The idea behind both tools is simple: to give you one shareable link where all your important content, whether it’s promotions, posts, or offers, can live in one place.
But here’s where things split.
One plays nicely as part of a bigger digital marketing ecosystem, while the other goes solo, focused on helping you build a link in bio page that actually carries your brand and message forward.
One is Metricool’s SmartLinks, and the other is ATOM.bio.
We’ve spent the past few weeks testing them side by side, and now it’s time to share what we found.
The big question is: how do they really measure up when you put them side by side…
… and which one fits your vision and your goals?
But first things first. Let’s get to know these two tools a little better.
ATOM.bio
With no beating around the bush, ATOM.bio is exactly-what-it-says-on-the-tin tool.
Powerful and completely free.
ATOM.bio is a link in bio tool that lets you set up a sleek, clickable landing page in under five minutes.
No fuss, no tech headaches.
Just sign up, pick a template, drop in your links, and you’re good to go.
What makes it stand out? It’s the feature list.
Think polished, ready-made, advanced customization settings, the ability to embed media and widgets, plus built-in analytics that actually give you useful insights.
And the price tag? Free. Yep, really.
Sounds a little too good to be true, right?
The only catch is a few light ads on your page, but they’re hardly intrusive. And if you want them gone, it’ll cost you just a couple of bucks a month. That’s it.
ATOM.bio has also earned a rep for being one of the easiest bio-link tools out there.
You can browse a gallery of stunning templates, tweak them to match your brand, and still be done before your coffee cools.
Pair that with its analytics (which can help steer smarter business decisions), and you’ve got yourself a tool that feels premium… without the premium price.
SmartLinks by Metricool
SmartLinks is part of Metricool’s growing toolbox of digital marketing features.
Metricool itself is an all-in-one platform designed to make life easier for creators, marketers, and businesses by putting social media management, ads, content scheduling, and analytics all in one clean dashboard.
SmartLinks is one of the newer kids on the block, which naturally made us curious to see what it could really do.
Like ATOM.bio…
… SmartLinks comes with a set of ready-made templates, which is perfect if you want something polished without spending hours tinkering.
But if you do want to add your own flair, the customization options let you align your landing page with your brand’s personality right down to the tiniest detail.
On top of that, you get analytics and some neat integrations, especially seamless ones with the rest of the Metricool suite.
So if you’re already using Metricool, SmartLinks feels less like an extra tool and more like a missing puzzle piece that clicks right into place.
Now, let’s cut to the chase. Which tool really walks the talk?
Features: SmartLinks by Metricool vs ATOM.bio
When it comes to features, these two don’t exactly play in the same league, though they’re technically playing the same game.
Let’s break it down.
After using both ATOM.bio and SmartLinks for a couple of weeks, I can say they really do feel different in practice. The basics may look similar on paper, but the experience tells another story.
ATOM.bio keeps things creator-friendly. You get:
- A gallery of actually stunning templates (not the cookie-cutter kind that look like they’ve been around since 2010)
- Advanced customization. Fonts, colors, buttons, backgrounds, and even animations. Basically, if you want your page to scream you, you can make it happen
- Media and widget embedding, so you’re not just dropping boring links. You can add videos, music, and even your shop
- A QR for your page for easier sharing
- Built-in analytics that dig deeper than just “here’s how many people clicked.” You’ll see who’s clicking, from where, and on what device
- And the kicker? All of that is free. The only thing behind a paywall is removing a tiny ad banner
SmartLinks by Metricool, on the other hand, feels more like part of a bigger machine… well, because it is.
Since it lives inside the Metricool ecosystem, it’s built to play nicely with your content scheduling, social media management, and ad analytics.
So, what do you get?
- A set of ready-made templates, good for when you just need something polished fast.
- Customization options, though not as granular as ATOM’s (you can adjust the look, but you won’t be going wild with animations).
- Analytics tied to your broader Metricool dashboard, which is great if you’re already deep in their system.
- Integrations. This is SmartLinks’ sweet spot. It connects seamlessly with all of Metricool’s other tools.
So the face-off really comes down to this:
- Want a standalone powerhouse just for your link in bio? ATOM.bio is the winner.
- Already living inside Metricool’s all-in-one world? SmartLinks makes more sense.
Ease of Use: Metricool’s SmartLinks vs ATOM.bio
Ease of use is always where I start when testing link in bio tools. After all, if I need a manual or a YouTube crash course just to add a couple of links, it’s already a red flag for me.
After a few weeks of using both ATOM.bio and SmartLinks, I can safely say they’re built for two different kinds of users.
ATOM.bio is the definition of plug-and-play.
Seriously, I built my first page in under five minutes without once feeling lost. Here’s what stood out while I was using it:
- Onboarding is ridiculously smooth. You get short prompts that walk you through the setup. No guesswork, no “what do I click now?” moments.
- Templates make it even easier. Pick one, tweak the colors or fonts, drop in your links, and you’re basically done.
- Customization doesn’t feel overwhelming. Even though you can change almost everything, the layout is simple enough that it never feels like you’re fighting the tool.
SmartLinks, meanwhile, feels a little more… structured, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s just different.
