Best Linkly alternative – Linko vs Linkly

If you’re searching for the best Linkly alternative, you’re in the right place.

The link management space is getting more competitive, and marketers, creators, and businesses are constantly seeking tools that go beyond basic link shortening.

Visit Linko – a feature-rich, fast-growing URL shortener and link management platform that’s making waves by offering advanced features at a fraction of the cost.

In this comparison post, we’ll break down Linko vs Linkly in depth, focusing on everything from analytics and link customization to QR codes, A/B testing, deep linking, and more.

Whether you’re a digital marketer managing campaigns, a content creator sharing smart bio links, or a developer looking for an API-friendly tool, this post will help you find the right solution for your needs.

Let’s dive into the details and see if Linko is truly the best alternative to Linkly in 2025.

What is Linkly and what does it offer?

Linkly is a long-established link management tool that lets users shorten URLs, track clicks, add retargeting pixels, and create custom redirects.

It’s especially popular among marketers who run paid ad campaigns and want to measure and optimize traffic from Facebook Ads, Google Ads, and email campaigns.

Here’s what Linkly provides:

• Link shortening with custom slugs
• UTM builder and tracking support
• Click analytics and device/location tracking
• Pixel-based retargeting (Facebook, Google, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Link cloaking and redirects
• A/B testing for destination URLs
• Simple interface with a focus on performance and conversion tracking

While Linkly is reliable, its interface and features haven’t evolved much in recent years.

It’s functional but feels dated for users who want more modern dashboards, advanced QR options, or a customizable bio page.

What is Linko and how is it different?

Linko is a next-generation URL shortener, bio link editor, and QR code generator built for modern marketers, creators, and agencies.

It combines the essentials of link shortening with powerful tools for audience targeting, campaign tracking, and content personalization.

Here’s what sets Linko apart:

• Modern, user-friendly interface with detailed dashboards
• Advanced analytics with campaign, device, referrer, and country filters
• Bulk shortening of URLs without requiring CSV uploads
• 41+ widgets for customizable bio pages
• QR codes with brand colors and multiple file types (PNG, PDF, SVG, WEBP)
• A/B testing, link cloaking, deep linking, and IP targeting
• Support for call, SMS, WhatsApp, vCard, and event links
• Powerful API for developers and team portals for agencies

Linko is feature-rich even on its free plan, and it allows users to explore many advanced options without a paid subscription.

It’s ideal for anyone looking to manage a high volume of smart, dynamic links with modern capabilities.

Comparing Linko and Linkly on core link shortening features

Both platforms allow you to shorten links, but there are clear differences in how each handles usability, scale, and flexibility.

Verdict: If you only need basic shortening and tracking, Linkly works.

But for broader use cases, Linko offers more flexibility, especially with phone/SMS links, branded slugs, and widget-powered landing pages.

Advanced analytics: Linko vs Linkly

Link analytics is a key part of link management. Let’s compare how each platform handles tracking and reporting.

Linkly analytics features:

• Total clicks
• Unique visitors
• Referrer data
• Country and device reports
• Query string parameters
• ISP
• Bot Traffics

Linko analytics features:

• Real-time click tracking
• A/B testing click stats
• Device, browser, OS,
• Country & city, and referrer
• Time of click
• Exportable reports
• User’s browser language

Linko clearly offers deeper insights, helping marketers analyze performance in granular ways.

If you’re running campaigns and want to see how each source performs, Linko’s analytics tools are more advanced and more intuitive.

Bio page customization and widgets

This is where Linko pulls far ahead.

Linkly doesn’t offer a bio page editor. It’s built purely for URL shortening and redirection.

Linko, on the other hand, includes a full-feature bio page builder with over 41 widgets and support for 38+ social platforms.

You can add:

• Links with icons and animations
• Videos (YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo)
• Contact forms
• Spotify, SoundCloud players
• RSS feeds and latest blog posts
• Payment buttons, product widget, and newsletter
• Custom CSS, colors, and theme layouts

Linko’s bio pages are mobile-responsive, SEO-optimized, and shareable. This makes it a perfect Linktree alternative baked directly into your link shortening platform.

