns, or generate QR codes for your URLs, Bitly has you covered.
But it's not just these features that made Bitly a popular URL shortener. Additionally, Bitly provides a link-in-bio feature, allowing you to manage all your links from one central place.
What are the features of Bitly?
| Category | Bitly features |
|---|---|
| Bitly tools | Audience Insights |
| URL Shortener | Branded Shortlinks, Link Analytics, Bulk URL Creation, Historical Shortlink Tracking |
| Audience Targeting | Geographic Targeting, Device/OS Targeting |
| Analytics | Digital Analytics, Data Sharing and Exporting |
| Development | Bulk Creation, Analytics, Intuitive Dashboards |
| Formatting | Dynamic Codes, File Formats, Customization |
Bitly Price:
However, while Bitly's free plan was once a great option, it has become quite limited. Users on the free plan can only create 10 links per month, with up to five custom back-halves (e.g., bit.ly/CUSTOM). This limitation makes the free plan less attractive, especially compared to other services that offer more flexibility. For those with older accounts, there is still the benefit of creating up to 10,000 links per month—far beyond what is available today even on some of the paid URL shortener plans.
For more robust use, the Growth plan at $35/month includes a free custom domain, allows you to create up to 1,500 links per month, and provides more detailed analytics on who clicks your links. If you need even more power, the Premium plan at $300/month offers up to 3,000 links per month, granular data that includes city-level and device-type analytics, and a host of other features. Additionally, there's the Core plan, which includes 100 links per month for $96 annually (about $8/month).
Bitly pros:
All the URL shortening features you could ever need in one platform. Over 15 years of proven reliability
Bitly cons:
The free plan is no longer competitive, offering only 10 links per month. Bitly is a fantastic choice for large businesses that need to brand and track a significant number of links. It's equally suitable for small businesses that want to generate custom short URLs and track performance across their marketing campaigns. While there may be other tools offering better pricing for specific features, Bitly remains a dependable, all-encompassing option for those who need a full-service URL shortener that covers all the bases.
| Bitly feature | G2 Rating |
|---|---|
| Social Media Analytics Includes: Sentiment Analysis, Hashtag Analytics, Attribution, Paid Campaign Tracking, Post Performance, Follower Analysis, Competitor Analysis | 8.0 |
| URL Shortener Includes: Branded Shortlinks, Link Analytics, Bulk URL Creation, Historical Shortlink Tracking | 9.0 |
| Analytics Includes: Digital Analytics, Data Sharing and Exporting | 8.6 |
Example:
A long URL like https://example.com/my-super-awesome-blog-about-squirrels/2022/10/23/live-with-a-squirrel-fan becomes https://bit.ly/live-squirrel with Bitly's URL shortener.
Best for:
Best for businesses that need smart link shortening apps with powerful tracking features to monitor clicks and analyze campaign success. Its pros include ease of use and detailed analytics, while the cons are limited free plans compared to other shorteners.
If you're prepared to pay for a powerful tool that integrates well with various platforms, including Albato, Bitly is unlikely to disappoint.
№2 Rebrandly: Best link shortener alternative to Bitly
Rebrandly Rebrandly is an excellent alternative to Bitly, offering a user-friendly URL shortening service with powerful link branding capabilities. It's designed to help users create custom branded links that are more recognizable and memorable. Rebrandly is especially useful for businesses that want to shorten links for social media content or send simplified, professional-looking links to their customers. For instance, retailers can use Rebrandly to turn long, automated URLs into short links featuring their brand, increasing the likelihood that customers will click them. This is especially helpful when sending links for financing options or appointment scheduling.
One of Rebrandly's standout advantages over competitors is its ease of use when shortening links. The web app is fast and minimalist, making it simple to track link performance, generate QR codes, and manage branded links all in one place. You can even brand links to important documents like Google Docs or contracts, making them easier to remember and reuse.
What are the features of Rebrandly?
| Category | Rebrandly features |
|---|---|
| Rebrandly tools | Contact Collection, Audience Insights, Social Sharing |
| Metrics | Entry and Exit Pages, Sessions, Engagement, Return, Conversions |
| URL Shortener | Branded Shortlinks, Link Analytics, Bulk URL Creation, Historical Shortlink Tracking |
Rebrandly price:
- Free plan:Limited to 10 links per month and tracking up to 250 clicks.