Since it’s baked into the Metricool ecosystem, it assumes you’re already juggling content scheduling, analytics, and maybe even ads.
My experience with it was:
- Setting up takes longer compared to ATOM.bio, but you do get the benefit of having it synced with your Metricool account.
- The dashboard is more complex. Great if you like having all your marketing tools in one place, but it can feel like overkill if you just want a clean bio link page.
- Templates are straightforward and easy to apply, but there’s less guidance for first-timers. It assumes you know your way around (maybe since it also assumes that you’re already a Metricool user).
So, which one’s for you?
- If you want quick, painless, and beginner-friendly, ATOM.bio wins hands down.
- If you’re already knee-deep in Metricool, SmartLinks makes sense. Just expect a steeper first step.
Customization: SmartLinks by Metricool vs ATOM.bio
Customization is the next thing I look at after ease of use. I’m sure a lot of creators and brand owners would agree when I say that a link in bio should feel like yours, not like a copy-paste twin of a hundred others.
Now, ATOM.bio is built for creators who love options.
Fonts, color palettes, buttons, animations. You name it, you can probably change it.
The best part is that it never feels intimidating. Even when I went full “designer mode,” I never felt like the tool was fighting me.
SmartLinks, on the other hand, leans more into practicality.
Since it’s part of the Metricool ecosystem, the customization feels a little structured and geared toward brand consistency rather than wild creativity.
You can absolutely tailor it to your look, but it’s more about staying polished and professional than standing out with flair.
So, big picture? ATOM.bio is the playground and SmartlLinks is the boardroom.
Templates
- ATOM.bio: Their gallery of templates is a highlight. Sleek, modern, and instantly customizable, great if you want your page to look polished without spending hours tweaking.
- SmartlLinks: Templates are clean but basic. They’ll give you a tidy landing page, though you won’t get as much variety to play with.
Widgets
- ATOM.bio: This is where it really flexes. I could embed media, add social icons, or even play with widgets that made my page look like more than just a collection of links. Honestly, it felt like cheating how good the final product looked.
- SmartLinks: Keeps it simple. You’ll mostly stick to link blocks, though the real advantage is how it integrates with Metricool’s broader analytics and scheduling tools.
- Another thing, SmartLinks also lets you sneak in an actual Instagram or TikTok post. It’s a small touch, but it makes your page feel more alive.
Forms
- ATOM.bio: A surprisingly powerful feature. Built-in forms let you capture emails or feedback right on the page. Huge if you’re trying to grow a brand or newsletter.
- SmartLinks: No native forms, which means you’ll be redirecting people elsewhere for lead capture. A bit of a letdown if audience building is your priority.
So, what’s for you?
If you want your link in bio to feel unique, expressive, and almost “premium” out of the box, ATOM.bio is the winner.
But if your main goal is consistency across a bigger marketing toolkit, SmartLinks keeps things streamlined and professional, as long as you’re okay with fewer creative bells and whistles.
Analytics
When it comes to analytics, it seems like both ATOM.bio and SmartLinks want you to feel like a mini-data scientist.
The catch?
They go about it in very different ways.
Using ATOM.bio:
I’ll admit, I was surprised at how detailed the analytics were for a tool that’s (technically) free. It’s not just about “how many people clicked.” You actually get to see:
- Where your clicks are coming from (yep, geo-tracking).
- What devices your audience is using.
- Which links are getting the most love (and which ones are being ignored).
- Trends over time, so you can spot what’s working and what’s just taking up space.
The best part?
It’s all laid out in a way that doesn’t make your head spin. Even if you’re not into numbers, the charts and breakdowns are simple enough to give you the gist without needing a crash course in analytics.
Using SmartLinks:
Now, since SmartLinks is part of Metricool, this is where it flexes its muscles.
You don’t just get data about your link in bio. You get the whole ecosystem. Imagine being able to see:
- Your link performance alongside your social posts.
- How your campaigns are doing, tied back to the links in your bio.
- Integrated ad insights if you’re running promotions.
It’s like analytics on steroids, but it does come with a catch: you have to be invested in the whole Metricool system to really make the most of it. If you just want to check clicks, this might feel like overkill.
So, the face-off?
ATOM.bio is perfect if you want advanced analytics without the clutter.
SmartLinks is the powerhouse option if you’re already knee-deep in Metricool and want all your marketing numbers living under one roof.
Monetization: Metricool’s SmartLinks vs ATOM.bio
At the end of the day, your link in bio isn’t just about looking pretty. It’s about making it work for you. And that usually means money.
Both ATOM.bio and SmartLinks promise to help turn clicks into cash, but they approach it differently.
ATOM.bio:
This is where ATOM.bio surprised me most. For a free tool, it gives creators a ton of ways to actually monetize without needing extra apps. I was able to:
- Add direct payment buttons (think tips, donations, or quick “buy now” links).
- Embed media like YouTube or Spotify, which is great if you’re an artist who wants streams to translate into revenue.
- Plug in widgets like calendars or forms to book services straight from the page.
What I liked is that ATOM.bio feels very creator-first.
Whether you’re a coach, a musician, or someone selling digital products, ATOM.bio gives you ways to collect money right from the bio page.
