Look, Linktree changed the game. Back in 2016, having one link in your Instagram bio was a real headache, and Linktree fixed that. But here we are in 2026, and the Linktree free plan feels like it hasn't kept up. Forced branding on your page, analytics locked behind a paywall, no URL shortener — it's frustrating when free link in bio tools from smaller companies offer more.
I've tested pretty much every Linktree alternative out there. Some are great. Most are mediocre. A few are straight up worse than Linktree. Here's what I found after weeks of actually using them — not just reading their feature pages.
Quick Refresher: What Does Linktree Actually Do?
Linktree (linktr.ee, sometimes people type linktree com by mistake) gives you a simple page with a list of clickable links. You put that page's URL in your link in bio IG, TikTok, YouTube, wherever — and people can tap through to all your stuff from one place.
The setup is dead simple. You do a Linktree sign in, create a Linktree account, add your links, pick a theme from the Linktree templates, and you're live. There's a Linktree app for your phone too, so you can Linktree edit things on the go. The Linktree admin login dashboard is clean and easy to navigate — I'll give them that.
50+ million people use it. So clearly, something works. The question is whether it still makes sense in 2026 when the competition has caught up.
What Does Linktree Actually Cost Now?
Let's talk about Linktree cost because this is where it gets interesting:
- Free — Unlimited links, but Linktree slaps their branding and ads all over your page. Analytics are bare minimum (lifetime views and clicks, that's it). Customization? Barely any.
- Starter ($5/mo) — Gets rid of some branding, adds email collection and scheduled links. Still feels limited.
- Linktree Pro ($9/mo) — This is where you get the good stuff. Advanced analytics, video links, commerce links, custom themes, priority support. Basically everything that should've been free.
- Premium ($24/mo) — Phone support, SEO controls, Linktree shop features, custom sign-up forms. Twenty-four dollars a month for a page with links on it. Let that sink in.
People always ask about a Linktree coupon code — they pop up occasionally through emails and seasonal promos, but honestly? The better "coupon" is just using a free alternative that includes those paid features.
Why I Stopped Recommending Linktree (And I'm Not Alone)
I used Linktree for years. Here's what pushed me — and thousands of others searching for Linktree free alternatives — to look elsewhere:
The branding thing. Having "Linktree" plastered on your page when you're trying to look professional is a bad look. You're essentially advertising for them, for free. Every visitor sees their logo before they see your content.
Analytics are useless on free. You get total views and total clicks. That's it. Where are visitors coming from? What device are they on? What time of day gets the most traffic? All behind Linktree Pro at $9/month. In 2026. When Google Analytics is free.
No URL shortener. This one baffles me. Linktree is literally a link tool, and it can't shorten URLs? If you need short, trackable links for tweets, SMS campaigns, business cards — you need a completely separate service.
No QR codes. Everyone uses QR codes now. Restaurants, events, business cards, packaging. Linktree doesn't generate them on the free plan. Another tool you'd need separately.
When Linktree goes down, you go down. Search "Linktree not working" or "Linktree down" and you'll find plenty of complaints. When their servers have issues, every single one of your links becomes unreachable. If you're running a business or a launch, that's not just annoying — it's money lost.
Some networks block it entirely. Schools, corporate networks, some government offices block linktr.ee. People search for Linktree bypass solutions for this exact reason. Using a different domain solves this instantly.
Customer support is pay-to-play. Linktree customer service for free users? Good luck. You get a help center and slow email. Want someone to actually pick up the phone? That's the $24/month Premium plan.
One domain, take it or leave it. linktr.ee/yourname. That's it. No custom domains on free, no alternative short domains. Your brand is stuck under their umbrella.
The Alternatives I Actually Tested — Honest Takes
1. ice.bio — The One I Switched To
I'll be upfront — ice.bio is what I use now and what I recommend to anyone asking about Linktree alternatives free options. Here's why it won me over:
It's genuinely free and doesn't nickel-and-dime you. No branding on your page. No ads. No "upgrade to unlock" pop-ups every time you try to do something basic. The analytics show you real data — locations, devices, referrers, trends over time — the stuff Linktree charges $9/month for.
But the killer feature? It's not just a link in bio page. It's also a full URL shortener AND a QR code generator. Three tools in one. You pick from four short domains — ice.bio, ice.lol, ice.fo, or ice.mom — and everything just works together. Shorten a link, generate a QR code, add it to your bio page, track the clicks. All from one dashboard.
