YOURLS vs Rebrandly: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between YOURLS and Rebrandly 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.
Bottom line: Rebrandly wins this matchup. Google Analytics is our overall Analytics pick. Google Analytics is our free Analytics pick. Pick YOURLS if you need developer tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
YOURLS
Self-hosted URL shortener with powerful features and full data control.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Rebrandly requires payment)
- • You want complete control over your data and domain
- • You want free to use and open-source
Rebrandly
Create branded short links with custom domains and analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want custom domains
- • You want good free tier
| At a Glance | YOURLS | Rebrandly |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Developer Tools | Marketing |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose YOURLS or Rebrandly?
Choose YOURLS if
Self-hosted URL shortener with powerful features and full data control.
- You want a fully free tool (Rebrandly requires payment)
- You want complete control over your data and domain
- You want free to use and open-source
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not marketing-shaped
Choose Rebrandly if
Create branded short links with custom domains and analytics
- You want custom domains
- You want good free tier
- Your work is marketing-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
| Feature | YOURLS | Rebrandly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 14 reviews | ★4.5/5 491 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsProductivity | MarketingSEO Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
YOURLS
Self-hosted URL shortener with powerful features and full data control.
YOURLS is exceptionally generous as it is entirely free and open-source.
Strengths
- +Complete control over your data and domain
- +Free to use and open-source
- +Highly customizable through plugins
- +Detailed analytics for link performance
- +Developer-friendly with an API
Weaknesses
- -Requires self-hosting and technical setup
- -Maintenance and updates are user's responsibility
Key features
Rebrandly
Create branded short links with custom domains and analytics
Rebrandly's pricing is fair, offering a good progression of features for the cost.
Watch out
Overage fees for exceeding link limits
Strengths
- +Custom domains
- +Good free tier
- +Easy to use
Weaknesses
- -Limited analytics free
- -Pricing complexity
Key features
Pricing: YOURLS vs Rebrandly
| Plan | YOURLS | Rebrandly |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free FOSS | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $8 Essentials |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $22 Professional |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $69 Growth |
| Tier 5 | N/A | Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on YOURLS pricing and Rebrandly pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
YOURLS is free. Rebrandly is freemium.
Go with: YOURLS
Want the highest-rated option?
YOURLS: 4.6/5 (14 reviews). Rebrandly: 4.5/5 (491 reviews).
Go with: YOURLS
Value user reviews?
YOURLS: 14 reviews (4.6/5). Rebrandly: 491 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Rebrandly
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
YOURLS is free. Rebrandly is freemium. Go with YOURLS if free matters most.
What's your use case?
YOURLS is a developer tools tool. Rebrandly is in marketing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
YOURLS is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Rebrandly
- Larger review base (491 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
YOURLS
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.5/5
- Better fit for developer tools
The Bottom Line
Rebrandly wins this matchup. Google Analytics is our overall Analytics pick. Google Analytics is our free Analytics pick. That said, YOURLS is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is YOURLS or Rebrandly better?
Rebrandly is rated in our evaluation. YOURLS is free and Rebrandly is freemium.
What are YOURLS and Rebrandly used for?
YOURLS: Self-hosted URL shortener with powerful features and full data control.. Rebrandly: Create branded short links with custom domains and analytics.
What does YOURLS cost vs Rebrandly?
YOURLS is completely free. Rebrandly is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.