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OpenShort

Free plan APILinuxSelf-hostedWeb

What OpenShort is

OpenShort is a self-hosted URL shortener that runs on your own infrastructure. It is free forever under the MIT License, with no subscription fees, and is available through a web dashboard, API, Linux deployment, or your own hosting setup. A Docker Compose command starts the dashboard and API together, with Docker and Docker Compose required. OpenShort supports custom domains and a REST API for creating links programmatically. You can choose permanent 301 redirects or temporary 302 redirects. SQLite is included by default, while MySQL is supported for external database setups. JWT authentication protects the dashboard and API endpoints; integration requests use an API key in the X-Api-Key header managed in the dashboard Security section. The maker says data remains on your infrastructure without third-party tracking or sharing. On first startup, an administrator account is created and its password is set in the dashboard.

Who it suits

OpenShort suits teams and developers who want to manage shortened links on their own infrastructure. It fits users needing custom domains, API access, and control over stored data.

What it does well

Free forever with no subscription fees
Self-hosted deployment with Docker Compose
Custom domains and REST API
SQLite default with MySQL support
301 and 302 redirect choices

What to know first

Requires Docker and Docker Compose
Self-hosting requires your own infrastructure
No free trial is listed

Verdict

OpenShort combines self-hosting, custom domains, and programmatic link creation in a free MIT-licensed package. Its infrastructure and deployment requirements make it most suitable for teams or developers managing their own systems.

Facts from OpenShort's own pages

API: OpenShort provides a REST API for creating links and an integration API guide for services and automation. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
API access: Yes · openshort.tech, 20 Sept 2026
Audience: The maker describes it as built for teams and developers who value control over their data. · openshort.tech, 12 Oct 2026
Authentication: The dashboard and API endpoints use JWT authentication, and external integration API requests require an API key in the X-Api-Key header. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Creator: The repository identifies Emanuele De Amicis as OpenShort's creator. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Custom domains: Users can create branded short links with their own domains. · openshort.tech, 12 Oct 2026
Databases: OpenShort uses embedded SQLite by default and also supports MySQL. · openshort.tech, 12 Oct 2026
Deployment: OpenShort can be deployed with a single Docker Compose command, with the API and dashboard running together. · openshort.tech, 12 Oct 2026
Deployment prerequisite: The repository quick start lists Docker and Docker Compose as prerequisites. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · openshort.tech, 20 Sept 2026
Integration API authentication: The repository guide says integration API requests require an API key in the X-Api-Key header, managed in the dashboard Security section. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
License and price: The maker describes OpenShort as MIT-licensed and free forever, with no subscription fees. · openshort.tech, 12 Oct 2026
Notable setup detail: The first startup creates an admin account, and the user sets its password in the dashboard. · openshort.tech, 12 Oct 2026
Open source: OpenShort is released under the MIT License. · openshort.tech, 12 Oct 2026
Price: The homepage describes OpenShort as free forever, with no subscription fees. · openshort.tech, 12 Oct 2026
Privacy: The homepage says data stays on the user's infrastructure and that OpenShort uses no third-party tracking or data sharing. · openshort.tech, 12 Oct 2026
Product: OpenShort is a self-hosted URL shortener that runs on your own infrastructure. · openshort.tech, 12 Oct 2026
Redirects: Users can choose permanent 301 or temporary 302 redirects. · openshort.tech, 12 Oct 2026
Storage: It includes SQLite by default and supports MySQL for external database setups. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Target users: The homepage describes OpenShort as built for teams and developers who value control over their data. · openshort.tech, 12 Oct 2026

Where OpenShort stands on Freedom251

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