Top 5 Alternatives to Firebase Dynamic Links for 2025

Top 5 Alternatives to Firebase Dynamic Links for 2025

With Google's announcement that Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) will be completely shut down on August 25, 2025, developers and marketers are scrambling to find reliable alternatives. This deprecation affects countless mobile applications that rely on FDL for cross-platform deep linking capabilities.

In this article, we'll analyze the top alternatives to Firebase Dynamic Links, comparing their features, implementation complexity, and suitability for different use cases to help you make an informed decision before the 2025 deadline.

Understanding What You Need to Replace

Before diving into alternatives, it's essential to understand exactly what functionality you're looking to replace. Firebase Dynamic Links provided several key capabilities:

• Cross-platform compatibility

  - Links that work across iOS, Android, and web

• Deferred deep linking

  - Directing users to specific content after app installation

• Post-install attribution

  - Tracking which links led to installations

• Custom domains

  - Support for branded link domains

• Analytics

  - Measuring link performance and user engagement

Any replacement solution should address these core functionalities while potentially offering additional features that FDL lacked.

1. AppsFlyer (OneLink)

Overview- AppsFlyer's OneLink has emerged as one of the most comprehensive alternatives to Firebase Dynamic Links, offering similar functionality with additional features and robust attribution capabilities.

Key Features:

• Single links that work across iOS, Android, and web

• Advanced deferred deep linking support

• Attribution and analytics dashboard

• Smart Banners for web-to-app conversions

• QR code generation

• Bulk link creation

• Email service provider (ESP) integrations

• No SDK requirement for basic functionality

Implementation Complexity- Medium. While AppsFlyer requires SDK integration for advanced features, their documentation is comprehensive, and the implementation process is well-supported.

Best For- Organizations requiring enterprise-grade deep linking with advanced attribution and marketing capabilities. Particularly strong for apps with marketing-driven user acquisition strategies.

Limitations- One of the more expensive options, which might be prohibitive for smaller developers.

2. Branch.io

Overview- Branch is a powerful linking platform that extends beyond basic deep linking to provide a comprehensive mobile measurement and deep linking solution.

Key Features:

• Universal links and app links support

• Journey continuation across platforms

• Attribution across channels

• A/B testing capabilities

• Fraud prevention

• Audience segmentation

• Integration with major advertising platforms

• Journey analytics

Implementation Complexity- Medium to high. Branch offers extensive capabilities but requires careful implementation and configuration.

Best For- Companies looking for a solution that combines deep linking with sophisticated marketing tools and analytics. Particularly valuable for e-commerce and businesses with complex user journeys.

Limitations- The wide range of features can be overwhelming for simple use cases, and costs can escalate with scale.

3. URLgenius

Overview- URLgenius offers a codeless approach to deep linking that doesn't require SDK integration, making it a lightweight alternative to Firebase Dynamic Links.

Key Features:

• SDK-free implementation

• QR code generation with tracking

• Custom domain support

• Web-to-app and app-to-app deep linking

• Google Analytics integration

• Social media optimized deep links

• Simple dashboard interface

Implementation Complexity- Low. The no-SDK approach makes URLgenius one of the easiest solutions to implement.

Best For- Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a straightforward deep linking solution without the technical overhead of SDK integration. Particularly good for marketing teams who need to create and manage links without developer involvement.

Limitations- May lack some of the advanced features and attribution capabilities of more comprehensive platforms.

4. Adjust

Overview- Adjust combines mobile measurement with deep linking capabilities, focusing strongly on attribution and analytics.

Key Features:

• Cross-platform deep linking

• Attribution across marketing channels

• Fraud prevention and detection

• Audience builder for retargeting

• Extensive partner integrations

• Callback support

• Advanced analytics

Implementation Complexity- Medium. Adjust requires SDK integration but provides clear documentation and support.

Best For- Mobile marketers focused on accurate attribution and protecting against fraud. Particularly valuable for apps with significant advertising budgets where precise ROI measurement is essential.

Limitations- Primary focus is on measurement rather than just deep linking, which may be more than some developers need.

5. Native Platform Solutions (App Links + Universal Links)

Overview- Rather than using a third-party service, developers can implement platform-specific solutions- Android App Links and iOS Universal Links.

Key Features:

• Direct integration with mobile operating systems

• No dependency on third-party services

• No ongoing service costs

• Complete control over implementation

• Native user experience

Implementation Complexity- High. Requires separate implementations for iOS and Android, along with proper server-side configuration.

Best For- Developers with technical resources who prefer to avoid third-party dependencies and have straightforward deep linking needs.

Limitations- Lacks the unified management and analytics of specialized solutions. Deferred deep linking (directing users to content after app installation) is more complex to implement and may require custom development.