UTM parameters and campaign tracking comparison

Both Linkly and Linko support UTM tracking, but neither platform offers advanced automation or campaign-level templates.

Linkly provides a simple UTM builder where you can manually add standard parameters like:

• utm_source
• utm_medium
• utm_campaign
• utm_term
• utm_content

Linko offers a similar setup. You can manually add UTM parameters, but Linko also offers UTM ID and any custom parameters you need.

If you’re looking for basic UTM tagging, both tools will get the job done.

Linko focuses more on simplicity and flexibility with custom UTM values, while Linkly sticks to traditional input.

A/B testing and retargeting features

Linkly supports A/B testing by allowing you to set up multiple destinations under one short link.

It randomly sends visitors to one of the target URLs and tracks the results. It also supports pixel tracking, which is helpful for retargeting.

Linko does all that and more.

• A/B test multiple URLs with weighted distribution
• Track engagement by destination URL
• Retargeting with pixel + IP targeting
• Custom rules for redirecting based on device, country, or language

With Linko, you don’t just test; you optimize based on granular behavior.

It’s perfect for marketers running landing page experiments or affiliate campaigns with different offers.

Deep linking and mobile behavior support differences

Deep linking ensures users go to the right place inside an app, not just the homepage. For example, clicking a link to a YouTube video should open the app, not the browser.

Linkly does not support advanced deep linking.

Linko includes deep link support and allows you to:

• Redirect based on OS (iOS, Android, Windows)
• Link directly to in-app content
• Create universal links for apps like Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp
• Send mobile users to different URLs than desktop users

This makes Linko a strong choice for app developers, mobile advertisers, or creators sharing content across multiple platforms.

CTA overlay and custom splash page availability

If you want to overlay your brand, call-to-action, or lead magnet over a third-party website, this is where both tools have something to offer.

Linkly doesn’t allows adding CTAs or popups.

Linko provides:

• CTA overlays with multiple layouts
• Contact forms, newsletter, and button CTAs
• Custom splash pages with branding, lead capture forms, or announcements
• Cookie-based targeting to avoid repeat display

If you’re looking to drive conversions without needing a landing page, Linko offers better tools for personalized experiences.

Link scheduling and expiration features in both tools

Both Linkly and Linko allow you to schedule links and set expiration conditions. Here’s how they compare:

Linkly scheduling:

• Start and end time
• Link expiration redirection

Linko scheduling:

• Start/end scheduling
• Expiration by:
• Clicks
• Time
• Date
• Redirect expired links to custom fallback URLs
• Add expiration to bio links, not just short URLs

With Linko, you can time campaigns, flash sales, or limited-time offers with much more control.

It’s especially useful for email campaigns, seasonal promotions, or link access for limited audiences.

Link cloaking and privacy options

Link cloaking is useful when you want to hide the destination URL and make the link look clean and professional.

It’s often used by affiliate marketers, and privacy-conscious users.

Linkly and Linko supports link cloaking + advanced techniques

• Fully cloaked redirects using iframe technology (when supported)
• Option to hide referrer headers
• URL masking combined with tracking pixels

If your work involves affiliate marketing or private campaigns, Linko offers more granular cloaking control and privacy options compared to Linkly.

Bulk URL shortening and QR code generation comparison

Both platforms support link shortening, but only one provides modern bulk tools and a seamless workflow.

Linkly does not support native bulk shortening. You’ll need to upload a CSV or manually shorten links one at a time.

Linko provides:

• Instant bulk shortening (up to 50 on the free plan, thousands on paid plans)
• Shortening via CSV file is also supported
• Bulk QR code generation for each link (automatic)
• Bulk link export and download options for QR codes

Digital marketers managing product catalogs, ad campaigns, or batch uploads will benefit from Linko’s real-time tools.

It saves hours of work and simplifies high-volume tasks.

Supported QR code types and download options

QR codes are now essential for both online and offline engagement. From restaurant menus to print ads, a flexible QR code generator is a must-have.

Linkly offers QR codes for shortened URLs only, with no design customization or multi-type support.

