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Head-to-head · Custom Url Shortener Software

Short.io vs Capsulink

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Short.io #4 in Custom Url Shortener Software 8.8/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Short.io
Capsulink #8 in Custom Url Shortener Software 8.2/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Capsulink

Short.io leads on 0 checks, Capsulink on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreShort.io · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth

Short.io scores higher on our rubric for custom url shortener software: 8.8 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.

Short.io is the better fit for low-cost custom-link users across devices. Capsulink is the better fit for teams needing routing and long-term click analytics.

  • Short.io fits best

    Low-cost custom-link users across devices

  • Capsulink fits best

    Teams needing routing and long-term click analytics

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Short.io 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Capsulink 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.2
Ranking #4 in Custom Url Shortener Software #8 in Custom Url Shortener Software
Best for Low-cost custom-link users across devices Teams needing routing and long-term click analytics
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $5/mo —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 7 days 7 days
Free trial length 7 days · no card needed 7 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud
Platforms Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension Web
Support Live chat, Docs Tickets, Docs
Compliance SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, 2FA GDPR
Integrations 1,000+ integrations 1,500+ integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Short.io 0/3 · Capsulink 0/3
Edit destinations Not checked yet Not checked yet
QR codes Not checked yet Not checked yet
Custom domains on free Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Custom domains Not checked yet Not checked yet
Monthly short links Not checked yet Not checked yet
Click analytics Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free plan includes custom domains, branded links, API, analytics, and QR codes
  • Bulk link creation and country, region, and city targeting
  • Web, iOS, Android, browser extensions, and REST API access
  • Routes visitors by country, language, device, and time
  • Keeps click analytics for unlimited historical retention
  • Combines custom domains, QR tracking, and API access
Cons
  • Password protection and link expiration start on the Pro plan
  • City and region targeting and mobile deep links require Team
  • Multiple teams, single sign-on, and S3 export require Enterprise
  • Starter limits clicks to 5,000 per month; links may show ads beyond it
  • Custom domains, smart links, and API access start with Pro
  • Team workspaces are listed on Business and Ultimate, not Pro
Our verdict

Short.io is a URL-shortening service for individuals, marketers, agencies, developers, and businesses that want branded links on their own domains or Short.io subdomains. It combines click and visitor analytics with QR codes, campaign…

Read the review →

Capsulink shortens and manages URLs for marketers, agencies, startups, and larger organizations. It supports branded domains and editable slugs, plus smart links that route visitors by country, language, device, or time. Click and QR scan…

Read the review →
  1. Short.ioCustom Url Shortener Software 8.8Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. CapsulinkCustom Url Shortener Software 8.2Free plan · 7-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Short.io — where it wins

    • Free plan includes custom domains, branded links, API, analytics, and QR codes
    • Bulk link creation and country, region, and city targeting
    • Web, iOS, Android, browser extensions, and REST API access

    Where it doesn't

    • Password protection and link expiration start on the Pro plan
    • City and region targeting and mobile deep links require Team
    • Multiple teams, single sign-on, and S3 export require Enterprise

  • Capsulink — where it wins

    • Routes visitors by country, language, device, and time
    • Keeps click analytics for unlimited historical retention
    • Combines custom domains, QR tracking, and API access

    Where it doesn't

    • Starter limits clicks to 5,000 per month; links may show ads beyond it
    • Custom domains, smart links, and API access start with Pro
    • Team workspaces are listed on Business and Ultimate, not Pro
  • Short.io8.8/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    Short.io pairs a free starting point with custom links, targeting, and team features.

    Visit Short.ioFull verdict →
  • Capsulink8.2/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A link manager with flexible routing, QR tracking, and a free starting tier.

    Visit CapsulinkFull verdict →

More comparisons

All custom url shortener software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update