Comparison

Slug vs CodePad

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Slug

This app provides a direct connection to your YOURLS server, allowing you to create custom, branded short links. Track link performance and simplify sharing without relying on third-party services or sharing your data.

Highlights
  • Connect to YOURLS server
  • Create custom short links
  • Track link analytics
  • Clipboard URL shortening
  • Share extension integration
Features
Read full description

Slug is a fast, polished client for YOURLS, the self-hosted URL shortener. Connect your own YOURLS server, create custom short links, manage your history, generate QR codes, and keep control of your links without relying on a hosted shortening service. Built for developers, creators, marketers, and teams who want a cleaner way to manage self-hosted short links from iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Key Features: • Connect directly to your YOURLS server • Create custom short links with your own keywords • Generate QR codes for any shortened link • Manage link history across multiple profiles • Shorten links from Safari and other apps with the Share Extension • Quickly shorten URLs from your clipboard • View core YOURLS link stats and history • Import and export your link data • Optional support for Slug YOURLS plugins • Hide plugin-related features when you want a simpler interface Slug+: Unlock advanced customization and power-user features, including expanded profile support, QR code customization, import/export tools, and full-library sync for supported accounts. Your links stay yours. Slug works with the YOURLS server you control, giving you a focused, native app for creating and managing short links without moving your workflow to someone else’s link-shortening platform.

About

CodePad

Features
Read full description

CodePad is a lightweight, high-performance local network client designed specifically for developers using web-based editors (such as code-server) on mobile devices. It bridges the gap between touch screens and professional desktop IDE workflows. Key Features: Physical Keyboard Remapping: Intercepts crucial system shortcuts like Cmd+W, Cmd+T, Cmd+S, and Cmd+P, and routes them directly to your web editor instead of triggering default browser behaviors. Native Clipboard Bridge: Bypasses browser security restrictions on non-secure HTTP local connections, allowing seamless code copying and pasting. Scrollable Developer Toolbar: A responsive, swipeable on-screen accessory bar providing instant access to Esc, Tab, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+D, and arrow keys right above the virtual keyboard. Multiple Node Manager: Save and organize multiple development machines with passwords securely saved. Local Auto-Discovery: Scans your local network using mDNS protocols to find active development hosts without manually typing IP addresses.

Screenshots

Slug4 screens
CodePad4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Slug at Free against CodePad's $7.49. CodePad's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 8 days vs monthly). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Slug is free to download; CodePad costs $7.49 up front. Slug sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. CodePad asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Slug ships an update monthly, CodePad every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Slug versus CodePad: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSlugCodePad
PriceFree — better$7.49
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.018.0
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNicholas DapolitoLi'er (Qingdao) Software Development Co., Ltd.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Slug

One-time1
  • Quick.Link+$3.99
None

CodePad

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Slug free?
Slug is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is CodePad free?
CodePad costs $7.49, with no in-app purchases.
Do Slug or CodePad have ads?
Neither Slug nor CodePad shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Slug or CodePad?
Slug ships an update monthly, and CodePad every 8 days. Most recently, Slug was updated on October 29, 2026 and CodePad on October 28, 2026.

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