5 Best Free URL Shorteners in 2026

Choosing a URL shortener can feel overwhelming with so many options available. We tested the most popular free URL shorteners to help you pick the right one for your workflow.

What We Evaluated

We looked at five key factors: URL length (shorter is better), free tier limits, analytics quality, ease of use, and extra features like QR codes, custom slugs, and API access.

1. y.hn — The Shortest Links Available

y.hn stands out with the shortest domain name of any URL shortener. A typical y.hn link is just 7–10 characters — roughly half the length of bit.ly links.

Free tier: 50 links/month with basic click analytics, QR codes, and no sign-up required for quick shortening.

Pros:

• Ultra-short URLs (y.hn/abc = 10 chars)
• Clean, fast dashboard
• Built-in QR code generator
• Bio page feature (y.hn/@you)
• Free UTM builder and link checker tools
• API access on paid plans

Cons:

• Newer platform, smaller brand recognition
• Advanced features require Pro plan ($4.99/mo)

Best for: Anyone who wants the shortest, cleanest links possible with solid free analytics.

2. Bitly

Bitly is the most recognized URL shortener, used by enterprises worldwide. It's reliable but has gotten expensive.

Free tier: 10 links/month, basic click stats. Custom back-halves require a paid plan starting at $8/mo.

Pros:

• Trusted, well-known brand
• Enterprise integrations
• Detailed analytics on paid plans

Cons:

• Free tier is very limited (only 10 links)
• Longer URLs than y.hn (bit.ly/abc123 = 18 chars)
• No free QR code downloads
• Pricing has increased significantly

Best for: Enterprise teams already invested in the Bitly ecosystem.

3. TinyURL

TinyURL has been around since 2002. It's simple, no-frills, and has no sign-up requirement.

Free tier: Unlimited links, no analytics on free plan.

Pros:

• No account required
• Unlimited free links
• Custom aliases available

Cons:

• No click analytics on free tier
• Longer URLs (tinyurl.com/xxxxx)
• Outdated interface
• No QR codes on free plan

Best for: Quick, one-off link shortening when you don't need analytics.

4. Rebrandly

Rebrandly focuses on branded links with custom domains. It's a solid choice for brand-conscious teams.

Free tier: 25 links/month, 1 custom domain, basic tracking.

Pros:

• Custom domain support on free tier
• Good branded link experience
• Decent analytics

Cons:

• Limited free links (25/mo)
• Complex setup for custom domains
• Higher pricing for scaling ($13/mo+)

Best for: Brands wanting custom domain short links on a budget.

5. is.gd

is.gd is a minimalist, privacy-focused shortener. No account needed, no tracking by default.

Free tier: Unlimited links, optional basic stats.

Pros:

• No sign-up needed
• Privacy-focused
• Short domain name
• Completely free

Cons:

• Very basic — no dashboard
• No custom slugs
• Minimal analytics
• No QR codes or extra tools

Best for: Privacy-conscious users who need simple shortening.

Quick Comparison Table

Our Recommendation

For most users, y.hn offers the best balance of short URLs, free features, and analytics. If you need unlimited no-frills shortening, TinyURL or is.gd work fine. For enterprise needs, Bitly remains the industry standard — but at a premium price.

Try y.hn free — the shortest links on the internet →