Short answer: Since Firebase Dynamic Links shut down in August 2025, most teams get deep linking from a mobile measurement partner (MMP). The key differences are whether deferred deep linking is on the free or entry plan, whether links run on your own domain, and whether install attribution comes in the same SDK.
What is a deep linking tool?
A deep linking tool is software that creates links which open a specific screen inside a mobile app, and, if the app is not installed, send the user to the store and then to that screen after install. Most tools also record each click so installs can be attributed to the link that drove them.
The three link types you will see in every product page:
- Deep link: opens a specific screen when the app is already installed.
- Deferred deep link: remembers the destination through the install, so a new user lands on the intended screen rather than the home screen.
- Universal Links and App Links: the iOS and Android standards that let an HTTPS link on your domain open the app directly.
Why does deferred deep linking matter?
Deferred deep linking matters because most links in paid, referral and influencer campaigns reach people who do not have the app yet. Without it, those new users land on a generic home screen and the context of the link is lost.
Typical flows that depend on it:
- Referral and "invite a friend" programmes
- Influencer and creator links in Instagram or YouTube bios
- QR codes on packaging, posters and shop counters
- Product links in ads, emails and WhatsApp messages
What to look for in a deep linking tool
- Deferred deep linking on the plan you will use, not on a higher custom-priced tier
- Links on your own branded domain, so a vendor change never breaks printed or shared links
- In-app browser handling for Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, through smart landing pages or banners
- Install attribution in the same SDK, so you can see which link drove each install
- Published pricing and SDKs for your framework
Deep linking tools compared
| Tool | Free or entry plan | Deferred deep linking on that plan | Published price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linkrunner | 25k installs free, one-time | Yes | $0.010 per install |
| Tenjin | 2k conversions a month free | Yes | From $200 a month |
| Airbridge | 30-day trial | Yes, on Core | From $40 a month |
| Kochava | 10k conversions a month free | SmartLinks; deferred not confirmed | From $500 a month |
| AppMetrica | Free, installs unlimited | Not confirmed | $0.80 per extra 1M events |
| Singular | Up to 15k paid conversions free | Deep linking listed; deferred not spelled out | $0.05 per conversion |
| Adjust | Base, 1.5k conversions a month for 12 months | Yes | Not public |
| AppsFlyer | Zero, basic links only | From the custom-priced Standard tier | $0.07 per conversion |
| Branch | Free trial on Basics | Not confirmed on Basics | Not public |
Notes on each tool
- Tenjin: best for indie and hybrid-casual game studios. Its all-inclusive plans list deferred deep linking, fraud prevention and raw data, and its docs cover Meta and non-Meta deferred deep links.
- Airbridge: best for small apps that want a low fixed entry price. Core includes deferred deep links, short links, QR codes and a web-to-app banner, priced by data points.
- Kochava: best for apps that also measure connected TV. SmartLinks with QR codes are on the free plan, and Foundation adds enhanced universal and app link support.
- AppMetrica: suited to apps focused on Russia and CIS markets. Deep link opens are counted as a free basic event, but deferred deep linking support is not confirmed.
- Singular: deep linking is listed on the free plan; the pricing page does not spell out deferred deep linking.
- Adjust: deferred deep linking is in the shared attribution features, while TrueLink and Smart Banners are paid add-ons for Core and Enterprise clients.
- AppsFlyer: deferred deep linking starts at the custom-priced Standard tier, and branded domains moved to Advanced after the Zero plan change.
- Branch: no prices are published, and deep linking is not listed as a feature of the entry Basics plan.
Do you need a standalone deep linking tool?
Usually not, if you run paid or influencer campaigns. A standalone link tool tells you about clicks, while an MMP with built-in deep linking tells you which link drove each install and what those users did next.
A standalone tool can make sense when you only need store redirects or QR codes with no attribution. For anything beyond that, compare MMPs on the free MMP and Branch alternatives pages.
Where Linkrunner fits
Where Linkrunner fits: Best for growth teams that want deep linking and attribution in one SDK at a published price. Linkrunner makes every link dynamic and deferred by default on every plan, supports Universal Links and App Links on your own branded domain, and handles QR code, web-to-app and influencer links. The free plan covers 25k installs, and paid usage runs from $0.010 down to $0.007 per install with no annual contract.
SDKs cover React Native, Flutter, iOS, Android, Expo, Capacitor, Cordova and Unity, so most app stacks are supported.
If you are choosing a deep linking tool now, shortlist two or three from the table, run your volume through the MMP cost calculator, and test Linkrunner's deep links alongside them.
FAQ
What is the best free deep linking tool? It depends on what you need beyond routing. Linkrunner includes deferred deep linking and attribution for 25k free installs, Tenjin offers 2k free conversions a month, and Kochava includes SmartLinks on its free plan.
Is Firebase Dynamic Links still available? No. Google shut down Firebase Dynamic Links in August 2025, and links on page.link domains no longer route users. Read the Firebase Dynamic Links replacement guide for migration steps.
What is the difference between a deep link and a deferred deep link? A deep link opens a specific screen when the app is already installed. A deferred deep link remembers that screen through the install, so new users land in the right place on first open.
Does AppsFlyer include deferred deep linking for free? No. AppsFlyer's deep linking pricing page lists deferred deep linking only from the paid Standard tier up, and those tiers are custom-priced.
Do I need an SDK for deep linking? For deferred deep linking and attribution, yes, because the app has to read the link data on first open. Simple store redirects and QR codes can work without an SDK.