URL Shorteners · head-to-head
1pt vs Bitly
1pt is a free, keyless public URL shortener maintained by members of the University of Waterloo Computer Science Club. A single POST to /addURL returns a compact 1pt.co short link, with an optional custom back-half, and no account or API key is ever required. The trade-off is that it is a hobby-run service with no uptime guarantee, and its backend host has migrated over time (currently a csclub.uwaterloo.ca deployment).
Bitly is one of the oldest and most widely used link-management platforms, shortening URLs to bit.ly links and tracking clicks, geography, referrers, and campaigns. Its v4 REST API authenticates with an OAuth 2.0 access token and covers link creation, custom back-halves, QR codes, and analytics, returning JSON. A limited free tier exists, with paid Core and Enterprise plans unlocking higher volumes, branded domains, and deeper metrics.
| 1pt | Bitly | |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | None | OAuth |
| Pricing | free | freemium |
| Formats | JSON | JSON |
| CORS | yes | yes |
| HTTPS | Yes | Yes |
1pt needs no API key, while Bitly requires OAuth — pick 1pt to start without signup.