There are dozens of URL shorteners available. Most offer a free tier — but the limits and features vary enormously. Some free plans are genuinely useful; others are so restricted they function more as product demos than real tools. This honest comparison covers the five most popular options as of 2026.
1. Shortfy — Best overall free plan
Shortfy is built to give free users a genuinely useful experience — not just enough to feel the product before hitting a paywall.
- Free links per month: 50
- Analytics: Click counts, 30-day trend chart, referrer data
- QR code generation: Yes, free
- API access: Yes, rate-limited on free plan
- Custom aliases: Pro plan ($9/month)
- Link-in-bio page: Yes, included on free plan
Best for: Anyone who needs real analytics, more than 10 links per month, API access without paying, or a link-in-bio page bundled with their shortener.
2. Bitly — Strongest brand, weakest free plan
Bitly is the most recognised name in URL shortening and remains the default enterprise choice — but its free tier has been progressively cut back over the years.
- Free links per month: 10
- Analytics: Basic click counts only (no geo, no device breakdown)
- QR code generation: Yes
- API access: Paid plans only
- Custom aliases: Paid plans only
Best for: Occasional personal use under 10 links per month, or enterprises with budget for paid plans where brand recognition matters.
3. TinyURL — Simplest tool, no analytics
TinyURL was one of the earliest shorteners (founded 2002) and remains extremely simple and reliable. It offers very little beyond basic shortening.
- Free links per month: Unlimited (anonymous)
- Analytics: None on free plan
- QR code generation: Paid only
- API access: Free (basic)
- Custom aliases: Limited availability on free plan
Best for: One-off shortening where you need a shorter URL and do not care about analytics. Not useful for marketing or campaign tracking.
4. Rebrandly — Best for custom domains, high pricing
Rebrandly specialises in custom domain short links. Its core pitch is that every link carries your own domain. Compelling for enterprises; the free plan is very limited.
- Free links per month: 10
- Analytics: Basic click counts
- Custom domain: 1 custom domain on free plan
- API access: Limited on free
Best for: Businesses that specifically need a custom domain short link (e.g. go.yourcompany.com) and have budget for paid tiers.
5. T2M — Generous limits, less polished
T2M is a lesser-known shortener with surprisingly generous free limits, though the interface and support are less polished than the main players.
- Free links per month: Unlimited
- Analytics: Basic geo and device data
- QR code generation: Yes
- API access: Yes
- Custom aliases: Yes
Best for: High-volume link creation where cost is the primary concern. Not recommended for professional brand use.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Shortfy | Bitly | TinyURL | Rebrandly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free links/month | 50 | 10 | Unlimited | 10 |
| Analytics | Yes | Basic | None | Basic |
| QR codes | Yes (free) | Yes | Paid | Yes |
| API (free tier) | Yes | No | Basic | Limited |
| Custom aliases | Pro | Paid | Limited | 1 domain |
| Link-in-bio | Yes | No | No | No |
The verdict
- For most users: Shortfy — the most complete free offering across all five criteria.
- If you only need a shorter URL occasionally: TinyURL — unlimited and no account needed.
- If enterprise brand recognition matters: Bitly — but budget for a paid plan.
- If a custom domain is the priority: Rebrandly — though the free plan is tightly limited.
Get started with Shortfy
Create a free account to get 50 links per month, click analytics, QR code generation, link-in-bio, and API access. No credit card needed.