Free QR code generator vs Paid: What are the differences?
Benjamin Claeys
QR Code Expert & CEO of QR TIGER | MENU TIGER | GifLips | TIGER FORM
With QR codes becoming a seamless bridge between the physical and digital worlds—adorning everything from product packaging to marketing campaigns—it’s important to have a platform on which to host them.?
In the quest to find the perfect software for your needs, two options emerge: a free and a paid QR code generator.?
A free QR code builder offers a quick and easy way to generate basic codes, while a paid one houses upgraded QR features that enhance operations and provide valuable insights.?
But with so many exciting generators on the market, both free and paid, one question arises: which one is best for you?
Don’t stress—we have the legwork for you. In this article, we help you make a wise decision in your search for the best QR code generator.
Want to know the stark contrast between these two distinct QR generators? Keep on reading to learn more.?
What is the difference between free and paid QR codes?
Free QR code generators excel in simplicity and in providing the essential service of creating basic QR codes.?
This type of code, most commonly known as a static QR code, can store a variety of information in a permanent form, such as contact details or even plain texts, within a single code.?
One standout aspect of a free QR code is that it does not expire. If you use the best QR code generator online, like QR TIGER QR code generator, there’s no limit to how many free static QR codes you can make.?
Their user-friendliness empowers users to design codes in minutes—perfect for one-time uses and people on the go.
However, it’s worth noting that free QR codes are limited in features compared to their paid counterparts, which you can edit and track.?
On the other hand, a paid QR code, also known as a dynamic QR code, is equipped with an advanced feature set that gives you all the good stuff!
It offers many customization options, prioritizes robust security measures, allows users to edit QR code design, and provides a comprehensive analytics dashboard that transforms QR codes into strategic marketing tools.?
What are the advantages of a free QR code generator?
Free QR code makers are all about simplicity and convenience. This means you do not need to be a tech expert to use it. With a few clicks, users can generate QR codes for various data types.?
As their name would have it, these free QR builders eliminate the upfront expense associated with paid generators, making them ideal for personal projects, small businesses, or anyone on a budget.
They might not be fancy, but they offer remarkable advantages for those seeking a cost-effective solution for QR code generation. Plus, they’re readily available online.?
QR solutions you can generate for free:?
What makes a paid QR code generator better?
Paid QR code builders unlock a powerful toolkit for businesses and organizations seeking to use QR codes strategically.?
Though they may come at a price, paid QR makers empower users to create dynamic QR codes that can be edited, tracked, customized, and integrated with other automation tools, providing incredible flexibility for marketing campaigns.?
Beyond the strengths highlighted above, paid software extends bulk QR generation, provides extensive customization options, and champions security and valuable analytics, which make it worth the dough.
Advanced QR code solutions available with a subscription:
Key comparative points between free and paid QR code generators
Let us break down the differences between free and paid QR builders to see which fits your needs.?
Dynamic QR codes
Dynamic QR codes wouldn’t be the town’s hot topic if they did not deliver top-notch performance. But we can’t have everything without a cost, can we?
Full access to dynamic QR codes requires a paid plan that empowers users with total oversight over their QR codes, like precise geolocation tracking, retargeting, integration of UTM parameters, unlimited scans and downloads, and more.?
This capability is invaluable for marketing campaigns, business management, or product control, which offers a significant advantage over static QR codes offered by free generators.?
Wide range of QR code solutions
Both paid and free static QR code generators can create QR codes but they vary greatly in their features and functionality.?
If you’re serious about using QR codes for business or marketing, investing in a paid generator is definitely worth it.?
Why? Paid QR makers offer a whole toolbox of QR code solutions and features, while free generators are ideal for those with limited needs.?
Take, for example, QR TIGER. It is the best QR code generator online, providing 20 QR code solutions—both static and dynamic—coupled with other advanced functionalities that give users greater flexibility and control over campaigns.?
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Comprehensive QR code tracking and analytics
Perhaps the most compelling advantage of paid software lies in its QR code analytics and data tracking and analytics features.
Free generators? They are great if you do not need deeper insights about your QR code’s performance.?
With paid ones, you can glean data on scan frequency, user location, and insights into user behavior.?
This data is gold for understanding audience behavior and empowering businesses to measure their campaign’s ROI.?
Easy to edit and update
As you already know, free QR generators offer static QR codes, which, in nature, cannot be changed.?
Paid QR makers, on the other hand, allow you to create dynamic QR codes that enable users to update the link and content embedded in the code—even after it has been distributed.?
This flexibility proves invaluable for QR campaigns with evolving information.?
Unlimited and quality QR code downloads
Most free generators only allow QR codes to be downloaded as images in formats like PNG and JPEG. This is fine for online use, but it is not ideal for printing, causing QR codes to get blurry when zoomed in or resized.?
With paid generators, you’ll have more options for downloading your QR code, including scalable vector formats like SVG, which are perfect for high-quality printing.?
These are essential if you want your QR code to look sharp on any size poster, banner, or business card. Plus, you can download them as many times as needed.?
Robust data security
Ever heard about password protection, two-factor authentication (2FA), encryption, and error correction?
Paid QR builders have these robust security protocols in place. However, free ones can only offer basic security features, leaving any data vulnerable to potential misuse or unauthorized access.
Investing in added security and control is always worth the extra cost. This way, you can trust that your resources are thoroughly protected. Even better if the software is also ISO-27001, CCPA, SSL, and GDPR certified.?
These ensure the integrity of the data encoded in your QR code and protect users from malicious redirects or phishing attempts.
Extensive customization options
Free generators typically have limited customization control, often restricting users to basic colors and logos. However, subscribing to paid services empowers users with full creative freedom.?
Using the best QR code generator, you can personalize the code's appearance to seamlessly integrate with your brand identity and include striking color schemes, custom logos, and a compelling call to action.?
If you have stumbled upon a generator like QR TIGER that offers wide-ranging QR code design flexibility, both static and dynamic, you’ve hit the jackpot.?
Bulk QR code generation
Looking to create a number of QR codes for different products or campaigns but running short on time to create them individually? Paid generators are up for the task.?
Fee QR makers generally lack this advanced feature, but the paid ones let you create a hundred QR codes in minutes—even up to 3,000 if you use QR TIGER QR Code Generator online.?
This bulk generation flexibility makes them suitable for large-scale projects or rapid implementation of new initiatives and campaigns.?
Seamless integration with other tools
One of the best perks of investing in paid software is its flawless QR code integration with third-party apps.?
In comparison, free software offers few to no options for connecting with external services since its primary function is basic QR code creation.?
Imagine syncing your QR codes with your trustee CRM platforms like HubSpot, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Zapier, and more.
Results? Streamlined operations, actionable data insights, and marketing success.
Hassle-free custom domain creation
Free QR generators are known for keeping things simple.?
You will have a QR code that points your audience to the desired destination, but you can’t personalize the domain name.?
But with paid generators, you can set up your custom domain or white label instead of using the generator’s default domain, further boosting and maintaining a consistent brand experience.?
Find your perfect QR code generator match
And there you have it—your cheat code for choosing the best QR code generator online.
Remember, selecting the right software boils down to the one that meets your specific needs and helps you achieve your goals.?
Do you need a simple solution for creating basic QR codes? Free software is the way to go. But if you require advanced features, data tracking, and customization, a paid generator checks all the boxes.
Choose the right QR code builder for the job, and you’ll be glad that you did.?