---
title: Deep Linking Tools: Compare and Choose a Platform
description: Pick a deep linking tool in five questions. Compare MMPs with built-in links and link tools on deferred links, custom domains, QR, web-to-app and free plans.
url: https://deeplinkingtools.com/
---

Field guide · checked 2 Nov 2026

# Choose a deep linking tool *by what you need it to do*

Five questions, 12 live platforms: MMPs with built-in links and standalone link tools, compared from their own pricing pages and docs.

**Short answer**

If you also need attribution, pick an MMP with built-in deep linking: on the facts compared here Linkrunner covers deferred links, Universal Links and App Links, custom domains, QR and web-to-app on its free plan. If you only need links that open an installed app, a link tool such as Dub, Short.io or Bitly is simpler. Firebase Dynamic Links shut down on 25 August 2025.

Plate I Chooser

## Which deep linking tool fits your app?

Answer five questions. The shortlist re-ranks on what each platform documents, and on what your budget allows.

> Interactive tool (deeplink chooser): runs in the browser at https://deeplinkingtools.com/#link-chooser. Its text content follows.

**Your shortlist** Top 5 of 12 live platforms

1. 1
  [Linkrunner](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/linkrunner/)
2. 2
  [Kochava](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/kochava/)
3. 3
  [Singular](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/singular/)
4. 4
  [Airbridge](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/airbridge/)
5. 5
  [Adjust](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/adjust/)

Plate II Specimen table

## How do deep linking platforms compare?

Six link features, the free plan and the paid price for each platform.