- Essentials plan: Starts at $13/month for 2,500 links and tracking up to 10,000 clicks per month.
- Enterprise plan: Enterprise plan: $399/month with support for five or more users, offering advanced control and detailed analytics.
Rebrandly pros:
- User-friendly and efficient: Rebrandly's web app is intuitive and doesn't hide features behind complex menus.
- Customizable branded links: Links can be customized to reflect your brand, improving trust and engagement.
- Social media optimized: Saves character space in posts, making it ideal for social platforms.
- Tracking and engagement analytics: Easily track link clicks and user engagement to measure the performance of your campaigns.
- Affordable entry-level plan: The Essentials plan starts at $14/month and includes 250 branded links per month, offering a good starting point for small businesses.
Rebrandly cons:
- Limited free plan: The free plan is severely restricted, allowing only up to 10 links per month and tracking 250 clicks, making it less competitive compared to other services.
- Pricing concerns: Over time, the pricing has increased significantly, with the Essentials plan now at $39/month, which might feel steep, especially for small businesses converting currencies.
- Lack of timezone customization: Rebrandly reports link clicks in UTC time, which can be inconvenient for users in different time zones.
- iOS app limitations: Some users have experienced issues with the app’s copy-paste functionality not working smoothly when trying to copy rebranded links.
| Rebrandly feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| URL Shortener Branded Shortlinks, Link Analytics, Bulk URL Creation | 9.5 |
Despite these drawbacks, Rebrandly remains a solid choice for those looking for a branded URL shortener with robust tracking features. The Essentials plan, priced at $39/month, gives users 2,500 links and 10,000 tracked clicks, while the higher-tier Enterprise plan at $399/month offers even more control, analytics, and support for multiple users. The platform also integrates seamlessly with A, allowing for automated link creation from tools like Google Sheets and Buffer, making it a powerful solution for marketers.
Example:
A long URL like https://example.com/event-details/2024/06/23/conference becomes https://rebrand.ly/conf2024 using Rebrandly’s custom branded URL shortener.
In addition to shortening URLs, Rebrandly offers automatic QR code generation, making it easy to use the shortened links in physical marketing materials. For users who need to manage multiple links across various campaigns, the LinkGallery feature (Rebrandly’s equivalent of Bitly’s link-in-bio) allows you to showcase several branded links in one place, perfect for social media profiles.
Best for:
Great for creating branded short links, Rebrandly is one of the best URL shorteners for companies wanting a professional appearance. It offers a unique feature of customizing links, making it a great system for brand-building.
If you're looking for a user-friendly tool that focuses on custom branded links and advanced analytics, Rebrandly is a great option, especially if you're willing to invest in its paid plans.
№3 GoLinks: Best URL shortener for mid-market and enterprise with excellent customer support
GoLinks GoLinks is an enterprise-focused URL shortener app that simplifies internal collaboration by converting long URLs into easy-to-remember short links (e.g., go/meeting-notes). It allows teams to instantly share and retrieve information, improving collaboration across browsers, apps, and conversations. One of the best features of GoLinks is its powerful AI-powered search, which allows users to quickly find resources and track link performance. Additionally, its seamless integration with apps like Google Workspace and Slack makes it a top choice for organizations looking to streamline their workflows. With AI-powered search built into the platform, users can quickly find resources and answers by typing queries into the GoLinks dashboard or directly in tools like Slack. It's particularly well-suited for mid-market and enterprise teams that frequently share links across various apps.
What are the features of GoLinks?
| Category | GoLinks features |
|---|---|
| Browser | Browser Agnostic, Browser Extensions, Syncing |
| User Tools | Search Bar, Tags |
| Workspace Options | Private Workspaces, Collaborative Workspaces |
| URL Shortener | Branded Shortlinks, Link Analytics, Bulk URL Creation, Historical Shortlink Tracking |
| Compatibility | Federated Search |
| Search Queries | Faceted Search |
| Functionality | Personalization, Search Analytics |
GoLinks price
- Free Plan ($0): For small teams (up to 5 users), with unlimited go links, team members, browser/iOS/Slack extensions, Google Workspace and Jira/Confluence integrations, email and chat support.
- Essential Plan ($4/user/month, starting at $30/month): Includes AI-powered search, role-based access, "Not found" suggestions, pinning go links, admin controls, and workspace update emails.
