by abijohn.com

If you’re looking for a self-hosted, open-source replacement for Bitly (the well-known link-shortening and link-management platform), here’s a curated list of eight strong alternatives — each offering unique features, privacy advantages, and a community-driven model.

1. Dub

A full-featured link-management platform built for modern teams.
Key features:

• Custom domains so you can brand your short links.

• Analytics dashboard with real-time click tracking and detailed stats.

• QR-code generation for offline campaigns.

• Team collaboration, API access, personalized slugs, password-protected links, device/region-based redirection.
  A solid all-round pick if you want the power of Bitly but full control. OpenAlternative+1

2. Sink

A lightweight, serverless link shortener that runs virtually maintenance-free.
Highlights:

• Runs entirely on Cloudflare’s serverless infrastructure.

• Create custom slugs; automated generation available.

• Built-in analytics and link-expiration support.
  Great choice if you prefer minimal overhead and want to deploy fast. OpenAlternative

3. Kutt

An open-source URL shortener with an elegant interface and useful features.
Features:

• Custom domains.

• Comprehensive link analytics.

• You manage your data (host yourself).
  Perfect for individuals or smaller teams who just want a clean, functional solution. OpenAlternative

4. Shlink

A robust self-hosted option that prioritizes control and privacy.
What it brings:

• You host under your own domain, so short links belong to you.

• Full API-first design; command-line interface to manage URLs & stats.

• Built-in PWA (progressive web app) UI for easier management.
  Ideal if you want full ownership of every link and its data. OpenAlternative

5. WR.DO

A creative take: combining DNS-based domain management with link shortener functionality.
Highlights:

• Built on Cloudflare’s infrastructure for speed and scalability.

• Free domain-name distribution plus short URL generation.

• Opens up interesting possibilities for domain/link hybrids.
  Good for unique workflows or if domain management is part of your link strategy. OpenAlternative

6. Fli.so

Designed for comprehensive link-management rather than just “shortening.”
Key capabilities:

• Custom-branded short links.

• Advanced analytics and click-tracking.

• Link tagging, grouping, metadata control (for richer campaigns).
  Perfect for marketers or content creators who want deeper insight into how links perform. OpenAlternative

7. Lua.sh

A developer-friendly open-source platform tailored for modern teams.
Features:

• Custom domains, analytics, API integration.

• Built for flexibility and extensibility.
  Excellent for development teams wanting to integrate link-shortening into apps or workflows. OpenAlternative

8. Slugy

A newer contender, still in early development but promising.
What’s notable:

• Focused on custom domains, rich analytics, QR codes, link-in-bio pages.

• Built to give users full control over link appearance and branding.
  Best to watch for future updates if you like cutting-edge setups. OpenAlternative

🧭 Choosing the Right Alternative

• Want full ownership + data privacy? Go with Shlink or Kutt.

• Need enterprise-style features (teams, analytics, QR codes)? Dub or Fli.so fit well.

• Prefer minimal setup and serverless architecture? Sink or WR.DO may be ideal.

• Want to integrate links into apps or workflows? Lua.sh is developer-friendly.

• Keeping an eye on the future? Slugy is emerging and worth following.

✅ Why Go Open-Source?

• You control your domain, data, links.

• No dependency on third-party “free tier” limitations.

• Can self-host, customise, extend.

• Often better privacy and transparency.

© abijohn.com — 2025
Open-source insights for digital creators and devs.

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