A Bitly alternative for short links you only need today
Last verified October 27, 2026
TL;DR
Bitly's free plan includes 5 links a month and requires an account. kuick.io shortens links without signing up and without a monthly count, but its links expire within 24 hours. For links printed on flyers or kept in a bio, use Bitly.
Try kuick.io freeWhy people look for a Bitly alternative
- The free plan includes only 5 links per month.
- You need an account to create links.
- Sometimes you want a link that stops working on its own.
kuick.io vs Bitly at a glance
| Feature | kuick.io | Bitly |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up needed | No | Yes |
| Free links | No monthly cap | 5 per month |
| Link lifetime | 15 minutes to 24 hours | Permanent |
| Click analytics | No | Yes |
| Custom domain | No | Paid plans |
| Share text & files too | Yes | No |
Choose kuick.io if…
- You need a short link for a meeting, a chat or a screen share right now.
- You don't want to sign up for a one-off link.
- You want the link to expire after the event.
Choose Bitly if…
- The link must keep working: print, bios, campaigns.
- You need click analytics, QR codes or a custom domain.
Frequently asked questions
How many free links does Bitly give you?
According to Bitly's FAQ, the Free plan includes 5 links, 2 QR codes and 2 Bitly Pages.
Do kuick.io short links expire?
Yes, after 15 minutes to 24 hours, whichever you choose. That makes them a good fit for temporary links, not permanent ones.
Competitor details come from public sources and may change. Spotted something outdated? Tell us at hello@kuick.io.