Blinkhop vs Dub, compared feature by feature.
Dub is an open-source link attribution platform for short links, conversion tracking and affiliate programs. Blinkhop is a simpler Dub alternative for instant links without an account. Here is how they compare as of October 2026.
Facts about Dub checked on its official pages, October 2026. Sources at the bottom of this page.
The short answer
Which one should you pick?
Both are good tools for different needs. Here is when each one makes sense.
Choose Blinkhop if
- You want links without signing up, for yourself or for a script.
- Your AI agent should shorten links over MCP without OAuth or an API key.
- You need more than 25 new links a month on a free plan.
- You want click counting that sets no cookies and stores no visitor IP addresses.
Choose Dub if
- You need conversion tracking or an affiliate program next to your short links.
- You want custom domains on a free plan today; Dub’s includes 3.
- You want an open-source platform you can self-host.
- Your team needs folders, roles and multi-year analytics retention now.
As of October 2026
Blinkhop and Dub, side by side.
| Feature | Blinkhop | Dub |
|---|---|---|
| Shorten without an account 1 | Free account needed | |
| Free plan limits 2 | No account: 20 links/min, 300/day per IP | 25 new links, 1,000 tracked events a month |
| Ads or interstitial pages 3 | None | None mentioned |
| Custom endings (back-halves) 4 | Yes, 3 to 40 characters | |
| QR codes | SVG QR code for every link | Yes; Dub logo on Free plan codes |
| Link expiry | Never expire; expiry dates in early access | Expiry dates on Pro and up |
| Click analytics 5 | Totals on + page and API; dashboard in early access | 30 days on Free; 1 to 5 years on paid plans |
| API access | REST API, no key needed | API key required; 60 requests/min on Free |
| MCP server for AI assistants 6 | Remote server, no account or key | Official hosted servers; OAuth or API key |
| Branded (custom) domains | Early access (Pro: 1, Team: 5) | 3 on Free, 10 on Pro |
| Bulk shortening 7 | Up to 100 URLs per API call | Up to 100 per API call; CSV import |
| Visitor privacy (cookies, IPs) 8 | No cookies; visitor IPs never stored | Not stated for link clicks |
| Entry paid plan | Pro $9/mo billed yearly (early access) | Pro $30/mo, or $27/mo billed yearly |
- 1 Dub creates links, API keys and MCP access inside a workspace. Its site also has free single-site shorteners, such as one for Spotify links.
- 2 Dub’s free plan also includes 3 custom domains, 30-day analytics retention and 1 user.
- 3 We found no mention of ads or interstitial pages on Dub links in its pricing page or docs.
- 4 Dub calls them slugs; without one, it generates a random 7-character slug.
- 5 Dub’s free plan includes location, device and referrer breakdowns for 1,000 tracked events a month; Enterprise retention is unlimited.
- 6 Dub runs separate MCP servers for Dub Links and Dub Partners at mcp.dub.sh.
- 7 Blinkhop’s CSV upload comes with accounts (early access); the bulk API endpoint works today.
- 8 Dub’s privacy policy says it uses no third-party cookies and, for conversion tracking, collects IP addresses except for users in the EU.
Key differences
What really sets them apart.
- 01
Scope
Dub combines short links with conversion tracking and Dub Partners, a platform for affiliate and referral programs. Blinkhop focuses on shortening, link previews, QR codes and safety checks, with accounts in early access.
- 02
Getting started
Dub links are created in a workspace after you sign up, and the free plan includes 25 new links a month. Blinkhop needs no sign-up and allows up to 20 links a minute and 300 a day per IP address.
- 03
Analytics
Dub’s free plan includes real-time analytics with 30-day retention, and paid plans keep data for 1 to 5 years. Blinkhop counts clicks without cookies or stored IP addresses; its breakdown dashboard is in early access.
- 04
Open source
Dub’s code is open source under the AGPLv3 license, and its docs include a guide to self-hosting it. Blinkhop is a hosted service.
- 05
API and MCP
Both offer a REST API and a remote MCP server. Dub’s use an API key or an OAuth sign-in tied to a workspace, while Blinkhop’s work without a key within per-IP rate limits.
Pricing
Pricing, as of October 2026.
Blinkhop
Blinkhop is free today without an account; Pro ($9/month billed yearly, $12 month-to-month) and Team ($29/month billed yearly, $36 month-to-month, 5 seats) are in early access as of October 2026.
See Blinkhop pricingDub
As of October 2026, Dub’s paid link plans start with Pro at $30/month billed monthly or $27/month billed yearly, and Business costs $90/month billed monthly.
FAQ
Blinkhop vs Dub: FAQ.
Is there a free Dub alternative without sign-up?
Yes. Blinkhop shortens links without an account, on the web, through its API and through its MCP server. Dub requires a free account, which includes 25 new links a month as of October 2026.
Does Dub have an MCP server?
Yes. Dub runs hosted MCP servers for Dub Links and Dub Partners that connect with OAuth or a Dub API key.
Is Dub open source?
Yes. Dub’s documentation describes it as open source under the AGPLv3 license and includes a self-hosting guide.
How long does Dub keep link analytics?
Dub’s pricing lists 30-day retention on Free, 1 year on Pro, 3 years on Business, 5 years on Advanced and unlimited on Enterprise. Blinkhop’s analytics dashboard is in early access.
Can I use my own domain for free?
Dub’s free plan includes 3 custom domains. On Blinkhop, branded domains come with the Pro and Team plans, which are in early access; see pricing.
Sources
Every fact about Dub on this page comes from its official website, checked in October 2026. Plans and prices change; if something here is out of date, tell us and we’ll fix it.
See for yourself in one paste.
No account, no ads, no captcha. Your first short link takes seconds.