ContactLinker vs HiHello: an honest comparison (June 2026)

Both ContactLinker and HiHello are digital business card platforms – they let you share your professional identity via a QR code, a link, or an NFC card. This comparison is based on publicly available information as of June 2026. We are ContactLinker, which means we have a point of view, but we will be factual. Verify details directly at hihello.com before making any decision.

At a glance

Criterion	ContactLinker	HiHello
Founded	France	USA
GDPR compliance	Yes (EU-hosted)	Yes (GDPR + CCPA)
Two-way contact exchange	Yes – visitor leaves their contact without needing the app	Limited – « Nearby » requires both parties to have the app open
Custom URL	Yes (app.contactlinker.com/a/yourname)	Yes
QR code	Yes (dynamic, HD)	Yes
Email signature	Yes	Yes
NFC card	Yes (from 25 EUR)	Yes (via Popl partnership)
Free plan	No (30-day full trial, no credit card required)	Yes (limited features)
Paid plan	10 EUR/month or 100 EUR/year	From ~6 USD/month (verify at hihello.com)
Data hosting	Europe	USA

Table last updated June 2026. Verify details directly at the respective platforms before making a purchasing decision.

Key differences

Two-way contact exchange

This is the sharpest difference between the two platforms. ContactLinker is built around a two-way exchange: when someone views your card, they can leave their own contact details using a simple form – no app download, no account required on their side. Your profile becomes a contact collection tool, not just a broadcast channel.

HiHello offers a « Nearby » feature that lets users connect with other HiHello members in the same room. This works well within the HiHello ecosystem, but it requires both parties to have the app open at the same time. For networking with people who do not use HiHello, this frictionless exchange does not apply.

For European professionals who frequently meet contacts outside of any particular app ecosystem, the no-app-required approach matters. You hand over your card; the other person fills in a short form; you receive their details by email. Nothing to install.

Data hosting and GDPR

ContactLinker processes and stores all data in Europe. HiHello is a US company, operating under US jurisdiction. Both platforms have stated GDPR compliance documentation, but the hosting location differs. For European professionals whose clients or employers have strict data residency requirements, this distinction is worth checking carefully.

Pricing model

HiHello has a free tier with basic features, which makes it easy to try the product without commitment. ContactLinker does not have a permanent free plan but offers a 30-day full trial – all features, no credit card required. After that, the paid plan starts at 10 EUR/month (or 100 EUR/year).

HiHello’s paid plans (verify current pricing at hihello.com) are priced in USD, which introduces currency exposure for European customers.

Which one is right for you

Choose ContactLinker if:

• You are based in Europe and want your data hosted within the EU.
• You want to collect contacts from people who do not have any specific app – the exchange form works for everyone.
• You are an independent professional or SMB wanting a clean identity hub without CRM complexity.
• You want GDPR-compliant contact capture built in by default, not as an add-on.

Choose HiHello if:

• You want a free tier for long-term use with basic digital card features.
• Your network primarily uses HiHello already, making the Nearby exchange relevant.
• You are primarily operating in the US market and data residency in Europe is not a requirement.

FAQ

Is HiHello available in Europe?

Yes, HiHello is available globally. However, data is processed and hosted in the United States. European users are covered by HiHello’s GDPR documentation, but the physical hosting location remains in the US. Check hihello.com for the most current details on data processing.

Can I switch from HiHello to ContactLinker?

Yes. Export your existing contacts from HiHello, recreate your profile on ContactLinker, and update any QR codes or NFC cards you use. The migration itself is straightforward – your profile content (name, title, links) transfers without issue. Contacts collected via HiHello’s native exchange would need to be imported manually.

Does ContactLinker have a free plan?

ContactLinker offers a 30-day free trial with full access to all features, no credit card required. After the trial period, the paid plan is 10 EUR/month or 100 EUR/year. There is no permanent free tier.

Which platform is better for a solo consultant?

Both platforms work well for individual professionals. The deciding factor is usually the exchange model. If you want to collect contacts from anyone – including people who do not use HiHello – ContactLinker’s exchange form is the simpler path. If you want to try before committing any budget, HiHello’s free plan lets you start without a trial deadline.

Read also: How two-way contact exchange works | Pricing