Best Self-Hosted URL Shortener in 2026

Tools for shortening, managing, and tracking URLs — from simple link shortening to branded links with analytics.

The top-rated pick is Kutt with 10,931 GitHub stars.

5 self-hosted url shortener — ranked by GitHub stars. Browse all

Kutt

A modern, free, and open-source URL shortener with custom domains, analytics, and a clean API.

Alternative to:

Bitly

Shlink

The definitive self-hosted URL shortener with analytics, QR codes, custom domains, and a powerful API.

Alternative to:

Bitly

Chhoto URL

A blazingly fast, self-hosted URL shortener written in Rust with no unnecessary features.

Alternative to:

Bitly

Simple URL Shortener

A lightweight PHP-based URL shortener with MySQL or SQLite support and user history tracking.

Alternative to:

Bitly

Flink

A zero-config, FOSS URL shortener with QR code generation and OpenTelemetry support, built in ASP.NET Core.

Alternative to:

Bitly

Why self-host?

Self-hosting puts you in control. You own your data, avoid vendor lock-in, and eliminate recurring subscription costs. For teams handling sensitive data or operating under strict compliance requirements, running your own infrastructure is often the only viable option.