First things first: who wrote this
This comparison is written by QR Boost, so we're an interested party, not a neutral referee. We've tried to be fair: we describe what each service offers according to its own website or published sources, and we devote a whole section to what others do better.
Data checked in September 2026 on each service's website; prices change often. If you spot anything out of date, email us at qrboost@wandary.com and we'll fix it.
What to look for in a QR code generator
- Does the dynamic code keep working if you don't pay? This matters most. A dynamic QR code goes through the provider's servers: if they switch it off when the trial ends, whatever you've already printed stops working.
- Is there a scan limit? A restaurant menu or a popular poster can use up a thousand scans quickly.
- Is there an interstitial page or ads between the scan and the destination?
- Analytics: how many scans, from where and on which device.
- Rules: sending people to different destinations depending on their phone, country, language or the time.
- File formats: PNG for screens; SVG, PDF or EPS for print.
- QR types and design: links, contact cards, WiFi, logo, colours and frames.
Free plans at a glance
| Service | What's free | Does the dynamic code keep working without paying? | Paid plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR Boost | Unlimited dynamic codes, with rules and stats; static codes with no account | Yes, no expiry and no scan limit | None |
| QR Code Generator (Bitly) | 14-day trial | No: they're deactivated when the trial ends (static codes keep working) | $9.99–49.99/month |
| QR Code Monkey | Free static codes with no sign-up, no analytics | Its free offering focuses on static codes | — |
| QR Tiger | 3 dynamic codes with 500 scans each | Yes, within that limit | $7–89/month |
| Uniqode | 14-day trial | Requires a paid plan once the trial ends | $5–399/month, billed annually |
| Flowcode | 2 codes, analytics up to 500 scans, with their branding | Yes, with those limits | From $5/month |
| Hovercode | 3 dynamic codes with no expiry and no scan cap (fair use) | Yes | $12/month |
| QRCodeChimp | 10 dynamic codes; scans may be limited to 1,000 a month | Yes, with that possible limit | From $6.99/month |
| ME-QR | Unlimited dynamic codes, with an ad on an interstitial page | Yes, with ads | $5.75–8.25/month |
| Canva | Static link QR codes inside the editor | No dynamic codes | — |
Hovercode is the closest to us on the essentials: its free dynamic codes don't expire either. The differences are the number (3 versus unlimited) and rules, which Hovercode doesn't offer.
Where others beat us
We're a young service and there are things we don't do yet. If you need any of them, another generator will suit you better:
- Bulk creation from CSV: QR Tiger, Uniqode, QRCodeChimp or Scanova can create hundreds of codes at once.
- An API to create codes from your own software: QR Tiger, Uniqode, QRCodeChimp and Hovercode have one.
- Teams, SSO, folders and white label: Uniqode (with SSO), QR Code Generator, QR Tiger or Flowcode.
- Custom domains in the QR link (yourcompany.com/… instead of qrboost.com/go/…).
- Landing pages and microsites: restaurant menus, link pages, hosted PDFs and digital business cards. It's the main reason people pay for other services.
- Apple Wallet and Google Wallet passes.
- Retargeting pixels (Meta, Google, TikTok): QR Tiger, Uniqode or Flowcode.
- More complete rules: Uniqode's “Smart Rules” include scan count, access code or age; QR Tiger offers GPS geofencing.
- Unique scans and A/B testing.
- EPS export and design templates.
Where we stand out
- Your QR codes never expire, with no trials or deadlines.
- No scan limits.
- No interstitial pages or ads: the redirect is direct.
- Free rules by device, country, language and time slot, with the destination always editable. Uniqode has more complete rules, but on paid plans; elsewhere they're partial or missing.
- Free stats by day, country and device, without storing IP addresses.
- If you delete your account, your QR codes keep working: you lose access to them, but nothing printed breaks.
- Pause, end date with a fallback destination and a UTM builder.
- Design with colours, gradients, shapes, a frame with a call to action, a logo and a readability checker; download as PNG, SVG and PDF.
- Every destination is checked against Google's lists of dangerous sites. We explain how in QR code scams.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need… | Good fit |
|---|---|
| A static QR code for something that won't change | QR Boost (no account), QR Code Monkey or Canva |
| Free dynamic QR codes with rules and stats | QR Boost |
| A few free dynamic codes that don't expire, with an API | Hovercode |
| A large company with SSO, teams and advanced rules | Uniqode or QR Code Generator |
| GPS geofencing, pixels or bulk creation | QR Tiger or Uniqode |
| Menus, microsites or digital business cards | QRCodeChimp, QR Tiger or Flowcode |
If you choose a paid service for dynamic codes, check what happens to your codes if you stop paying before you print.
Our business model
QR Boost is free today, with no small print. If we ever add paid plans, they'll be for extra features (such as teams or custom domains), and we will never charge to keep existing codes working. A printed QR code shouldn't be held hostage.
Want to try it? Create your free dynamic QR code or see how QR Boost works.
FAQ
Is this comparison neutral?
Not entirely: we wrote it. That's why we cite sources, include what others do better and correct any outdated information you send us at qrboost@wandary.com.
What happens to my dynamic codes when another service's trial ends?
It depends on the provider. At QR Code Generator, for example, dynamic codes are deactivated until you upgrade. Check before you print.
Does QR Boost have an API or bulk creation?
Not yet. If you need it today, QR Tiger, Uniqode and QRCodeChimp offer it.
Will you ever charge for my QR codes?
We will never charge to keep existing codes working. If paid plans come, they'll be for additional features.