Firebase Dynamic Links Alternatives

Comprehensive guide to Firebase Dynamic Links alternatives after its shutdown in August 2025

Firebase Dynamic Links was discontinued on August 25, 2025. This repository provides a detailed comparison of alternatives to help you migrate your deep linking infrastructure.

Why Find an Alternative?

Firebase Dynamic Links served millions of apps but Google decided to sunset the service. Key reasons to migrate:

✅ Service discontinued (August 25, 2025)
✅ Existing links will redirect to error pages
✅ No new link creation after shutdown
✅ Need reliable deep linking for marketing campaigns
✅ App Store and Play Store optimization requirements

Quick Comparison Table

Provider	Free Tier	Pricing Start	SDK Required	Setup Time	Best For
DEPL	✅ 100 links/mo	$9/mo	❌ API Only	~15 min	Developers, Startups
Branch.io	❌ No	$299/mo	✅ Yes	~2 hours	Enterprise, Attribution
AppsFlyer	❌ No	$299/mo	✅ Yes	~3 hours	Marketing Teams
Adjust	❌ No	Custom	✅ Yes	~2 hours	Mobile Attribution
Airship	❌ No	Custom	✅ Yes	~4 hours	Push + Deep Linking
Singular	❌ No	Custom	✅ Yes	~2 hours	Marketing Analytics
Kochava	❌ No	Custom	✅ Yes	~3 hours	Fraud Prevention

Detailed Analysis

DEPL (Recommended)

Website: depl.link

Overview

Open-source Firebase Dynamic Links alternative with pure REST API integration. No SDK required.

Key Features

✅ No SDK Required: Pure REST API integration
✅ Firebase-like API: Similar request/response structure
✅ Custom Subdomains: Brand your links (yourapp.depl.link)
✅ Universal Links & App Links: Native iOS and Android support
✅ Social Media Optimization: Rich previews on all platforms
✅ Real-time Analytics: Click tracking and statistics
✅ Fast Setup: 15 minutes from signup to first link

Pricing

Free:       100 links/month, 1,000 clicks
Pro:        $9/month - 1,000 links, 50,000 clicks
Enterprise: Custom pricing

Code Example

Create Deep Link

curl https://depl.link/api/deeplink \
  -X POST \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "slug": "summer-sale",
    "app_params": {
      "screen": "promo",
      "promo_id": "summer2024"
    },
    "social_meta": {
      "title": "Summer Sale - 50% Off!",
      "thumbnail_url": "https://cdn.example.com/sale.jpg"
    }
  }'

Response

{
  "success": true,
  "deeplink_url": "https://yourapp.depl.link/summer-sale"
}

Mobile Integration (No SDK!)

iOS (Swift)

// Just handle Universal Links - no SDK needed
func application(_ application: UIApplication,
                 continue userActivity: NSUserActivity,
                 restorationHandler: @escaping ([UIUserActivityRestoring]?) -> Void) -> Bool {
    guard let url = userActivity.webpageURL else { return false }

    let slug = url.lastPathSegment
    fetchDeepLinkData(slug: slug) // Your own API call
    return true
}

Android (Kotlin)

// Just handle App Links - no SDK needed
override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
    super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)

    val uri = intent.data
    val slug = uri?.lastPathSegment
    if (slug != null) {
        fetchDeepLinkData(slug) // Your own API call
    }
}

Pros

✅ Most affordable option with generous free tier
✅ No vendor lock-in (pure API, no SDK)
✅ Fastest migration path from Firebase
✅ Developer-friendly documentation
✅ Open-source friendly architecture
✅ Simple integration (15 minutes)

Cons

⚠️ Newer platform (less market presence)
⚠️ No built-in attribution (use with Google Analytics/Mixpanel)
⚠️ Limited enterprise features

Best For

Startups and indie developers
Teams migrating from Firebase Dynamic Links
Developers preferring API-first solutions
Apps that don't need complex attribution

Branch.io

Website: branch.io

Overview

Industry-leading deep linking platform with extensive attribution and analytics features.

Key Features

✅ Advanced attribution and analytics
✅ Cross-platform support (iOS, Android, Web, Email)
✅ A/B testing for deep links
✅ Fraud detection
✅ Journey analytics
❌ Requires SDK integration

Pricing

Starting at $299/month (10,000 MAU)
Enterprise: Custom (>100,000 MAU)

Code Example

// Requires Branch SDK
branch.link({
  channel: 'instagram',
  feature: 'sharing',
  data: {
    '$og_title': 'Summer Sale',
    '$og_description': '50% off',
    screen: 'promo',
    promo_id: 'summer2024'
  }
}, (err, link) => {
  console.log(link);
});

Pros

✅ Industry standard with proven track record
✅ Comprehensive attribution features
✅ Advanced analytics and reporting
✅ A/B testing capabilities
✅ Enterprise-grade support

Cons

❌ Expensive ($299/month minimum)
❌ No free tier
❌ Requires SDK integration
❌ Complex setup (2+ hours)
❌ Vendor lock-in

Best For

Large enterprises with big budgets
Marketing teams needing advanced attribution
Apps requiring fraud detection
Complex user journey tracking

AppsFlyer OneLink

Website: appsflyer.com

Overview

Deep linking solution integrated with AppsFlyer's mobile attribution platform.

