Branch.io vs AppsFlyer OneLink vs Appy
Complete comparison of the top smart linking platforms: features, pricing, implementation, and which one is right for your mobile app
Table of Contents
Platform Overview
Branch.io
Enterprise attribution platform with advanced features and complex integrations
- Full attribution suite
- Journeys web personalization
- Enterprise support
- Partner marketplace
AppsFlyer OneLink
Deep linking integrated with AppsFlyer's comprehensive attribution platform
- Unified attribution data
- Fraud protection
- Partner integrations
- SKAdNetwork support
Appy
Simple smart linking platform focused on speed, transparency, and ease of use
- No SDK required
- Transparent pricing
- Real-time analytics
- QR code generation
Feature Comparison
Feature | Branch.io | AppsFlyer OneLink | Appy |
---|---|---|---|
Setup Time | 2-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 15 minutes |
SDK Required | Yes | Yes | Optional |
Pricing Transparency | Custom quotes | Bundled pricing | Public pricing |
Analytics Depth | Advanced | Comprehensive | Real-time |
QR Code Generation | Limited | No | Built-in |
Free Tier | No | No | Yes (4 links) |
Quick Start Comparison
Branch.io Quick Start
// Install Branch SDK
npm install branch-sdk
// Initialize Branch
Branch.initSession().then(data => {
if (data['+clicked_branch_link']) {
// Handle deep link
console.log('Deep link data:', data);
}
});
// Create link
Branch.createBranchLink({
data: {
product_id: '123',
product_name: 'My Product'
}
}, (err, link) => {
console.log('Branch link:', link);
});
Requires SDK integration, typically 2-3 days for full setup with engineering team
AppsFlyer OneLink Quick Start
// Install AppsFlyer SDK
npm install react-native-appsflyer
// Initialize AppsFlyer
import appsFlyer from 'react-native-appsflyer';
appsFlyer.initSdk({
devKey: 'YOUR_DEV_KEY',
isDebug: false,
onInstallConversionDataListener: true,
onDeepLinkListener: true
}, (result) => {
console.log('AppsFlyer initialized');
}, (error) => {
console.log('AppsFlyer error:', error);
});
// Create OneLink
const oneLink = 'https://yourapp.onelink.me/abc123?pid=email&c=newsletter';
Requires AppsFlyer SDK and attribution setup, typically 1-2 weeks
Appy Quick Start
// REST API - No SDK required
curl -X POST https://api.appy.to/links \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"destination": "https://yourapp.com/product/123",
"ios_url": "yourapp://product/123",
"android_url": "yourapp://product/123",
"fallback_url": "https://yourapp.com/download"
}'
// Response
{
"short_url": "https://appy.to/abc123",
"qr_code": "https://appy.to/qr/abc123",
"analytics_url": "https://appy.to/a/abc123"
}
No SDK required, works immediately with REST API or dashboard
Pricing Comparison
Branch.io
- • MAU-based pricing
- • Enterprise contracts
- • Annual commitment
- • Sales-led process
AppsFlyer OneLink
- • Included with AppsFlyer
- • Event volume minimums
- • Multi-year contracts
- • Attribution package
Appy
- • Free tier available
- • Transparent pricing
- • Monthly or annual
- • No hidden fees
When to Choose Each
Choose Branch.io If:
- ✅ Need full attribution suite
- ✅ Enterprise budget ($50k+)
- ✅ Complex integrations
- ✅ Large team support
- ✅ Web personalization
Choose AppsFlyer If:
- ✅ Already using AppsFlyer
- ✅ Need fraud protection
- ✅ SKAdNetwork priority
- ✅ Attribution accuracy
- ✅ Partner integrations
Choose Appy If:
- ✅ Want quick implementation
- ✅ Need transparent pricing
- ✅ Small to medium team
- ✅ Focus on smart links
- ✅ QR code campaigns
Migration Guide
Migrating from Branch.io or AppsFlyer OneLink to Appy? Here's your step-by-step guide:
Audit your current setup
Document all existing links, destinations, and analytics requirements
Export link data
Download your current link configurations and destination mappings
Set up Appy account
Create your Appy account and configure your domain settings
Recreate destinations
Import or recreate your link destinations in Appy's dashboard
Test thoroughly
Verify all links work correctly across iOS, Android, and web
Update campaigns
Replace old links in your marketing campaigns and content
Conclusion
Each platform serves different needs. Branch.io excels for enterprise teams needing comprehensive attribution and web personalization. AppsFlyer OneLink is perfect if you're already invested in their ecosystem.
Appy shines for teams that want to move fast with transparent pricing, simple implementation, and focus on smart linking without the complexity of full attribution platforms.
Continue exploring
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Step-by-step guide to creating a single smart link that routes iOS users to the App Store and Android users to Google Play automatically.
Deep Linking vs Universal Links: Complete Comparison
Understand the key differences between deep links and universal links, when to use each, and how to implement them effectively.
Firebase Dynamic Links Shutdown: Migration Guide to Appy
Firebase Dynamic Links is shutting down. Here's a complete guide to migrating your links to Appy with zero downtime.
Looking for something else? Browse all topics on the Appy blog.
Ready to try Appy?
Skip the complexity. Create smart links in minutes with transparent pricing and no SDK required.