- Pro Plan ($6/user/month, starting at $80/month): Adds tags, unlisted go links, analytics dashboard, advanced permissions, branded dashboard, priority support, and audit history.
- Enterprise Plan (Contact for pricing): All Pro features, plus SSO, 99.99% uptime SLA, custom integrations, and a dedicated Customer Success Manager.
GoLinks pros
- Efficient Link Management: GoLinks allows users to easily shorten, manage, and access frequently used links. The simplicity and speed of creating GoLinks save significant time for teams that would otherwise spend minutes or hours searching for shared resources.
- Customizable and Memorable Links: GoLinks offers memorable, customizable URLs, which helps teams quickly recall important resources without the hassle of searching through long, complex URLs.
- Improved Workflow: Teams can create short, branded go links for internal tools, files, and resources, improving collaboration and productivity.
- User-Friendly Interface: Even non-technical users find GoLinks easy to set up and navigate, making it accessible for all team members without requiring extensive training.
- Seamless Integrations: Integration with Google Workspace, Jira, Slack, and other essential tools makes GoLinks a powerful addition to any team’s workflow.
GoLinks cons
- Link Management Complexity: As the number of go links grows, managing them can become tricky, especially if multiple GoLinks redirect to similar destinations. Users have requested better categorization tools to avoid confusion.
- No Metrics in Free Plan: One downside is that the free version does not include link metrics, making it difficult to track usage without upgrading to a paid plan.
- Team-Only Use: GoLinks is geared toward team use rather than individual use, making it less cost-effective for solo users.
- Limited Private Go Links: Users have expressed the desire for a feature that allows private go links, limiting access to certain links instead of sharing them with the entire team.
| GoLinks features | G2 Rating |
|---|---|
| Meets Requirements | 9.5 |
| Quality of Support | 9.4 |
| Bookmark Manager Browser Agnostic, Browser Extensions, Syncing, Search Bar, Tags | 9.0 |
| Enterprise Search Software Federated Search, Typo Tolerance, Faceted Search, Natural Language, Personalization, Search Analytics | 8.0 |
Best for:
Best suited for mid-market and enterprise systems, GoLinks excels at internal link management and shortening links with great customer support. It compares well in terms of clicks tracking, which helps businesses improve internal communications.
If your team frequently shares and accesses internal resources, GoLinks can help make that process faster, more efficient, and easier to manage. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, GoLinks is a tool that can benefit any company looking to optimize information sharing and link management.
№4 TinyURL: Best easy-to-use link shortener with basic analytics
TinyURL, one of the best and original players in the URL shortening space, has been simplifying long URLs since 2002. As a free service, it allows users to quickly create short, reliable links without the need for an account. Simply paste your long link, hit "Shorten URL," and you're ready to go with a link that will never expire. If you're in need of a no-fuss solution to shorten URLs, TinyURL delivers simplicity and speed, making it a go-to tool for quick tasks.
What are the features of TinyURL?
| Category | TinyURL features |
|---|---|
| TinyURL Tools | Contact Collection, Audience Insights, Social Sharing |
| Metrics | Entry and Exit Pages, Sessions, Engagement, Return, Conversions, Search Rank |
| URL Shortener | Branded Shortlinks, Link Analytics, Bulk URL Creation, Historical Shortlink Tracking |
TinyURL key features:
- User-Friendly: TinyURL’s interface is intuitive and easy to use, perfect for those looking to create short links in seconds.
- Customizable URLs: You can customize the second half of the URL, making it more memorable and suitable for your brand or campaign.
- No Expiration: Unlike other services, TinyURL's links do not expire, giving you peace of mind that your short links will remain active indefinitely.
- Pro Plan: For those seeking more advanced features like tracking, analytics, and branded domains, TinyURL offers a Pro plan starting at $12.99/month.
TinyURL price:
- Free: Basic URL shortening without an account.
- Pro Plan: Starting at $12.99/month for features like tracked links, branded domains, and editable short URLs.
TinyURL pros:
- Ease of Use: TinyURL shines with its simplicity. Creating short links requires no account, and even first-time users can easily shorten links and generate custom aliases.
- Free to Use: TinyURL remains free for basic URL shortening, making it accessible for those with minimal needs.
