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Best Link in Bio Tools in 2026: Free vs Paid Compared

Linktree charges $5–$9/month for what several tools give you free. Here is an honest comparison.

📅 April 4, 2026⏱ 2 min read

The Link in Bio Market Is Overpriced

Linktree is the name everyone knows. It's also $5–$9/month for features that have been commoditized. Competitors like Later's Link in Bio, Beacons, and Shorby charge similar amounts.

You don't need to pay for a link in bio page. Here's why — and what to use instead.

What a Link in Bio Page Actually Needs

The core requirement is simple: a page with your links, your name, and maybe a profile photo. Everything else — analytics, custom domains, button styles, animations — is nice to have but not essential when you're starting out.

Essential features:

  • Unlimited links
  • Custom appearance (colors, fonts, at minimum)
  • Mobile-optimized layout
  • Basic analytics (clicks, views)
  • Premium features worth paying for eventually:

  • Custom domain (yourname.com instead of platform/yourname)
  • Advanced analytics
  • Email capture
  • Embedded content (YouTube, Spotify)
  • Free Options That Actually Work

    **SocialMate** includes a Link in Bio builder on the free plan — no separate tool, no extra subscription. You get a hosted page at socialmate.studio/bio/yourname with unlimited links, customizable appearance, and basic click analytics. The Pro plan ($5/month) adds a custom domain. If you're already using SocialMate to schedule posts, your link in bio is just included.

    **Beacons** has a free tier with basic features and Beacons branding. Paid plans start at $10/month for custom domains.

    **Carrd** ($9/year for Pro) is technically a one-page website builder, not a link in bio tool — but it works perfectly for the purpose and is one of the best values available.

    When to Pay for a Custom Domain

    If you're building a brand, a custom domain (yourname.com) is worth it eventually. It looks more professional, it's something you own, and it doesn't disappear if the link in bio platform shuts down.

    SocialMate's Pro plan ($5/month) includes a custom domain for your bio page. That's the same price as Linktree's basic paid plan — except you're also getting a full social media scheduler, AI tools, analytics, and everything else SocialMate includes.

    The Honest Bottom Line

    If you're already paying for a social media tool, check if it includes a link in bio feature before paying separately. SocialMate, Later, and a few others bundle it in. Pay once, get everything.

    Try SocialMate free

    Schedule to 7 platforms, get 15+ AI tools, and grow your audience — all for free. No credit card required.

    Create free account →

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    Comparing tools?

    vs Hootsuitevs Buffervs Latervs Sendiblevs Metricoolvs Publervs Planablevs Sprout Socialvs SocialPilotvs Loomlyvs CoSchedulevs MeetEdgarvs Iconosquarevs Tailwindvs Crowdfirevs Pallyyvs Agorapulsevs Sprinklrvs SocialBeevs ContentStudiovs Missinglettrvs Post Plannervs RecurPostvs Nuelinkvs Fedicavs StatusbrewSee all comparisons →

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