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Polr

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Host your own open-source, modern, and customizable URL shortener.

Developer ToolsProductivityHosting & Deployment
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Tracked since2026
0 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Completely free and open-source

Biggest con

Requires self-hosting and technical setup

TL;DR - Polr

  • Open-source and self-hostable URL shortener.
  • Offers custom branding and full data control.
  • Features a robust API for integration and customization options.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups

What is Polr?

Editorial review
Polr is a quick, modern, and open-source link shortener that allows users to host their own URL shortener instance. It provides the ability to brand URLs with a custom domain, giving users full control over their data and links. The platform features an easy-to-use interface for managing links and controlling the instance, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users. Designed for individuals or organizations who want to move beyond generic link shorteners, Polr offers extensive customization options, including shortening permissions, redirects, and themes. It also boasts a robust Semantic REST API, enabling seamless integration with other services and allowing users to create or look up links programmatically without breaking existing code. Built with PHP and Lumen, it supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite databases, providing flexibility for various hosting environments.

Available on: Web

how we evaluateSourcepolrproject.org ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Completely free and open-source
  • Full control over data and links
  • Customizable branding with own domain
  • Robust API for integration
  • Easy to install and use

Cons

  • Requires self-hosting and technical setup
  • No managed service option mentioned
  • Community support only (no dedicated support team)

Key Features

Self-hosted URL shorteningCustom domain brandingModern and simple interfaceCustomizable shortening permissionsCustomizable redirectsTheming supportSemantic REST APIAutomatic and manual API key generation

Pricing

Free

Polr is completely free to use with no hidden costs.

View pricing

Reviews

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Best Polr Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

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Bitly logo
BitlyFreemium

URL shortener and link management

4.7
Rebrandly logo
RebrandlyFreemium

Create branded short links with custom domains and analytics

4.5
TinyURL logo
TinyURLPaid

Shorten URLs, create branded links, and track their performance with ease.

4.4
YOURLS logo
YOURLSFree

Self-hosted URL shortener with powerful features and full data control.

4.6
Kutt logo
KuttFree

Shorten, customize, and manage your URLs with advanced options.

Shlink logo
ShlinkFree

Self-hosted, open-source URL shortener with extensive features and API access.

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

All Polr alternatives6+ tools ranked, pricing + verdict per pickPolr vs BitlyHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsPolr vs RebrandlyHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsPolr vs TinyURLHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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Polr FAQ

What frameworks and technologies does Polr utilize for its backend and templating?

Polr is written in PHP and powered by the Lumen microframework. It uses Blade for templating, providing a clean MVC architecture for its operations.

Which database systems are compatible with Polr's Eloquent ORM?

Polr's Eloquent ORM supports multiple database systems. These include MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite, offering flexibility for deployment.

Can I integrate Polr with other applications, and how is API key management handled?

Yes, Polr features a robust Semantic REST API for integration with other services. New API keys can be assigned to users automatically or generated manually, allowing for flexible access control.

What level of customization is available for a Polr instance beyond basic link shortening?

Polr allows extensive customization, including adjusting shortening permissions, redirect behaviors, and even the theme of the instance. Users can also fork the code to implement deeper modifications.

Are there any limitations when testing features on the Polr demo instance?

Yes, certain features are disabled on the demo instance to maintain its integrity. These include user deletion and password changing, though other functionalities like the API, interface, and admin panel are available for testing.

Source: polrproject.org

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