Linkly vs Ackee: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Linkly and Ackee comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Linkly
Track, optimize, and brand your links with powerful analytics and smart routing.
Best for you if:
- • Shorten and brand URLs with custom domains.
- • Track detailed click analytics in real-time.
Ackee
Self-hosted, privacy-focused web analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Ackee is a self-hosted, privacy-focused analytics tool that respects visitor privacy
- • It tracks page views and referrers without cookies, making it GDPR-compliant by design
| At a Glance |  Linkly | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Web Analytics | Web Analytics |
Rating | —/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Linkly | Ackee |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Web AnalyticsAttribution | Web Analytics |
Understanding the Differences
Both Linkly and Ackee solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Linkly positions itself as "track, optimize, and brand your links with powerful analytics and smart routing." while Ackeefocuses on "self-hosted, privacy-focused web analytics". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Linkly
Linkly makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose Ackee
Ackee is worth considering if you need a free tool. Scoring 78/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Linkly lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Linkly
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Ackee is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Ackee
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Ackee
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Linkly is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Ackee higher (78/100). But the community has upvoted Ackee more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Ackee Does Better
- Higher overall score (78/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Linkly If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Ackee (78/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Ackee scores higher in our analysis, but Linkly might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linkly or Ackee better?
Based on our analysis, Ackee scores higher with 78/100. Linkly isfree while Ackee is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Linkly to Ackee easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Linkly and Ackee offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Linkly is completely free.Ackee is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.