Sharing links has become a common part of online use, whether it’s for social media, emails, or business. If you’ve ever had to share a long, messy web link, you’ve probably thought, “There’s got to be a better way,”—and there is!
URL shorteners are simple tools that take long links and turn them into short, tidy versions. They make sharing links cleaner, easier, and often come with some pretty helpful extras like click tracking and link customization.
Here’s some of the best link shorteners out there in 2025. All include a limited though generous free plan and budget-friendly options for when your or your business needs grows. Whether you’re a casual user, a small business owner, or even a developer, there’s something here for you.
Top URL Shortners
T.LY
T.LY strikes a great balance between simplicity and power. You can create short links in seconds, but behind the scenes, you also get detailed analytics—like how many people clicked your link, where they came from, and what device they used.
Best for anyone who wants a reliable, modern shortener with helpful tracking tools. Free plan includes:
- Basic link analytics
- Browser extension
- QR code support
Learn more and try it at: t.ly
Rebrandly – Custom Links for Your Brand
Rebrandly is great if you want your links to reflect your brand (like yourcompany.page/offer). They also offer their own shortened links prefixed with rebrand.ly.
It’s perfect for marketers or businesses who want professional-looking URLs. And their free plan includes:
- Up to 500 branded links
- Basic analytics
- Custom domain support (you need to own one)
Learn more on their website: rebrandly.com
Short.io – Custom Domains & Link Control
Short.io is super flexible. You can use your own domain, set expiration dates on links, and even limit access by country or device. It’s a great all-in-one option.
It’s good for advanced users or teams who want control over how and when links are used. Some of the free plan features includes:
- 1 custom domain name
- Up to 1,000 short links/month
- Click analytics
- Link expiration
Learn more about short.io on their website here.
TinyURL – Old but Still Gold
TinyURL has been around for a long time, and it still gets the job done. It’s fast, doesn’t require an account, and is incredibly easy to use. But it’s been around so long that users are typically cautious about clicking its links due to abuse over the years.
Best for quick, no-fuss link shortening—especially for personal use.
Free Plan Includes:
- Instant link creation
- Custom aliases
- Basic analytics (with a free account)
Visit their website tinyurl.com to learn more
Self Hosted Options
While there are many free and budget-friendly options available, there’s also an open-source, self-hosted alternative. This means you run it on your own server hardware. It’s perfect for developers or privacy-conscious users who want full control over their links, data, and branding without relying on a third-party service.
Shlink
Shlink offers an extensive set of features, including link analytics, QR code generation, and even API access for custom integrations. Since you manage everything yourself, it’s perfect for users who want maximum flexibility, data privacy, and long-term control..
Some of its features:
- Unlimited short links
- Detailed click stats
- QR codes and REST API
- Full ownership of data
- and more
Learn more about Shlink on their website or Github project.
URL shorteners do more than just shrink links—they help you track engagement, share cleaner links, and even build trust with your audience. Whether you need something super simple or packed with features, there’s a tool that meets the need.
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