AppsFlyer vs Tolinku: Deep Linking Comparison

AppsFlyer is a mobile measurement partner (MMP) that includes deep linking through its OneLink product. Tolinku is a deep linking platform built specifically for link creation, routing, and web-to-app transitions. These platforms serve different primary use cases, but they overlap in deep linking functionality.

This comparison helps you understand where each platform excels. For a broader view, see deep linking platform comparison. For pricing details, see AppsFlyer pricing comparison.

Platform Focus

AppsFlyer

AppsFlyer is an MMP (Mobile Measurement Partner). Its primary purpose is mobile attribution: tracking which ad campaigns, channels, and touchpoints drive app installs and in-app conversions. OneLink is AppsFlyer's deep linking product, included as part of the broader attribution platform.

Tolinku

Tolinku is a deep linking platform. Its primary purpose is creating links that route users to the right content in your app, with web fallback for users who do not have the app installed. It includes smart banners, QR codes, and link analytics.

Feature Comparison

Feature	AppsFlyer (OneLink)	Tolinku
Universal Links (iOS)	Yes	Yes
App Links (Android)	Yes	Yes
Deferred deep linking	Yes	Yes
Smart banners	Smart Script	Smart banners
QR code generation	Yes	Yes
Custom link domains	Yes (branded links)	Yes
Link analytics	Yes (within attribution context)	Yes (standalone)
Mobile attribution	Full MMP suite	Basic (UTM-based)
SKAdNetwork support	Yes (SKAN 4.0)	Not applicable
Ad network integrations	10,000+ media sources	Not applicable
Fraud prevention	Protect360	Not applicable
Audience segmentation	Yes	Not applicable
Raw data export	Yes (with Data Locker)	CSV export
Cohort analysis	Yes	Not applicable

Pricing

AppsFlyer pricing is conversion-based. You pay per attributed conversion (install, re-engagement, re-attribution). Pricing is not publicly listed, but industry reports indicate:

• Zero plan: Free for apps under 10,000 monthly conversions (limited features).
• Growth plan: Starts around $0.05-0.07 per conversion.
• Enterprise plan: Custom pricing for large volumes.

At scale, AppsFlyer costs can reach tens of thousands per month, primarily driven by attribution volume.

Tolinku pricing is click-based and transparent:

Tier	Price	Clicks/month
Free	$0	1,200
Standard	$39/Appspace/mo	50,000
Growth	$79/Appspace/mo	250,000
Scale	$149/Appspace/mo	500,000

If you need deep linking but not attribution, Tolinku is dramatically cheaper. If you need attribution, AppsFlyer's cost is justified because attribution is its core product.

SDK Comparison

Aspect	AppsFlyer SDK	Tolinku SDK
iOS size	~3 MB	< 500 KB
Android size	~2.5 MB	< 400 KB
Init time (cold start)	80-150ms	< 50ms
Required permissions	Network, advertising ID (optional)	Network only
Minimum iOS version	iOS 12+	iOS 15+
Minimum Android version	API 21+	API 24+

AppsFlyer's SDK is larger because it includes attribution tracking, event logging, in-app event handling, and ad revenue measurement. The Tolinku SDK is focused on link resolution and routing.

Deep Linking Quality

Both platforms support the core deep linking features. The differences are in implementation approach:

Link Creation

AppsFlyer: OneLink URLs are created through the AppsFlyer dashboard or API. The link structure is tied to AppsFlyer's attribution parameters (pid, c, af_dp, etc.). Links look like: https://yourapp.onelink.me/AbCd/campaign-name.

Tolinku: Links are created through the Tolinku dashboard or API. Route patterns are defined with path parameters. Links use your custom domain: https://links.yourapp.com/products/shoes.

Smart Banners

AppsFlyer: Smart Script is a JavaScript snippet that creates a banner on your web pages. Configuration is done in JavaScript parameters.

Tolinku: Smart banners are configured in the dashboard with visual controls. The banner script is lightweight and loads asynchronously.

Deferred Deep Linking

AppsFlyer: Uses a combination of probabilistic matching (fingerprinting) and deterministic methods (Install Referrer on Android, SKAN on iOS) for deferred deep linking attribution.

Tolinku: Uses Install Referrer on Android and clipboard-based token passing for deferred deep links. Does not use fingerprinting.

When to Choose AppsFlyer

AppsFlyer is the right choice when:

• You run paid user acquisition. If you spend on mobile ads and need to know which campaigns drive installs, AppsFlyer's attribution is essential.
• You need fraud detection. Protect360 identifies and blocks ad fraud.
• You need SKAN / Privacy Sandbox support. AppsFlyer's infrastructure handles the complexity of privacy-preserving attribution frameworks.
• You need audience segmentation. AppsFlyer Audiences lets you create segments for retargeting campaigns.

When to Choose Tolinku

Tolinku is the right choice when:

• Deep linking is your primary need. If you need links that open your app to specific content, with web fallback and smart banners, Tolinku does this at a lower cost.
• You already have an MMP. If you use a different MMP for attribution, you do not need AppsFlyer's attribution just for deep linking.
• You want simple, predictable pricing. Tolinku's pricing does not scale with conversions, so costs are predictable.
• You want a lightweight SDK. Less code means faster app starts and smaller downloads.
• Privacy is a priority. Tolinku does not use fingerprinting or probabilistic matching.

For pricing specifics, see AppsFlyer pricing comparison.

Migration

If you are moving from AppsFlyer OneLink to Tolinku for deep linking (while potentially keeping AppsFlyer for attribution):

1. Set up your Tolinku Appspace and define routes matching your current OneLink deep link paths.
2. Create new links in Tolinku for your deep linking use cases.
3. Add the Tolinku SDK alongside or instead of the AppsFlyer SDK.
4. Update smart banner code from Smart Script to Tolinku's banner script.
5. Redirect or replace OneLink URLs in your marketing channels.

For a detailed guide, see migrating from AppsFlyer OneLink.

Summary

AppsFlyer is an attribution platform that includes deep linking. Tolinku is a deep linking platform. If your primary need is attribution and ad campaign measurement, AppsFlyer is the right tool. If your primary need is deep linking, smart banners, and web-to-app routing, Tolinku delivers these features at a fraction of the cost and complexity.