Shlink

Judgement

What it is

Complete system

What it does

A self-hosted URL shortener with a REST API, multiple domains, visit tracking, QR codes and a separate web client.

Adopt it when

You need an API-first shortener for marketing or product links on your own infrastructure.

Watch out

The admin interface is a separate app, and it is largely one maintainer's project.

Ready for

Production-ready

Runs as

Self-hosted server

Built with

PHP, Mezzio, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis and RabbitMQ

How established

Established: started 10 years ago, latest release v5.1.8.

What the license allows

You can build it into a product you sell, as long as you keep its copyright notice.

Judged on 2026-11-03 from the project's README and GitHub data. The license and age lines are worked out directly.

Built from

Follow it down: Shlink → Php-src → GCC → LLVM project → runs on a microchip

How compilers were built, back to punched paper tape

Open-source alternatives to Shlink

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Commercial URL shorteners

1. 1
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   Complete system Production-ready You care most about branded domains for links and want a cheaper option than Bitly's higher tiers.

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3. 3
   Short.io Short.io

   Free URL shortener with custom branded domains, analytics, and QR codes. Create up to 1,000 branded short links at no cost. No credit card required.

   Complete system Production-ready A small business wants branded short links on its own domain at low or no cost.

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