Head to head
ReSlug vs Short.io: which URL shortener should you pick in 2026?
A newer shortener built around a generous free plan: 500 links, a custom domain and QR codes without paying. A domain-first shortener with unusually generous domain allowances and a cheap $5 entry plan. Here is how their free plans, prices and features line up.
These are the two best free plans in our tracking, and they win in different ways. Short.io's free plan includes five custom domains, 1,000 lifetime links and 50,000 tracked clicks a month. ReSlug's includes one domain, 500 active links, 1,000 tracked clicks a month, 30 days of analytics, QR codes and a bio page.
On paid plans, Short.io Hobby is $5 a month for 2,500 lifetime links and seven domains, and Pro is $18 for unlimited links and ten domains. ReSlug Pro is $9 a month for unlimited links, ten domains and 365 days of analytics. Short.io does not publish analytics retention on any plan.
ReSlug vs Short.io: every limit side by side
| ReSlug | Short.io | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ||
| Free plan available | Yes | Yes |
| Free links | 500 active links | 1,000 links (lifetime) |
| Custom domain on free | Yes | Yes |
| Ads on free links | No | No |
| Analytics on free | 30 days | Not documented |
| QR codes on free | Yes | Yes |
| Paid | ||
| Cheapest paid plan | Pro, $9/mo | Hobby, $5/mo |
| Billed annually | $6.58/mo | — |
| Links on cheapest paid plan | Unlimited | 2,500 (lifetime) |
| Custom domains (paid) | 10 | 7 |
| Analytics retention (paid) | 365 days | Not documented |
| Features | ||
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Link-in-bio pages | Yes | Yes |
| UTM builder | Yes | Yes |
| Link expiration | Yes | Pro and up |
| Password-protected links | Yes | Pro and up |
| Geo / device routing | Yes | Yes |
| A/B split testing | Yes | Yes |
| Retargeting pixels | Yes | Yes |
| Bot-click filtering | Yes | Not documented |
| Team seats | No | Team plan |
Sources: ReSlug pricing and Short.io pricing, checked 8 November 2026.
Choose ReSlug if…
- You want to know how long your analytics are kept (30 days free, 365 Pro).
- You want bot clicks removed automatically.
- You need a link-in-bio page.
- You prefer unlimited links at $9 over Short.io's $18 Pro.
Choose Short.io if…
- You manage several brands and want five domains free.
- You need a free API at 50 requests a second.
- You want the cheapest possible paid plan ($5 Hobby).
- You need a Team plan with unlimited users and 50 domains.
Bottom line
Short.io wins on domains, ReSlug wins on everything you do with the links afterwards: analytics retention, bot filtering, routing and bio pages. Both are far better value than Bitly.
Frequently asked questions
Is ReSlug or Short.io better for a free plan?
ReSlug gives you 500 active links free; Short.io gives you 1,000 links (lifetime) free. See the free-plan rows in the table above for domains, ads and analytics.
Which is cheaper, ReSlug or Short.io?
ReSlug's cheapest paid plan is $9/mo (Pro) and Short.io's is $5/mo (Hobby), both billed monthly. Annual billing lowers the effective rate where offered.
Can I use my own domain with ReSlug and Short.io?
ReSlug: yes, on the free plan. Short.io: yes, on the free plan.