Bitly vs TinyURL

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.

TinyURL is a long-running shortener that now pairs its classic keyless web form with a modern REST API. The API authenticates with a Bearer API token from a TinyURL account and supports creating short links with custom aliases and expiration, updating destinations, and listing links, returning JSON. A free plan covers basic API shortening, while paid Pro and Bulk plans add branded domains, higher limits, and analytics.