SEO controls are free too. Custom meta titles and descriptions on your bio page. Linktree charges $24/month for that on their Premium plan. Twenty-four dollars.
The themes and customization are solid. Fonts, colors, button styles, gradients, layouts — the kind of stuff that's free everywhere else but somehow costs money on Linktree.
And because it uses different domains than linktr.ee, you won't run into those network blocking issues.
What it doesn't have: No built-in storefront (use Shopify or Gumroad for that), no AI features, no social media scheduling. It focuses on being the best link-in-bio + URL shortener + QR tool, and it does that really well.
Try ice.bio free — takes 2 minutes →
2. Beacons — Heavy on Features, Heavy on Branding
Beacons tries to be everything — link in bio, online store, email marketing, media kit, AI builder. And honestly? For creators who sell stuff, it's pretty good. The free plan is generous with features.
The catch: Beacons branding is all over your free page, and the paid plan to remove it is $10/month — more than Linktree Pro. The page also loads noticeably slower than simpler alternatives because of all the bells and whistles.
Good if: You sell digital products and want everything in one place. Skip if: You just need a clean link page.
3. Later (Linkin.bio) — Expensive but Smart for Social Managers
Later's thing is that your link in bio page mirrors your Instagram grid — every post becomes clickable. It's slick if you're already using Later for scheduling.
The problem: it starts at $25/month. You're not paying for just a bio page — you're paying for their whole social media platform. If all you need is a link page, this is like buying a truck to carry groceries.
Good if: You're a social media manager who needs scheduling anyway. Skip if: You just want a link page.
4. Lnk.Bio — Simple, Has a Lifetime Deal
Lnk.Bio is the "no nonsense" option. Free plan gives you unlimited links, no branding, basic analytics. What makes it interesting is the $24.99 one-time lifetime payment — pay once and you're done forever.
It's very basic though. No QR codes, no URL shortener, limited customization, no commerce features. You get a page with links on it and that's about it.
Good if: You want dead-simple and hate subscriptions. Skip if: You need any bells or whistles.
5. Shorby — Messenger-First Approach
Shorby is different from everything else on this list. It focuses on messenger integrations — WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger — with rich link previews that show images and descriptions.
There's no free plan (starts at $12/month), so it's even pricier than Linktree Pro. Only makes sense if messaging apps are core to your business.
6. Carrd — For the Design-Obsessed
Carrd isn't really a link in bio tool — it's a one-page website builder. But plenty of creators use it as a bio page because you get total design freedom. No templates constraining you.
The free plan lets you build 3 sites. Pro is $19/year, which is absurdly cheap. But there's a learning curve, no built-in analytics, and no URL shortening or QR codes.
Good if: You're a designer who wants pixel-perfect control. Skip if: You want something quick and easy.
7. Bio.link — Clean and Minimal
Bio.link does one thing: gives you a clean, ad-free page with links on it. Free. Unlimited links. Basic analytics. No fuss.
But that's all it does. No URL shortener, no QR codes, no commerce, no advanced analytics. It's fine if "fine" is what you're looking for.
Side-by-Side: What Do You Actually Get for Free?
| Feature | Linktree Free | Linktree Pro ($9/mo) | ice.bio (Free) | Beacons Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Links | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No Branding/Ads | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Detailed Analytics | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| QR Codes | No | Limited | Yes | No |
| URL Shortener | No | No | Yes | No |
| Custom Themes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Domains | No | No | 4 domains | No |
| SEO Controls | No | No ($24/mo) | Yes | Limited |
Setting Up Your Link in Bio — Platform by Platform
Instagram (Link in Bio IG)
Instagram gives you one clickable link in your bio. That's the whole reason link in bio tools exist. Go to Edit Profile, tap Website, paste your ice.bio or Linktree URL. Done. Every link in bio IG tool works the same way here — the difference is what your visitors see when they tap.
TikTok
Same idea as Instagram. Business and creator accounts get one bio link. Edit Profile, Website field, paste your URL. TikTok also lets some accounts add clickable links in video descriptions now, but the bio link is still where most traffic goes.
YouTube
YouTube is actually more generous — you get up to 5 links on your channel banner plus links in every video description. A link in bio page still makes sense here to keep everything organized in one URL.
Substack and Newsletters
Link in bio Substack writers use bio pages to share their newsletter signup alongside their social profiles, podcast, and other content. Drop your bio link in your Substack publication settings or author bio section.
