What is Short.io?
Short.io is a branded URL shortener that lets you create short links on your own domain and track every click. It is operated by Short.cm Inc. and has been on the market for more than ten years. The free plan is unusually generous, with up to 1,000 branded links, five custom domains and 50,000 tracked clicks per month, which makes it a common pick for small teams.
Beyond shortening, Short.io offers dynamic QR codes, A/B testing, geo targeting, link expiration and password protection on paid tiers. Team plans add shared folders, role-based access and mobile deep links, while Enterprise adds SSO and raw click exports to Amazon S3. A REST API, webhooks and iOS and Android apps support developers and on-the-go use.
Short.io fits teams that want branded links without a big monthly bill. Small businesses can stay on the free tier for a long time, while agencies and product teams can upgrade for unlimited links, more domains and stronger controls. A separate local version is also offered for users in mainland China.
Short.io at a glance
How does Short.io work?
- Add your domain
Connect a domain you own, with SSL set up automatically, or buy one inside the app.
- Create links
Shorten URLs one by one, in bulk from a CSV file or through the API, and organize them with folders and tags.
- Configure options
Add UTM parameters, QR codes, A/B tests, country targeting or expiration rules depending on your plan.
- Track and share
Monitor clicks by device, browser, referrer, country and city, and share analytics with teammates.
Short.io key features
Custom domains
Use multiple branded domains with free automated SSL, from five on the free plan to unlimited on Enterprise.
Dynamic QR codes
Create QR codes with custom colors, logos and shapes, export them as PNG, SVG or PDF, and change destinations later.
Click analytics
Real-time reports cover devices, browsers, referrers and country and city locations.
Targeting and A/B tests
Split traffic between URLs on every plan, with country targeting from Hobby and city targeting on Team.
Link security
Password protection, expiration and click-limit expiration are available from the Pro plan.
Team collaboration
Team plans include unlimited users, role-based access, shared folders and a 99.9% uptime SLA.
API and bulk tools
A REST API with webhooks, plus CSV import and export, handles large link volumes.
Link bundles and posts
Every plan includes link bundles and posts alongside core shortening, which helps group related links for campaigns.
Why use Short.io?
- The free plan includes enough links and clicks for many small businesses.
- Multiple custom domains are allowed even on the free tier.
- Paid plans are inexpensive compared with many branded link tools.
- Mobile apps let you create links from a phone.
- Integrations with Zapier, Make and Slack fit into existing workflows.
Who is Short.io best for?
A good fit for
- Small businesses wanting free branded links
- Marketers running several brands or domains
- Developers automating link creation
- Teams that need shared folders and access roles
Less suited to
- Users who want CTA overlays on shared content
- Free users needing password protection or expiring links
- Companies that require a built-in affiliate or partner program
Short.io pricing
| Pricing model | Freemium |
|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes |
| Free trial | 7 days |
| Starting price | $5/month (Hobby) |
Pro is $18/month, Team $48/month and Enterprise $148/month on monthly billing, with about 17% off for annual billing. Higher plans add users, domains, unlimited links and security features.
Prices checked October 2026. Vendors change plans often, so confirm on the official Short.io pricing page before you buy.
Short.io pros and cons
Pros
- Generous free plan with five custom domains
- Low entry price for paid features
- Mobile apps and SDKs
- Good bulk and API tooling
Cons
- Detailed stats on the free plan stop after 50,000 clicks per month
- City targeting and deep links require the Team plan
- Fewer marketing extras such as CTA overlays or bio pages than some rivals
Short.io integrations and platforms
Works with
Available on
Short.io alternatives
See the full shortlist in Best URL Shorteners.
Short.io FAQ
Is Short.io free?
Yes. Short.io has a free plan with up to 1,000 branded links, five custom domains, one user and 50,000 tracked clicks per month, plus QR codes, A/B testing, a UTM builder and API access. Links keep working after the click limit, but detailed statistics only cover the first 50,000 clicks.
What is Short.io used for?
Short.io is used to create branded short links on custom domains, generate QR codes and track clicks. Marketers use it for campaign links and UTM tagging, small businesses use it for printed materials and social posts, and developers use its API and webhooks to create links automatically inside their own apps.
Short.io vs Bitly: what's the difference?
Both shorten links on custom domains and track clicks. Short.io's free plan allows several custom domains and up to 1,000 branded links, and its paid plans start at a low monthly price. Bitly is a larger, more widely recognized platform with its own feature set. Compare domain limits and link volumes to decide.
Does Short.io have a free trial?
Yes. Every paid Short.io plan, from Hobby to Enterprise, includes a seven-day free trial. No credit card is required to sign up, and you can cancel during the trial without being charged. The free plan is also available indefinitely if you only need core features.
Does Short.io integrate with Zapier?
Yes. Short.io lists Zapier among its integrations, along with Make, Slack, Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, Google Ads, Mailchimp, WordPress and Segment. These connections let you create short links automatically from other tools or send link data into your analytics and ad platforms.
Sources
This overview is based on Short.io's official website and documentation, checked October 2026.