A free TinyURL alternative with click analytics
TinyURL has been shortening links since 2002, and you can still shorten a link on its home page without an account. On the free plan, though, there is no click tracking and you can't set links to expire. Lyzo gives every link free click statistics and an optional expiry date — with no account and no redirect ads.
Last checked: , from each provider's own pricing and help pages.
| Feature | Lyzo | TinyURL Free |
|---|---|---|
| Links on the free plan | No monthly cap (up to 10 new links a minute per visitor, to stop abuse) | 30 links a month on a free account; the home page also shortens links without one |
| Sign-up required | No — nothing to sign up for | No — basic shortening works on the home page |
| Click analytics on the free plan | Yes — clicks per day, referrers, countries and devices for the last 30 days | No — tracked clicks and the analytics dashboard start on paid plans (Pro, $9 a month billed annually) |
| Link expiration | Yes — 1, 7, 30 or 365 days, or never | No — free links never expire; setting expiration dates is a paid feature |
| Ads or interstitial page on redirects | None — visitors go straight to the destination | Not stated on TinyURL's pricing or feature pages |
| Custom alias (back-half) | No — codes are random | Yes — custom aliases are included |
| QR codes | Not yet | Yes — a free QR code generator on the home page |
| API | No public API keys | Yes — needs an account and an API token |
When to choose TinyURL instead
- You want a custom alias. TinyURL lets you choose the end of the link (tinyurl.com/your-name) for free. Lyzo codes are always random.
- You need a QR code. TinyURL can make a QR code for a link from its home page. Lyzo has no QR codes yet.
- You want branded domains or to edit links. TinyURL's paid plans add branded domains (3 on Pro) and let you change a link's destination.
- You need an API. TinyURL has a documented API with API tokens. Lyzo does not offer public API keys.
Questions about Lyzo and TinyURL
Is Lyzo a free alternative to TinyURL?
Yes, if you want to know how your links perform. Both are free to use without an account, but Lyzo adds click statistics — clicks per day, referrers, countries and devices for the last 30 days — and lets you set links to expire.
Does the TinyURL free plan include click tracking?
No. TinyURL's pricing page lists tracked clicks, the analytics dashboard and click breakdowns as paid features.
Can I choose my own short link on Lyzo?
Not at the moment. Every Lyzo link gets a random 7-character code. If a memorable alias matters most, TinyURL's free custom alias is a good fit.
Do Lyzo links expire?
Only if you want them to. Choose 1, 7, 30 or 365 days when you shorten the link, or leave it set to never.
Try Lyzo now
Paste a long link on the home page and get a short link with click statistics in one click. No account needed.