Feature Comparison Matrix

* Requires separate implementation for each platform ** Development costs not included

Implementation Considerations

When selecting and implementing an alternative to Firebase Dynamic Links, consider these factors:

1. Migration Complexity

Each solution requires different levels of effort to migrate from FDL:

• AppsFlyer and Branch

  - Provide migration guides specifically for Firebase Dynamic Links users

• URLgenius

  - Simpler to implement but may require more manual link recreation

• Adjust

  - Focuses on attribution, which may require rethinking your linking strategy

• Native Solutions

  - Requires complete reimplementation on both platforms

2. SDK Size and Impact

For mobile applications concerned about app size and performance:

• URLgenius

  - No SDK required for basic functionality

• Native Solutions

  - No additional SDK required

• AppsFlyer, Branch, Adjust

  - Add varying amounts to your app size, though most have modular implementations to minimize impact

3. Cost Structure

Pricing models vary significantly:

• Native Solutions

  - No direct costs beyond development and maintenance

• URLgenius

  - Typically lower cost with usage-based pricing

• AppsFlyer, Branch, Adjust

  - Enterprise pricing based on usage volumes, often with significant costs for high-traffic applications

4. Analytics and Data Ownership

Consider your needs for link performance data:

• AppsFlyer, Branch, Adjust

  - Provide comprehensive analytics dashboards

• URLgenius

  - Offers basic analytics with Google Analytics integration

• Native Solutions

  - Requires custom analytics implementation

Migration Strategy Recommendations

Based on your specific use case, here are recommended migration paths:

For Enterprise Apps with Complex User Journeys

Recommended Path- AppsFlyer or Branch.io

Strategy:

• Begin with a comprehensive audit of existing links and use cases

• Implement SDK in a development environment

• Create parallel linking structure while maintaining FDL

• Test thoroughly across platforms and scenarios

• Gradually migrate high-impact links first

• Monitor analytics to confirm successful transition

For Small to Medium Apps with Basic Needs

Recommended Path- URLgenius or Native Solutions

Strategy:

• Document current linking patterns and essential functionality

• Implement lightweight solution focused on core requirements

• Test primary user flows thoroughly

• Update marketing materials and documentation

• Monitor user feedback during transition

For Marketing-Focused Applications

Recommended Path- AppsFlyer, Branch, or Adjust

Strategy:

• Evaluate attribution requirements and marketing integration needs

• Select platform that integrates best with existing marketing stack

• Focus on preserving attribution data during migration

• Test campaign tracking extensively before full migration

• Train marketing team on new platform capabilities

Case Study- E-commerce App Migration

A mid-sized e-commerce application successfully migrated from Firebase Dynamic Links to AppsFlyer by following this approach:

• Audit

  - They cataloged 200+ dynamic links across marketing campaigns, social sharing, and internal navigation

• Parallel Implementation

  - Implemented AppsFlyer SDK while maintaining FDL

• Prioritization

  - Migrated links in order of business impact (product sharing > marketing campaigns > auxiliary functions)

• Testing

  - Created automated tests to verify each link's behavior across platforms

• Gradual Rollout

  - Released updates to a percentage of users before full deployment

• Monitoring

  - Used analytics to identify and fix any issues during transition

The result was a seamless migration that actually improved conversion rates thanks to AppsFlyer's additional capabilities for web-to-app journeys.

Conclusion- Making the Right Choice

The deprecation of Firebase Dynamic Links, while disruptive, provides an opportunity to implement a more robust deep linking solution that better meets your specific needs. Each alternative offers distinct advantages:

• AppsFlyer

  - Best for comprehensive marketing and attribution needs

• Branch.io

  - Strongest for complex user journeys and marketing integration

• URLgenius

  - Ideal for simplicity and no-SDK implementation

• Adjust

  - Excellent for attribution-focused applications

• Native Solutions

  - Perfect for developers who prefer direct platform integration

Regardless of which alternative you choose, starting your migration process early will provide ample time for testing and refinement before the August 25, 2025 deadline.

Remember that deep linking technology is fundamental to mobile user experience, affecting everything from user acquisition to retention and monetization. Choosing the right replacement for Firebase Dynamic Links isn't just about maintaining functionality—it's an opportunity to enhance your app's capabilities and provide even better experiences for your users.

Next Steps- Getting Started

• Conduct a thorough audit of your current Firebase Dynamic Links usage

• Evaluate alternatives based on your specific requirements

• Create a proof of concept with your preferred solution

• Develop a detailed migration timeline with key milestones

• Begin testing with non-critical links before full implementation

By taking action now, you'll ensure a smooth transition that minimizes disruption and potentially improves your app's deep linking capabilities beyond what Firebase Dynamic Links provided.

React Native- Migrating from Firebase Dynamic Links to Branch.io (Complete Implementation Guide)

react-native-firebase-dynamic-links-migration-branch-io-tutorial