The short version
- Most design options for a plain code: QRCode Monkey.
- Most free dynamic codes: QR TIGER (3 codes, 500 scans each).
- Already designing in Canva: Canva's built-in generator.
- Clean and simple, no sign-up, nothing watermarked: QRGeny, with one free dynamic code if you need to edit later.
Side by side
| Tool | Free static codes | Free dynamic codes | Paid plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| QRGeny | Unlimited static codes, no watermark, no expiry, no sign-up | 1 free dynamic code that keeps redirecting. Editing and scan stats for the first 7 days | Pro $15/month or $150/year: up to 100 dynamic codes, editing and stats any time, unlimited scans |
| QRCode Monkey | Static codes with no expiry and no scan limit. PNG, SVG, PDF and EPS downloads | Only in its paid PRO product | PRO price not shown on the free page |
| QR TIGER | Unlimited static codes. Shows a QR TIGER logo popup | 3 free dynamic codes, each capped at 500 scans | From $7/month (12 codes, unlimited scans). $16/month for 200 codes |
| The QR Code Generator | Unlimited static codes | 2 free dynamic codes with ads, 14 days of scan analytics | From about $5 to $10/month billed yearly (the page lists both). Business plans $49 and up |
| Canva | Free, and codes are described as valid forever | Offered. Only the creator can edit the link | Scan counts, device and location data need Canva Business or Enterprise |
| Bitly | Free plan allows 5 new links a month | QR codes are capped separately from links. We could not confirm the exact free number | Core $10/month, Growth $29/month (annual pricing may apply) |
Prices are in US dollars and come from each tool's public pages on 6 November 2026. Plans change, so check the tool's own page before you pay.
Each tool in a few lines
QRGeny
Good for: Free static codes with no sign-up, and one free dynamic code.
Keep in mind: Fewer free dynamic codes than QR TIGER or The QR Code Generator. Smaller template library than QRCode Monkey.
QRCode Monkey
Good for: Free static codes with lots of design options.
Keep in mind: Free page shows ads. Logos and design options work in PNG and SVG only.
QR TIGER
Good for: A free plan with several dynamic codes.
Keep in mind: Cheaper first paid tier than ours.
The QR Code Generator
Good for: Trying dynamic codes with a trial.
Keep in mind: 14-day free trial of paid features.
Canva
Good for: People who already design in Canva.
Keep in mind: Codes are made inside a Canva design, so you need a Canva account for editable ones.
Bitly
Good for: Teams that already use Bitly for short links.
Keep in mind: Built around link management more than QR design.
Where QRGeny is different
- Static codes need no account, carry no watermark and never expire.
- Codes are made in your browser. WiFi passwords and contact details are not sent to us.
- Scan statistics do not store IP addresses.
- Printed dynamic codes keep working even if you stop paying. Editing and statistics lock, and nothing is deleted.
Where it is not the best choice
- QR TIGER and The QR Code Generator give more free dynamic codes.
- QR TIGER's first paid tier costs less than our Pro plan, although Pro includes more codes.
- QRCode Monkey has a larger set of design options.
How to choose
- Will the content ever change after printing? If not, a static code is free and permanent.
- If it might change, or you want scan counts, use a dynamic code and read the plan limits first.
- Test the printed code with a phone before you print a large batch.
Questions
What is the best free QR code generator?
It depends on what you need. For a plain static code with lots of design choices, QRCode Monkey is a strong option. For the most free dynamic codes, QR TIGER offers three. QRGeny is a good fit if you want a clean generator with no sign-up, no watermark and one free dynamic code.
What is the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?
A static code stores the content inside the pattern, so it never expires but cannot be changed after printing. A dynamic code points to a short link you can edit later and can count scans, but it depends on the service staying online.
Do free QR codes expire?
Static codes do not expire with any of these tools. Dynamic codes depend on the provider, so read the plan details before you print them on anything that is hard to replace.
Who wrote this comparison?
The QRGeny team. We make one of the tools listed, so we say where we are weaker, and we link to each tool so you can check the facts yourself.