Free vs. Paid QR Code Generators: Which Is Better

💻 Key takeaways:

1. Free QR Code generators are suitable for basic, one-time use cases. They are limited in features and customization options.

2. Paid QR Code generators are versatile and offer features such as, analytics, security, team collaboration, and bulk generation, which is ideal for businesses using QR Codes for marketing or sales campaigns.

3. With Uniqode, you get features such as smart QR Codes, QR Code filters, API, password-protected QR Codes, and more, making it a worthwhile investment.

Do you have to pay for QR Codes? It’s a question that often confounds businesses starting their QR Code journey.

When choosing the best QR Code generator for your business, the free vs. paid dilemma can put you at crossroads.

This article aims to ease your decision-making process by exploring the differences between free vs. paid QR Code generators, providing you with all the insights you need to make the right choice.

1. Are QR Codes free

2. Key differences between free and paid QR Code generators

3. Use cases of free vs. paid QR Code generators

4. Which is better: Free or paid QR Code generators

5. Frequently asked questions

Are QR Codes really free

Yes, there are free QR Code generators available in the market, such as QR Code Monkey, Adobe, and Canva. These solutions let you create basic QR Codes without any upfront cost.

Many businesses, especially those with budget constraints or one-time campaigns, find these free options attractive. However, it’s essential to understand that there might be a trade-off when opting for a free QR Code generator.

While free QR Code generators offer a convenient way to create QR Codes without any financial investment, there is an opportunity cost to consider.

Free options often have limitations in functionality and support, which can impact your marketing campaign’s effectiveness. To understand whether free options are the right choice, let’s examine the key differences between free and paid QR Code generators.

Key differences between free and paid QR Code generators

Before we dive into the differences in detail, let’s look at free vs. paid QR Code generators at a glance:

Feature	Free QR Code generators	Paid QR Code generators
💰Cost	Free	Paid
✏️Editability	Static QR Codes only	Static and dynamic QR Codes
🎨Customizability	Limited	Extensive
📈Tracking and analytics	No	Extensive
🔐Security	May not be as secure	More secure
📊Scalability	Not scalable	Easily scalable
🧩Integrations	No	Extensive
🎧Customer support	Limited	Yes

1. Editability

Free QR Code generators only allow you to create static QR Codes. This means that once you generate the QR Code, no changes are possible.

On the other hand, with paid QR Code generators, you can create a dynamic or editable QR Code—allowing you to update the linked content even after QR Code distribution.

If you’re using Uniqode 🔥
You can edit the QR Code destination link and even change the embedded file (PDFs, images, etc,) without changing the live QR Code.
Users will automatically see the updated content once you make the changes in the backend. You save time, resources, and printing costs.

2. Customizability

With free QR Code creators, customization options may be limited. You might be unable to incorporate your brand’s elements or design preferences, resulting in QR Codes that do not align with your overall branding strategy.

In contrast, paid QR Codes are customizable. You can design custom QR Codes that reflect your brand identity and enhance brand recognition.

If you’re using Uniqode 🔥
You can customize every aspect of your QR Code.
Choose from templates, shapes, add a logo, change the eye shape and color, change the pattern design, add a background image, and do much more.

3. Tracking and analytics

Tracking the performance of your QR Codes is crucial for understanding customer behavior and campaign effectiveness.

Free QR Code generators might lack comprehensive tracking and analytics features, leaving you with limited insights.

However, paid QR Code generators give you access to detailed QR Code tracking data such as scan rates, user location, engagement metrics, and more—to help you optimize your marketing efforts.

If you’re using Uniqode 🔥
An extensive QR Code performance dashboard always keeps you informed about your campaigns and the QR Code performance.
Know the number of scans, unique users who scan for the first time, scan location and time, among others.

4. Security

Free QR Code generators might not prioritize security, leaving QR Codes vulnerable to malicious alterations or data breaches.

In contrast, paid QR Code generators implement advanced security measures to protect your QR Codes and the linked content from cyber attacks and phishing. This ensures a safe customer experience.

If you’re using Uniqode 🔥
Your data is always protected with enterprise-grade security measures.
Uniqode is the world’s first GDPR and SOC® 2 Type 2-compliant QR solution, ensuring utmost security.

5. Scalability

While free QR Code generators may serve basic needs, they lack the scalability required for bulk QR Code generation.

Paid QR Code generators are more useful when you need to create a lot of QR Codes at once.

If you’re using Uniqode 🔥
You can create hundreds of QR Codes in minutes with our bulk QR Code generation feature.
All you need to do is submit a request for bulk QR Code creation. You will receive a notification via email, once the creation process has begun and when your QR Codes are ready.
For a batch size of 100-500 QR Codes, the creation process can take up to a minute.
For a batch size of 1,000-2,000 QR Codes, the creation process can take up to four minutes.

6. Integrations

Integrations are crucial for maximizing the benefits of QR Code generators. Free QR Codes may not offer the same integration possibilities as paid alternatives.

If you’re using Uniqode 🔥
You can set up 4000+ integrations through Zapier, Workato, Make (formerly Integromat), and also get API access for uninterrupted workflows.

