Bitly vs URLINK: Which URL Shortener Is Right for You in 2026?

Bitly vs URLINK: A Detailed Comparison

Choosing the right URL shortener is an important decision for marketers and teams. Bitly has been the industry standard for years, but newer platforms like URLINK offer compelling alternatives with modern features and better pricing. Let's compare them across the categories that matter most.

Pricing Comparison

Bitly Pricing (2026)

• •Free plan: 10 links/month, 1 custom domain, limited features
• •Core plan: $8/month — 100 links/month
• •Growth plan: $29/month — 500 links/month
• •Premium plan: $199/month — 3,000 links/month

URLINK Pricing (2026)

• •Free plan: Unlimited links, core features, no credit card required
• •Paid plans: Start at affordable monthly rates with custom domains, bulk operations, team features, and advanced analytics
• •14-day free trial on all paid plans

Winner: URLINK — Unlimited links on the free plan is a game-changer for marketers who create a high volume of links.

Feature Comparison

URL Shortening

Both platforms handle basic URL shortening well. URLINK uses the url.ink domain by default, while Bitly uses bit.ly. Both support custom domains on paid plans.

Verdict: Tie

UTM Link Builder

Bitly: Offers a basic UTM builder on paid plans. URLINK: Includes a full-featured UTM link builder with parameter presets, organized lists, and reusable templates. Available on all plans including free.

Winner: URLINK — The organized parameter system and templates make UTM tagging faster and more consistent.

QR Code Generator

Bitly: Offers basic QR codes on paid plans with limited customization. URLINK: Includes a custom QR code generator with branded colors, logos, patterns, and reusable design templates. QR codes are integrated directly into the link creation workflow.

Winner: URLINK — More design options and the template system save significant time.

Custom Domains

Bitly: Supports 1 custom domain on the free plan (with other limitations), more on paid plans. URLINK: Supports multiple custom domains on paid plans with simple DNS verification.

Verdict: Tie — Both handle custom domains well.

Team Collaboration

Bitly: Team features available on Growth plan and above ($29+/month). Includes groups and permissions. URLINK: Workspaces with team invites, role-based permissions (Owner, Admin, Editor, Viewer), and shared resources.

Winner: URLINK — More granular role management and accessible pricing.

Bulk Link Creation

Bitly: Bulk creation available on Premium plan ($199/month). URLINK: CSV import and bulk link creation available on mid-tier plans at a fraction of the cost.

Winner: URLINK — Bulk features shouldn't require a $199/month plan.

Analytics

Bitly: Detailed click analytics with geographic data, referrers, and device breakdown. Time-limited on lower plans. URLINK: Comprehensive link analytics with geographic data, device and browser information, time patterns, and referrer tracking.

Verdict: Tie — Both provide solid analytics.

API Access

Bitly: Well-documented REST API, available on paid plans. URLINK: REST API with authentication, webhooks, and rate limiting on paid plans.

Verdict: Tie — Both offer robust APIs.

Summary Table

Who Should Choose Bitly?

Bitly is a solid choice if:

• •You're already deeply integrated with Bitly's API
• •You need fewer than 10 links per month
• •Your organization requires Bitly's specific enterprise compliance features

Who Should Choose URLINK?

URLINK is the better choice if:

• •You need unlimited link creation without paying
• •You want a built-in UTM link builder with parameter organization
• •You need custom QR codes with branded design templates
• •You're looking for affordable team collaboration features
• •You want bulk link creation without a $199/month commitment
• •You need a modern, all-in-one link management platform

Making the Switch

Switching from Bitly to URLINK is straightforward. URLINK supports CSV import, so you can migrate your existing links and maintain your workflow. Sign up free to explore the platform before committing to a paid plan.