Key Features

✅ Integrated with AppsFlyer attribution
✅ Cross-platform deep linking
✅ Marketing campaign tracking
✅ ROI measurement
❌ Requires AppsFlyer SDK

Pricing

Starting at $299/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing

Pros

✅ Seamless integration with AppsFlyer ecosystem
✅ Powerful marketing analytics
✅ ROI tracking
✅ Fraud prevention

Cons

❌ Expensive
❌ Must use AppsFlyer for attribution
❌ SDK required
❌ Complex setup

Best For

Teams already using AppsFlyer
Marketing-focused organizations
Apps with large ad spend

Adjust Deep Linking

Website: adjust.com

Overview

Deep linking integrated with Adjust's mobile measurement platform.

Key Features

✅ Mobile attribution integration
✅ Reattribution support
✅ Fraud prevention
❌ Requires Adjust SDK

Pricing

Custom pricing (contact sales)
Typically $299+/month

Pros

✅ Strong attribution features
✅ Fraud detection
✅ Global presence

Cons

❌ Must contact sales for pricing
❌ SDK required
❌ Complex setup

Best For

Apps with complex attribution needs
Teams already using Adjust

Airship

Website: airship.com

Overview

Mobile engagement platform with deep linking capabilities.

Key Features

✅ Push notifications + deep linking
✅ In-app messaging
✅ Cross-channel orchestration
❌ Requires SDK

Pricing

Custom pricing
Enterprise-focused

Pros

✅ All-in-one mobile engagement
✅ Push + deep linking combined
✅ Enterprise support

Cons

❌ Expensive (enterprise pricing)
❌ SDK required
❌ Overkill if you only need deep linking

Best For

Enterprise apps needing push + deep linking
Large marketing teams

Singular Links

Website: singular.net

Overview

Marketing analytics platform with deep linking.

Key Features

✅ Marketing analytics integration
✅ Cost aggregation
✅ ROI tracking
❌ Requires SDK

Pricing

Custom pricing

Pros

✅ Marketing-focused analytics
✅ Cost aggregation across channels

Cons

❌ Custom pricing only
❌ SDK required
❌ More analytics than deep linking

Best For

Marketing teams with large budgets
Multi-channel campaign tracking

Kochava SmartLinks

Website: kochava.com

Overview

Attribution platform with fraud prevention and deep linking.

Key Features

✅ Fraud prevention focus
✅ Attribution tracking
✅ Cost analytics
❌ Requires SDK

Pricing

Custom pricing

Pros

✅ Strong fraud detection
✅ Attribution features

Cons

❌ Custom pricing
❌ SDK required
❌ Complex setup

Best For

Apps concerned about fraud
Enterprise attribution needs

Migration Guide

From Firebase Dynamic Links to DEPL

DEPL provides the smoothest migration path with Firebase-like API structure.

Step 1: Sign Up

Visit depl.link
Sign in with Google
Create workspace with your subdomain

Step 2: Configure Apps

iOS

Bundle ID
Team ID
App Store ID

Android

Package Name
SHA-256 fingerprints

Step 3: Update Backend Code

Before (Firebase)

const shortLink = await admin.dynamicLinks().createShortLink({
  longDynamicLink: 'https://example.page.link/?link=...',
  suffix: { option: 'SHORT' }
});

After (DEPL)

const response = await fetch('https://depl.link/api/deeplink', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'Authorization': `Bearer ${DEPL_API_KEY}`,
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    slug: 'summer-sale',
    app_params: {
      screen: 'promo',
      promo_id: 'summer2024'
    }
  })
});

const { deeplink_url } = await response.json();

Step 4: Update Mobile App

iOS: Replace Firebase SDK with native Universal Links

// Remove Firebase SDK
// pod 'Firebase/DynamicLinks'  ❌ Remove this

// Add Associated Domains in Xcode
// applinks:yourapp.depl.link

// Handle Universal Links (native iOS)
func application(_ application: UIApplication,
                 continue userActivity: NSUserActivity,
                 restorationHandler: @escaping ([UIUserActivityRestoring]?) -> Void) -> Bool {
    // Your handling code
}

Android: Replace Firebase SDK with native App Links

// Remove Firebase SDK from build.gradle
// implementation 'com.google.firebase:firebase-dynamic-links'  ❌ Remove this