7. Customer support

Technical support can be a critical factor, especially when you’re using QR Codes in high-value sales, and large-scale marketing campaigns.

Free QR Code makers might offer minimal or no customer support, leaving you to troubleshoot problems independently. On the other hand, paid QR Code generators typically provide dedicated customer support to assist you promptly.

If you’re using Uniqode 🔥
You get 24/7 live chat, email and phone support across all plans.

Comparing use cases of free vs. paid QR Code generators

Let’s take a closer look at how you can use free and paid QR Code generators for real-world scenarios.

Note: We will demonstrate the specific applications of a paid QR Code generator using Uniqode as an example.

1. Event registrations

Scenario 1: Event organizers use free, static QR Code generators for event registrations. However, they face challenges when making real-time updates to attendee information, causing inconvenience during registration.

Scenario 2: With Uniqode’s paid QR Code generator, event organizers create dynamic QR Codes for event registrations. This allows real-time updates to registration details, enhancing the check-in and the overall event experience.

2. Digital menus

Scenario 1: Restaurants use free, static QR Code generators for digital menus. However, they encounter limitations in updating menu items or prices (which can change frequently), leading to inaccuracies and missed opportunities for promoting specials.

Scenario 2: Restaurants create dynamic QR Codes for digital menus using Uniqode’s QR Code platform. This enables effortless menu updates to showcase the latest items and special promotions, enhancing the dining experience and boosting sales.

3. Brand reinforcement

Scenario 1: A company prepares to present at a conference and wants to share QR Codes containing their product information. However, their free QR Code generator does not allow adding a logo or customizing the QR Code design, leading to generic and unbranded QR Codes.

Scenario 2: Utilizing Uniqode’s paid QR Code generator, the company customizes the QR Codes with its logo, brand colors, and presentation theme. They create visually appealing and branded QR Codes that impress conference attendees, reinforcing their brand identity and credibility.

4. Sales lead tracking

Scenario 1: A sales team uses a free QR Code generator to link their QR Code to a lead collection form. However, the free solution requires manually adding leads to the CRM, resulting in tedious and error-prone data entry.

Scenario 2: With Uniqode’s paid QR Code generator, the sales team can integrate the QR Codes with their CRM system. When prospects fill out the form linked to the QR Code, the generator automatically captures and adds their contact details directly to the CRM software.

Suggested read: How to integrate your QR Code with your CRM

5. Nationwide campaigns

Scenario 1: A marketing agency manages a nationwide promotional campaign for a client. They need QR Codes for multiple locations and products. They utilize a free QR Code generator, but the slow process of generating many codes hampers campaign execution.

Scenario 2: Using Uniqode’s paid QR Code generator, the marketing agency efficiently generates bulk QR Codes in minutes. This scalability enables them to meet tight deadlines and effectively implement a multi-location campaign. Plus, Uniqode’s dashboard gives them centralized control and a view of all the QR Codes and their performance.

Which is better: Free or paid QR Code generators

The answer to this question depends on your marketing use case and budget.

Free QR Code generators are more suitable for simple, one-off use cases. A free QR Code generator may suffice if your requirements are basic and you do not need extensive customization, analytics, and support.

However, if you’re seeking to use QR Codes in large-scale campaigns or for high-value sales, investing in a paid QR Code generator such as Uniqode can provide a significant advantage.

Want to give Uniqode’s QR Code maker a shot? Get started with a 14-day free trial, or check out our pricing plans.

Frequently asked questions

1. Do you have to pay for QR Codes?

No, there are free QR Code generators available in the market that allow you to create basic QR Codes without any upfront cost. Examples include QR Code Monkey, Adobe, and Canva.

However, free options often have limited features, such as a lack of edit-ability—costing you time and money in terms of re-printing costs.

2. Should I use a free QR Code generator?

A free QR Code generator might suit simple, one-off use cases, especially if you have budget constraints or temporary marketing campaigns.

3. Are paid QR Code generators worth it?

Investing in a paid QR Code generator such as Uniqode is worth it if you want dynamic QR Codes, extensive customization options, detailed analytics, enhanced security, bulk generation, integrations, and dedicated customer support.

4. Are free QR Code generators safe?

Free QR Codes are not GDPR and SOC® 2 Type 2 compliant, leaving QR Codes vulnerable to malicious alterations or data breaches.

5. Do free QR Codes expire?

Free QR Codes typically do not have an expiration date. However, if the QR Code directs to a broken link or expired content, there is no way to update it.

6. Can you create dynamic QR Codes for free?

Free QR Code generators usually allow the creation of static QR Codes only. Dynamic QR Codes, which allow updates to the linked content even after distribution, are available with paid QR Code generators such as Uniqode.

7. Do you always have to pay for a QR Code?

No, you don’t have to always have to pay for QR Codes. There are free QR Code generators and paid QR Code generators that offer a free trial. You can choose between the two options based on your use case.

Editor’s Note: The article was originally written by Arpith Arun, and we have retained their most valuable insights.

Author Details

Harshika Alagh

Harshika is a content marketer at Uniqode who’s passionate about creating compelling content that educates businesses on leveraging the latest tech to unlock their full potential. Her interests also extend to AI, automation, and productivity tools.

harshika.a@beaconstac.com