Free URL shortener
Shorten a long URL into a clean, custom link in seconds. Do it instantly with no signup, or create a free account to add click analytics, editable destinations, and QR codes — with no ads on the redirect.
Two ways to shorten for free
Most shorteners make you pick between fast-and-anonymous or full-featured-but-paid. U2L gives you both for free, and it's worth knowing which fits the moment.
Instant, no signup
Paste a URL, pick a custom alias, get a short link and QR code right away. Perfect when you just need a clean link. It doesn't track clicks.
Free account
Everything above, plus click analytics (country, device, referrer), editable destinations, and a dashboard to manage links. Still free, no card.
What's free, and what needs an upgrade
Being upfront about this saves everyone time. Here's the honest split.
Included on the free account
- ✓Custom alias (pick the text after the slash)
- ✓Click analytics — country, device, referrer
- ✓QR code for every link
- ✓Editable destination (change where a link points)
- ✓Link titles and social previews
- ✓Permanent 301 redirects
- ✓An API key for the REST API
Worth upgrading for
- →Your own custom branded domain
- →Geo and device routing
- →Password protection and scheduled links
- →A/B testing and retargeting pixels
- →Bulk CSV shortening
- →Dynamic QR codes and QR with your logo
Free features that usually cost money
A few things on U2L's free tier are commonly paywalled elsewhere. You can pick a custom alias so links are readable, see click analytics instead of flying blind, change a link's destination after you've shared it, and use a free API key to automate. Several popular free plans reportedly withhold analytics, lock the destination at creation, or add an interstitial ad page before the redirect — U2L doesn't.
When it's time to upgrade
The free tier covers a lot, but some jobs call for a paid plan. Reach for an upgrade when you want to put links on your own branded domain, route visitors by country or device, protect links with a password, run A/B tests, or shorten in bulk from a CSV. You can start free and upgrade only when one of those becomes a need.
Free URL shortener FAQ
Is U2L's URL shortener really free?+
Yes. There's a free tier with no credit card. You can shorten a link instantly without an account, or create a free account to add click analytics and manage your links.
Do I need to sign up to shorten a link?+
No. Anonymous shortening with a custom alias and a QR code works instantly. Creating a free account is what unlocks click tracking and a dashboard to manage links.
What's the difference between no-signup and a free account?+
No-signup mode is the fastest way to get a short link, but it doesn't track clicks. A free account adds analytics (country, device, referrer), editable destinations, and link management. Same price — free — different capabilities.
Do free short links expire?+
No, your links stay live. Note that analytics data has a retention window, and any auto-expiry is something you opt into per link, not a default.
Does the free plan include click analytics?+
Yes, on a free account you get click analytics broken down by country, device, and referrer. The instant no-signup mode does not track clicks.
Can I use my own domain for free?+
You get a branded subdomain for free. Connecting your own custom domain (like go.yourbrand.com) is a paid feature.
Can I make a custom or branded short link for free?+
Yes — you can choose a custom alias (for example u2l.ai/launch) on the free tier, so the link is readable instead of random characters.
Are there ads on the redirect?+
No. Links redirect straight to the destination with no interstitial ad page in between.
Do free links come with a QR code?+
Yes, every link can generate a QR code with color options. Dynamic QR and QR with your logo are paid features.
Is there a free API?+
Yes. A free account includes an API key for the public REST API, so you can create and track links programmatically without upgrading.
Shorten your first link free
Create a free account for analytics and management, or shorten instantly with no signup. No credit card either way.