← Back to Blog

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

February 1, 202514 min readComparison Guide

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

FeatureBranch.ioAppsFlyer OneLinkAppy
Setup Time2-3 weeks1-2 weeks15 minutes
SDK RequiredYesYesOptional
Pricing TransparencyCustom quotesBundled pricingPublic pricing
Analytics DepthAdvancedComprehensiveReal-time
QR Code GenerationLimitedNoBuilt-in
Free TierNoNoYes (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

Custom
  • • MAU-based pricing
  • • Enterprise contracts
  • • Annual commitment
  • • Sales-led process

AppsFlyer OneLink

Bundled
  • • Included with AppsFlyer
  • • Event volume minimums
  • • Multi-year contracts
  • • Attribution package

Appy

$100/year
  • • 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:

1

Audit your current setup

Document all existing links, destinations, and analytics requirements

2

Export link data

Download your current link configurations and destination mappings

3

Set up Appy account

Create your Appy account and configure your domain settings

4

Recreate destinations

Import or recreate your link destinations in Appy's dashboard

5

Test thoroughly

Verify all links work correctly across iOS, Android, and web

6

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

Tutorial
Oct 10, 2025
6 min read

How to Create One Link for App Store and Google Play

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.

smart links
app store
google play
routing
Read article
Guide
Oct 8, 2025
8 min read

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.

deep linking
universal links
comparison
mobile apps
Read article
Migration
Oct 5, 2025
7 min read

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.

firebase
dynamic links
migration
deep linking
Read article

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.