- Free plan
Bitly vs Linktree: do you need short links or a link in bio page?
At a glance
- Free plan
Different jobs. Bitly shortens links and makes QR codes with click data. Free gives 5 links and 2 QR codes a month, and Core is $10/month billed yearly. Linktree builds one page that holds all your links for your bio, free with unlimited links. Creators usually need Linktree for their bio and Bitly for tracking single links.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Bitly | Linktree |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Short links and QR codes | Link in bio page |
| Free plan | 5 links, 2 QR codes, 2 landing pages a month, with ads | Unlimited links, basic analytics |
| Entry paid plan | Core: $10/month, annual only, 100 links, 5 QR codes | Starter: $6/month yearly, $8 monthly (ShortStack data) |
| Higher plans | Growth: $29/month. Premium: $199/month (annual equivalents) | Pro and Premium. Prices not shown in page text (Oct 2026) |
| Click data | Core: 30 days. Growth: 4 months | Free: basic. Pro: advanced |
| Branding removal | Not applicable | Premium only |
| Best for | Tracking a single link | Your social bio |
For TikTok, Reels and Shorts
TikTok and Instagram give you one bio link. Linktree turns it into a menu of links. Bitly gives you a short link for a YouTube description or a sponsor, and tells you how many people clicked.
How to choose
- Need one place for all your links? Linktree free.
- Need to prove clicks to a sponsor? Bitly.
- Need more than 5 short links a month? Bitly Core at $10/month, billed yearly.
Common questions
Is Bitly a link in bio tool?
Bitly offers custom landing pages (2 on Free), but its main job is short links and QR codes.
Is Linktree free?
Yes. The free plan has unlimited links and basic analytics.
Is Bitly free?
Yes, with 5 links and 2 QR codes a month, and ads.
Related: Beacons vs Linktree, Linktree vs Stan Store, Linktree alternatives.
Sources: bitly.com/pages/pricing, linktr.ee/s/pricing. Linktree's pricing page lists features but no prices in its text, so Linktree prices come from our tool data. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.