And the best part?
It didn’t feel like I was forcing a sales funnel onto my audience.
SmartLinks:
Now, SmartLinks plays a slightly different game. The the majority of Metricool, the monetization focus leans more toward businesses and marketers. You can:
- Drive traffic from your bio straight to ad campaigns.
- Track conversions if you’re running social ads.
- Sync your bio performance with bigger campaigns so you can actually see if your ads are paying off.
It’s powerful, but here’s the thing: it’s clearly built with digital marketers in mind.
While I could technically sell or promote through SmartLinks, it felt a bit more like plugging my page into a larger marketing machine rather than having a standalone “shopfront” like ATOM.bio gives.
The face-off?
ATOM.bio feels more grassroots, perfect for creators who want to earn directly and easily, while SmartLinks is for those already in the world of campaigns, ads, and business funnels.
Pricing
A feature-packed tool is great, but your wallet will have an opinion too. After using both long enough to unlock both admiration and the occasional sigh, here’s how they stack up.
ATOM.bio
Pretty much everything you need comes free.
You get beautiful templates, customization, analytics, and widgets… all without paying a dime.
The only optional cost?
About $3.99/month to remove a small ad banner. No surprise paywalls, no tiered restrictions.
It’s refreshing. Even after multiple tests, I still expected a “Go Premium” roadblock… but nope. It’s refreshingly straightforward.
Metricool’s SmartLinks
SmartLinks is tied to Metricool’s ecosystem. That means you’ll need a Metricool plan to access it.
Thankfully, Metricool offers a Free plan, which includes one SmartLinks page per brand (and up to 50 scheduled posts a month, plus analytics and an AI assistant).
Need more firepower?
The Starter plan kicks in at approximately $18/month (annual billing) or $22/month (monthly).
This unlocks multi-link SmartLinks, unlimited scheduling, full analytics, competitor analysis, Canva/Drive integrations, and more.
Want collaboration tools, custom reporting, Looker Studio, or Zapier integration?
You’ll need the Advanced plan, starting at around $45/month (annual) or $54/month (monthly).
The head-to-head verdict
- ATOM.bio wins on simplicity and price, especially if all you want is a slick, customizable bio page with some basic analytics and no fuss.
- SmartLinks makes sense only if you’re already using (or plan to use) Metricool’s full marketing suite. Otherwise, you’re paying for a broader toolkit when you might need just the link-in-bio features.
SmartLinks by Metricool vs ATOM.bio FAQs
What is SmartLinks by Metricool?
It’s basically Metricool’s version of a “link in bio” page. Think of it as a landing pad where all your links, promos, and posts hang out. The catch? It lives inside Metricool’s big marketing toolbox, so it’s really built for people who are already using Metricool to schedule posts, run ads, and spy on analytics.
Is Metricool’s SmartLinks a good LinkTree alternative?
Yep, but with a twist. If you’re a Metricool regular, it’s super convenient because it’s already in your dashboard. If you’re not? Honestly, it might feel like bringing a Swiss Army knife to butter toast. In that case, ATOM.bio is the easier (and fancier-looking) LinkTree alternative that doesn’t make you overthink it.
Does SmartLinks by Metricool cost money?
You can dip your toes in for free, but you only get one SmartLinks page. Want more pages or advanced perks? That’ll mean signing up for Metricool’s paid plans. So yeah, “free-ish.”
Why is ATOM.bio so hyped?
Because it doesn’t act like a free tool. You get sleek templates, advanced analytics, and tons of customization, all without paying a dime. The only charge? Removing ads. And honestly, the ads are so minimal you might forget they’re even there.
Can I add media to my SmartLinks page?
You bet. You can drop in Instagram or TikTok posts right on your page. ATOM.bio takes it further with widgets and interactive stuff, so your page feels less like a link dump and more like… well, your mini-website.
Is LinkTree still worth it?
Sure. It’s like the OG link in bio tool. But the newer kids (SmartLinks and ATOM.bio) have way more tricks up their sleeves. SmartLinks works best if you’re all-in on Metricool. ATOM.bio? That’s for anyone who just wants a polished, zero-fuss LinkTree alternative that feels premium without the premium price.
Which one’s better: SmartLinks or ATOM.bio?
Depends what game you’re playing. If you want everything synced up with your Metricool universe, SmartLinks makes sense. If you just want something quick, stylish, and completely free (and don’t want to dig through 10 menus to set it up), ATOM.bio is the easy win.
So which one deserves your link?
SmartLinks by Metricool makes sense if you’re already running your world inside Metricool. It connects smoothly with their scheduling, analytics, and ad tools, which is great for teams managing everything in one spot.
ATOM.bio, on the other hand…
…keeps things refreshingly simple but doesn’t skimp on features.
You get polished templates, customization, widgets, and solid analytics… all for free.
So, who fits where?
SmartLinks is best for marketers or teams already knee-deep in Metricool. ATOM.bio is for creators, small businesses, and anyone who wants a powerful, no-fuss link in bio page but not yet ready to invest money.
The bottom line: SmartLinks works, but ATOM.bio just works better for most people.