Linko supports 12 types of QR codes, including:

• URL
• Text
• Event
• vCard (Contact)
• Email
• SMS
• Phone Call
• WiFi connection
• WhatsApp
• Crypto Currency
• File
• App Download

Linko also offers:

• Color customization
• QR code shapes and logo uploads (on paid plans)
• 4 download options: PDF, PNG, SVG, WEBP
• QR code for bio pages and not just short links

This makes Linko one of the best QR code generators built into a shortener, suitable for print marketing, packaging, business cards, and NFC replacements.

Branded links and custom domain setup experience

Using your own domain for link shortening improves brand trust and click-through rates. Both Linkly and Linko support custom domains.

Linkly allows custom domains with SSL but Linko offers:

• Easy domain connection with guided setup
• Cloudflare SSL for every connected domain
• Option to manage multiple domains
• Separate settings for redirect rules and branding

OnlyFans Marketers with clients or agencies managing multiple domains will appreciate Linko’s branded domain flexibility.

API capabilities and integration options for developers

Developers and automation enthusiasts need reliable APIs to integrate link tools into their workflows.

Linkly API is functional but limited. You can:

• Shorten a link
• Get stats
• Update link settings

Linko API goes further, with support for:

• Shortening, editing, and deleting links
• QR code generation via API
• Campaign management
• A/B testing and analytics tracking
• Device, language, and geo-targeting controls
• Custom splash, CTA overlay, and channel management via API
• Supports cURL, PHP, Python, Node.js, and C#
• Ideal for automating marketing workflows

If you’re building a SaaS, automation tool, or CRM integration, Linko’s API gives you a full development playground.

Pricing comparison

Now let’s talk about pricing — the part that directly impacts your growth.

Linko’s pricing is transparent and value-packed, even on the lowest tier.

You don’t have to upgrade just to unlock basics like QR codes, Bio Link, or File sharing.

It’s ideal for startups, marketers, and creators who need powerful tools without enterprise pricing.

Free plan limitations and feature access: Linko vs Linkly

Linkly offers a free plan with 1K links anc clicks, after you reached 1K clicks, your links will be paused.

Linko’s free plan includes:

• Up to 50 short links with 1K tracked clicks and unlimited untracked clicks. No link pause.
• 1 Bio Page with 41 widgets
• Link tracking dashboard
• unlimited static and 2 dynamic QR code generation per month
• Free UTM builder
• Call, SMS, WhatsApp, and email links
• Support for non-English slugs

For users testing the waters, Linko provides real value without forcing upgrades — something that’s increasingly rare in 2025.

Support, onboarding, and learning resources

A tool is only as useful as the support behind it.

Linkly offers live chat + email support and a basic help doc section.

Linko provides:

• Live chat and Fast email support (usually under 2 hours)
• Active knowledge base and tutorials
• A growing user forum with categories like:
• Link Shortener Tips
• Bio Page Tricks
• QR Code Use Cases
• Walkthroughs and tooltips in the dashboard

Linko’s onboarding feels much more modern and designed to help non-technical users succeed quickly.

Who should use Linko and who should use Linkly?

Linkly is a great choice for:

• Users who only want a few tracking links for ads
• Affiliate marketers who need retargeting pixels
• People already used to the older Linkly dashboard

Linko is perfect for:

• Marketers, agencies, and creators who need more than just shortening
• Anyone who wants to share bio links with widgets
• Users who rely on deep analytics, A/B testing, and geo/IP targeting
• Developers building automations or custom tools
• Businesses needing scalable link tracking and branded QR codes

In short, Linko is for people who want more control, more features, and more growth tools — right out of the box.

Final verdict: Is Linko the best Linkly alternative for 2025?

Absolutely — Linko is the best Linkly alternative in 2025 if you’re looking for a modern, powerful, and affordable link management solution.

✅ More analytics power
✅ Better support for mobile, deep links, and QR types
✅ Cleaner interface with scalable plans
✅ Free plan that actually gives value
✅ Advanced features like CTA overlays, link cloaking, and A/B testing

Linkly is still a solid choice for minimalists and legacy users, but Linko clearly leads in innovation, flexibility, and usability.

So whether you’re a solopreneur, marketing team, or software developer, Linko offers the full package: smart links, better data, powerful targeting, and unmatched customization — all in one dashboard.