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Bitly Alternative Free 2025 - Best Free Bitly Alternatives

Updated December 2025 • 6 min read

Bitly is one of the most popular URL shorteners, but their free plan now limits you to just 5 links per month. If you're looking for a free Bitly alternative with no limits, you've come to the right place.

Bitly's Free Plan Limitations

As of 2025, Bitly's free plan only allows 5 short links and 3 custom back-halves per month. For unlimited free link shortening, consider alternatives like ul0.

Why Look for Bitly Alternatives?

  • Limited free plan: Only 5 links/month for free
  • Requires signup: Must create an account to use
  • Expensive paid plans: Starting at $8/month for basic features
  • No anonymous shortening: All links tied to your account

Best Free Bitly Alternatives Compared

1. ul0

Free forever

Best Free Bitly Alternative - No Signup Required

ul0 is the best free Bitly alternative for users who want to shorten URLs without creating an account. Unlike Bitly's 5 links/month limit, ul0 offers unlimited free link shortening.

Features

  • Unlimited free links
  • No signup required
  • QR code generator
  • WiFi QR codes
  • Expense splitter
  • Fast redirects

Limitations

  • No click analytics
  • No custom domains

Verdict: Best for: Quick, free link shortening without any account

2. TinyURL

Free basic / $12.99/mo Pro

The Original URL Shortener Since 2002

TinyURL has been shortening links since 2002. While it offers free link shortening without signup, advanced features like analytics and branded domains require a paid plan.

Features

  • Free basic shortening
  • No signup for basic use
  • Custom aliases
  • Long history

Limitations

  • Analytics require payment
  • Custom domains are paid
  • Limited free features

Verdict: Best for: Users wanting a trusted, established service

3. Rebrandly

Free limited / $13/mo+

Branded Link Management Platform

Rebrandly focuses on branded links with custom domains. Great for businesses but the free plan is very limited and requires signup.

Features

  • Custom branded domains
  • Team collaboration
  • Detailed analytics
  • API access

Limitations

  • Requires signup
  • Limited free plan
  • Complex setup
  • Expensive paid plans

Verdict: Best for: Businesses needing branded custom domain links

4. Short.io

Free limited / $19/mo+

Custom Domain URL Shortener

Short.io offers custom domain link shortening with a focus on teams and businesses. Free plan is limited to 1000 links.

Features

  • Custom domains
  • Team management
  • Link analytics
  • API

Limitations

  • 1000 link limit on free
  • Requires signup
  • No free custom domain

Verdict: Best for: Teams needing collaborative link management

🏆 Our Top Pick: ul0

For a truly free Bitly alternative with no signup and no limits, ul0 is the best choice. Start shortening links instantly without creating an account.

Try ul0 Free - No Signup →

Conclusion: Which Bitly Alternative is Best?

If you need a free Bitly alternative without limits, ul0 is the clear winner. For branded domains and analytics, consider Rebrandly or Short.io (paid). For a middle ground, TinyURL offers basic free shortening with paid upgrades.