Shorten.dev
Shorten.dev: A free, developer-focused shortener with broad automation and tracking features. Ranked #121 of 154 in URL Shorteners by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for developers wanting a free API-first shortener.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDevelopers wanting a free API-first shortener
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Unlimited links with real-time analytics
- REST API, CLI, and MCP server access
- Bulk creation, QR codes, custom slugs, and safety checks
Where it doesn't
- No SLA, uptime guarantee, or performance commitment
- No stated support obligation
- Less suited to teams needing custom domains or integrations
Our verdict on Shorten.dev
Shorten.dev is a free URL-shortening service for developers and other users who need trackable links. Links can be created and managed through a web dashboard, REST API, command-line interface, and MCP server. The Free plan includes unlimited links, real-time analytics, bulk creation, QR codes, custom slugs, tags, and built-in link-safety checks. It is particularly well suited to API-first workflows and teams that want developer tooling without a paid tier.
The product’s strongest differentiator is its breadth of automation and analysis features at no cost. The REST API supports creating, listing, revoking, and analyzing links, while bulk creation handles up to 500 links. Analytics cover geography, referrers, devices, and browsers in real time. QR codes can be generated in SVG or PNG format, and the command-line interface supports link creation. The MCP server also provides a path for AI-compatible clients, while automated Google Safe Browsing checks add a safety layer.
Shorten.dev is a focused choice for developers, technical marketers, and teams that prioritize APIs, scripting, analytics, and permanent link retention. Its narrower fit appears when branded domains, broader integrations, or formal service commitments are central requirements. The published terms provide no SLA, uptime guarantee, performance commitment, or support obligation, so organizations with strict reliability or support expectations should consider an alternative. For free, programmable link management with analytics and QR generation, however, the single-plan model keeps the offering straightforward.
Your product? Our editors can test Shorten.dev in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Shorten.dev pricing
All 1 Shorten.dev plans and prices →
Shorten.dev fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Custom domains | Not verified |
| Analytics retention | Unlimited |
| API access | Yes |
| Team seats | Not verified |
| Bulk link creation | Yes |
| Geo targeting | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | shorten.dev |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Shorten.dev
- BitlyAn all-round link shortener with routing, analytics, bulk tools, and API access.9.3
- T.LYA broad link-management toolkit with web, mobile, browser, and API access.9.1
- Tiny.ccA capable URL shortener for teams needing branded links, analytics, routing, and API access.9.0
See all Shorten.dev alternatives →
Used Shorten.dev? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Shorten.dev for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Shorten.dev is listed in our URL Shorteners directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/shorten-dev/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/shorten-dev.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Last updated · How we research and update