ul0 is a free URL shortener that instantly shortens any link without requiring signup or registration, while also offering built-in expense splitting and QR code generation tools.
What is ul0?
ul0 is a no-signup URL shortening service that takes any long URL as input and produces a short, permanent redirect link along with an auto-generated QR code. It runs as a web application accessible from any browser, created by an independent developer (no company name stated on the page). Unlike most shorteners, ul0 also includes a UPI-powered Bill Splitter for splitting expenses and generating scan-and-pay QR codes, making it a multi-purpose tool for link management and group payments.
Key Features
- Instant URL shortening — Paste any long URL and get a short link in seconds, with no signup or account required.
- Permanent links — Shortened URLs never expire; they work forever without time limits.
- QR code generation — Every shortened link automatically comes with a secure QR code for offline sharing.
- Expense splitting with UPI QR codes — The built-in Bill Splitter lets groups calculate shared tabs and generate UPI payment codes for instant settlement.
- Fast redirects — Redirections happen in under a second, optimized for all devices.
- No hidden fees — All features are 100% free, with no premium plans or usage limits.
- WiFi QR generator — Create QR codes that share WiFi credentials in one scan (via https://ul0.site/wifi).
- Comparison tools — Compare ul0 against competitors like Bitly, TinyURL, and Rebrandly using side-by-side tables (example).
Who is it for?
- Social media marketers and influencers — Shorten links for Instagram bios, Twitter posts, or TikTok descriptions to improve click-through rates and fit character limits.
- Affiliate marketers — Create clean, trustworthy short links for affiliate campaigns without worrying about account limits or link expiration.
- Friends and housemates — Use the expense splitter to divide bills and generate UPI QR codes for instant payment collection.
- Students — Access the Examcrack OS (via https://ul0.site/examcrack) for local-first study planning, flashcards, and past paper analysis.
What can you do with ul0?
- Share links on social media — Paste a long URL, shorten it, and share the clean link on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or WhatsApp directly from the interface.
- Generate QR codes for print materials — Shorten a link and download its QR code to include on flyers, business cards, or posters.
- Split group expenses — Enter shared costs on the Bill Splitter page, calculate each person's share, and generate a UPI QR code for payment.
- Track campaign performance — Use the built-in UTM Builder to append tracking parameters before shortening, enabling click tracking (click counts are available on the dashboard).
How does ul0 work?
- Paste a long URL into the input box on the homepage.
- Optionally enter a custom slug for the short link (e.g., "mysite/blog").
- Click "Shorten" — the short URL and a QR code are generated instantly.
- Copy the short link or download the QR code for sharing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 100% free with no signup or usage limits.
- Permanent links that never expire.
- Integrated expense splitting and QR codes — unique among URL shorteners.
- Clean, ad-free interface.
Cons:
- No advanced link management features like custom domains or detailed analytics (only click counts are shown).
- No mobile app — web-only experience.
Pricing
ul0 is completely free — no paid tiers, no hidden costs, no subscription required. All features are available without any account.
Alternatives
- Bitly — Requires signup; free tier limited to 5 links per month; paid plans start at $8/month.
- TinyURL — Allows no-signup shortening but has limited features; paid plans start at $12.99/month.
- Rebrandly — Focuses on branded short domains; free tier is limited; paid plans start at $13/month.
FAQ
Is ul0 really free forever?
Yes, ul0 is 100% free with no hidden costs, no premium plans, and no expiration on shortened links.
Do I need to sign up to shorten a URL?
No, you can shorten URLs instantly without any registration or login.
Can I create custom short slugs?
Yes, the homepage provides an optional "Custom slug (optional)" field where you can specify a custom alias for your short link.
How do I split expenses with friends?
Visit the Bill Splitter page, enter the total amount and number of people, and the tool calculates each share. It also generates a UPI QR code for payment.
Do the shortened links expire?
No, all ul0 shortened links are permanent and never expire.
