Side by side
Open Short URL vs Short Menu
Both stand on url shorteners. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb
Choose Open Short URL if you want a self-hosted short-link system with analytics, routing, API access, and no link or click quotas. It is a fit for teams comfortable managing their own infrastructure; those seeking a hosted service without infrastructure responsibility should look elsewhere.
Visit Open Short URL Free plan APIiPhoneMac+1
Short Menu combines branded link creation with analytics, redirects, QR codes, and apps across several platforms. The free and paid plans differ in link, click, domain, and analytics limits.
Visit Short MenuThe facts
| Open Short URL | Short Menu | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Self-hosted, Web | API, iPhone, Mac, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Lite: $4.16 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | shortmenu.com |
| On url shorteners | #12 of 156 | #16 of 156 |
Open Short URL: what it does well
- Keeps link data on your own server.
- No monthly or annual fees or link quotas.
- Analytics cover clicks, locations, devices, browsers, and referrers.
- Supports weighted A/B testing and configurable smart routing.
- REST API, webhooks, and bulk link operations are available.
What to know first
- Self-hosting infrastructure costs apply.
- Deployment requires self-hosting or configuring a supported hosting route.
- Redis is recommended above 50K clicks per day or for multiple instances.
Short Menu: what it does well
- Custom domains and custom slugs are supported.
- Analytics include timelines, locations, devices, and referrers.
- Trackable QR codes export as JPEG, PNG, or SVG.
- Available on web, API, iOS, and macOS.
What to know first
- The free plan is limited to 30 links monthly.
- Free analytics retention is 14 days.
- Link add-ons are not included in Free or Lite.
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