Since the Google URL Shortener was discontinued three years ago (RIP), the internet—including me—has been looking for the best substitute for shortening links.

I've spent more than a decade evaluating technology and online applications, and I can assure you that there is virtually never a single ideal answer. (Takeout is the lone exception; pizza is always the best recommendation.) What you need and desire from a URL shortening service will determine which one is ideal. 

Aside from choices that let you add calls-to-action to your links or reroute users based on where they are in the world, there are also straightforward, quick, and free URL shortening tools that break down information about who is visiting your links and are focused on marketing and analytics.

  1. T2M URL Shortener
  2. Goo.gl
  3. Bitly
  4. Polr
  5. Yourls

  • T2M URL Shortener

It's much simpler to track URLs using the T2M URL Shortener. The device also comes with a QR code generator. Deep metrics will be available for each click on your campaign and short URL. T2M records information on visitors' browsers, platforms, referral sources, and device kinds. Additionally, clicks provide time zone, browser language, and timeline charts.

This is one of the best branded URL shorteners with custom domains.

Key characteristics:

  • The user may analyze the link's performance using the URL management dashboard.
  • Instant customization of brand connections is possible.
  • You can classify the links according to the campaigns.

Cost:

  • Basic package: $5 monthly
  • Regular: $9.99 a month
  • Positive: $29.99 monthly
  • Extraordinary: $89.99 per month

  • Goo.gl

You may also use Goo.gl, another URL shortener, to get a shortened link instantly. If you already have a Google account, all you need to do is visit the app and paste the URL you want to shorten into the input area.

Key characteristics:

  • Anyone online can use its tracking and analytics services. As a result, you need to be aware of the data it has collected.
  • This gives you the chance to understand the information gathered by the analytics feature.
  • The results will show up as soon as you input the URL to be abbreviated in a little window at the bottom of the screen.

Cost:

For further information on pricing, contact the sales team.

  • Bitly

Another popular URL shortening service is Bitly. The Bit.ly website provides a free link-shortening service. You can manage the links and QR codes on your website, engage with clients around the world, and broaden the reach of your business all from one platform.

Key characteristics:

  • It offers comprehensive QR Code solutions for your business, brand, and clients.
  • Make it easier to gather, arrange, and keep track of your most important connections.
  • It offers individualized, manageable links for your brand.
  • It allows for the creation of customized URL links.

Cost:

  • Free
  • Initial: $8 per month
  • Base: $29 per month
  • Monthly premium: $199
  • Enterprise: Special

  • Polr

A quick, modern, and cost-free URL shortener is Polr. When you run your own URL shortener, you may be more in control of your data and your shortened URLs.

Key characteristics:

  • A contemporary and user-friendly interface for controlling your instance and maintaining links
  • Create customized redirects, shortened URLs, and other settings.
  • Custom domain names may help you polish your online persona.

Cost:

You may use it for nothing.

  • Yourls

Use the free tool YOURLS to make short links with a personalized URL, decide whether to share them publicly, and control who sees what you post.

Key characteristics:

  • Exceptional plugin architecture with a large number of readily available plugins to add new features rapidly
  • Convenient bookmarklets for sharing and shortening URLs,
  • Amazing stats include visitor geolocation, click-by-click details, and analysis of referral sources.
  • To include YOURLS into other apps, developers can use the
  • Pleasant user interface

Cost:

Use of the URL shortener tool is free.