Discover the Best Goes.li | Ref.li Alternatives for Your Link Shortening Needs

Goes.li, also known as Ref.li, started its journey as "GoCut" in 2006, evolving into a minimalist link shortening platform. Known for its security filters (powered by Phishtank and Google since 2014) and its commitment to CO2-neutral hosting in Germany, Goes.li | Ref.li offers a reliable service. However, users often seek alternatives for various reasons, including specific feature requirements, different pricing models, or a desire for self-hosting options. This guide explores the top alternatives to Goes.li | Ref.li, helping you find the perfect link shortener.

Top Goes.li | Ref.li Alternatives

Whether you're looking for more advanced analytics, customizability, open-source solutions, or even monetization opportunities, these Goes.li | Ref.li alternatives offer a diverse range of features to suit any need.

bit.ly

Bit.ly is a widely popular freemium web-based platform also available on Android, iPhone, and Chrome OS, making it a robust Goes.li | Ref.li alternative. It allows users to shorten, share, and track URLs with ease. Its features like custom URLs, HTTPS support, and integrations with Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer extensions provide extended functionality that Goes.li | Ref.li users might appreciate for enhanced link management and sharing.

Kutt

Kutt is a modern, free, and open-source URL shortener available on the web and as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. As an excellent Goes.li | Ref.li alternative, Kutt stands out with its ability to set custom domains for shortened URLs, comprehensive link management features, and detailed click rate statistics, offering a more hands-on approach to link tracking than the minimalist Goes.li | Ref.li.

Polr

Polr is a free and open-source URL shortener that offers a modern interface and user admin panels. It's a self-hosted solution compatible with Windows and Linux, making it an ideal Goes.li | Ref.li alternative for those who prefer to have full control over their data and infrastructure. Its PHP-based web interface ensures ease of use and customization for a more personalized experience.

YOURLS

YOURLS (Your Own URL Shortener) is a free, open-source set of PHP scripts that lets you run your private or public URL shortener. This self-hosted web-based Goes.li | Ref.li alternative gives you complete ownership of your shortened links and data, featuring API access for extended integration and HTTPS support for secure link handling.

TinyURL

TinyURL is a long-standing and widely recognized free web-based URL shortener. It's a straightforward Goes.li | Ref.li alternative for users who need quick link shortening without extensive features. TinyURL offers custom URLs, encrypted connections, HTTPS support, QR code recognition, and URL forwarding, making it a reliable choice for simple, effective link management.

adf.ly

Adf.ly is a free web-based URL shortening service that uniquely offers monetization. Unlike Goes.li | Ref.li, which focuses on security and minimalism, adf.ly allows users to earn money for each visitor to their shortened links, making it an appealing Goes.li | Ref.li alternative for those looking to generate income from their shared URLs.

Elbo

Elbo.in is a free and open-source URL shortener available as a web service and browser extensions for Chrome, Opera, and Firefox. As a Goes.li | Ref.li alternative, Elbo goes beyond basic shortening by offering link analytics, social sharing capabilities, QR codes, and custom URLs, providing a more comprehensive set of tools for link management and analysis.

Shorte.st

Shorte.st is a free web-based link shortener that offers monetization, similar to adf.ly. It allows users to earn money for visitors to their shortened links. This feature makes Shorte.st an attractive Goes.li | Ref.li alternative for those prioritizing income generation from their shared content over Goes.li | Ref.li's focus on security and simplicity.

Lstu

Lstu is a nice and open-source URL shortener available as a service or for self-hosting on your own Linux server, powered by Perl. As a web-based Goes.li | Ref.li alternative, Lstu provides a simple yet effective solution for those who prefer an open-source, self-hosted option, offering more control than a managed service like Goes.li | Ref.li.

The landscape of URL shorteners is diverse, offering a range of features from advanced analytics and custom domains to self-hosting options and even monetization. While Goes.li | Ref.li provides a secure and minimalist service, exploring these alternatives can help you find a platform that aligns perfectly with your specific needs, whether for personal use, business, or development. Consider their features, platform availability, and open-source status to determine the best fit for your link shortening requirements.