YOURLS vs Shlink: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between YOURLS and Shlink 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: YOURLS wins this matchup. ElevenLabs is our overall API Tools pick. ElevenLabs is our free API Tools pick. Pick Shlink if you need a fully free option.
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 complete control over your data and domain
- • You want free to use and open-source
Shlink
Self-hosted, open-source URL shortener with extensive features and API access.
Best for you if:
- • You want self-hosted for full data control and privacy
- • You want comprehensive feature set for advanced URL management
| At a Glance | YOURLS | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.6/5 | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose YOURLS or Shlink?
Choose YOURLS if
Self-hosted URL shortener with powerful features and full data control.
- You want complete control over your data and domain
- You want free to use and open-source
Choose Shlink if
Self-hosted, open-source URL shortener with extensive features and API access.
- You want self-hosted for full data control and privacy
- You want comprehensive feature set for advanced URL management
| Feature | YOURLS | Shlink |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 14 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Developer ToolsProductivity | Developer ToolsAPI 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
Shlink
Self-hosted, open-source URL shortener with extensive features and API access.
Shlink's pricing is exceptionally generous, offering a full-featured, self-hosted solution completely free of charge.
Watch out
Potential for increased infrastructure costs with high usage
Strengths
- +Self-hosted for full data control and privacy
- +Comprehensive feature set for advanced URL management
- +API-first design for easy integration
- +GDPR compliant by default
- +Supports multiple database engines and Docker deployment
Weaknesses
- -Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting and setup
- -No mention of a hosted service option
Key features
Pricing: YOURLS vs Shlink
| Plan | YOURLS | Shlink |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free FOSS | Free Open Source |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on YOURLS pricing and Shlink pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: YOURLS
Want the highest-rated option?
YOURLS is rated 4.6/5. Shlink has no ratings yet.
Go with: YOURLS
Value user reviews?
YOURLS: 14 reviews (4.6/5). Shlink: no ratings yet.
Go with: YOURLS
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are developer tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
YOURLS is rated 4.6/5; Shlink has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
YOURLS
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Shlink
- Choose if you want self-hosted, open-source URL shortener with extensive features and API access
The Bottom Line
YOURLS wins this matchup. ElevenLabs is our overall API Tools pick. ElevenLabs is our free API Tools pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is YOURLS or Shlink better?
YOURLS is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are YOURLS and Shlink used for?
YOURLS: Self-hosted URL shortener with powerful features and full data control.. Shlink: Self-hosted, open-source URL shortener with extensive features and API access..
What does YOURLS cost vs Shlink?
YOURLS is completely free. Shlink is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.