URL Shorteners · head-to-head
1pt vs Free Url Shortener
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).
Ulvis' Free URL Shortener shortens links through a plain GET or POST API with no signup or key required. It supports custom short names, click limits, passwords, and expiry dates, returning results as JSON or XML. It sends no CORS header, so the API must be called from a server rather than directly from browser JavaScript.
| 1pt | Free Url Shortener | |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | None | None |
| Pricing | free | free |
| Formats | JSON | JSON, XML |
| CORS | yes | no |
| HTTPS | Yes | Yes |
1pt supports CORS, while Free Url Shortener doesn't — pick 1pt for direct browser calls.