URL Shorteners · head-to-head
CleanURI vs TinyURL
CleanURI is a minimal, free URL shortener with a single documented endpoint: POST /api/v1/shorten takes a (URL-encoded) long URL and returns a short cleanuri.com link as JSON. It needs no account or API key, making it one of the simplest shorteners to call programmatically, though it offers no analytics, custom aliases, or link management beyond creation.
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.
| CleanURI | TinyURL | |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | None | API Key |
| Pricing | free | freemium |
| Formats | JSON | JSON |
| CORS | yes | yes |
| HTTPS | Yes | Yes |
CleanURI needs no API key, while TinyURL requires API Key — pick CleanURI to start without signup.