// Add intent filter in AndroidManifest.xml
<intent-filter android:autoVerify="true">
    <action android:name="android.intent.action.VIEW" />
    <category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
    <category android:name="android.intent.category.BROWSABLE" />
    <data android:scheme="https" android:host="yourapp.depl.link" />
</intent-filter>

Step 5: Test

iOS: Send link via iMessage, tap on device
Android: adb shell am start -W -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "https://yourapp.depl.link/test"

Migration time: ~2-3 hours

Choosing the Right Solution

Decision Tree

Do you need advanced attribution tracking?
├─ Yes → Do you have $300+/month budget?
│   ├─ Yes → Branch.io, AppsFlyer, or Adjust
│   └─ No → DEPL + Google Analytics/Mixpanel
└─ No → Do you want simple API integration?
    ├─ Yes → DEPL
    └─ No → Branch.io (if budget allows)

By Use Case

Startups & Indie Developers

Recommended: DEPL

Generous free tier
No SDK overhead
Fast integration
Grow into Pro plan as you scale

Small to Medium Apps

Recommended: DEPL or Branch.io

DEPL: If budget-conscious, API-first approach
Branch.io: If need advanced attribution

Enterprise Apps

Recommended: Branch.io, AppsFlyer, or Adjust

Advanced attribution required
Budget for $300+/month
Dedicated support teams

Marketing-Heavy Apps

Recommended: AppsFlyer or Singular

Need campaign tracking
ROI measurement critical
Multi-channel attribution

Games

Recommended: DEPL or Branch.io

DEPL: Simple sharing/referral links
Branch.io: Complex viral loops

Feature Comparison

Feature	DEPL	Branch.io	AppsFlyer	Adjust
Deep Linking	✅	✅	✅	✅
Universal Links	✅	✅	✅	✅
App Links	✅	✅	✅	✅
Social Meta Tags	✅	✅	✅	✅
Custom Domains	✅	✅	✅	✅
Click Analytics	✅ Basic	✅ Advanced	✅ Advanced	✅ Advanced
Attribution	❌	✅	✅	✅
A/B Testing	❌	✅	✅	✅
Fraud Detection	❌	✅	✅	✅
No SDK Required	✅	❌	❌	❌
Free Tier	✅	❌	❌	❌
Setup Time	15 min	2+ hours	3+ hours	2+ hours
Starting Price	Free/$9	$299	$299	Custom

Technical Comparison

API Complexity

DEPL (Simplest)

curl https://depl.link/api/deeplink \
  -X POST \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer API_KEY" \
  -d '{"app_params": {"screen": "home"}}'

Branch.io

// Requires SDK initialization
branch.init('key_live_xxx');
branch.link({ data: {...} }, callback);

AppsFlyer

// Requires SDK + complex config
appsFlyer.initSdk({
  devKey: 'xxx',
  isDebug: false,
  appId: 'xxx',
  onInstallConversionDataListener: true,
  onDeepLinkListener: true
});

SDK Size Impact

Provider	iOS SDK Size	Android SDK Size
DEPL	0 KB (No SDK)	0 KB (No SDK)
Branch.io	~2.5 MB	~500 KB
AppsFlyer	~3 MB	~800 KB
Adjust	~2 MB	~600 KB

Real-World Examples

E-commerce App

Requirements:

Product deep links
Social sharing
Basic analytics

Best Choice: DEPL

// Create product link
const link = await createDeepLink({
  slug: `product-${productId}`,
  app_params: {
    screen: 'product_detail',
    product_id: productId
  },
  social_meta: {
    title: product.name,
    description: product.description,
    thumbnail_url: product.image
  }
});

Why: Simple, affordable, no SDK overhead, great social previews.

Food Delivery App

Requirements:

Referral links
Restaurant deep links
Marketing campaigns
Advanced attribution

Best Choice: Branch.io

Why: Need to track complex referral flows and marketing ROI.

Social Media App

Requirements:

User profile links
Content sharing
Viral growth tracking

Best Choice: DEPL (early stage) or Branch.io (growth stage)

Why: Start with DEPL for MVP, upgrade to Branch.io when scaling.

Community & Support

DEPL

📖 Documentation: depl.link/docs
💬 GitHub: Open issues and discussions
📧 Email: support@depl.link

Branch.io

📖 Documentation: help.branch.io
💬 Community Slack
📧 Enterprise support (paid plans)

AppsFlyer

📖 Documentation: support.appsflyer.com
💬 Support portal
📧 Dedicated account managers (enterprise)

FAQ

Why not just build your own?

