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Head-to-head · Custom Url Shortener Software

Short.io vs Dub

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks 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
Dub #7 in Custom Url Shortener Software 8.3/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Dub

Short.io leads on 1 check, Dub on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreShort.io · 8.8/10
  • Lowest starting priceShort.io · $5/mo
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth

Short.io scores higher on our rubric for custom url shortener software: 8.8 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

Short.io is cheaper to start at $5/mo against $30/mo.

Short.io is the better fit for low-cost custom-link users across devices. Dub is the better fit for teams needing conversion tracking and developer tools.

  • Short.io fits best

    Low-cost custom-link users across devices

  • Dub fits best

    Teams needing conversion tracking and developer tools

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 ↗ Dub 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.3
Ranking #4 in Custom Url Shortener Software #7 in Custom Url Shortener Software
Best for Low-cost custom-link users across devices Teams needing conversion tracking and developer tools
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $5/mo (best) $30/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 7 days 14 days
Free trial length 7 days · no card needed 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud
Platforms Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension Web
Support Live chat, Docs Live chat, Docs
Integrations 1,000+ integrations 10 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Short.io 0/3 · Dub 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
  • Free plan includes real-time analytics, API access and 3 custom domains
  • Business adds conversion tracking, A/B testing and event webhooks
  • REST API, SDKs and bulk operations support developer workflows
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
  • Conversion tracking and A/B testing require the $90/month Business plan
  • Advanced costs $300/month for elevated API limits and priority email support
  • Enterprise pricing is not shown in the published plan details
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 →

Dub brings branded short links, attribution and link management together for entrepreneurs, creators, startups and marketing teams. It covers click and conversion analytics, QR codes, UTM templates, geo and device targeting, deep links for…

Read the review →
  1. Short.ioCustom Url Shortener Software 8.8Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. DubCustom Url Shortener Software 8.3Free plan · 14-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

  • Dub — where it wins

    • Free plan includes real-time analytics, API access and 3 custom domains
    • Business adds conversion tracking, A/B testing and event webhooks
    • REST API, SDKs and bulk operations support developer workflows

    Where it doesn't

    • Conversion tracking and A/B testing require the $90/month Business plan
    • Advanced costs $300/month for elevated API limits and priority email support
    • Enterprise pricing is not shown in the published plan details
  • 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 →
  • Dub8.3/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    Branded links, conversion tracking and developer tools, with paid plans from $30 per month.

    Visit DubFull 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