URLs are often long and messy, especially when they contain tracking parameters or extra details. These lengthy links are hard to share, especially on social media or in texts. A URL shortener can take your long URL and turn it into something short and easy to manage.
URL shorteners allow you to provide a typeable link on a business card, print ad, podcast interview, or any other situation where someone can’t just click on a nice hyperlink.
Google used to offer its URL shortener, but it shut down in 2019. Thankfully, other great options have taken their place. After testing more than 45 different URL shorteners, I’ve compiled a list of the top 7 for 2025.
Choosing the right URL shortener depends on your needs. Some services are simple and fast, while others focus on marketing and analytics. Let us explore the top seven URL shorteners for 2025.
1. Cutlnk.io
Cutlnk.io is a fast, easy-to-use URL shortener. It provides simple features like tracking and custom links. It’s a great choice for individuals and businesses that want to make links easy to share. Cutlnk.io allows users to customize the shortened URLs with their brand name, making it a more personalized experience. Plus, it offers real-time analytics to track clicks, locations, and devices.
Features of Cutlnk.io
- Automatically creates short links to save time.
- Offers analytics to track link performance.
- Supports branded URLs for professional-looking links.
- Ensures security with encrypted links.
- Easy to use for individuals and businesses.
Why Choose Cutlnk.io?
Cutlnk.io is perfect for anyone who values speed and automation. It eliminates manual work with smart automation.
Best Use Cases
- Share short links instantly on social media.
- Monitor clicks and engagement from shared links.
- Use branded domains to build brand trust.
2. Bitly: URL shorteners
Bitly has been a leader in URL shortening for years. It offers both free and paid plans. With Bitly, users can track link performance, analyze click data, and even create custom domains. Its analytics tools are advanced, which makes it ideal for businesses and marketers. You can also set expiration dates for your links, which adds another layer of control.
Features of Bitly
- Shorten links and customize them with ease.
- Access detailed analytics, including click location and device type.
- Create branded URLs with custom domains.
- Offers a free plan for basic users.
- Integrates with marketing tools and platforms.
Why Choose Bitly?
Bitly works for beginners and professionals. Its detailed analytics help businesses understand and improve their campaigns.
Best Use Cases
- Track clicks on email marketing links.
- Improve ad performance by analyzing link data.
- Share shortened links across multiple platforms.
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3. Rebrandly
Rebrandly offers one of the most robust link management tools out there. It lets you create branded short links with your own domain name. You can also track clicks, locations, and other analytics. Rebrandly is perfect for businesses or anyone who wants a branded experience for their links.
It also allows team collaboration, which makes it an excellent choice for marketing teams. With its free and premium plans, users can find the right balance of features.
Features of Rebrandly
- Create professional, branded short links with ease.
- Access detailed analytics to measure performance.
- Use team collaboration tools for shared projects.
- Integrate with popular marketing platforms.
- Offers bulk link creation for larger campaigns.
Why Choose Rebrandly?
Rebrandly is ideal for businesses that want to stand out. Its branding features help build trust and recognition.
Best Use Cases
- Share branded links in email campaigns.
- Enhance your social media presence with professional URLs.
- Manage team campaigns with shared access.
4. Dub: URL shorteners
Dub is a modern URL shortener designed for both simplicity and advanced tracking. It suits tech-savvy users and businesses.
Features of Dub
- Shorten links with a clean and user-friendly interface.
- Access in-depth analytics for tracking performance.
- Customize short links to suit your branding needs.
- Supports API integration for developers.
- Offers real-time analytics for quick decision-making.
Why Choose Dub?
Dub combines a sleek design with practical features. It is perfect for users who want modern and fast solutions.
Best Use Cases
- Analyze real-time link performance during live events.
- Create custom short links for marketing campaigns.
- Use API to automate link creation in apps or websites.
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5. TinyURL
TinyURL is one of the oldest URL shorteners around. It’s simple, quick, and doesn’t require an account to shorten URLs. TinyURL allows you to customize the latter part of the link. While it doesn’t offer the same advanced features as Bitly, it’s still great for casual users who want a simple solution. It’s also free to use.
Features of TinyURL
- Shorten links instantly without creating an account.
- Add custom aliases for easy-to-remember URLs.
- Links never expire, ensuring long-term access.
- Offers browser extensions for quick link creation.
- Simple and no-frills approach to URL shortening.
Why Choose TinyURL?
TinyURL works well for users who want a free and straightforward tool. It is reliable and easy to use.
Best Use Cases
- Share links in forums or online communities.
- Use anonymous links for privacy-conscious projects.
- Create permanent short links for evergreen content.
6. BL.INK
BL.INK is a powerful URL shortener aimed at large organizations and enterprises. It provides detailed analytics, link tracking, and custom branding. It’s not as user-friendly as other options, but it is feature-packed for serious businesses. The tool also integrates with Google Analytics and offers robust API support, making it a great choice for tech-savvy users.
Features of BL.INK
- Create short links with advanced customization options.
- Access detailed analytics, including device and location tracking.
- Collaborate with team members on link campaigns.
- Integrate with popular CRM and marketing tools.
- Offers scalable plans for growing businesses.
Why Choose BL.INK?
BL.INK is a great choice for businesses that need actionable insights. It helps improve decision-making through analytics.
Best Use Cases
- Run data-driven marketing campaigns.
- Share links in newsletters and track their performance.
- Collaborate with team members on projects.
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7. Short.io: URL shorteners
Short.io (formerly short.cm) stands out for its sleek interface and advanced analytics tools. This service allows you to create branded short URLs with your own domain. It also offers a wide range of features like link expiration, password protection, and detailed tracking. Short.io’s flexible pricing plans make it a good choice for businesses of all sizes.
Features of Short.io
- Shorten links for free with a branded domain.
- Access analytics, including click data and engagement rates.
- Use integrations with marketing platforms and tools.
- Allows team collaboration for better campaign management.
- Offers secure and reliable link shortening.
Why Choose Short.io?
Short.io is perfect for budget-conscious users. Its free plan provides advanced features without extra costs.
Best Use Cases
- Manage campaigns on a budget with free branded links.
- Monitor engagement across various marketing channels.
- Share secure and trackable links with customers.
How to Choose the Best URL Shortener
Selecting the right URL shortener depends on your needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Ease of Use: Choose a tool that simplifies link shortening.
- Custom Branding: Opt for a shortener that supports custom domains.
- Analytics: Pick a tool with detailed tracking and insights.
- Security: Ensure your links and data stay protected.
- Pricing: Compare free and paid plans to match your budget.
Conclusion
URL shorteners are invaluable tools for simplifying and tracking links. Whether you’re an individual, small business, or enterprise, there’s a URL shortener that fits your needs. From easy-to-use services like TinyURL to more advanced platforms like Bitly and Rebrandly, these tools can save you time and make sharing links easier.
Choose Cutlnk.io for automation and simplicity. Opt for Bitly if you need detailed analytics and integrations. Rebrandly helps businesses enhance their branding, while Dub offers modern features for advanced users.
TinyURL is perfect for quick and anonymous link shortening. Use BL.INK for smart, data-driven campaigns. Finally, Short.io provides excellent free options with branded domains.