The best free URL shortener in 2026 (with QR codes and analytics)
Almost every URL shortener has a free tier, and the Bitly free plan is the one most people start with. The price is the same everywhere. What differs is what happens to your links once they're out in the world, and what the free tier lets you do. Here's what to check when you pick a free shortener in 2026.
1. Your links must be permanent
If a link on a printed flyer or an old email suddenly returns a 404, you can't fix it. Look for link permanence: links that never expire unless you set an expiry yourself. Check what happens to links made without an account too, since those are often temporary.
2. QR codes should be included
Every link deserves a QR code, and you shouldn't pay for the basics. A good free tier gives you a scannable, downloadable QR for every short link, and colours, gradients and shapes should be free too. On Urlicer, only the print-ready SVG file (Pro and up) and a centre logo (Team and up) cost extra.
3. Analytics beyond a click count
"You got 42 clicks" isn't analytics. You want to know where clicks came from (country, referrer), what device people used, and whether they came from a QR scan or a direct click. Check how long the click history is kept, too.
4. Privacy without cookies
Link analytics can be cookieless. The click is counted on the server during the redirect, no cookie is set on the visitor, and the raw IP address isn't stored.
5. Room to grow
A free tier is a starting point. Check that the paid plans add the things you'll want later (a branded custom domain, higher limits, more team seats, and longer analytics retention) so you're not forced to migrate (and re-print QR codes) when you outgrow it.
How Urlicer stacks up
A free Urlicer account gives you links that never expire, a QR code for every one, and cookieless analytics, with no card required. It covers 500 new links and 25,000 tracked clicks a month, keeps 30 days of click history, and includes the API at 30 requests a minute. QR codes aren't metered. Links made on the home page without an account expire after 30 days. Paid plans add branded domains, custom aliases, your own logo on QR codes, targeting and more. If you are moving from Bitly, see our list of Bitly alternatives. You can compare every plan here.
Want to try it? Start with a free account. Links in your workspace never expire, and every one gets a QR code and click analytics.