Bitly vs Dub: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Bitly and Dub? Both are popular link shorteners & branded links tools. Below we compare them on pricing, free tiers, features, and pros & cons so you can pick the right fit for your stack.
Quick verdict
Both are solid link shorteners & branded links options. Bitly is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need. In our catalog, Dub rates slightly higher (4.8 vs 4.5 out of 5).
Bitly vs Dub — Side by Side
| Bitly | Dub | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Link Shorteners & Branded Links | Link Shorteners & Branded Links |
| Pricing | Free · paid from $10/mo | Free · paid from $30/mo |
| Starting price | Free tier available | Free tier available |
| Free tier | ||
| Rating | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Best for | Link Shorteners & Branded Links — qr-codes, branded-links | Link Shorteners & Branded Links — branded-links, open-source |
Pros & Cons
- The most recognised short-link brand
- QR codes and landing pages included
- Mature enterprise features and integrations
- Free plan allows only 5 links a month
- Expensive at higher link volumes
- Core plan is annual only
- Open source and self-hostable
- Conversion tracking ties links to revenue
- Excellent API and developer experience
- Free plan is small
- Affiliate features push you toward Business at $90
- Younger than Bitly, with fewer enterprise integrations
Key Features Compared
Bitly
- 500 links / month
- Custom domain
- Advanced analytics
Dub
- More links and events
- Longer analytics retention
Choose Bitly if…
- You want a free tier to validate before paying.
- Budget is tight — paid plans start lower ($10/mo vs $30/mo).
- The most recognised short-link brand
- QR codes and landing pages included
Choose Dub if…
- You want a free tier to validate before paying.
- Open source and self-hostable
- Conversion tracking ties links to revenue
- Excellent API and developer experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitly better than Dub?⌄
Both are solid link shorteners & branded links options. Bitly is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need. In our catalog, Dub rates slightly higher (4.8 vs 4.5 out of 5).
What is the difference between Bitly and Dub?⌄
Bitly — The best-known link shortener, with branded links, QR codes and a link-in-bio page. Free for 5 links a month. Dub — Open-source link management with branded short links, click and conversion analytics, and a built-in affiliate program. Both are link shorteners & branded links tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.
Bitly vs Dub: which is cheaper?⌄
Bitly pricing: Free · paid from $10/mo. Dub pricing: Free · paid from $30/mo. Confirm current pricing on each tool's official site, as plans change.
Which is rated higher, Bitly or Dub?⌄
In our catalog, Bitly rates 4.5 out of 5 and Dub rates 4.8 out of 5, so Dub has a slight edge on reviews.
See more options in our guide to the best link shorteners & branded links tools for startups.
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