- Perfect for Campaigns: Whether it’s for email, SMS, or social media, TinyURL offers quick and reliable short links that can be used across various platforms. It’s also handy for creating QR codes, making it ideal for marketers on a tight schedule.
- Quick Integration: TinyURL is easy to integrate into other apps, allowing you to generate short links with minimal steps.
TinyURL cons:
- Limited Features: Compared to other URL shorteners, TinyURL lacks advanced features unless you opt for the Pro plan. There's no free branded link option, which some competitors offer at no cost.
- No Advanced Analytics in Free Version: TinyURL's free version doesn't include link tracking or analytics, which limits its appeal for those looking for detailed performance insights.
- Occasional Website Errors: Some users report occasional issues with the site, especially during updates, making it less reliable at times.
- Security Concerns: In some environments, TinyURL links are viewed as a security risk, with some IT departments restricting their use.
- Customer Support: Users have expressed dissatisfaction with TinyURL's customer support, noting that it's difficult to find help directly on the website.
| TinyURL features | G2 Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease of Setup | 9.6 |
| Content Analytics Historical Shortlink Tracking, Contact Collection, Social Sharing, Sessions, Conversions, Search Rank | 8.0 |
Example:
Long URL https://example.com/news/2024/06/10/latest-updates converted to https://tinyurl.com/latest-news24.
Best for:
Best for users looking for a simple, no-fuss app for shortening links with basic features. It’s great for those who need to create short URLs quickly, but its cons include a lack of advanced analytics compared to other shorteners.
If you're looking for a simple, straightforward link shortener with basic content analytics, TinyURL is a solid choice for personal and small business use. However, those needing more robust features, like advanced tracking and branded URLs, may find themselves upgrading to the Pro plan or exploring other alternatives.
№5 BL.INK: Best for QR code generation and smart link management
BL.INK is a comprehensive URL shortening service designed for small businesses and enterprises. Not only does it simplify long URLs, but it also provides a powerful toolset for tracking link performance. BL.INK offers robust analytics, allowing users to monitor traffic sources, device types, locations, and referrers, as well as delve into data like the time of day clicks occur. This makes it an ideal tool for businesses looking to manage their marketing campaigns more effectively.
With Dynamic Links, BL.INK allows you to customize where a link sends users based on their location, device, or even the time and day they click the link. For marketing teams, the ability to add tags to each link makes tracking specific campaigns and organizing traffic data simple.
What are the features of BL.INK?
| Category | BL.INK features |
|---|---|
| Metrics | Engagement, Conversions |
| BL.INK tools | Audience Insights, Social Sharing |
| URL Shortener | Branded Shortlinks, Link Analytics, Bulk URL Creation, Historical Shortlink Tracking |
| Development | Low-Code or No-Code, Bulk Creation, Analytics, Intuitive Dashboards |
| Formatting | Dynamic Codes, File Formats, Customization |
BL.INK key Features:
- Custom Domains: Even on the free plan, users can create branded links with their own domain.
- Advanced Analytics: Dive deep into traffic by device, location, referrers, and more. Track trends like time-of-day clicks and campaign performance.
- Dynamic Links: Route users to different destinations based on criteria such as location, device, and time.
- QR Code Generation: BL.INK integrates QR codes into its platform, allowing you to easily create and track them alongside your shortened URLs.
- Albato Integration: Connect BL.INK to apps like Google Sheets for seamless workflow automation and campaign management.
- Rich Documentation: BL.INK’s detailed knowledge base ensures users can easily find answers without needing to contact support.
BL.INK price:
- Free Plan: Up to 1,000 active links and 1,000 clicks tracked per link. Includes a custom domain for branded links.
- Paid Plans: Start at $48/month, offering more advanced features such as team collaboration, enhanced analytics, and the ability to generate more links. For under $50 per month, businesses get access to multiple users, a feature that many other link shorteners charge significantly more for.
BL.INK pros:
- Easy Integration: BL.INK integrates with numerous third-party apps, including Albato, which simplifies the process of managing campaigns across platforms like Google Sheets.
- User-Friendly: Setting up and using BL.INK is quick and intuitive, making it easy for teams to create, track, and manage links and QR codes from one dashboard.
- Scalable Plans: BL.INK’s pricing allows businesses to start small and scale up as their needs grow. The Pro plan is affordable compared to competitors, with features like team access for a fraction of the cost.
