The best free URL shortener in 2026 (with QR codes and analytics)
Almost every URL shortener has a free tier. The question isn't whether it's free. It's what happens to your links once they're out in the world. Here's what actually matters when you pick a free shortener in 2026.
1. Your links must be permanent
This is the one that bites people. Some shorteners expire links on free plans, or have threatened to sunset old links entirely. If a link on a printed flyer or an old email suddenly 404s, that's real damage you can't undo. Look for a shortener that treats link permanence as sacred: links that never expire unless you explicitly set an expiry.
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. Only a centre logo and a print-ready vector file are worth paying for.
3. Real analytics, not just a counter
"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. That's the difference between a toy and a tool.
4. Privacy that doesn't need a banner
Modern analytics can be cookieless, with no tracking cookies, no consent banner, and no storing raw IP addresses. If a shortener makes you plaster a cookie notice on everything, that's a step backwards.
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, an API, and longer analytics retention) so you're not forced to migrate (and re-print QR codes) when you outgrow it.
How Urlicer stacks up
Urlicer's free plan gives you permanent links, a QR code for every one, and cookieless analytics, no card required. Paid plans add branded domains, custom aliases, your own logo on QR codes, targeting, an API and more. You can compare every plan here.
Want to try it? Shorten a link free. No signup, and every link gets a QR code and click analytics.