Free or entry plan Paid plan Yes, plan not stated Partly Not published No

| Platform | Install attribution | Deferred deep links | Universal Links and App Links | Custom link domain | QR codes | Web-to-app | Free plan | Paid price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Adjust MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/adjust/) | Free or entry plan Free Base plan for the first year [AD1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD1) | Free or entry plan Direct and deferred deep linking on every plan [AD1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD1) | Yes, plan not stated Documented under TrueLink [AD4](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD4) | Paid plan Own domain on TrueLink Core Standard or Enterprise packages [AD2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD2) | Yes, plan not stated QR code with short branded links [AD3](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD3) | Paid plan Smart banners are a paid add-on [AD1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD1) [AD5](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD5) | 1.5k conversions a month, first year only | Not public beyond the free plan [AD1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD1) |
| [Airbridge MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/airbridge/) | Free or entry plan Google, Meta, Apple and TikTok attribution in Core [AB2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB2) | Free or entry plan Deferred deep links in Core [AB1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB1) | Not published Not stated on the pricing pages | Free or entry plan Custom domains in Core [AB2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB2) | Free or entry plan Short links and QR codes in Core [AB1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB1) | Free or entry plan Web-to-app banner in Core [AB1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB1) | 30-day free trial | From $40 a month (Core), billed per data point [AB1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB1) |
| [AppsFlyer MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/appsflyer/) | Free or entry plan Zero plan with 12k free conversions in the first year [A2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A2) | Paid plan Standard deep linking tier and up [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | Free or entry plan Included in all packages [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | Paid plan Branded domains on Advanced and up [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | Free or entry plan Short links and QR codes on Zero [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | Free or entry plan Web and social-to-app routing on Zero; smart banners on Advanced [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | 12k conversions, first year only | $0.07 per conversion (Growth); deep linking tiers are custom priced [A2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A2) [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) |
| [Bitly Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/bitly/) | No Click and scan analytics only [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) | Not published Not stated | Paid plan On a custom domain, Premium and up [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) [BT2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT2) | Paid plan Custom branded links from Growth [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) | Free or entry plan 2 QR codes a month on Free [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) | Not published Not stated | 5 links and 2 QR codes a month | Mobile deep links from Premium, $199 a month billed annually [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) |
| [Branch MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/branch/) | Yes, plan not stated Yes; plan details not published [B1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B1) | Yes, plan not stated Yes; plan not published [B1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B1) | Yes, plan not stated Through app.link and custom domains [B2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B2) | Yes, plan not stated Custom link domain supported [B2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B2) | Yes, plan not stated Documented; plan not confirmed [B2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B2) | Yes, plan not stated Journeys banners with the Web SDK [B2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B2) | Trial only (Basics) | No public prices [B1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B1) |
| [Dub Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/dub/) | Partly Conversion tracking from Business ($81); no ad network install attribution described [D1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D1) | Paid plan Pro and up: Install Referrer on Android, clipboard or IP match on iOS [D2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D2) | Paid plan Deep link domains with AASA and assetlinks files, Pro and up [D3](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D3) | Free or entry plan 3 custom domains on Free [D1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D1) | Free or entry plan QR codes on Free [D1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D1) | Not published Not stated | 25 new links a month, 3 custom domains | $27 a month (Pro) for deep links [D1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D1) |
| [Firebase Dynamic Links Retired](https://deeplinkingtools.com/replacing-firebase-dynamic-links/) | Shut down Shut down [F1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-F1) | Shut down Shut down [F1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-F1) | Shut down Shut down [F1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-F1) | Shut down Shut down [F1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-F1) | Shut down Shut down [F1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-F1) | Shut down Shut down [F1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-F1) | Shut down 25 Aug 2025 | Shut down [F1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-F1) |
| [Kochava MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/kochava/) | Free or entry plan Free App Analytics, 10k conversions a month [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Yes, plan not stated Listed; plan not stated [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Paid plan Foundation and up [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Yes, plan not stated Custom domain or vanity links listed; plan not stated [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Free or entry plan SmartLinks with QR codes on Free [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Not published Not stated | 10k conversions a month | From $500 a month (Foundation) [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) |
| [Linkrunner MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/linkrunner/) | Free or entry plan Attribution and deep linking in one platform [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan Every link deferred by default [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan Universal Links and App Links [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan Branded short links on custom domains [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan QR code deep links [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan Web-to-app flows [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | 25k attributed installs, one time, no expiry, every feature | $0.012 down to $0.007 per attributed install after the free 25k [L2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L2) |
| [OneLink.to Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/onelinkto/) | No No install attribution listed [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | Paid plan Android only, Team ($40 a month) and up [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | Not published Open in App on Team Plus; method not stated [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | Paid plan 1 on Team Plus ($80), 3 on Enterprise [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | Free or entry plan QR codes on Free [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | Not published Not stated | 3 onelinks with QR codes | From $10 a month; deep linking from $40 [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) |
| [Short.io Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/shortio/) | No Click analytics only [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) | No Opens the browser when the app is missing [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) | Not published Not stated | Free or entry plan 5 custom domains on Free [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) | Free or entry plan QR codes for branded links [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) | Not published Not stated | 1k branded links, 5 custom domains | Mobile deep links from Team, $48 a month [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) |
| [Singular MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/singular/) | Free or entry plan Free plan up to 15k paid conversions [S1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S1) | Yes, plan not stated Singular Links handle deferred deep links; plan not stated [S4](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S4) [S5](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S5) | Yes, plan not stated Covered in Singular Links setup [S5](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S5) | Yes, plan not stated Branded domains instead of sng.link [S2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S2) | Yes, plan not stated QR codes for custom source links [S3](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S3) | Yes, plan not stated Smart banners [S4](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S4) | 15k paid conversions | $0.05 per conversion (Growth) [S1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S1) |
| [URLgenius Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/urlgenius/) | Partly Measures installs and app engagement without an SDK [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) | Paid plan Deferred journeys on Custom, from $199 a month [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) | No Uses URL schemes instead [U2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U2) | Paid plan One branded domain +$49 on Growth [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) | Free or entry plan Every link comes with a QR code [U2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U2) | Paid plan Custom app banners on Custom [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) | Starter plan with trial clicks | $0.02 per click (Growth); Custom from $199 a month [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) |

Listed alphabetically. Superscripts link to the source for each cell; every source was read on 2 Nov 2026. Firebase Dynamic Links is shown for reference only.

Plate III Definitions

## What is a deep linking tool?

A deep linking tool creates links that send each user to the right place: a screen inside the app if it is installed, the right app store if it is not, and a web page on desktop.

**Deep link**

A link that opens a specific screen inside an app rather than its home screen or a web page.

**Deferred deep link**

A deep link that survives an install: the user goes to the store, installs, opens the app and still lands on the promised screen.

**MMP with built-in linking**

A mobile measurement partner whose links also attribute the install and later events to the campaign that drove them.

**Link tool**

A link shortener or app-link service that opens apps but does not attribute installs to ad networks.

