Best Deep Linking Tools for Mobile Apps (2025)

Deep linking platforms handle attribution, routing, and user experience for traffic flowing into your app.

Some are standalone deep linking tools. Others are full Mobile Measurement Partners (MMPs) with deep linking built in.

Here's what actually matters in 2025 and which platform fits different use cases.

The Landscape in 2025

Major change: Firebase Dynamic Links deprecated (August 25, 2025). Apps that relied on Google's free solution needed to migrate to paid alternatives.

Current leaders:

1. Branch – Dedicated deep linking platform
2. AppsFlyer – MMP with strong deep linking (OneLink)
3. Adjust – MMP with integrated deep linking
4. Singular – MMP with deep linking functionality
5. Kochava – MMP with SmartLink deep linking

The decision: Standalone deep linking vs. MMP with deep linking built in.

Branch

Type: Dedicated deep linking and attribution platform

Best for: Apps that prioritize deep linking, referral programs, and user experience over comprehensive attribution.

Strengths

Deep linking focus:

Branch built its entire platform around deep linking. Features like cross-platform routing, contextual deep linking, and deferred deep linking are more robust than MMP alternatives.

Journeys (web banners):

Branch Journeys create smart banners and interstitials on your mobile website that deep link into your app or prompt install.

Quick Links:

Generate deep links instantly without developer involvement. Marketing teams can create campaign links independently.

Extensive integrations:

Pre-built integrations with 50+ ad networks, email platforms, and analytics tools.

Fraud prevention:

Built-in fraud detection for deep link clicks and attributed installs.

Limitations

Not a full MMP:

Branch provides attribution for deep link clicks but doesn't offer comprehensive cross-channel attribution like AppsFlyer or Adjust.

If you need sophisticated SKAN measurement or multi-touch attribution, you'll likely need an MMP in addition to Branch.

Pricing:

More expensive than including deep linking as part of an MMP package.

Pricing

• Free tier: Up to 10K monthly tracked users
• Starter: ~$200/month for 25K monthly tracked users
• Premium: Custom pricing for larger scale

Best use case

Apps where deep linking drives core growth (referral programs, content sharing, viral mechanics) and you already have attribution handled elsewhere or don't need sophisticated attribution.

AppsFlyer (OneLink)

Type: Full MMP with integrated deep linking

Best for: Apps that need comprehensive attribution and strong deep linking in one platform.

Strengths

OneLink deep links:

AppsFlyer's OneLink provides sophisticated deep linking with attribution built in. Single link works across all platforms and channels.

Full attribution suite:

You get SKAN measurement, fraud detection, audience segmentation, and cross-channel attribution in addition to deep linking.

Template-based links:

Create reusable templates that marketing can use without developer involvement.

Attribution + routing:

Deep links carry full attribution data. You can see which specific deep link drove installs, purchases, and LTV.

ROI360:

Connects deep link performance to revenue and LTV for complete funnel visibility.

Limitations

Deep linking is secondary:

AppsFlyer is an MMP first. Deep linking features are robust but not as extensive as Branch's dedicated platform.

Complexity:

More moving parts than standalone deep linking tools. Steeper learning curve.

Pricing

Full MMP pricing (not just deep linking):

• Free tier: Up to 10K organic installs/month
• Growth: Starting ~$300-500/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Deep linking is included in the MMP pricing.

Best use case

Apps that need both comprehensive attribution and deep linking. Most efficient if you're already using or planning to use AppsFlyer as your MMP.

Adjust

Type: Full MMP with integrated deep linking

Best for: Apps that want simple, reliable deep linking as part of a full attribution suite.

Strengths

Integrated workflow:

Deep links and attribution share the same dashboard. Seamless connection between link clicks and conversion tracking.

Universal deep links:

Work across iOS, Android, and web with automatic fallback handling.

Campaign-specific links:

Generate trackable deep links for every campaign with built-in UTM parameter support.

Full MMP capabilities:

SKAN measurement, fraud prevention, audience building, and cross-channel attribution included.

Limitations

Less flexible than Branch:

Adjust's deep linking is solid but doesn't offer the same level of customization and edge-case handling as Branch.

Developer dependency:

Less marketer-friendly than Branch or AppsFlyer for generating and managing links without developer involvement.

Pricing

Full MMP pricing:

• Starter: ~$200-400/month
• Growth: ~$500-1,000/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Deep linking included in MMP subscription.

Best use case

Apps using Adjust as their MMP and needing reliable deep linking without advanced features or extensive customization.

Singular

Type: Full MMP with deep linking

Best for: Enterprise apps focused on ROI measurement and marketing analytics.

Strengths

ROI-focused:

Singular connects deep link performance directly to revenue, cost, and ROI in unified dashboards.

Singular Links:

Trackable deep links with full attribution and routing capability.

Data aggregation:

Strong at combining deep link data with cost data from ad networks for true ROAS calculation.

