AppBreakup

Dub alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Dub: self-hosting depends on several third-party services, and conversion features only on higher plans. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Dub, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Bitly currently ranks first.

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Show all 5 alternatives

The best Dub alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Bitly logo

Best Dub alternative for most people

Bitly

The incumbent, with broader QR code and enterprise features.

Shlink logo

Best Dub alternative for a free option

Shlink

Simpler to self-host with a single Docker image.

Short.io logo

Best Dub alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Short.io

Cheaper branded links with custom domains on the free plan.

Sink logo

Best Dub alternative for open source

Sink

Serverless and open source, running entirely on Cloudflare.

Shlink logo

Best Dub alternative for self-hosting

Shlink

Simpler to self-host with a single Docker image.

Bitly logo

Best Dub alternative for iPhone and Android

Bitly

The incumbent, with broader QR code and enterprise features.

Rebrandly logo

Best Dub alternative for working in the browser

Rebrandly

Strong branded-domain management and compliance certifications.

Dub alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Dub?

Bitly ranks first right now. The incumbent, with broader QR code and enterprise features. Short.io and Shlink follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Dub?

Yes. Bitly (free plan + paid), Short.io (free plan + paid), Shlink (open source) and Rebrandly (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Dub?

Yes: Shlink and Sink. Shlink and Sink can also be self-hosted.

Why do people switch from Dub?

The complaints we hear most: self-hosting depends on several third-party services; conversion features only on higher plans; more platform than casual users need.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Dub, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.