Shlink
UnclaimedSelf-hosted, open-source URL shortener with extensive features and API access.
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Tracked since2026
0 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Self-hosted for full data control and privacy
Biggest con
Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting and setup
TL;DR - Shlink
- Self-hosted URL shortener with a web app, API, and CLI.
- Offers detailed visit statistics, dynamic redirects, and multi-domain support.
- GDPR compliant with bot detection and real-time updates.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
What is Shlink?
Shlink is a self-hosted URL shortener that allows users to create and manage short URLs. It provides a progressive web application for an intuitive user experience, a powerful API for integration into other systems, and a command-line interface for advanced management. Users can host Shlink on their own infrastructure, giving them full control over their data and short links.
This tool is ideal for developers, marketers, and businesses who need a robust and customizable URL shortening solution. It caters to those who require detailed analytics, dynamic redirection capabilities, and the flexibility to integrate with existing workflows. Shlink's focus on self-hosting and API-first design makes it suitable for technical users who prioritize data ownership and customizability.
Key benefits include comprehensive visit statistics, multi-domain support, GDPR compliance with IP anonymization, and the ability to import existing short URLs from other services. Its extensibility through real-time updates and API key roles makes it a versatile tool for various use cases.
Available on: Web
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting and setup
- No mention of a hosted service option
Key Features
URL shorteningVisit stats (location, browser, referrer)Custom slugs and multi-segment custom slugsMulti-domain supportDynamic redirects (geolocation, device type, language)Tagging for short URLsEmoji support in URLs, titles, and tagsReal-time updates via Mercure or RabbitMQ
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Jun 16, 2026
Open Source
Free
- Progressive web app
- API-first
- Command line
- Self-hosted
- Custom domains
- Anonymized visit stats
- Geolocation
Reviews
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Shlink FAQ
How does Shlink provide data control and privacy for short URLs?
Shlink is a self-hosted URL shortener, which means users deploy it on their own infrastructure. This architecture gives users complete ownership and control over their data and the short links they create. It also supports GDPR compliance through features like IP anonymization.
Which teams would benefit most from using Shlink?
Shlink is ideal for developers, marketers, and businesses that require a robust and customizable URL shortening solution. It particularly suits technical users who prioritize data ownership, detailed analytics, and the flexibility to integrate with existing workflows via an API.
How does Shlink compare to YOURLS?
Shlink, like YOURLS, is a self-hosted, open-source URL shortener, offering users control over their data. Shlink emphasizes an API-first design for integration and includes features such as multi-domain support and GDPR compliance by default. It also provides a progressive web application and a command-line interface.
What kind of technical expertise is needed to use Shlink?
Shlink requires technical knowledge for its self-hosting and setup processes. While it offers a progressive web application for an intuitive user experience, its deployment and advanced management through the command-line interface or API are geared towards more technical users.
Does Shlink include a free tier?
Shlink is free to use, as it is an open-source solution that users self-host. There are no paid plans required to access its features or functionality.
Can Shlink integrate with other systems?
Yes, Shlink is designed with an API-first approach, enabling easy integration into other systems. It also provides a command-line interface for advanced management and supports extensibility through real-time updates and API key roles.
How does Shlink support SEO efforts?
Shlink can support SEO efforts by providing detailed visit statistics for short URLs, allowing marketers to track link performance. Its self-hosted nature and multi-domain support also offer control over branded short links, which can be beneficial for consistent online presence.
Source: shlink.io