Switching from Linktree to ice.bio
Takes about 5 minutes, genuinely:
- Sign up at ice.bio/register. Free, no card required.
- Create a bio profile. Add your links, pick your style.
- Choose your domain — ice.bio, ice.lol, ice.fo, or ice.mom.
- Replace the Linktree URL in your Instagram bio (and anywhere else you've shared it).
- Optional: keep your Linktree account active for a week to catch any stragglers, then delete it from their Linktree login page under Settings.
What Good Bio Pages Look Like (Linktree Examples)
I've looked at hundreds of Linktree examples and the patterns are clear. The best bio pages — on Linktree or any alternative — keep it tight: recognizable profile photo, 5-10 well-labeled links (not 30), most important stuff at the top, consistent colors that match the brand.
Overloading your page with every link you've ever created is tempting but kills click-through rates. People get overwhelmed and leave. Pick your top links, make the titles clear and action-oriented ("Shop the Collection" not "Click here for my store"), and update regularly.
Check out Selena Gomez's ice.bio page for a real example — music, merch, entertainment projects, brands, and socials all organized cleanly without overwhelming visitors.
Common Questions People Ask
Is the Linktree free plan actually usable?
For something basic, sure. You get unlimited links and it works. But the branding, the ads on your page, and the stripped-down analytics make it feel like a constant nudge to upgrade. If you're a business or serious creator, the free plan kind of undermines your image. ice.bio gives you a cleaner deal — same unlimited links, no branding, real analytics, and it's actually free-free.
What's the best free alternative to Linktree?
ice.bio. It matches or beats Linktree Pro features at $0 — advanced analytics, QR codes, URL shortener, 4 branded domains, custom themes, SEO controls. No trial, no gotchas.
How much does Linktree cost per year?
Linktree Pro runs $108/year. Premium is $288/year. Starter is $60/year. That's real money for a page with links on it, especially when the same features exist for free elsewhere.
Is there a Linktree app for phones?
Yes, the Linktree app is on iOS and Android. You can manage links, check basic stats, and customize your page from your phone. ice.bio works fully through mobile browsers — no app install needed, which some people actually prefer.
How do I reach Linktree support?
Linktree customer service is available through their help center. Free users wait for email responses. Phone support is $24/month (Premium only). It's not great if you have an urgent issue.
Who are Linktree's biggest competitors?
The main Linktree competitors: ice.bio (best free all-in-one), Beacons (monetization focus), Later (social scheduling), Lnk.Bio (lifetime deal), Shorby (messaging), Carrd (design freedom), Bio.link (minimal). Each has a niche — ice.bio covers the most ground for free.
Why does Linktree keep going down?
Linktree not working is usually a server-side issue on their end — DNS problems, overload, or regional outages. When it happens, all your links die simultaneously. Using an alternative with different infrastructure avoids being caught in their downtime.
How do I make a Linktree page?
Go to linktr.ee, Linktree sign in with email or Google, add your links, pick a template, copy your URL. Takes 5 minutes. Creating a page on ice.bio follows the same steps but you get more customization options from the start.
Can I edit my Linktree after publishing?
Yes. Linktree edit is easy — log into the Linktree login page or use the app to add, remove, or reorder links anytime. Changes are instant.
Does Linktree have games?
Linktree games are interactive mini-games you can embed on your bio page — quizzes, polls, that kind of thing. It's a recent addition aimed at boosting engagement. Mostly available on paid plans. Whether visitors actually want to play games on a link page is debatable.
What is Linktree bypass?
Some networks (schools, offices, certain countries) block linktr.ee entirely. Linktree bypass searches come from people trying to access blocked Linktree pages. The simplest fix is using a link in bio tool on a different domain that isn't blocked — like ice.bio, ice.lol, or ice.fo.
Can I use link in bio on Substack?
Yes. Link in bio Substack integration is straightforward — add your bio page URL to your publication settings or author bio. Readers can find all your content, socials, and other projects from one link.
Bottom Line
Linktree earned its spot as the default link in bio tool. But "default" doesn't mean "best" anymore. In 2026, you shouldn't be paying $9-24/month for analytics, QR codes, and the privilege of removing someone else's logo from your page.
ice.bio does everything Linktree Pro does — analytics, themes, no branding — plus URL shortening and QR codes that Linktree doesn't even offer. And it's free. Actually free, not "free but we'll annoy you until you pay" free.
Give it 5 minutes. Create your free bio page at ice.bio →