Sara Mitchell
Head of Product
We compared ShortLink and Bitly across pricing, features, analytics, QR capabilities and customer support. Here's what we found — including where Bitly still has an edge.
We'll be upfront: this comparison is written by ShortLink. We've tried to be as objective as possible, and we've included areas where Bitly genuinely has the upper hand. Take the analysis on its merits.
Free Plan Comparison
- ShortLink Free: 50 links/month, 3 QR codes, 2 AI QR codes, 30-day analytics
- Bitly Free: 10 links/month, basic QR codes (no custom design), 30-day analytics
- Winner: ShortLink — significantly more links and QR codes on the free tier
QR Code Features
This is the biggest gap between the platforms. ShortLink includes a full QR editor (custom dots, corners, colors, logo, frames) and an AI QR art generator as core product features. Bitly offers QR codes on paid plans, but without the deep customisation or AI art capabilities.
Analytics
Both platforms offer geo, device and referrer data. Bitly's analytics UI is more polished and has been refined over more years. ShortLink tracks QR scans and link clicks in the same unified dashboard, which Bitly doesn't.
Custom Domains
- ShortLink Pro ($12/mo): 1 custom domain
- Bitly Core ($8/mo): 1 custom domain
- ShortLink Business ($39/mo): 5 custom domains
- Bitly Business ($199/mo): 3 custom domains
Where Bitly Has the Edge
Bitly has a larger ecosystem of integrations, more polished mobile apps, and longer brand recognition. If you need out-of-the-box Zapier/HubSpot/Salesforce integrations without any configuration, Bitly's marketplace is broader.
Our Honest Verdict
For most growing teams — especially those who use QR codes seriously — ShortLink offers more value at every price point. For enterprise teams already embedded in the Salesforce ecosystem, Bitly's integrations may justify the premium.
Bitly prices and features change frequently. Always verify current pricing on their website before making a purchasing decision.
About the author
Sara Mitchell
Head of Product at ShortLink
Writing about growth, product, and the future of link intelligence at ShortLink.