Best Open Source Link Management Tools in 2026

Bitly costs $35-300/month. Here are the best open source link management tools with custom domains, analytics, and team features.

Quick Comparison

Tool	Best For	License	Stars	Self-Host
Dub	Full Bitly replacement	AGPL-3.0	19K+	Docker
Shlink	API-first shortener	MIT	3K+	Docker
Kutt	Privacy-focused	MIT	8K+	Docker
YOURLS	Simple shortener	MIT	10K+	PHP

Detailed Breakdown

Dub — Best Overall

Replaces: Bitly, Rebrandly

• Custom domains
• Link analytics (clicks, locations, devices, referrers)
• QR code generation
• UTM builder
• Team workspaces
• Tags and organization
• API access
• Beautiful dashboard

Best for: Marketing teams who need a full Bitly replacement.

Shlink — Best for Developers

Replaces: Bitly (API-focused)

• REST API first
• CLI management
• Multiple domains
• Visit tracking
• Tag-based organization
• QR codes
• Import from Bitly
• Webhooks

Best for: Developers who need programmatic link management.

Kutt — Best Privacy-Focused

Replaces: Bitly (privacy-conscious)

• Custom domains
• Link management
• Visit statistics
• API access
• Password-protected links
• Link expiration
• Lightweight

Best for: Users who want simple link shortening with privacy.

Cost Savings

Service	Bitly Growth	Self-Hosted Dub	Annual Savings
500 links	$420/year	$54/year (VPS)	$366
Unlimited	$3,588/year	$54/year	$3,534

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Compare all link management tools on OSSAlt — features, analytics, and custom domain support side by side.