Smler vs Dub
The short answer: Dub is a link attribution platform built for the web. Smler is a deep linking platform built for mobile apps. If your links point to websites and you care about marketing and partner attribution, Dub is excellent at that. If your links need to open an app, survive the app store install, and tell you which link drove which install, that is Smler's entire job. The clearest single difference: deferred deep linking is on every Smler plan including Free, while on Dub it is an Enterprise conversation.
Side-by-side comparison
How Smler and Dub compare across the features that matter.
| Feature | Smler | Dub |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Mobile app teams. Links that open apps, route through app stores, and attribute installs | Web and marketing teams. Short links, UTM workflows, conversion and partner attribution for websites |
| Deferred deep linking | Every plan, including Free. A new user taps your link, installs the app, and lands on the right screen | Enterprise plans only, custom pricing |
| Deep link routing | Universal Links, Android App Links, smart app store routing and web fallbacks on every plan | Deep link support exists, with advanced app routing tied to higher plans |
| Install attribution | Link level install attribution on every plan. 25,000 attributed installs per month free | Attribution is web centered: clicks, leads and sales conversions |
| Free tier | 25,000 attributed installs every month, deferred deep linking included, links never expire, no card required | Free plan with monthly limits on new links and tracked clicks |
| Paid entry point | Builder at $19 per month with custom domain | Pro from around $24 per month |
| Pricing metric | Flat plans gated on capability. Installs are not a billing event | Flat plans gated on links, tracked clicks and events per month |
| Web conversion and partner tracking | Not the focus. Smler attributes app installs and opens | A core strength: sales conversion tracking and partner program features |
| Open source | No. Hosted platform | Yes, open source with a hosted offering |
| Getting started | Self serve, no credit card, live in minutes | Self serve |
Where each tool wins
Choose Smler when
- Your product is a mobile app and links must survive the app store install
- You want deferred deep linking without an enterprise sales conversation
- You need to know which link, campaign or channel drove each install
- You are replacing Firebase Dynamic Links
- You want your install growth to never raise your bill
Choose Dub when
- Your links point to websites, not apps
- You run partner or affiliate programs with web conversion payouts
- Your team lives in UTM parameters and marketing attribution for the web
- You want an open source codebase you can self host
Plenty of teams use both. Dub for the marketing site and partner links, Smler for every link that should open the app. They solve different problems and do not conflict.
The feature that decides it for app teams
Deferred deep linking is what makes a link work for someone who does not have your app yet. They tap the link, get routed to the right app store, install, open the app for the first time, and land exactly where the link promised: the product page, the referral bonus, the shared content. Without it, every new user lands on your home screen and the context is lost.
On Smler this is included on every plan, including Free, with 25,000 attributed installs every month. On Dub it is available on Enterprise plans with custom pricing. If deferred deep linking is on your requirements list, that difference usually ends the evaluation.
Using Smler alongside Dub
There is no migration decision to make because the tools are complementary. Keep Dub for web marketing links and partner programs if it is working for you. Point every link that should open your app at Smler: share links, referral links, campaign links, QR codes on packaging, links in SMS and email. Smler links use standard Universal Links and Android App Links, so there is no lock in either direction.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dub support deferred deep linking?
On Enterprise plans with custom pricing. On Smler, deferred deep linking is included on every plan, including Free.
Is Dub open source and Smler not?
Correct. Dub is open source and can be self hosted. Smler is a hosted deep linking platform. If self hosting is a hard requirement, Dub is the better fit for that requirement.
Can I track web sales and partner payouts with Smler?
No. Web conversion and partner program tracking is Dub's strength. Smler attributes app installs and app opens from links.
Can I use Smler and Dub together?
Yes, and teams do. Dub for web marketing links, Smler for links that open the app. They do not conflict.
What does the Smler free tier include?
25,000 attributed installs every month, deferred deep linking, links that never expire, and no credit card to start.
See your first deferred deep link work in minutes
Create a link, install your test build from it, and watch the user land on the right screen with the install attributed.
Dub pricing and features verified from dub.co public pages as of July 2026 and may change. Figures use approximate public plan levels.