GoTo.now vs. Ow.ly: A Direct Comparison of URL Shorteners
Choosing the right URL shortener can make a big impact on how efficiently you share links, track performance, and manage digital marketing. Two popular options are GoTo.now and Ow.ly, each offering unique features to simplify link management. Let's break down the differences to help you decide which tool fits your needs best.
Quick Comparison:
- GoTo.now: Fast, simple, and designed for all users with QR code generation, link safety checks, and in-depth tracking.
- Ow.ly: A feature within Hootsuite, mainly for social media scheduling, requiring a Hootsuite account.
- GoTo.now offers a seamless experience without login restrictions, while Ow.ly is best suited for Hootsuite users.
Key Features Compared
1. Ease of Use
GoTo.now is built for simplicity. You can shorten links instantly without signing up, making it a hassle-free option. Ow.ly, on the other hand, requires a Hootsuite account, which can be limiting for users who don’t use Hootsuite for social media management.
2. QR Code Generation
Need QR codes? GoTo.now provides an easy-to-use QR code generator alongside its URL shortener. Ow.ly does not currently offer built-in QR code creation, making GoTo.now a better choice for offline sharing.
3. Link Analytics & Tracking
Both platforms offer tracking, but GoTo.now allows you to monitor clicks, referrers, and geographic data in a user-friendly dashboard. Ow.ly provides similar analytics but is tied directly to Hootsuite’s reporting tools, which may not be ideal for users outside the Hootsuite ecosystem.
4. Security & Link Verification
Clicking on suspicious links can be risky. GoTo.now offers a link checker to verify URLs before sharing. Ow.ly does not have a built-in URL verification tool, leaving users more vulnerable to phishing attempts.
5. Customization
GoTo.now allows for easy custom short URLs, giving brands more control over their shared links. Ow.ly’s customization features are limited unless paired with a Hootsuite premium plan.
6. Integration With Other Tools
GoTo.now works as a standalone URL shortener that integrates with different platforms without restrictions. Ow.ly is fully embedded within Hootsuite, making it dependent on that ecosystem.
7. Pricing & Accessibility
GoTo.now is free to use for link shortening, QR code generation, and link verification. Ow.ly, however, is included in Hootsuite’s plans, which start at a monthly fee, making it less accessible for casual users.
Pros and Cons of Each Tool
| Feature | GoTo.now | Ow.ly |
|---|---|---|
| Shorten URLs without sign-up | ✔ Yes | ✖ Requires Hootsuite account |
| QR Code Generation | ✔ Yes | ✖ No |
| Custom Short Links | ✔ Yes | ✖ Limited |
| Link Analytics | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes (via Hootsuite) |
| Link Safety Check | ✔ Yes | ✖ No |
| Integration with other tools | ✔ Yes (Works Independently) | ✖ Tied to Hootsuite |
| Pricing | ✔ Free | ✖ Requires Paid Plan |
| Best for | Individuals, marketers, businesses | Hootsuite users |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for a reliable URL shortener with built-in QR code generation, link safety checks, and easy-to-use tracking, GoTo.now is the best option. It works seamlessly without requiring extra logins and offers flexibility for all types of users.
On the other hand, if you’re a dedicated Hootsuite user who needs integrated link management within your social media workflow, Ow.ly may be a better fit—though it lacks standalone functionality.
Final Thoughts
Both GoTo.now and Ow.ly have their strengths, but if you need a fast, free, and independent URL shortener with extra features like QR code generation and link security, GoTo.now is the clear winner. Give it a try today and start simplifying your link management strategy!