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Shlink
What it is
Shlink is a free, open-source URL shortener that runs on infrastructure you manage and serves links under domains you control. It offers REST and command-line interfaces, plus an official web client for managing multiple instances. Visit analytics can include location, browser, and referrer information, with geolocation supported by a GeoLite2 database. Visitor IP addresses are anonymized by default; disabling that setting removes the instance’s GDPR compliance claim. Redirect behavior can vary by location, device type, or language, and link access can be limited by date range or visit count. One instance can serve several short domains and supports custom slugs, including multi-segment slugs. Shlink can import links from services such as Bitly and YOURLS. Operators can use a Docker image or distributable package and choose from MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, or SQLite. The distributable package requires PHP 8.3, 8.4, or 8.5 and the required extensions. The web client has hosted, Docker, and self-hosted options.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Supports custom domains and multi-segment slugs
- Tracks location, browser, and referrer
- Can import links from Bitly and YOURLS
- Offers Docker and distributable deployment options
Against
- Self-hosting requires operator-managed deployment
- Distributable package requires PHP 8.3, 8.4, or 8.5
- Disabling IP anonymization removes its GDPR compliance claim
The verdict
Shlink offers link management, visit analytics, and conditional redirects in a self-hosted package. Its deployment and runtime requirements make it a better fit for operators prepared to manage the service themselves.
Who it suits
Shlink suits people and teams who want to host their own short-link service on domains they control. Its analytics and redirect rules may be useful for operators managing multiple links or instances.
Plans and prices
Shlink
Open-source, self-hosted URL shortener · MIT license
Read 12 Oct 2026 · shlink.io
On the record
- API access
- Yesshlink.io · read 21 Sep 2026
- Bulk link creation
- Yesshlink.io · read 21 Sep 2026
- Custom domains
- Yesshlink.io · read 21 Sep 2026
- Database support
- Supported databases include MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and SQLite.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- The maker offers a Docker image and a distributable package for self-hosting; Docker images are published on Docker Hub and GitHub Container Registry.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- Domains and slugs
- One Shlink instance can serve multiple short domains and supports custom slugs, including multi-segment slugs.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- Events
- Real-time updates can integrate with Mercure, RabbitMQ, or Redis Pub/Sub.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- Geo targeting
- Yesshlink.io · read 21 Sep 2026
- Imports
- Shlink can import existing short URLs from services including Bitly and YOURLS.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The maker lists official PHP and JavaScript SDKs, Short Menu for Mac and iOS, a GNOME Shell extension, PowerToys Run, and an iOS shortcut.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- Interfaces
- Shlink provides REST and command-line interfaces, plus an official web client for managing multiple instances.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Visitor IP addresses are anonymized by default, and disabling that behavior removes the instance's GDPR compliance claim.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- Redirects and access
- Dynamic redirects can use geolocation, device type, or language, and URL access can be limited by date range or maximum visits.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- Runtime requirement
- The distributable package requires PHP 8.3, 8.4, or 8.5 and the required PHP extensions listed in its installation guide.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- Security configuration
- For HTTPS with RoadRunner or Docker, the documentation describes using a reverse proxy with an HTTPS certificate; the operator configures that proxy.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- Visit analytics
- It tracks short URL visits, including location, browser, and referrer, and can geolocate visitors using a GeoLite2 database.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- Web client hosting
- The Shlink web client has a free hosted option that runs in the browser, as well as Docker and self-hosted options.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Shlink is a self-hosted URL shortener that serves shortened URLs under domains you control.shlink.io · read 12 Oct 2026
