The API shortener, plus the brand experience on top.
Short.io is a lean, affordable custom-domain shortener with a solid API. yLnk covers short links, QR, and deep links too, then adds LinkFolio, forms, a storefront, and a blog under one brand.
Smart route
One public URL
go.ylnk.app/app
One platform
6
products under one login
Route hits by platform
Where yLnk pulls ahead of Short.io
Short.io covers links and deep links well. This is the wider surface.
Pages, forms, and a store
LinkFolio bio pages, branded forms, yShop, and a blog run from the same account as your links and QR codes.
Campaign reporting across channels
One view spanning QR links, LinkFolio, forms, and blog posts with date filters.
Role-based organizations
Owner, Admin, Editor, Analyst, and Support roles, invite approval, and an audit log.
Built for growth
Keep the API. Add the brand experience.
One public URL
Share a branded link that resolves to iOS, Android, or web with a fallback.
Forms included
Collect leads and feedback next to your link and QR data.
Own the domain
Publish the bio page, blog, and store on your root domain.
Editable QR
Every link has a QR code, and destinations stay editable after printing.
Side by side
yLnk vs Short.io, feature by feature
Short.io is a capable custom-domain shortener. This is where the scope differs.
| Feature | yLnk | Short.io |
|---|---|---|
| Short links | Yes | Yes |
| QR codes | Yes | Yes |
| Link-in-bio page Check current plan. | LinkFolio | No |
| Dynamic app links (iOS / Android / web routing) Both support deep linking; check current plan. | Yes | Deep links |
| Forms | Yes | No |
| Storefront / checkout | yShop | No |
| Blog / content pages | Yes | No |
| Campaign reporting across asset types Check current plan. | Yes | Link analytics & A/B |
| Organization / team roles Check current plan for roles and seats. | 5 roles, invite + audit log | Team members |
| Custom branded subdomains Check current plan. | One per product, across the suite | Custom domains for links |
| Plan tier for team features Check current plan. | Standard paid plans | Paid tiers |
Compiled from publicly available information on each provider’s website in August 2026. Competitor plans and limits change often — confirm current details on their own pricing pages. Rows marked “check current plan” vary by tier.
The honest part
Where Short.io is the better pick
- A lean, low-cost product with a strong, well-documented API and generous link volume.
- Built-in A/B testing and link cloaking for growth and affiliate use cases.
- Fast setup for developers who just want custom-domain short links and deep links.
- If links and deep links are the whole job and budget matters, Short.io is a focused choice.
Better for:developers and growth teams that want cheap, API-first custom-domain short links with A/B testing and deep links, and no need for pages, forms, a store, or a blog.
Keep the API. Add the brand experience.
Start free, then add bio pages, forms, and a store when you need them.
Can I migrate my Short.io links to yLnk?
Yes. Export your Short.io links and recreate them in yLnk, or point your branded domain at yLnk and rebuild the slugs. Existing links keep resolving until you switch.
Does yLnk support deep links like Short.io?
Yes. yLnk dynamic links route each visitor to iOS, Android, or web from one branded URL, with a fallback when the app is not installed.
Does yLnk have an API?
Yes. yLnk has a REST API for creating and managing links and reading analytics. Availability depends on your plan.
Does yLnk support custom domains on the free plan?
Branded domains are a paid feature. Free covers yLnk-branded short links, QR codes, and a LinkFolio page.