The best url shortener is a convenient online tool that converts long URLs into shorter versions. Those short links are easier to share, especially on social media or in spaces where character counts are limited. They also make it more practical to include a typable link in print media, such as flyers or business cards. Additionally, they help businesses achieve goals in a variety of areas, from branding and marketing to education and scientific research.

A good url shortener offers a variety of features, including tracking and analytics, personalization, and QR code generation. Some of these services are free to use, while others have subscription options for individuals or companies. The price ranges from as little as $10 per month for a single account to as much as $50 per month for advanced features.

Bitly is a well-established URL shortener with a history of reliability and simplicity. Its user interface is easy to navigate and understand, and it provides a comprehensive array of features for both individuals and businesses of all sizes. Its free plan offers basic tracking and customization, while its paid plans offer branded links, richer data and multiple users.

TinyURL is another popular shortener that offers many of the same features as Bitly. Its free version includes basic tracking and allows for the creation of up to ten unique URLs per month, five of which can have a custom back half. The free account is sufficient for most solo business owners, but for more sophisticated tracking and cloaking, its premium offerings may be worth considering.

Besides its basic link shortening functionality, Rebrandly has an advantage over the competition in its ability to generate branded URLs and track clicks on those links. It also lets you set up custom redirects, cloak affiliate links, and track editing history. Its pricing is a little higher than other competitors, but it is still less than the cost of some full-service web hosting packages.

While Polr isn’t as feature-rich as the other URL shorteners on this list, it does have one unique selling point: it lets you earn money for every person who visits your shortened links. You can choose to withdraw the earnings through PayPal, Skrill, or Payza. This is an ideal choice for those who want to earn some extra cash while sharing content with their audience.

While some people are concerned that URL shortening is dead, the fact is, it’s a useful tool for both businesses and individuals in many different areas. It makes it easier to share links, and it can also be used to monitor the click-through rates of content on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. It’s a simple way to keep track of how often a piece of content is being viewed, and it can be a great tool for monitoring the performance of your website or blog. In addition, it can be used to promote your brand on social media by giving you the opportunity to create a unique and eye-catching URL for each post.