FindAlternative
Back to Dub

Dub vs YOURLS

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Compare
Dub
DubLink attribution and partner program platform for growth teams
Visit
YOURLS
YOURLSYour Own URL Shortener
Visit
Overview
Description

Dub is a link attribution platform that combines branded short links, real-time click and conversion analytics, and affiliate/partner program management in one product. Teams create custom-domain short links with QR codes, device and geo-targeting, and deep linking, then track the full customer journey from that first click through to a completed sale. On top of link tracking, Dub runs full partner and referral programs: automated payouts, customizable commission structures, embedded referral dashboards, and partner risk monitoring, with global payout processing that handles tax compliance. It offers a REST API, an MCP server, and SDKs in TypeScript, Python, Go, PHP, and Ruby for teams that want to build link and attribution tracking directly into their own product.

YOURLS is a self-hosted, open-source URL shortener written in PHP. It allows users to create custom shortened URLs for their websites, blogs, or social media profiles. With YOURLS, users have full control over their shortened URLs, including the ability to customize the URL slug, set expiration dates, and track click statistics.

Pricing
Paid (Subscription)
Free
Category
Marketing Platforms
Online Services
Best for
Growth and marketing teams running affiliate or referral programs
Web developers and marketers
Specifications
deployment
Cloud/SaaS
Self-hosted
open source
Yes
Yes
api available
Yes
Yes
support options
Email, Priority support on Advanced/Enterprise
Community support, Documentation
key integrations
Segment, Tinybird, RudderStack, Stripe, Zapier
—
github stars
—
12,128
primary language
—
PHP
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Combines link shortening, analytics, and affiliate management in one platform
  • Broad SDK support across five languages
  • Open source core available for self-hosting
  • Used by well-known companies like Vercel and Twilio
  • Highly customizable and flexible
  • Self-hosted for full control and security
  • Open-source and free to use
  • Extensive plugin and theme support
Cons
  • No free tier, entry price starts at $90/month
  • Pricing is built around partner payout volume, which can outgrow a plan quickly
  • Overkill for teams that just want a simple link shortener
  • Requires technical expertise to set up and configure
  • Limited support options compared to commercial alternatives
  • May require additional resources for large-scale deployments
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

More alternatives & similar tools

Alternatives to Dub

View all →
YOURLS
YOURLS

Your Own URL Shortener

Compare
kutt
kutt

A modern URL shortener

Compare
loveleetr
loveleetr

A powerful URL shortener and link management platform with analytics and customization options.

Compare
ndfy.app
ndfy.app

Instant web redirect for quick link forwarding

Compare

Alternatives to YOURLS

View all →
kutt
kutt

A modern URL shortener

Compare
Dub
Dub

Link attribution and partner program platform for growth teams

Compare
loveleetr
loveleetr

A powerful URL shortener and link management platform with analytics and customization options.

Compare
ndfy.app
ndfy.app

Instant web redirect for quick link forwarding

Compare

The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Dub is a paid, SaaS platform that bundles link shortening, analytics, and affiliate‑program management, while YOURLS is a free, self‑hosted URL shortener focused on customization.

Key differences

  • •Pricing model: Dub requires a subscription starting at $90/month; YOURLS is free and self‑hosted.
  • •Scope of functionality: Dub includes affiliate/referral program tools and payout processing; YOURLS only provides URL shortening and basic analytics.
  • •Deployment & maintenance: Dub runs in the cloud with optional open‑source core; YOURLS must be installed and maintained by the user.
  • •Integration ecosystem: Dub offers native integrations (Segment, Tinybird, RudderStack, Stripe, Zapier) and SDKs; YOURLS relies on plugins and webhooks.
  • •Support: Dub provides email and priority support for paid tiers; YOURLS offers community support only.
DimensionWinner

Pricing & value

YOURLS is free and open‑source; Dub starts at $90/month with costs tied to payout volume.

YOURLS

Ease of use / learning curve

Dub is SaaS with managed UI; YOURLS requires self‑hosting and technical setup.

Dub

Features & depth

Dub combines link shortening, attribution, affiliate management, payouts, and QR codes; YOURLS offers basic shortening and analytics.

Dub

Integrations & ecosystem

Dub lists native integrations (Segment, Tinybird, RudderStack, Stripe, Zapier) and SDKs; YOURLS relies on plugins/webhooks.

Dub

Collaboration

Dub provides embedded partner dashboards and automated payout processing for affiliate teams.

Dub

Scalability

Dub handles global payout processing and tax compliance; YOURLS may need extra resources for large deployments.

Dub

Support

Dub offers email and priority support for paid plans; YOURLS only has community support.

Dub

Choose Dub if…

Growth teams needing affiliate/referral management with built‑in payouts and SaaS convenience.

Choose YOURLS if…

Developers or marketers wanting a free, self‑hosted URL shortener they can fully customize.

Common questions

What is the total cost to get started?

Dub requires a paid subscription starting at $90/month; YOURLS is free but you must provide your own hosting.

Can I run an affiliate program with each tool?

Dub includes full affiliate/referral program features and automated payouts; YOURLS does not provide affiliate management.

Do I need technical expertise to use the platform?

Dub is a cloud SaaS with managed UI, needing little setup; YOURLS must be installed and maintained, requiring technical skills.