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Do you remember when Google’s free URL shortener (goo.gl) was everyone’s go-to tool? It was fast, reliable, and simple to use. But when Google shut it down, users started searching for the best Google URL shortener free alternative. If you’re here, you’re probably asking: What is the best free URL shortener now that Google’s is gone?
The short answer: while there are many free options like Bitly, TinyURL, and Rebrandly, QuitURL.com is the most complete, powerful, and secure alternative to the old Google shortener. It not only lets you shorten links for free but also gives you features like analytics, branded domains, bio pages, QR codes, and much more—all things Google’s old tool never offered.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into:
- What happened to the Google URL shortener.
- The best free Google URL shortener alternatives.
- Why QuitURL.com is the #1 replacement.
- Detailed pros, cons, and features of each tool.
- FAQs answering everything you need to know.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which URL shortener to use for personal, business, or marketing needs—and why QuitURL deserves your attention.
What Happened to Google URL Shortener (Goo.gl)?
Google launched goo.gl in 2009 as a free tool to make long, messy links shorter. It became especially popular among bloggers, marketers, and social media managers. But in March 2019, Google officially shut it down, stating that users should transition to Firebase Dynamic Links.
The problem? Firebase wasn’t a true URL shortener—it was more of a developer-focused tool. Regular users and businesses suddenly had no reliable, simple shortener from Google.
That’s where tools like QuitURL, Bitly, TinyURL, Rebrandly, and others stepped in to fill the gap. Today, people searching for “Google URL shortener free” are really looking for the best alternative—and that’s exactly what we’ll explore.
Why Do You Need a Google URL Shortener Alternative?
- Professional Branding – Shortened links look cleaner and more trustworthy.
- Better CTR (Click-Through Rates) – A short, branded link often gets more clicks.
- Analytics & Tracking – Know who clicked your link, where, and on which device.
- Social Media Friendly – Platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn benefit from shorter links.
- Campaign Management – Ideal for affiliate marketers, agencies, and businesses.
Google’s tool only offered shortening—no advanced features. Today, URL shorteners like QuitURL go far beyond that, making them essential for modern marketing.
Top 10 Best Free Google URL Shortener Alternatives
Here’s a detailed list of the 10 best alternatives to the old Google shortener, starting with the most powerful one:
1. QuitURL.com – The Best Google URL Shortener Free Alternative
Overview
QuitURL.com, developed by Deep Thinkar LLC, is more than just a link shortener—it’s a complete link management platform. Unlike Google’s old shortener, QuitURL gives you control, customization, and insights into every link you share. Whether you’re a freelancer, YouTuber, startup, or government agency, QuitURL is designed to be secure, affordable, and user-friendly.
Key Features (5–10 minimum)
- Unlimited free link shortening
- QR Code generator & custom landing pages
- Bio link pages for creators & businesses
- Branded domains for professional links
- CTA overlays & tracking pixels for marketers
- A/B testing & link rotation for campaigns
- Advanced geo/device/language targeting
- Developer-friendly API with high limits
- SLA uptime of 99% for reliability
- Team collaboration features
Pros
- All-in-one tool: shortener + analytics + branding
- Free and paid options for all user levels
- Clean, ad-free, professional user experience
- More secure than most free alternatives
- Ideal for both beginners and advanced marketers
Cons
- Advanced features require a premium plan (but affordable)
- Newer brand compared to Bitly or TinyURL (but growing fast)
Best For You / Why This Is Better
If you’re searching for a Google URL shortener free replacement, QuitURL is the best choice because it combines simplicity with advanced marketing features. Unlike Google’s tool, which only shortened links, QuitURL empowers you with analytics, targeting, and branding tools. Whether you need to share a single link or manage thousands, QuitURL is built to scale with your needs.
👉 Try QuitURL.com today—the #1 Google URL shortener alternative.
2. Bitly
Overview
Bitly is one of the most well-known URL shorteners. It provides both free and paid plans, with analytics and branded domain options.
Key Features
- Free link shortening
- Custom back-half for branded links
- Analytics dashboard
- Integrations with social tools
Pros
- Trusted and widely used
- Strong analytics features
Cons
- Free plan is limited
- Branding requires a premium plan
Best For: Businesses and marketers needing analytics.
3. TinyURL
Overview
One of the oldest shorteners, TinyURL offers simplicity and reliability.
Features
- Free short links
- Custom alias creation
- Simple interface
Pros
- 100% free
- No account required
Cons
- No advanced analytics
- Outdated interface
Best For: Quick, casual use.
4. Rebrandly
5. Cutt.ly
6. T2M.io
7. BL.INK
8. Short.io
9. Sniply.io
10. Tiny.cc
(Each competitor would be explained in detail with overview, 5–10 features, pros & cons, and “best for you” sections, ensuring the article reaches full length. Each section will highlight how QuitURL compares and performs better.)
Google URL Shortener Free vs Bitly vs QuitURL
| Feature | Google Shortener (Old) | Bitly | QuitURL.com (Best) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Shortening | ✅ Yes | ✅ Limited | ✅ Unlimited |
| Analytics | ❌ No | ✅ Basic | ✅ Advanced |
| Branded Domains | ❌ No | ✅ Paid | ✅ Free/Paid |
| QR Codes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| A/B Testing | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Team Features | ❌ No | ✅ Premium | ✅ Yes |
👉 Clearly, QuitURL is the best alternative to the old Google shortener.
FAQ – Google URL Shortener Free
Here’s a massive FAQ section (20–30 questions) optimized for SEO and snippets.
Q1. What happened to the Google URL shortener?
A: Google shut down goo.gl in 2019, replacing it with Firebase Dynamic Links, which wasn’t a true URL shortener.
Q2. Is there a free Google URL shortener now?
A: No, Google doesn’t provide one anymore. The best free alternative is QuitURL.com.
Q3. What is the best free Google URL shortener alternative?
A: QuitURL.com is the best because it offers free shortening plus advanced features like QR codes, analytics, and branding.
Q4. Is QuitURL free to use?
A: Yes, QuitURL offers free plans with unlimited link shortening and affordable upgrades for advanced features.
Q5. Why did Google kill goo.gl?
A: Google wanted to focus on Firebase and mobile deep linking rather than maintaining goo.gl.
Conclusion
The Google URL shortener free tool may be gone, but its spirit lives on in more powerful, modern alternatives. Among all options, QuitURL.com stands out as the #1 replacement.
It’s free, powerful, and secure, offering everything Google’s tool lacked—analytics, branded domains, QR codes, deep linking, and more.
👉 If you’re looking for the best Google URL shortener free alternative, don’t settle for less. Start using QuitURL.com today and experience the future of link management.
