Looking for the best link shortener for your affiliate marketing or content sharing? We've compared the top options so you can choose the right tool for your needs.
Quick Comparison Table
| Tool | Price | Best For | Analytics |
|---|---|---|---|
| LinkDisguiser | Free / $9 mo | Quick shortening | Yes |
| ThirstyAffiliates | Free / $79 yr | WordPress users | Yes |
| Pretty Links | Free / $99 yr | WordPress + reports | Yes |
| Bitly | Free / $35 mo | General shortening | Limited free |
| Geniuslink | $5+ mo | Amazon affiliates | Yes |
Detailed Reviews
1. LinkDisguiser
Free / $9 mo / $29 lifetimeBest for: Quick link shortening without signup
LinkDisguiser is a simple, browser-based link shortener. Paste any URL, choose a redirect style, and get a shortened link instantly. No account required.
Features:
- Ultra-short links via
g.iu.pedomain - Three redirect modes (instant, countdown, preview)
- Full click analytics (geo, device, referrer)
- Works in browser, no signup needed
- Dashboard for managing links
Pros: No signup required, genuinely free tier, fast and simple, good analytics included.
Cons: Links aren't on your domain, newer tool.
2. ThirstyAffiliates
Free / $79-199 per yearBest for: WordPress sites wanting branded links
WordPress plugin that creates shortened links on your own domain. Manage all affiliate links from your WordPress dashboard.
Features:
- Custom link prefixes (/recommends/, /go/, etc.)
- Link categories and organization
- Click tracking
- Auto-linking keywords (Pro)
- Amazon API integration (Pro)
Pros: Links on your domain, good WordPress integration, active development.
Cons: WordPress only, annual subscription, premium features cost extra.
3. Pretty Links
Free / $99-199 per yearBest for: WordPress users wanting detailed reports
Another WordPress plugin for link shortening with a focus on tracking and reporting.
Features:
- Custom slugs and prefixes
- Click tracking and reports
- Link groups
- Redirect types (301, 302, 307)
- Auto-create links from keywords (Pro)
Pros: Detailed analytics, multiple redirect types, good documentation.
Cons: WordPress only, gets expensive for multiple sites.
4. Bitly
Free / $35+ per monthBest for: General link shortening (not affiliate-specific)
General-purpose link shortener that works for any URL. Not affiliate-specific but widely used.
Features:
- Link shortening
- Custom branded domains (paid)
- Basic analytics
- QR codes
Pros: Well-known, established, custom domains available, good uptime.
Cons: Not affiliate-focused, free tier very limited, expensive paid plans, Bitly-branded links on free tier.
5. Geniuslink
$5-75+ per monthBest for: Amazon affiliates specifically
Specialized for Amazon affiliate links. Automatically localizes links based on user location.
Features:
- Automatic Amazon localization
- iTunes/Apple affiliate support
- Click analytics
- Choice pages (show multiple retailers)
Pros: Amazon localization increases conversions, fair pricing, good analytics.
Cons: Focused on Amazon/Apple, less useful for other affiliate programs.
Which Link Shortener Should You Choose?
Choose LinkDisguiser if:
- You want free, fast link shortening
- You don't want to create an account
- You need basic analytics
- You're just getting started
Choose ThirstyAffiliates or Pretty Links if:
- You use WordPress
- You want links on your own domain
- You're willing to pay annually
Choose Geniuslink if:
- You're primarily an Amazon affiliate
- You have international traffic
- You want automatic localization
Our Recommendation
For most affiliate marketers, start with a free tool like LinkDisguiser. It does everything you need: clean links, click tracking, and analytics.
If you find yourself wanting links on your own domain and you use WordPress, upgrade to ThirstyAffiliates or Pretty Links.
Start shortening your links for free
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