- Customizable Branded Links: Users can add their own domains for a more professional online presence and improve brand trust with customized links.
- Feature-Rich Platform: BL.INK offers an impressive set of tools, including click routing by date, time, language, location, and device. It's perfect for businesses looking to take their link management to the next level.
- Comprehensive Support: The platform provides detailed documentation and a knowledge base, ensuring users can find the help they need easily.
BL.INK сons:
- User Experience Issues: While functional, the web app’s UX could use a refresh. Some users have noted small annoyances, such as extra clicks needed to perform basic tasks, that add up over time.
- Mobile App Experience: The mobile app's user experience (UX) isn’t as smooth as the web version, and some users have reported issues with logging in.
- Limited Configuration for QR Codes: While BL.INK supports QR code generation, some advanced customization options, like custom QR code designs, are not available.
- Rising Costs: Some users have pointed out that the price of BL.INK's services has been gradually increasing, which may make it less attractive for smaller businesses or those on a tight budget.
| BL.INK features | G2 Rating |
|---|---|
| Digital Analytics Sessions, Digital Analytics, Engagement, Standard Event Tracking, Custom Event Tracking, Conversions, Funnels, Real-Time Reporting, Segmentation, Campaign Tracking, Performance and Reliability | 8.0 |
| Attribution Single-Touch Attribution, Multi-Touch Attribution, Algorithmic Attribution, Cross-Device Attribution, Offline Attribution, Custom Attribution, B2B Attribution, B2C Attribution, Marketing Channels Integrations, Data Visualizations | 8.0 |
| QR Code Generator Low-Code or No-Code, Bulk Creation, Formatting, Dynamic Codes, File Formats, Customization | 9.0 |
Best for:
BL.INK is a versatile and feature-rich URL shortener that excels in QR code generation and smart link management. Its integration with third-party apps and ability to create dynamic, branded links make it a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes. While it could improve its mobile experience and offer more customization for QR codes, the platform's overall performance and pricing make it a strong contender in the URL shortening market.
Best for businesses focused on both shortening links and QR code generation, BL.INK’s key feature is its ability to track clicks and offer smart link management systems. It compares well with other apps, thanks to its robust analytics and flexible plans.
For teams that require an advanced link management solution at an affordable price, BL.INK provides an excellent balance of features, scalability, and ease of use.
Conclusion
There are plenty of the best URL shorteners to choose from, each with its unique features and benefits. The best option for you will depend on your specific needs, such as the frequency of URL creation, customization options, and the level of analytics required. By trying out these top choices, you can find the one that integrates seamlessly with your workflows—especially if you’re using Albato for automation. Our favorites are Bitly for quick, anonymous use and BL.INK for its modern interface and great value.
FAQ
Are URL Shortener apps safe to use?
A reliable URL shortener app should provide key security measures, such as HTTPS encryption, to ensure that your links are not vulnerable to hacking, phishing attempts, or other security risks. Using trusted apps like Bitly or Rebrandly is critical, especially when you want to protect your business and maintain user trust. These apps often come with additional safety features, automatically protecting your links and tracking data.
It's worth investing in the best apps that prioritize safety and include strong privacy policies. When choosing a URL shortener app, always check if it offers data protection and encryption standards to safeguard your information. This is essential not just for businesses, but also for individuals who frequently use shorteners across different platforms. Prioritizing security is a smart choice to protect both your audience and your digital assets.
What Key Features should you look for in a URL Shortener?
When choosing the best URL shortener app, there are several key features to consider that can make a big difference in your business or personal use. One of the first things to look for is tracking capabilities. The ability to track clicks and see detailed analytics helps you understand how your links perform. Apps like Bitly provide insights into where your clicks are coming from, allowing you to optimize your marketing strategy.
Another important feature is URL customization. The option to create branded URLs, especially using your own domain, enhances the professionalism of your links. It’s also worth checking if the app offers automation for bulk link creation or integration with other apps, which can save time.
Lastly, make sure the URL shortener has robust security features like HTTPS encryption to ensure that your links are safe from tampering. Choosing an app that prioritizes security and analytics will help you better manage your digital campaigns and protect your business.
Relevant articles:
You might also be interested in our other roundups of the best apps in 2024!
