19 Must-Try URL Shortener Tools That Every Marketer Should Use to Boost Clicks

The right URL shortener builds your brand, sharpens your marketing, and drives more clicks. With so many options, finding the best one can be difficult. Understanding the fundamentals of content marketing is the first step, and choosing the right tools is the next. This guide examines 25 of the top URL shortener tools, detailing their features, benefits, drawbacks, and costs to help you choose wisely.

Here are Our Top 19 URL Shortener Tools

T2M

T2M URL shortener is an enterprise-grade link management platform built for digital marketers and organizations. It comes with a lot of unique features that we’ll cover below. The dashboard allows simple tracking and upgrading with no hidden fees and customizable limits. Enterprise plans include dedicated server instances, customizable data hosting, and premium support.

• Key features: Branded domains, multi-level analytics, bulk link creation, dynamic QR codes, flexible APIs, campaign labeling, and enterprise instance options.
• Pros: Fully customizable, excellent support, flexible upgrades, scalable to global operations.
• Cons: Advanced features in higher-priced plans; customization may be overwhelming for individual users.
• Pricing: Basic ($5 one-time fee), Standard ($9.99/month), Pro ($29.99/month), Premium ($89.99/month). Custom enterprise plans available.

ZipLink

ZipLink is a minimalist, fast URL shortener perfect for those who need instant link generation and essential analytics. It provides free customizable short links, branded slugs, QR code creation, and real-time analytics, with an intuitive dashboard for optimizing marketing engagement.

• Key features: Rapid URL shortening, custom link back-halves, branded links, dynamic QR codes, link expiration, and browser extension.
• Pros: Free, easy-to-use, real-time analytics, brandable links.
• Cons: Basic analytics and no advanced campaign management.
• Pricing: Free, Basic ($12/month), Growth ($26/month), Business ($49/month).

Bitly

I’m sure you have heard of this one if you’re a true marketer. It’s a link management tool designed for different purposes like brand consistency, and campaign measurement. Marketing teams benefit from granular engagement analytics, cross-platform tracking, and scalable subscription tiers that support unlimited link clicks and enterprise-grade functionality.

• Key features: Branded links, link tracking, custom QR codes, retargeting, deep reporting, and integration APIs.
• Pros: Reliable, top-tier analytics, integrations, mobile apps, bulk shortening.
• Cons: The Free plan is limited, and pricing scales quickly for larger teams.
• Pricing: Free tier (basic features); Core ($10/month), Growth ($29/month), Premium ($199/month).

Rebrandly

Rebrandly stands out for its deep focus on branded domains and memorable short links. The API supports high-volume workflows, and plans scale to massive link campaigns. Custom branding leads to dramatic increases in CTR by building trust and visibility. Includes automation for domain management and campaign tracking.

• Key features: Branded links, API integration, analytics, UTM builder, automation, and multi-domain management.
• Pros: Excellent branding, robust analytics, flexible plans, integrations, and a free domain.
• Cons: Advanced features in higher-tier plans, timezone support delays.
• Pricing: Free (10 links/month); Essentials ($9/month); Professional ($27/month); Growth ($83/month); Enterprise (custom).

TinyURL

TinyURL continues to offer free, simple URL shortening with options for custom aliases, HTTPS, branded domains, and basic analytics. Paid plans add analytics dashboards, password protection, device/geotargeting, bulk shortening, API access, and more. Its links can be set to expire, and the interface has been modernized in recent updates.

• Key features: Custom slugs, secure HTTPS links, QR codes, analytics, mobile targeting, and branded domains.
• Pros: Quick and anonymous link shortening, reliable uptime, and new campaign tracking options.
• Cons: Deeper analytics and branding require a paid plan.
• Pricing: Free (basic); Pro starts at $9.99/month, Bulk 100K ($99/month), Custom plans available for enterprises.

BL.INK

BL.INK excels at secure, enterprise link management. It offers robust analytics, dynamic links for targeting (location, device), branded domains, QR codes, integrations, and data privacy compliance. The Team and Business plans provide scale for large organizations, and the Trial plan includes strong analytics for newcomers.

• Key features: Link targeting, compliance tools, dynamic redirects, bulk analytics, and QR code tracking.
• Pros: Data security, customizable, advanced analytics, priority support.
• Cons: Higher entry cost, mostly for SMBs and enterprises.
• Pricing: Expert+ ($48/month), SMB ($99/month), Team ($299/month), Business ($599/month), Enterprise (custom).

Sniply

Sniply adds unique conversion functionality to links, overlaying custom CTAs on any shared content that you may have. This drives traffic and leads from third-party articles, with unlimited Sniply links, integrated analytics, and support for agency-scale management. The browser extension and content discovery tool enhance usability for marketers.

• Key features: CTA overlays, branded shortlinks, A/B CTA testing, integrations (Buffer, Hootsuite), and content analytics.
• Pros: Powerful for social media and content marketing, scalable, browser extension, and unique targeting CTAs.
• Cons: The Free plan is very limited; enterprise plans are required for API and more resources.
• Pricing: Basic ($9/month), Pro ($29/month), Business ($59/month), Enterprise (custom).

Ow.ly (Hootsuite)

You’re probably familiar with Hootsuite. Ow.ly is the default shortener bundled with Hootsuite’s social media dashboard, designed for seamless link shortening while scheduling social campaigns. Analytics and custom vanity URLs are included, but deeper features are only available in higher Hootsuite plans.

• Key features: Social scheduling, click analytics, custom links, Hootsuite integration.
• Pros: Real-time reporting, native to Hootsuite, and secure.
• Cons: Not standalone, less feature-rich for non-Hootsuite users.
• Pricing: Included in Hootsuite plans from $99/month.

