Top 9 Best lilURL Alternatives for Shortening Your Links

lilURL is a simple PHP/MySQL script designed for creating custom, short URLs, similar to popular services like TinyURL or Shorl, but with the distinct advantage of being self-hostable. While it offers control and privacy by running on your own server, many users look for a lilURL alternative that provides more features, easier setup, or integrates with other services. Whether you're seeking advanced analytics, monetization options, or just a simpler web-based solution, there are numerous excellent URL shorteners available.

Best lilURL Alternatives

If you're looking to move beyond lilURL or simply explore other options for managing your links, here's a curated list of top alternatives that offer a variety of features, from custom domains and analytics to monetization and open-source flexibility.

bit.ly

bit.ly

bit.ly is a widely popular URL shortener that allows users to shorten, share, and track links. It's a fantastic lilURL alternative for those who need robust analytics and cross-platform accessibility. Available as Freemium, Web, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Android Tablet, and with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer, it offers features like Google Chrome Extensions, Custom URLs, Firefox Extensions, HTTPS Support, IFTTT integration, and URL Forwarding, making it a comprehensive solution.

Kutt

Kutt

Kutt is a modern, Free and Open Source URL shortener that excels in offering custom domain support for your shortened URLs, link management, and detailed click rate statistics. If you're looking for a lilURL alternative that provides similar self-hosting capabilities but with a more contemporary interface and built-in analytics, Kutt is an excellent choice. It's available as a Web service and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, featuring Custom URLs, Custom domains, Statistics and Reports, and URL Forwarding.

Polr

Polr

Polr is a Free and Open Source URL shortener that stands out as a strong lilURL alternative for those who prioritize self-hosting and customization. It provides a modern look, themes, user admin panels, and runs on your own server using PHP, Apache HTTP Server, Windows, or Linux. Its Web-Based interface makes it accessible, offering a flexible and free option for managing your own short links.

YOURLS

YOURLS

YOURLS (Your Own URL Shortener) is a Free and Open Source set of PHP scripts that allow you to run your own URL shortener, much like lilURL. It's perfect for users who want complete control, with options to make it private or public. Its Web-Based, Self-Hosted nature, combined with API support and HTTPS Support, makes it a robust and flexible lilURL alternative for developers and privacy-conscious users.

TinyURL

TinyURL

TinyURL is one of the original and most straightforward URL shortening services, offering a Free and Web-Based solution. While it doesn't offer self-hosting like lilURL, it's an excellent lilURL alternative for users who need a quick, reliable way to shorten links without any setup. Features include Custom URLs, Encrypted Connection, HTTPS Support, QR Code Recognition, SSL, and URL Forwarding, making it a simple yet effective tool for everyday use.

adf.ly

adf.ly

adf.ly is a unique Free and Web-Based URL shortening service that allows users to earn money from each visitor to their shortened links. If you're exploring lilURL alternatives with a monetization aspect, adf.ly is a compelling option. Its primary feature is Monetization, providing a way to generate income from your shared links.

Elbo

Elbo

Elbo.in is a Free and Open Source URL shortener that makes your long links short and offers link analytics, social sharing, QR codes, and custom URLs. It's a great lilURL alternative for users who want a self-hostable, open-source solution with added features for tracking and sharing. Available as a Web service and browser extensions for Chrome, Opera, and Firefox, its key feature is Custom URLs.

Shorte.st

Shorte.st

Shorte.st is another Free and Web-Based link shortener that allows you to make money online by paying for each visitor to your shortened link. Similar to adf.ly, it's an excellent lilURL alternative for those interested in monetizing their links. Its primary features are Monetization and Paid time off tracking, making it a business-oriented option.

Lstu

Lstu

Lstu is a Free and Open Source URL shortener that provides a nice, clean interface and the flexibility to use it as a service or install it on your own server. It's a solid lilURL alternative for users who appreciate an open-source approach and the choice between a hosted service or self-installation. Available for Linux, Web, and Self-Hosted environments using Perl, its key feature is being Web-Based.

With a diverse range of options, from feature-rich commercial services to powerful open-source platforms, you're sure to find a lilURL alternative that perfectly fits your unique link shortening and management needs. Explore these options to discover the best fit for your projects.

Christopher Hill

Christopher Hill

Writes about developer tools, performance optimization, and software engineering trends.