its.gd vs Bitly
Bitly is the best-known link management platform, built around analytics, branded domains and QR codes for marketing teams.
its.gd is a safety-first URL shortener: every destination passes 60 checks before a checked short link goes live, every click shows a public link preview, and links are destination-locked.
Side by side
| Feature | its.gd | Bitly |
|---|---|---|
| Destination checked before activation | 60 checks on every destination before the link exists | Abuse screening; no published per-link pre-activation scan |
| Malicious destinations | Refused at creation — the link is never made | Blocked when detected or reported |
| What a visitor sees on click | Every click shows a public link preview first; never automatic | Direct redirect by default; add + to see link info |
| Destination changes | Destination-locked: can never move to another website | Editable destinations on paid plans |
| Tracking on the redirect | No ads, no third-party tracking on the preview page | Click analytics collected by the platform |
| Analytics | Click counts; campaign tags (UTM) on Pro+ and Ultra | Detailed click analytics, its core strength |
| Custom aliases | Custom 4+ chars (Pro), 3+ (Pro+), 2+ (Ultra), rare 2- and 1-char slugs | Custom back-halves and branded domains on paid plans |
| Pricing model | Per account: Free $0 (10 random/month), Pro $9, Pro+ $29, Ultra $99 | Limited free plan; paid tiers per seat/volume — see bitly.com |
Based on each service's public documentation, reviewed September 2026. Features and prices change — check bitly.com for current details. Bitly is not affiliated with its.gd.
Which should you use?
Marketing teams who need deep click analytics, QR codes and branded domains across many campaigns.
Links people must trust — customers, print, podcasts, invoices, support — where the visitor should see where a link goes and know it was checked.
Common questions
Is its.gd a Bitly alternative?
Yes, for people who care more about safety and honesty than about marketing analytics. its.gd checks every destination before the link exists, shows every visitor a public link preview, and never lets a link move to another website. Bitly is stronger on analytics, QR codes and team features.
Are Bitly links safe?
Most are. Bitly screens for abuse, but any short link that redirects directly hides where it goes until you land. Add a + to a Bitly link to see its info page before opening it.
Can I edit where an its.gd link goes, like on Bitly?
Only to fix a mistake on the same website (paid plans), with a full re-scan and a public record. Moving a link to another website is impossible — that prevents bait-and-switch scams.