Smart App Links vs Branch.io

Branch is the enterprise deep linking platform. If you don't need enterprise complexity, you don't need Branch.

Pricing

Smart App Links

$9.99/mo

Branch

Sales call required

Setup time

Smart App Links

2 minutes

Branch

1-2 weeks

SDK required

Smart App Links

Branch

Yes — native SDK in your app

Feature-by-feature comparison

See exactly what you get with each tool

Feature	Smart App Links	Branch.io
Smart device routingOne link auto-detects iOS, Android, or desktop
Deep linkingOpen specific content inside the app
No SDK requiredWorks without adding code to your app
Deep link health checkerTests your AASA and assetlinks.json files, Apple's CDN copy, store listings and SSL	Every plan	Free validator
Continuous link monitoringScheduled checks, with problems shown on your dashboard	Pro plan	Not listed
Hosted universal link / app link filesWe serve apple-app-site-association and assetlinks.json on your domain	Business plan	Not listed
Store page targeting (CPP)Send a link to an App Store custom product page or Google Play custom listing	Pro plan	Not listed
Setup time	2 minutes	1-2 weeks
Click analytics
QR code generation
Custom OG previewsControl how your link looks when shared on social media
Transparent pricing	$9.99/mo	Sales call only
In-app browser handlingWorks correctly in Instagram, TikTok, Facebook browsers
A/B testing	$29.99/mo	Sales call
Deferred deep linkingRemember link context through app install
Mobile attribution (MMP)Track which ad drove an install

Set up in 2 minutes instead of scheduling a sales call and spending weeks on SDK integration.
Pay $9.99/mo with transparent pricing instead of negotiating enterprise contracts with hidden costs.
No SDK means no code changes, no app updates to ship, and no dependency to maintain.
Get the same smart routing and deep linking without the enterprise complexity you don't need.
Branch removed its free tier in July 2025. Smart App Links includes a permanent free plan.

We believe in being honest. Here's when Branch could be the right pick:

You need mobile ad attribution (MMP) to track which ad campaigns drive installs.
You need deferred deep linking — remembering link context through an app install flow.
Your organization requires enterprise SLAs, dedicated support, and SOC 2 compliance.
You already have Branch integrated and it's working well for your team.

Set up in 2 minutes. No SDK, no sales calls, no complexity.

Free plan included — no credit card required