"Free URL shortener" used to mean Bitly. Not anymore. In 2025 Bitly cut its free plan to 5 new links a month and started showing an interstitial ad page before every free link redirects — and applied those ads retroactively to links people created years ago. So the real question in 2026 isn't "which is free," it's "which free plan is actually usable, with no ads and no retroactive punishment." Here's an honest, verified shortlist.
Free-plan limits at a glance
| Free plan | Tool | Free plan | Ads? |
|---|---|---|---|
| LinkLane | 50 links/mo + 1k tracked clicks, QR, basic analytics | No ads | |
| Cuttly | 30 links/mo, branded domain, bio + QR | No ads | |
| Short.io | 1,000 lifetime links + 50k clicks/mo, 5 domains | No ads | |
| Replug | 100 links/mo + 1k clicks, 2 bio links, 10 QR | No ads | |
| Bitly | 5 links/mo + 2 QR/mo | Ads (retroactive on old links) |
1. LinkLane — best free plan for marketers
LinkLane's free plan gives you 50 links a month plus 1,000 tracked clicks, custom aliases, QR codes, and basic real-time analytics — with no ads, ever, and no retroactive caps on links you've already made. Paid plans (from $19/mo) add the AI layer (it explains your analytics and recommends routing), branded QR, bio pages, smart routing, and campaigns. Best if you want a free plan that's a real starting point, not a 5-link teaser.
2. Cuttly — strong no-ads free tier
Cuttly's free plan includes 30 new links a month, a branded custom domain, click analytics, a bio page, and QR — with no ads on clicks and EU data residency. A genuinely good free option, especially if a branded domain on free is your priority.
3. Short.io — best for developers + many domains
Short.io's free plan is generous on the basics: 1,000 lifetime links, 50,000 tracked clicks a month, and 5 custom domains, with an excellent API and SDKs. Great for developer-led, domain-centric workflows; lighter on campaign and marketing features.
4. Replug — free entry to a marketing tool
Replug does have a free plan (100 links/month, 1,000 clicks, 2 bio links, 10 QR) — a useful free entry to a tool whose paid plans focus on CTAs and link retargeting. Worth a look if retargeting pixels and CTA overlays are central to your workflow.
5. Bitly — recognizable, but the free plan is a teaser now
Bitly is the best-known name, but its free plan is now 5 new links a month with 2 QR codes — and an interstitial ad page on every free link, applied retroactively to links created under older, more generous plans. Fine for brand familiarity; not a usable free plan for ongoing work.
How to choose a free URL shortener
- Want the most usable free plan with no ads and room to grow? LinkLane (50 links/mo) or Cuttly (30 links/mo).
- Need lots of links + custom domains for free? Short.io (1,000 lifetime links, 5 domains).
- Building marketing campaigns with retargeting? Replug's free entry, then its paid tiers.
- Avoid: a free plan that shows ads on your links or retroactively caps links you already made.
Free URL shortener FAQ
- Why does Bitly show ads on my links now?
- In 2025 Bitly introduced an interstitial ad page on all free-plan links to create ad revenue, and applied it retroactively — so links you created years ago under older free plans now show an ad before redirecting. The free plan is also limited to 5 new links per month.
- Which free URL shortener has no ads?
- LinkLane, Cuttly, Short.io, and Replug all redirect free links directly with no interstitial ads. Bitly is the notable exception, with ads on free links.
- What is the best free URL shortener in 2026?
- For most marketers, LinkLane offers the most usable ad-free free plan (50 links/month + 1,000 tracked clicks, QR, basic analytics) with a clear upgrade path to AI analytics and bio pages. Cuttly and Short.io are strong alternatives depending on whether you prioritize a branded domain or developer/API features.