Google Short Link Alternatives: The Complete Guide to the Best Shorteners

September 19, 2025
27 mins read
Google Short Link Alternatives: The Complete Guide to the Best Shorteners

Google Short Link Alternatives: Top 10 Tools in 2025

Remember when Google’s short link service (goo.gl) was the go-to choice for shortening URLs? It was simple, fast, and widely trusted. But since Google discontinued its URL shortener in March 2019, users have been left searching for reliable replacements.

If you landed here, you’re likely looking for the best Google Short Link alternatives—whether for marketing campaigns, social media, affiliate links, or just to keep your URLs neat.

👉 Quick Answer: The best overall alternative to Google Short Link in 2025 is QuitURL.com—a powerful, secure, and affordable URL shortener with advanced features like branded domains, QR codes, A/B testing, and geo-targeting.

In this guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 Google Short Link alternatives, compare their features, pricing, pros/cons, and help you pick the best one for your needs.


Why Do You Need a Google Short Link Alternative?

When Google shut down goo.gl, it left a big gap in the market. Here’s why you still need a good link shortener today:

  • Branding Power – Short, custom domains boost trust and click-through rates.
  • Analytics & Tracking – Understand how your links perform with real-time data.
  • Retargeting – Add tracking pixels to reconnect with users.
  • A/B Testing – Rotate links to find the highest-performing campaigns.
  • QR Codes – Bridge the offline and online world seamlessly.

Whether you’re a marketer, freelancer, content creator, or business owner, the right URL shortener is essential for success.


Top 10 Google Short Link Alternatives in 2025

Let’s dive into the best tools you can use today.


1. QuitURL.com – The Best Google Short Link Alternative

QuitURL.com is a next-generation URL shortener and QR code generator developed by Deep Thinkar LLC. Unlike basic shorteners, QuitURL goes beyond just shortening links—it’s built for marketers, agencies, startups, and enterprises who want advanced features without breaking the bank.

Overview

QuitURL stands out because it combines security, customization, analytics, and affordability. It’s designed to give users the same convenience Google Short Links once had, but with modern features that fit today’s digital landscape.

QuitURL’s mission is clear: be more secure, private, affordable, and powerful than competitors like Bitly or TinyURL.

Key Features of QuitURL

  • 🔗 Link Shortener with custom slugs and branded domains
  • 📊 Advanced Analytics with real-time reporting
  • 🎨 Custom Bio Pages (perfect for creators & businesses)
  • 📱 Deep Linking for apps and mobile-first experiences
  • 🌍 Geo/Device/Language Targeting
  • 🧪 A/B Testing & Rotator Links
  • 📷 QR Codes & Custom Landing Pages
  • 👥 Team Members & Collaboration Tools
  • Developer API with High Rate Limits
  • 🛡 99% SLA Uptime with enterprise-grade reliability

Pros

  • Affordable compared to Bitly and Rebrandly
  • More features in one platform
  • High security & privacy
  • Easy-to-use dashboard
  • API access for developers

Cons

  • Newer brand compared to older players
  • Requires sign-up for advanced features

Best For

  • Freelancers, YouTubers, content creators
  • Digital marketers & agencies
  • Startups and enterprises needing analytics & branded links
  • Governments & NGOs looking for secure link management

👉 Verdict: QuitURL is the #1 Google Short Link alternative in 2025. It’s affordable, powerful, and scalable.


2. Bitly

Overview

Bitly is one of the most popular short link platforms globally. It’s known for its strong analytics and branding features, making it a common choice for businesses.

Key Features

  • Branded short domains
  • Campaign tracking & link analytics
  • QR codes
  • API integrations
  • Link-in-bio tools

Pros

  • Trusted, established platform
  • Excellent analytics
  • Widely supported integrations

Cons

  • Expensive for small businesses
  • Free version is limited

Best For

Brands that need strong analytics and can afford premium pricing.


3. TinyURL

Overview

TinyURL has been around since 2002 and is one of the simplest link shorteners. It focuses on ease of use rather than advanced marketing features.

Key Features

  • One-click shortener
  • Browser extensions
  • Custom alias options
  • Link preview

Pros

  • Extremely simple to use
  • Free version available
  • No login required

Cons

  • Very limited analytics
  • No advanced targeting or A/B testing

Best For

Casual users who want a quick, free link shortener.


4. Rebrandly

Overview

Rebrandly specializes in branded short links, making it ideal for businesses that want to strengthen their brand identity.

Key Features

  • Custom branded domains
  • Analytics & tracking
  • API support
  • UTM builder

Pros

  • Strong branding focus
  • Reliable analytics
  • Good integrations

Cons

  • Higher cost at scale
  • Learning curve for beginners

Best For

Businesses looking to maximize branding impact.


5. Cutt.ly

Overview

Cutt.ly is an affordable alternative that offers detailed analytics and retargeting options.

Key Features

  • Branded links
  • Link tracking & stats
  • Retargeting pixels
  • QR codes

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Rich analytics
  • Retargeting options

Cons

  • Interface can feel outdated
  • Limited enterprise support

Best For

Marketers who want analytics on a budget.


6. T2M.io

Overview

T2M is a reliable link shortener for businesses needing both branded links and QR code integration.

Key Features

  • Unlimited redirects
  • QR code generator
  • Branded domains
  • Bulk link shortening

Pros

  • Unlimited redirects
  • Lifetime plans available
  • Great for QR campaigns

Cons

  • Fewer integrations than Bitly
  • Not as user-friendly

Best For

Businesses that rely on bulk shortening & QR codes.


7. BL.INK

Overview

BL.INK focuses on enterprise-level URL shortening with advanced analytics and team collaboration tools.

