SHCD.US vs Bitly
for Small Businesses
You're comparing URL shorteners. Here's the no-BS breakdown — features, pricing, and which one actually makes sense if you're running a local business, not a Fortune 500 marketing department.
The Short Version
| Feature | SHCD.US | Bitly Free | Bitly Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code generation | ✅ Free, unlimited | ❌ | ✅ Limited |
| Real-time analytics | ✅ Included | ✅ Basic | ✅ Full |
| Password protection | ✅ Pro | ❌ | ❌ |
| Link expiration | ✅ Pro | ❌ | ❌ |
| Time-gated access | ✅ Business | ❌ | ❌ |
| Custom aliases | ✅ Free | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
| Custom domains | ✅ Pro | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
| Branded merch | ✅ Printful | ❌ | ❌ |
| Price | Free / $12 Pro | Free | $8/mo |
1. Pricing
Bitly runs on a freemium model that gets expensive fast. Free gives you 100 branded links and 1K clicks/mo. Pro is $8/mo for 1K links and 10K clicks. Need more? That's Enterprise at $534/mo+.
SHCD.US keeps it simple: Starter is free with real dynamic QR codes and analytics. Pro is $12/mo ($10 billed annually) and adds your own domain, expiry dates and passwords. Business adds time-of-day routing and unlimited scans. Every price is on the pricing page. No enterprise gatekeeping.
2. QR Codes
This is where the gap is widest. Bitly Free doesn't include QR codes at all. Bitly Pro adds them, but link counts and analytics are capped. Enterprise gets unlimited QR codes — at $534/mo.
SHCD.US gives every short link an instant QR code. Download as PNG or SVG. Print once, update the destination anytime — the QR code never changes. It's unlimited, and it's free.
3. Security Features
Bitly doesn't offer link protection at any price tier below Enterprise. No password protection. No link expiration. No time-gating.
SHCD.US includes password-protected links and link expiration from $10/mo, with time-gated access on Business. Client galleries, VIP drops, internal docs, time-sensitive promos — all gated in seconds.
4. Analytics
Bitly Free gives you total click count and basic referrers. No device data, no location. You need Pro ($8/mo) for geography, device breakdown, and real-time dashboards.
SHCD.US free tier includes scan counts, device type, OS, geographic location, time-based trends, and referrer tracking. Matches or beats Bitly Pro analytics — at $0.
5. Merch Integration
Bitly doesn't offer merch. SHCD.US integrates with Printful — put your QR code on t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and more. No inventory. No minimums. Shipped on demand. Perfect for bands, podcasters, realtors, and anyone who puts QR codes on physical stuff.
Who should use what?
SHCD.US is for you if:
- ✓ You print QR codes on anything (menus, signs, cards)
- ✓ You need password-protected or expiring links
- ✓ You want analytics without paying $8/mo for them
- ✓ You run a local business, not a Fortune 500
- ✓ You want to put your QR code on merch
Stick with Bitly if:
- • You need SSO/SAML for enterprise compliance
- • You manage 100+ client accounts in one dashboard
- • You're already locked into the Bitly ecosystem
- • Your company has a $534/mo budget for a link shortener
Ready for codes with your name on them?
Dynamic QR codes free to start. Pro is $10/mo billed annually, with your own domain.