Short.io

If you’re someone who works with APIs, this one is for you. Thi API-first platform for advanced marketers seeking branded domains, detailed analytics, geo/device targeting, and automation. It integrates with Google Analytics, Buffer, Zapier, and more, with affordable plans that unlock team features, single sign-on, and premium support.

• Key features: Custom domain management, bulk/automated link creation, targeting, API, and webhook integrations.
• Pros: Flexible and powerful, responsive support, deep integration options.
• Cons: Some advanced team/collab capabilities require more expensive plans.
• Pricing: Free (up to 1000 links, 3 domains), Personal ($18/month), Team ($48/month), Enterprise ($148/month).

Cuttly

This link management platform is for businesses and agencies, known for it’s compliance, multi-language support, pixel integration, advanced analytics, and team dashboards. Unique offerings include dedicated landing pages, survey integration, and dynamic redirections. API offers high limits for enterprise use.

• Key features: Advanced analytics (clicks, devices, geo), pixel tracking, landing page builder, surveys, and powerful API.
• Pros: Versatile marketing suite, compliance, strong reporting, integrations with Zapier, Make, and more.
• Cons: Bulk features and branded domains are reserved for paid plans.
• Pricing: Free basic; paid plans start at $25/month.

JotURL

JotURL is made for marketers needing deep analytics, conversion tracking, and advanced retargeting. It’s an all-in-one solution that supports branded URLs, dynamic QR codes, deep linking, UTM templates, and API integration. Highest-rated for privacy, security, and customizable CTAs.

• Key features: Conversion tracking, branded domains, link rotator, deep linking, and custom SSL.
• Pros: Full-featured, excellent for e-commerce/affiliate marketers, strong integrations.
• Cons: The Starting plan is more expensive than average.
• Pricing: PRO Plan ($77/month). Free trial available.

ClickMeter

ClickMeter is popular with affiliate marketers and agencies requiring detailed tracking and conversion analytics. It supports link cloaking, A/B testing, multi-domain management, click fraud monitoring, and integrates with AdWords, Shopify, and more.

• Key features: Real-time analytics, conversion tracking, fraud detection, multiple domains, exportable reporting.
• Pros: Powerful for ad campaign monitoring, robust affiliate tools, and sub-account management.
• Cons: Complex dashboard for small operations.
• Pricing: $19/month (Small), $99/month (Medium), $349/month (Large).

T.LY

If you’re looking for ultra-short links, branded domains, smart redirects, QR code creation, and API access, T.LY is your answer. Its compact three-character domain makes it distinct, and browser extensions enable instant link creation. Smart Links support device and geo redirection.

• Key features: Short links, bios, QR codes, smart redirect, API, Chrome/Firefox extension.
• Pros: Affordable, ultra-compact links, modern UI, trackable QR codes.
• Cons: No dedicated mobile app; bulk options in higher plans.
• Pricing: Free extension; Hobby, $5/month (500 links); Basic, $20/month; Pro, $50/month.

Polr

Polr is an open-source link shortener focused on simplicity, branding, and control. Teams can self-host it to manage short URLs under custom domains, gaining full ownership of data and analytics. Its lightweight framework supports extensions, API usage, and real-time stats, making it popular among developers and privacy-conscious organizations.

• Key features: Self-hosting, branded domains, custom themes, developer API.
• Pros: Full data control, open source, no third-party dependencies.
• Cons: No built-in analytics; technical setup required.
• Pricing: Free.

Yourls

Yourls (Your Own URL Shortener) is a flexible, self-hosted tool that lets users generate branded short links and integrate them with third-party systems. With a plugin-based architecture, it enables advanced customizations, from analytics enhancements to spam filters. Great for developers, it provides full control over link management while keeping everything private and secure.

• Key features: Plugin architecture, user management, detailed click analytics, and bookmarklets.
• Pros: Free, extensible, active community, full control.
• Cons: Not beginner-friendly; lacks a modern interface.
• Pricing: Free.

Buff.ly

You might not know this one. Buff.ly is Buffer’s default link shortener for social media marketers. It provides real-time analytics, link customization, and seamless social scheduling.

• Key features: Integration with Buffer, analytics, and custom short links.
• Pros: Native to Buffer, good for social tracking.
• Cons: Not a standalone tool.
• Pricing: Included with Buffer plans ($6/month per channel).

Clkim

Clkim is built for marketers who need branded links, smart redirecting, retargeting, and monetization programs. API access and A/B testing support dynamic campaigns.

• Key features: Branded links, retargeting, smart redirects, monetization, A/B testing.
• Pros: Marketing-focused, monetization, and flexible.
• Cons: Complex interface for beginners.
• Pricing: Starts at $10/month.

Linkly

Linkly is an advanced marketer’s platform, with geo/device targeting, retargeting, A/B tests, and QR generation. It has both a free plan and paid options for scale and automation.

• Key features: Branded links, targeting, analytics, testing, and QR codes.
• Pros: Strong for marketing, flexible, affordable entry.
• Cons: Some features require paid plans.
• Pricing: Free basic; paid plans from $29/month.

PixelMe

PixelMe allows marketers and advertisers to build custom audiences by embedding retargeting pixels in shared links. It supports branded domains, Amazon attribution, and has a clean, modern User Interface.

• Key features: Retargeting pixels, branded links, UTM builder, Amazon attribution, analytics.
• Pros: Targeted for advertisers, valuable for sellers, and excellent attribution options.
• Cons: The Free plan is limited; full features at a higher cost.
• Pricing: Starts at $29/month.

A Quick Comparison

To Wrap it Up

Unlike the old school URL shortners, the new options offer much more than just helping you save some space in the URL address bar. There’s aways a perfect tool for every team, from enterprise marketers to casual affiliates, so make sure you choose the right one.