Link Unshortener
While the app doesn't have a super elegant design, it's very functional and works well. With this sort of utility app, the function is more important to me than the design. It only has a one-time fee to pay for lifetime use of the app. This is a worthwhile app to have in your library.
- DESIGN
- EASE OF USE
- PRICE
Know your link’s destination for certain.
Have you come across a shortened link that looks like this — https://bit.ly/3Ga7E6N? There are many reasons why someone might want to shorten a URL link. Maybe they want to make the link easier to remember, or maybe they want to make it easier to share. Unfortunately, when you click on a shortened URL, you may not know where you will end up.
The link could take you to a malicious website that looks similar to a legitimate site. This is called phishing. Phishing websites can steal your personal information, such as your passwords or credit card numbers. They can also install malware on your device. Malware can damage your device or steal your information.
So, you want to exercise caution when clicking on shortened URLs — especially if you don’t know the sender. One thing you can do to safeguard yourself is to use an app to reveal the full URL such as Link Unshortener.
Overview
Link Unshortener is an app for macOS that expands shortened web links following redirects until it reveals the destination URL so that you never again click on a link without knowing where it goes. The app was released 2 years ago by developer Jeff Johnson. It was written using Apple’s Xcode. Johnson has three other apps available in addition to Link Unshortener.
Privacy Policy
According to the Mac App Store, this app does not collect any data from its users. For more information, visit the developer’s privacy policy.
Main Features
- Handles link shorteners such as t.co (Twitter), bit.ly, tinyurl, and more!
- Automatically removes URL tracking parameters.
- Automatically upgrades URLs from http to https.
- No web cookies, storage, or caches. No JavaScript, tracking pixels, or HTTP Referer. Generic User-Agent. Your anonymity and privacy is protected.
- Includes a share extension.
- Includes a Mac system service.
- Dock icon accepts drag and drop of links.
- Link Unshortener can be set as your default web browser.
- Custom web browser opening rules! Associate specific URLs with specific web browsers. Open https://docs.google.com links in Google Chrome, and other links in Safari. Web URL Rules are shared with StopTheMadness.
Pricing and Availability
Link Unshortener is available in the Mac App Store for a one-time fee of $7.99.
User Experience
Link Unshortener is easily installed with a click from the Mac App Store. There are several preferences to walk through that really make the app work the way you want it to. For example, you have the option to copy unshortened URLs to your clipboard or open the unshortened URL automatically — if you select those preferences from the app.
One of the most valuable preferences that most people will want to enable is the “Trim URL queries” function. You have the option to trim out all extra code strings, known trackers, or nothing. This function will provide you the peace of mind that you are going directly to the intended URL and not being sent to a spam site or otherwise being tracked.
You do have the option to shorten a URL directly from your browser (shared with StopTheMadness Safari extension) or by copying/pasting it into the app’s entry field. I haven’t had any issues with how Link Unshortener works. I’m grateful for its utility because I get short URLs frequently and I don’t like to visit them blindly. Link Unshortener takes the guesswork out of that for me.
Conclusion
As you navigate the internet, you can’t be too careful about the links you click on. Link Unshortener ensures that you are educated about your intended destination. It’s very easy to use and straightforward in its intended use. I really like that you don’t have any information recorded in the app and that it’s just a passthrough. Link Unshortener is very easy to use and convenient in daily use cases.
For more information, visit underpassapp.com/LinkUnshortener.