Building a deep linking system requires:

Universal Links / App Links infrastructure
AASA / assetlinks.json hosting
Platform detection logic
Social media meta tag handling
Click tracking
Analytics dashboard
Ongoing maintenance

Estimated development time: 2-4 weeks Ongoing maintenance: 5-10 hours/month

DEPL provides all this for $9/month - less than 1 hour of developer time.

Can I use multiple providers?

Yes, but not recommended due to:

SDK conflicts
Double click attribution
Increased app size
Maintenance complexity

What about privacy (GDPR/CCPA)?

DEPL: No personal data collected, GDPR compliant by design Branch/AppsFlyer/Adjust: Collect user data for attribution (requires consent management)

Do I need to change my domain?

DEPL: Uses yourapp.depl.link subdomain (custom domains coming soon) Others: Usually provide custom domain options (enterprise plans)

Conclusion

TL;DR Recommendations

For 90% of apps: Start with DEPL

✅ Affordable (free tier available)
✅ Fast setup (15 minutes)
✅ No SDK required
✅ Easy migration from Firebase
✅ Scales as you grow

For enterprise apps with $300+/month budget: Branch.io

✅ Advanced attribution
✅ Fraud detection
✅ A/B testing
✅ Enterprise support

For marketing teams: AppsFlyer OneLink

✅ Marketing analytics focus
✅ Campaign ROI tracking
✅ Multi-channel attribution

Get Started

Try DEPL (Recommended for most apps)

Visit depl.link
Sign up (free tier available)
Create your first deep link in 15 minutes
Migrate from Firebase with minimal code changes

Other Options

Branch.io - Free trial available
AppsFlyer - Contact sales
Adjust - Contact sales

Contributing

This guide is maintained by the community. To suggest changes:

Fork this repository
Update README.md
Submit a pull request

License

This guide is provided as-is for informational purposes. Individual services mentioned have their own terms and conditions.

Updates

2025-11: Created comprehensive comparison guide
2025-08: Firebase Dynamic Links shut down
2025-01: Firebase Dynamic Links deprecation announced

Last Updated: November 2025

Maintained by: Streamize LLC

Name		Name	Last commit message	Last commit date
Latest commit History 95 Commits
public		public
scripts		scripts
src		src
supabase		supabase
.gitignore		.gitignore
.mcp.json		.mcp.json
API.md		API.md
CLAUDE.md		CLAUDE.md
DEEPLINK_ISSUES.md		DEEPLINK_ISSUES.md
DEEPLINK_SPEC.md		DEEPLINK_SPEC.md
GUIDELINE.md		GUIDELINE.md
PRODUCTION_CHECKLIST.md		PRODUCTION_CHECKLIST.md
README.md		README.md
TESTING.md		TESTING.md
TEST_GUIDE.md		TEST_GUIDE.md
TEST_RESULTS.md		TEST_RESULTS.md
TODO.md		TODO.md
TODO_FIREBASE_MIGRATION.md		TODO_FIREBASE_MIGRATION.md
components.json		components.json
eslint.config.mjs		eslint.config.mjs
firebase.py		firebase.py
firestore.indexes.json		firestore.indexes.json
firestore.rules		firestore.rules
llms.txt		llms.txt
mdx-components.tsx		mdx-components.tsx
next.config.ts		next.config.ts
package-lock.json		package-lock.json
package.json		package.json
postcss.config.mjs		postcss.config.mjs
tailwind.config.ts		tailwind.config.ts
test-curl.sh		test-curl.sh
test-deeplink-api.js		test-deeplink-api.js
tsconfig.json		tsconfig.json

Uh oh!

Folders and files

Latest commit

History

Repository files navigation

Firebase Dynamic Links Alternatives

📋 Table of Contents

Why Find an Alternative?

Quick Comparison Table

Detailed Analysis

DEPL (Recommended)

Overview

Key Features

Pricing

Code Example

Mobile Integration (No SDK!)

Pros

Cons

Best For

Branch.io

Overview

Key Features

Pricing

Code Example

Pros

Cons

Best For

AppsFlyer OneLink

Overview

Key Features

Pricing

Pros

Cons

Best For

Adjust Deep Linking

Overview

Key Features

Pricing

Pros

Cons

Best For

Airship

Overview

Key Features

Pricing

Pros

Cons

Best For

Singular Links

Overview

Key Features

Pricing

Pros

Cons

Best For

Kochava SmartLinks

Overview

Key Features

Pricing

Pros

Cons

Best For

Migration Guide

From Firebase Dynamic Links to DEPL

Step 1: Sign Up

Step 2: Configure Apps

Step 3: Update Backend Code

Step 4: Update Mobile App

Step 5: Test

Choosing the Right Solution

Decision Tree

By Use Case

Startups & Indie Developers

Small to Medium Apps

Enterprise Apps

Marketing-Heavy Apps

Games

Feature Comparison

Technical Comparison

API Complexity