Shlink vs Zero Width Shortener

Struggling to choose between Shlink and Zero Width Shortener? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Shlink is a Online Services solution with tags like url-shortener, link-tracking, analytics.

It boasts features such as URL shortening, Link customization and vanity URLs, Click analytics and tracking, Geolocation, QR code generation, REST API, Import/export, Blacklists, Multi-domain support and pros including Self-hosted and open source, Free and easy to set up, Customizable and extensible, Robust analytics and tracking, REST API for integration, Active development and support.

On the other hand, Zero Width Shortener is a Online Services product tagged with url-shortening, zero-width-characters, invisible-characters.

Its standout features include Shortens URLs using invisible Unicode characters, Keeps the original URL intact while making it appear shorter, Provides a simple web interface for shortening links, Generates short, shareable links, Supports custom domain names, and it shines with pros like Preserves the original URL structure, Provides a discreet way to share links, Easy to use web interface, Supports custom domains for branded short links.

Feature	Shlink	Zero Width Shortener
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Online Services	Online Services

Product Overview

Shlink

Description: Shlink is an open source URL shortener that can be self-hosted. It provides an easy way to shorten links and track clicks. Shlink features geolocalization of clicks, QR code generation for shortened URLs, and a REST API.

Zero Width Shortener

Description: Zero Width Shortener is a URL shortener service that uses invisible Unicode characters to shorten links, keeping the original URL intact while making it appear shorter.

Key Features Comparison

Shlink Features

• URL shortening
• Link customization and vanity URLs
• Click analytics and tracking
• Geolocation
• QR code generation
• REST API
• Import/export
• Blacklists
• Multi-domain support

Zero Width Shortener Features

• Shortens URLs using invisible Unicode characters
• Keeps the original URL intact while making it appear shorter
• Provides a simple web interface for shortening links
• Generates short, shareable links
• Supports custom domain names

Pros & Cons Analysis

Shlink

Pros

• Self-hosted and open source
• Free and easy to set up
• Customizable and extensible
• Robust analytics and tracking
• REST API for integration
• Active development and support

Cons

• Requires technical expertise to set up and manage
• Limited native mobile app support
• Basic admin UI
• No browser extensions
• Lacks some enterprise features

Zero Width Shortener

Pros

• Preserves the original URL structure
• Provides a discreet way to share links
• Easy to use web interface
• Supports custom domains for branded short links

Cons

• Relies on invisible characters, which may not be supported by all platforms
• Limited control over the shortened link format
• Potential for link obfuscation, which could be a concern for some users

Pricing Comparison

Shlink

• Open Source
• Self-Hosted

Zero Width Shortener

• Free