Skip to content
Toolradar
YOURLS logo

YOURLS

Claim this tool

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

Free, no paid tier
FreeDeveloper ToolsProductivityAnalyticsAPI Tools
Visit Website
Reviews onG2
14 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Price
Free, no paid tier. Compare plans

Key facts

  • Self-hosted, open-source URL shortener.
  • Provides full control over data and domain.
  • Includes powerful stats, API, and plugin architecture.

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • Requires self-hosting and technical setup
  • Maintenance and updates are user's responsibility

What is YOURLS?

YOURLS (Your Own URL Shortener) is a free and open-source software that allows users to run their own URL shortening service. Unlike commercial URL shorteners, YOURLS gives users complete control over their data and domain, ensuring privacy and customization. It's designed for individuals, developers, and businesses who want to brand their short links, manage their link data, and integrate shortening capabilities into their own applications. The platform offers robust features including bookmarklets for quick shortening, a developer API for integration, and comprehensive statistics. These statistics provide historical click reports, referrer tracking, and visitor geo-location data, offering valuable insights into link performance. Its extensible architecture, supported by a plugin system, allows users to easily add new functionalities and tailor the software to their specific needs, making it a flexible solution for custom URL shortening.

Available on: Web

how we evaluateSourceyourls.org ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.6(14 reviews)

YOURLS holds an aggregate rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 14 reviews across G2, last checked March 19, 2026.

G214 reviews
4.6/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Preview

Key Features

  • Free and open-source software (FOSS)
  • Full control over data
  • Uses your own domain for short URLs
  • Bookmarklets for quick shortening
  • Developer API for integration
  • Awesome statistics with historical click reports
  • Referrers tracking
  • Visitors geo-location tracking

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Sep 20, 2026

YOURLS plans and prices, checked September 2026
PlanPriceDetails
FOSS

Free

  • Bookmarklets
  • developer API
  • awesome stats with historical click reports
+3 more
  • referrers tracking
  • visitors geo-location
  • plugin architecture
View full pricing

Is YOURLS worth the price?

Great value

YOURLS is exceptionally generous as it is entirely free and open-source.

There are no paid tiers, making it an incredibly fair and accessible option for anyone needing a URL shortener. This is best for individuals, small businesses, or developers who prioritize full control and cost-effectiveness.

Reviews

Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT cover
$99Free with your review

Review YOURLS, get a free AI guide

Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.

Write a review
4.6/5

Across 14 verified user reviews on G2

Add your hands-on experience using the offer above to help the next buyer.

Best YOURLS Alternatives

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

View full list →
Bitly logo
BitlyFreemium

URL shortener and link management

3.9
Rebrandly logo
RebrandlyFreemium

Create branded short links with custom domains and analytics

4.5
Short.io logo
Short.ioFreemium

Branded short links with custom domains and analytics

4.5
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.

Polr logo
PolrFree

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

See all developer tools →

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 YOURLS alternatives6+ tools ranked, pricing + verdict per pickYOURLS vs BitlyHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsYOURLS vs RebrandlyHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsYOURLS vs Short.ioHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

Explore More

Best Developer ToolsBest Productivity ToolsBest Analytics ToolsBest API ToolsBest Free Developer ToolsBest Free ProductivityBest Free AnalyticsBest Free API Tools

YOURLS FAQ

What kind of data control does YOURLS offer users?

YOURLS provides users with full control over their data by allowing them to host the software on their own domain. This ensures data privacy and ownership without third-party dependencies.

Can YOURLS be integrated with other applications or services?

Yes, YOURLS offers a developer API, which enables integration with other applications. This allows for custom solutions and extended functionality beyond the core features.

What specific statistical insights does YOURLS provide for shortened links?

YOURLS offers comprehensive statistics including historical click reports, tracking of referrers, and geo-location data of visitors. These features provide detailed insights into link performance and audience engagement.

How can users extend the functionality of YOURLS beyond its default features?

Users can extend YOURLS' functionality through its terrific plugin architecture. There are dozens of available plugins that allow for easy implementation of new features, tailoring the software to specific needs.

Is there a way to quickly shorten links directly from a web browser using YOURLS?

Yes, YOURLS supports bookmarklets, which allow users to quickly shorten links directly from their web browser. This provides a convenient and efficient way to create short URLs on the fly.

Source: yourls.org

Guides & Articles

Best Prompt Management & PromptOps Tools 2026

Expert guide

Best Headless CMS Platforms in 2026

Expert guide

Best LLM Observability Tools in 2026

Expert guide