Analytics depth:

More sophisticated reporting than most competitors, particularly for data-driven teams.

Limitations

Enterprise focus:

Pricing and features skew toward larger companies. Less accessible for smaller apps.

Less deep linking innovation:

Deep linking is functional but not differentiated. Branch and AppsFlyer offer more advanced features.

Pricing

Enterprise-focused:

• Minimum: ~$1,000-2,000/month
• Typical: $3,000-5,000/month for mid-market
• Enterprise: Custom

Deep linking included.

Best use case

Large apps with sophisticated analytics needs where deep linking is important but not the primary driver of growth.

Firebase Dynamic Links (Deprecated)

Status: Deprecated August 25, 2025

What happened:

Google shut down Firebase Dynamic Links, forcing apps to migrate to alternative solutions.

Migration paths:

• Branch: Most common migration destination
• AppsFlyer OneLink: For apps already using AppsFlyer
• Adjust deep links: For Adjust users
• Custom solution: Using Universal Links + App Links manually

If you were using Firebase DL, you needed to migrate by mid-2025.

Comparison Table

Feature	Branch	AppsFlyer	Adjust	Singular
Deep linking focus	Dedicated	Integrated	Integrated	Integrated
Deferred deep linking	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Good
Link management UI	Best	Very Good	Good	Good
Attribution scope	Limited	Full	Full	Full
SKAN measurement	Basic	Advanced	Advanced	Advanced
Fraud prevention	Very Good	Excellent	Very Good	Very Good
Pricing (entry)	~$200/mo	~$300/mo	~$200/mo	~$1,000/mo
Best for	Deep linking priority	Full MMP + deep linking	Simple & reliable	Enterprise analytics

Which Tool to Choose

Choose Branch if:

• Deep linking drives your core growth (referrals, viral sharing)
• You need the most sophisticated deep linking features
• You have attribution handled elsewhere or don't need advanced attribution
• Budget allows for dedicated deep linking platform

Choose AppsFlyer if:

• You need full MMP capabilities + strong deep linking
• You want unified attribution and deep link routing
• You're running significant paid UA campaigns
• You value fraud prevention and analytics depth

Choose Adjust if:

• You want reliable deep linking as part of a complete MMP
• You prefer simpler, streamlined tools over feature depth
• You're already using or planning to use Adjust for attribution
• Budget is a consideration (slightly lower pricing than AppsFlyer)

Choose Singular if:

• You're an enterprise app with sophisticated analytics needs
• ROI measurement and cost aggregation are priorities
• You have budget for premium MMP pricing
• Deep linking is important but not the primary concern

Migration from Firebase

If you're migrating from Firebase Dynamic Links:

Easiest migration: Branch

• Most similar feature set to Firebase
• Migration guides and support available
• Free tier for testing

Most comprehensive: AppsFlyer or Adjust

• Migrate deep linking and gain full attribution
• One platform for all measurement
• More cost-effective than separate tools

DIY option: Native Universal Links + App Links

• Free but requires significant developer time
• No deferred deep linking without additional work
• No analytics or link management UI

Implementation Complexity

Easiest: Branch (best documentation, simplest SDK integration)

Moderate: AppsFlyer, Adjust (MMP SDKs are larger but well-documented)

Complex: Singular (enterprise-focused, assumes technical resources)

All platforms provide SDKs, sample code, and integration guides. Expect 1-2 weeks for basic implementation, 4-6 weeks for comprehensive integration with all features.

FAQs

What's the best deep linking platform?

Branch leads for dedicated deep linking with the most robust features. AppsFlyer and Adjust provide strong deep linking as part of full MMP suites. The best choice depends on whether you need standalone deep linking or combined attribution.

Do I need a separate deep linking tool if I have an MMP?

Not necessarily. MMPs like AppsFlyer, Adjust, and Singular include deep linking functionality. You might choose a standalone tool like Branch if you need more advanced features or if your MMP's deep linking doesn't meet your needs.

What happened to Firebase Dynamic Links?

Google deprecated Firebase Dynamic Links on August 25, 2025. Apps using FDL needed to migrate to alternative solutions like Branch, AppsFlyer OneLink, or Adjust deep linking.

Can I use multiple deep linking platforms?

Technically yes, but it creates complexity. Most apps use one platform for deep linking and routing. If you use Branch for deep linking and AppsFlyer for attribution, ensure they're integrated to avoid conflicts.

Is deep linking worth paying for?

Yes, for most apps. The conversion rate lift from deferred deep linking (3-4x) typically justifies the cost within the first month of paid acquisition. Free alternatives require significant development resources.

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Deep linking platforms are infrastructure decisions. Choose based on your primary needs: dedicated deep linking power (Branch), comprehensive attribution with solid deep linking (AppsFlyer/Adjust), or enterprise analytics (Singular).