Key Features

  • Link lifecycle management
  • Detailed reporting
  • API integrations
  • Enterprise compliance

Pros

  • Powerful enterprise features
  • Advanced reporting
  • Secure & compliant

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Too advanced for casual users

Best For

Large enterprises needing compliance and collaboration tools.


8. Short.io

Overview

Short.io allows businesses to manage branded short links with advanced targeting and analytics.

Key Features

  • Multiple branded domains
  • Geo-targeting
  • API & integrations
  • QR codes

Pros

  • Affordable for startups
  • Targeting features included
  • White-label domains

Cons

  • Free version is limited
  • Some features need upgrades

Best For

Startups & small businesses.


9. Sniply

Overview

Sniply is unique—it lets you add call-to-actions (CTAs) on the pages you share.

Key Features

  • Custom CTAs on shared links
  • Analytics
  • Integrations with marketing tools

Pros

  • Increases conversions
  • Creative marketing tool
  • Good analytics

Cons

  • Pricing can be steep
  • Not a traditional shortener

Best For

Marketers who want to drive engagement from shared content.


10. Ow.ly (by Hootsuite)

Overview

Ow.ly is integrated into Hootsuite, making it convenient for social media managers.

Key Features

  • Built-in with Hootsuite dashboard
  • Link tracking
  • Analytics

Pros

  • Great for social media scheduling
  • Secure integration

Cons

  • Only available with Hootsuite
  • Lacks advanced standalone features

Best For

Hootsuite users & social media managers.


Comparison Table: Google Short Link Alternatives

ToolBest ForKey Feature HighlightPricing
QuitURLMarketers, BusinessesAll-in-one featuresAffordable
BitlyEnterprisesAdvanced analyticsHigh
TinyURLCasual usersSimple, free shorteningFree
RebrandlyBrandingCustom domainsModerate
Cutt.lyMarketers on budgetRetargeting + analyticsLow
T2M.ioQR campaignsUnlimited redirectsModerate
BL.INKEnterprisesCompliance & collaborationHigh
Short.ioStartupsGeo-targetingAffordable
SniplyConversionsCTA overlay on shared linksModerate
Ow.lySocial Media ManagersHootsuite integrationWith plan

FAQs About Google Short Link Alternatives

Here are 25 frequently asked questions with short, schema-friendly answers.

  1. What replaced Google short link (goo.gl)?
    Google recommends Firebase Dynamic Links, but users prefer alternatives like QuitURL and Bitly.
  2. Is goo.gl still working?
    No, goo.gl was discontinued in March 2019.
  3. What is the best Google short link alternative?
    QuitURL.com is the best overall replacement.
  4. Are Google short link alternatives free?
    Yes, tools like TinyURL and Cutt.ly offer free plans.
  5. Can I track clicks with a short link?
    Yes, platforms like QuitURL and Bitly offer analytics.
  6. Does QuitURL offer QR codes?
    Yes, QuitURL includes advanced QR code generation.
  7. Which is better: Bitly or QuitURL?
    QuitURL is more affordable with more features, while Bitly is pricier but widely recognized.
  8. Do short links expire?
    Depends on the service—QuitURL offers permanent links.
  9. Are short links safe?
    Yes, but use reputable platforms like QuitURL or Bitly.
  10. What is a branded short link?
    A short link using your own custom domain for branding.
  11. How do I create a custom short link?
    Use QuitURL or Rebrandly to set up a branded domain.
  12. Is TinyURL a good alternative?
    Yes, but it lacks advanced analytics.
  13. Can I A/B test short links?
    Yes, QuitURL supports A/B testing and rotator links.
  14. What is link retargeting?
    Adding tracking pixels to short links to retarget visitors.
  15. Does Cutt.ly allow retargeting?
    Yes, it supports retargeting pixels.
  16. Which shortener is best for enterprises?
    BL.INK or Bitly for compliance; QuitURL for affordability.
  17. Which is best for social media managers?
    Ow.ly (if using Hootsuite) or QuitURL for more features.
  18. Can I shorten links in bulk?
    Yes, services like T2M.io and QuitURL support bulk shortening.
  19. Are there API options?
    Yes, QuitURL, Bitly, Rebrandly, and Short.io offer APIs.
  20. What is geo-targeting in short links?
    Redirecting users based on their country or device.
  21. Does QuitURL support geo-targeting?
    Yes, along with device & language targeting.
  22. Can I use short links for affiliate marketing?
    Absolutely. QuitURL is built for affiliate campaigns.
  23. Do shortened links help with SEO?
    They don’t directly, but they improve CTR and tracking.
  24. What’s the cheapest Google short link alternative?
    QuitURL and Cutt.ly are the most affordable.
  25. Can I trust QuitURL with business campaigns?
    Yes, it offers SLA uptime, privacy, and security.

Conclusion

Google’s short link service may be gone, but the market is full of better, more powerful alternatives. From simple tools like TinyURL to enterprise-grade platforms like Bitly and BL.INK, there’s something for everyone.

However, when considering features, affordability, security, and scalability, the clear winner is QuitURL.com.

👉 If you want a modern, reliable, and affordable Google Short Link alternative, start using QuitURL today.

Keep reading

More posts from our blog

Best Bitly Alternative for Brand Managers – Simplify Your Link Management
By December 30, 2025
In a world where brands live in every click, every impression, and every digital touchpoint, the tools you choose define how your audience perceives...
Read more
Best Bitly Alternative for E-commerce Sellers – Boost Your Links
By December 30, 2025
In today’s fast-moving digital marketplace, every click carries weight. For e-commerce sellers, the difference between a sale and an abandoned cart...
Read more
Best Bitly Alternative for Social Media Managers | Smarter Link Management Guide
By November 24, 2025
In a digital world where every second counts and every click matters, social media managers crave tools that don’t just shorten links — they...
Read more