Underneath the attribution and affiliate features, Dub is a genuinely good link manager. Here's the core toolkit.
As a link manager, Dub gives you branded short links on custom domains, folders and team collaboration, real-time analytics, deep links, device and geo targeting, A/B testing, cloaking and clean link previews.
The free plan is generous and custom domains are included from the start — so even before you touch conversion tracking, Dub is a capable, modern alternative to legacy shorteners.
Basic shorteners stop at trimming a URL. Dub adds the parts marketers actually use: branded domains for trust, real-time analytics for feedback, and targeting so one link can route people by device or region.
Deep links send mobile users into the right screen of an app, A/B testing lets you compare destinations, and link cloaking and custom OG/Twitter previews control how links look when shared. It's link management built for campaigns, not just convenience.
What you get across tiers (verify on Dub).
| Feature | Free | Pro+ |
|---|---|---|
| Branded custom domains | Up to 3 | More |
| Real-time analytics | Yes | Yes + longer retention |
| Deep links | — | Yes |
| Device/geo targeting | — | Yes |
| A/B testing | — | Yes |
Feature gating and limits change by tier; confirm the current free/Pro breakdown on Dub.
Connect a custom domain so all links are branded and trustworthy.
Use folders and roles for the team, and add targeting or A/B tests where useful.
Watch real-time analytics and refine which links and destinations perform best.
Dub suits marketing and growth teams that want branded links with real analytics and targeting — and a clean upgrade path to conversion tracking later.
If you literally just need to shorten one link occasionally, a bare-bones free tool is fine. But teams running campaigns benefit from Dub's branding, targeting and analytics from day one.
Branded domains, targeting and real-time analytics — with room to grow into attribution.
Try Dub freeIt's Dub's core toolkit for creating and managing branded short links: custom domains, folders and team roles, real-time analytics, deep links, device/geo targeting, A/B testing, cloaking and custom link previews.
Yes — the free plan supports up to 3 custom domains, so your links are branded from the start rather than using a shared shortener domain. Verify current limits on Dub.
Yes. On paid tiers, Dub supports app deep links, device and geo targeting, and A/B testing of destinations — useful for mobile campaigns and optimisation.
For teams wanting branded links plus analytics, targeting and a path to conversion tracking, yes. Bitly leans more toward QR codes and landing pages; Dub leans toward attribution and developer flexibility.