Plate IV Index

## Decisions people come here for

- [Decision **Replacing Firebase Dynamic Links** Firebase Dynamic Links shut down on 25 August 2025. How to pick a replacement: what Dynamic Links did, which features you still need, and how platforms compare.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/replacing-firebase-dynamic-links/)
- [Decision **Replacing Branch links** Moving deep links off Branch? Check which link features you use, what each alternative documents and costs, and how to move links on your own domain safely.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/replacing-branch-links/)
- [Ranking **Deep linking tools with attribution** The deep linking tools that also attribute installs, ranked on six link features and free plans: Linkrunner, AppsFlyer, Airbridge, Adjust, Kochava and more.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/deep-linking-with-attribution/)
- [Shortlist **Free deep linking tools** Free deep linking tools compared: which free plans include deferred deep links, custom domains, QR codes and attribution, and where paid plans start for each.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/free-deep-linking-tools/)

Plate V Index

## Platform pages

- [MMP with links **Adjust** An MMP whose plans all include direct and deferred deep linking; the advanced TrueLink product, your own link domain and smart banners are paid packages or add-ons.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/adjust/)
- [MMP with links **Airbridge** An MMP whose $40-a-month Core plan bundles deferred deep links, custom domains, QR codes and a web-to-app banner with attribution, after a 30-day trial.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/airbridge/)
- [MMP with links **AppsFlyer** An MMP whose OneLink links are split across four deep linking tiers: the free Zero tier keeps short links, QR codes and routing, while deferred deep linking, branded domains and smart banners sit on custom-priced tiers.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/appsflyer/)
- [Link tool **Bitly** A link shortener and QR platform whose Mobile Deep Links feature, on Premium and Enterprise, opens your app through Universal Links and App Links on a custom domain.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/bitly/)
- [MMP with links **Branch** An MMP with deep linking at its core; its Basics, Essentials and Enterprise plans publish no prices, and Basics is a trial.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/branch/)
- [Link tool **Dub** A link management platform with branded short links, QR codes and, from the $27 Pro plan, deep links with deferred deep linking on iOS and Android.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/dub/)
- [MMP with links **Kochava** An MMP whose free plan includes SmartLinks with QR codes every month; Universal Links and App Links support starts on the $500-a-month Foundation plan.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/kochava/)
- [MMP with links **Linkrunner** An MMP that unifies deep linking and attribution: every link is dynamic and deferred by default, with branded links on custom domains, QR codes and web-to-app flows, and every feature is on the free plan.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/linkrunner/)
- [Link tool **OneLink.to** An app store redirect and QR service, unrelated to AppsFlyer's OneLink, whose paid plans add Android deferred deep linking and an open-in-app option.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/onelinkto/)
- [Link tool **Short.io** A branded link shortener with a generous free plan on your own domains; its Team plan adds mobile deep links that open the app if installed and the browser if not.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/shortio/)
- [MMP with links **Singular** An MMP whose free plan includes deep linking up to 15k paid conversions; Singular Links support deferred deep links, branded domains, QR codes and smart banners.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/singular/)
- [Link tool **URLgenius** An SDK-free app linking service that opens apps through URL schemes, including apps you don't own, priced per click, with deferred journeys and banners on its Custom plan.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/urlgenius/)

Plate VI FAQ

## Questions

**Which deep linking tool should I use if I also need attribution?**

Use an MMP with built-in linking, so the link click, the install and later events sit in one record. On the six link features and free plans compared here, Linkrunner covers all six on its free plan; Airbridge bundles deferred links, custom domains, QR and a web-to-app banner from $40 a month, and AppsFlyer, Adjust, Branch, Kochava and Singular put some features on paid plans or do not say which plan.

**What is the best free deep linking tool?**

It depends on whether you need deferred deep links. Linkrunner's free plan includes deferred links and attribution for 25k installs; Kochava's free plan includes SmartLinks with QR codes each month; Dub and Short.io have free branded links but put deep links on paid plans.

**Which link tools work without an MMP?**

Dub, Bitly, Short.io, URLgenius and OneLink.to all create app links without being an MMP. Dub documents deferred deep linking from its $27 Pro plan, URLgenius opens apps through URL schemes without an SDK, and OneLink.to offers Android-only deferred links from $40 a month.

**What is a deep linking tool?**

A deep linking tool creates links that open a specific screen inside a mobile app instead of the home screen or a web page. Good tools also handle users without the app, sending them to the store and then to the right screen after install.

**What is deferred deep linking?**

Deferred deep linking keeps the link's destination through an app install. A user who taps a link without the app goes to the store, installs, opens the app and still lands on the screen the link promised.

**Do I need an MMP to deep link?**

No. Link tools such as Dub, Bitly or Short.io can open an installed app. You need an MMP when you also want to know which ad, creator or campaign drove each install, because MMPs tie the link click to the install and to in-app events.