Bitly
8.9#1 in url shortenersFrom $10 a monthFree planAndroidiOSWebAPI
VisitBitly vs Smart URL
What both publish
| Fact | Bitly | Smart URL |
|---|---|---|
| Analytics | Bitly provides link performance data, including location and device insights, in a unified dashboard. | Analytics include geographic breakdowns by country and city, built-in UTM tracking, and CSV export or API access. |
| API | Enterprise plans include high-volume API and webhook access. | The developer API uses an API key sent as an authorization token and documents a current limit of 30 requests per minute, which may vary by plan. |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Audience | Bitly describes its platform as serving businesses of all sizes and provides plans for individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises. | The Starter plan is described as intended for creators and small businesses, while Pro is described for growing teams and Business / Agency for agencies and brands. |
| Custom domains | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Geo targeting | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Bitly says it connects with more than 60 marketplace integrations, including Canva, Claude, and HubSpot. | The site lists Slack, Zapier, Google Tag Manager, Facebook, WordPress, and other services as integrations, and describes pixel tracking and notifications. |
| Link controls | Users can change link destinations, schedule expiration, and route visitors by country, region, device, or platform. | Links can be password-protected, given expiration dates, and configured to block bots and scrapers. |
| Product | Bitly lets businesses create, share, and track short links and QR Codes. | Smart URL provides branded short links, dynamic QR codes, and bio pages on a UK-based platform. |
| Security | Bitly says all links are encrypted with HTTPS and recommends strong passwords and two-factor authentication. | The site says links are screened for phishing and malware and describes the platform as GDPR-ready. |
Bitly plans
- FreeFree
- Core$10 a month
- Growth—
- Premium$300 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
Smart URL plans
- Professional Plan V2£2.99 a month
- Enterprise Plan£9.99 a month
- Unlimited£14.99 a month
- Free PlanFree
- Starter Plan$9 a month
- Pro$25 a month
Pick Bitly if…
Bitly suits businesses and individuals who need branded short links, QR Codes, and link-performance analytics. Its routing controls and integrations may be useful for teams managing campaigns across channels.
Pick Smart URL if…
You want what its maker publishes above — check its page for the details.