Top cmpct.io Alternatives: Finding Your Ideal URL Shortener
You may have heard of projects like bit.ly where you paste a long URL and the service spits back a shorter one you can share with friends and colleagues. cmpct.io is a bit like bit.ly but it differs in a few ways...No automatic redirect: bit.ly provides really short links, but they obfuscate where you will actually end up, this isn't great; so cmpct.io doesn't automatically redirect you, but you go to a landing page where you can see the destination before you choose to go there. More Info »FEATURES- Comments: I frequently work on projects and ask others for feedback, but its never easy to collect it; so I wanted to make it possible for people to leave comments on one of the links generated.- Reports: Scammers often use bit.ly because they can get unsuspecting users to go to unsafe websites, so cmpct.io has a reporting capability which alerts you if the link you have been provided is unsafe; before you go there!- Privacy focused: Internet companies love to harvest your info and habits, so I wanted to build one that stored absolutely nothing about you. Hence the project doesn't even have an account system, nor do we store on our servers a list of the links you have visited.- Free: I build software because I enjoy building software, I have a job to make money, so a key advantage cmpct.io can offer is that I have no intention of generating revenue from it. While cmpct.io offers unique features like landing page redirects, comments, and privacy focus, many users seek alternatives for various reasons, including specific integrations, advanced analytics, or self-hosting capabilities.
Top cmpct.io Alternatives
If cmpct.io doesn't perfectly fit your needs, a wealth of other URL shorteners offer diverse features. We've compiled a list of excellent cmpct.io alternatives, each bringing its own strengths to the table.
bit.ly
bit.ly is a widely recognized URL shortener that allows users to shorten, share, and track links (URLs). Unlike cmpct.io's landing page, bit.ly offers direct redirects, making it ideal for quick sharing. It's a Freemium service available across Web, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, and various browsers, offering features like Google Chrome Extensions, Custom URLs, and HTTPS Support, catering to users who prioritize tracking and broad platform compatibility.
Kutt
Kutt is a modern, open-source URL shortener that excels in customization, allowing you to set custom domains for your shortened URLs, manage links, and view click rate statistics. Available for Free on Web, Chrome, and Firefox, Kutt provides a robust alternative to cmpct.io for users who require detailed analytics and branding control, features not explicitly highlighted in cmpct.io's offering.
Polr
Polr is an open-source and self-hostable web application, offering a fast and simple URL shortener with a robust API. Available for Free on Windows, Linux, and Web, with support for Apache HTTP Server and PHP, Polr is a strong cmpct.io alternative for those seeking complete control over their data and infrastructure, as cmpct.io emphasizes a server-less, no-account approach.
YOURLS
YOURLS (Your Own URL Shortener) is a set of PHP scripts that empowers you to run your own URL shortener, similar to TinyURL or bit.ly. As a Free, Open Source, and self-hosted solution for Web and Cloudron, YOURLS provides a compelling alternative to cmpct.io for users who want a private or public URL shortening service with API access and HTTPS Support, offering more control than cmpct.io's privacy-focused but shared service.
TinyURL
TinyURL is a long-standing and free web-based URL shortening service known for its simplicity. It addresses the issue of broken URLs in emails and offers features like Custom URLs, Encrypted Connection, HTTPS Support, QR Code Recognition, and URL Forwarding. For users who prefer a straightforward, reliable service without the advanced features of cmpct.io like comments or reporting, TinyURL is an excellent, classic alternative.
adf.ly
adf.ly is a unique free web-based URL shortening service that allows users to earn money for each visitor to their shortened links. Unlike cmpct.io, which is entirely free and revenue-neutral, adf.ly focuses on monetization through ads. This makes it a distinct cmpct.io alternative for individuals or businesses looking to generate revenue from their shared links, featuring Ads and Monetization capabilities.
Akari Link Shortener
Akari Link Shortener is an anime-themed URL shortener that offers a Free Personal web-based service with Chrome and Opera extensions. It stands out with its Customizable features and unique Anime aesthetic. While cmpct.io focuses on privacy and safety, Akari Link Shortener offers a fun and personalized experience, appealing to a different user base who values unique branding and browser integration.
Anchr.io
Anchr.io provides a versatile toolbox for various internet tasks, including image uploading, link shortening, and creating link collections. As a free web-based service with Bookmarks features, Anchr.io offers broader utility beyond just URL shortening, making it a compelling cmpct.io alternative for users who need a more integrated solution for content sharing and organization, rather than just a simple link shortener.
Lstu
Lstu is a nice and open-source URL shortener that can be used as a service or installed on your own server. Available for Free on Linux, Web, and as a Self-Hosted Perl application, Lstu is an excellent cmpct.io alternative for those seeking full control over their URL shortening service, similar to other self-hosted options, but with the flexibility of a Perl-based solution.
Ultimately, the best URL shortener depends on your specific needs. While cmpct.io offers a unique privacy-focused approach with a landing page, alternatives like bit.ly, Kutt, and YOURLS provide diverse features ranging from advanced analytics and custom domains to self-hosting capabilities. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your URL shortening requirements.