Restaurants use them for menus, and other businesses can benefit from linking to desired landing pages, videos, or contact details. It’s all about streamlining operations and improving customer experience.A QR code generator also has applications in educational and non-profit organizations. Teachers can use them to link to quizzes, videos, and assignment instructions. Non-profit organizations can simplify and speed up the donation process or share important stories.

So, what is the best QR code generator out there? It’s what we are trying to figure out in this guide. From a small business owner to e-commerce businesses and marketers, everyone will benefit from reading our review of the top five tools currently available. Here’s a round-up of the top five utilities in the market!

Quick Comparison Table

Table 1. Overview of the Most Standout Features of Top QR Code Tools

Main Criteria for Evaluating the Top 5 QR Code Generators

Our team has years of experience with different businesses. We used that to understand what users need from a QR code generator. The team spent hours analyzing official websites of the services and gathering data for comparison.

Let’s check out the list of criteria we used to compare the tools:

• Different QR code types based on embedded information. An advanced QR code maker can link to URL pages, image files, videos, contact info, payment processes, etc.

• Dynamic QR codes. Their advantage over static ones is that you can change the destination URL at any moment. It means you won’t have to go through a new QR code generation, but simply change the destination for the existing one.

• Customization. You should be able to use different templates for commercial purposes, with editable landing pages, CTAs, colors, and frames.

• Branding. Adding your company logo improved brand awareness, along with a customizable URL slug.

• Analytics. The best tools can track scans for their total number and unique users. Most robust analytics also show scans by time of day, device, city, country, and user language.

• High-quality output. The supported range of formats should include ESP, JPEG, SVG, and PNG files. The choice between multiple formats ensures you can always find one that best suits your needs.

• User experience evaluation. The interface you use to generate QR codes should be intuitive. Also, a user-friendly dashboard helps when managing the solutions already created.

• Pricing. While you can find a free QR code generator, many benefits only come with premium versions. It’s only important that their cost is reasonable and they provide excellent value for money.

• Support. Agents should be knowledgeable, polite, and fast with their responses. The support should be working 24/7.

Table 2. Top 5 QR Code Generators — Compared

1. ViralQR

Key Features:

• Unlimited dynamic QR codes
• Unlimited scans
• Unlimited static QR codes
• Detailed QR code analytics
• Excellent range of download formats: SVG, PNG, JPG, PDF
• Multiple QR sizes to download: 512x512px, 1024x1024px, 2048x2048px, 4096x4096px
• Error correction level – low, medium, high, and highest
• Mobile-friendly landing pages

Highlights:

• Pro QR code design and customization
• A huge variety of QR code types
• Advanced analytics
• User-friendly interface for a complex QR management platform
• Additional features include password protection, scan limits, time-based campaign scheduling, and age-restricted access
• Localization in 14 languages

Missing Features:

• You must register to create a QR code
• API is under development
• A subscription is necessary, or codes created with the 7-day subscription will expire

ViralQR has everything you might expect from this type of tool. From using a vector format and multiple sizes to downloading codes, to the fantastic error correction level and customization options. You can check robust analytics with useful data and information about scans from each city, country, or device.

For the QR codes generated, you can easily manage them from a dashboard. It includes filtering by parameters, sorting in folders, as well as freezing or activating them as necessary. Finally, you can schedule campaigns, add age requirement buttons, and control the scan limit.

Pricing: 

ViralQR doesn’t have a free trial, but it comes with affordable entry plans. You can try the service for as little as $1.49 for 7 days. Once that time passes, the subscription automatically renews for $39.99 monthly.  If you choose an annual subscription, it’s billed at $19.99 per month, saving you over 50% each month. At every point, it’s possible to use the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Best for: Anyone from small businesses looking for fast QR code generation to large companies requiring advanced analytics and customizable templates for commercial purposes.

2. MyQRhub

Key Features:

• A variety of dynamic and 100% functional QR codes
• Types supported range from URL and PDF to YouTube and Instagram
• Bulk QR creation is supported
• Tracking features are included
• Basic customization options

Highlights:

• No scan limit, even in the free version
• PDF, PNG, JPG, EPS, and SVG files are supported

Missing Features:

• Modest file storage space
• No API integration in the free version
• Only one year of analytics history in the free version

MyQRhub is surprisingly comprehensive for a tool that has a 100% free version. It supports vector graphic options, adds tracking features, and includes bulk code creation. The interface is simple, and you can even use the app on the go.

Pricing: 

The free version allows the creation of up to 10,000 codes, while the Premium one increases this number to one million. Also, a premium subscription removes Ads, which significantly improves the user experience.

Best for: Those looking for a simple solution that won’t cost a penny, and they don’t mind that Ads will show when using the product.

3. QRcoDeal

Key Features:

• 13 different QR code templates
• User-friendly interface
• Add logos and brand colors
• Projects help to organize your resources
• User-friendly interface 

Highlights:

• Static and dynamic QR codes
• Retargeting and remarketing
• No data retention

Missing Features:

• Only seven QR code types are available with a free subscription
• You need to register after you create QR codes to save them.
• No bulk creation mentioned

Although it supports only 13 different templates, it’s more than enough for most needs. Due to its projects and pixel features, it’s suitable for businesses and marketing campaigns. The learning curve is minimal, and you’ll easily adjust to the creation process. You can add logos and use other options to customize the code to your business.

Pricing:

The pricing is quite simple, with the advanced features like projects and pixels available in the premium version.

Best for: It’s best for a small business owner since it offers an intuitive and simple interface that you can easily adapt to different needs.

4. QRflexi

Key Features:

• Static and dynamic QR codes
• Unlimited file storage
• Multiple types supported
• Simple tracking

Highlights:

• Unlimited statistics
• Many options for a custom QR code
• Safety features like internal audits

Missing Features:

• Ads in the free version
• No free version for business plans
• Registration is necessary to create a code

Multiple types and download formats are supported, including vector graphic options. Unlimited statistics are useful, along with advanced customization options. Tracking features are simple, but QRflexi has powerful software integrations.

Pricing:

A different number of dynamic QR codes is supported depending on the plan. Some advanced features, such as APIs and detailed analytics, are available with a premium subscription. There is a scan limit of 500 with the free option. Business users have different pricing plans and no free option to generate QR codes.

Best for: Multiple plans ensure that any business size can find the subscription that fits their marketing campaigns and other business needs.

5. Online QR Generator

Key Features:

• Dynamic and editable codes
• Track performance with analytics
• Design codes with different shapes, logos, and colors
• Download in multiple formats

Highlights:

• A variety of QR code types
• Easy to download, share, and edit

Missing Features:

• Signing up is necessary
• No free option
• No Android or iOS apps

The first thing you notice is the customization available. From using a vector format to editing landing pages to fit your needs, Online QR Generator has you covered. However, it requires a paid subscription, and its pricing seems to be a bit expensive, especially when assessing the value for money it delivers.

Pricing:

The plans are the same when it comes to features. The only difference is that you will save some money in the long run if you pay quarterly or annually.

Best for: Users who need fast code generation with a minimum setup.

Key Takeaway

From a user perspective, this is the way we see things:

• ViralQR is a QR code generator with comprehensive features for creation, customization, management, and tracking, offering excellent value for its money. It allows the creation of unlimited static and dynamic codes with over 35 types supported. The complete analytics are great for monitoring user engagement. You can download the code in different sizes and formats, with the highest possible error correction level.
• MyQRhub is best for schools, supports bulk creation, and has a free version to create a scannable QR code easily.
• QRcoDeal offers the best free plan and is a smart choice if you need a service that doesn’t retain any data and offers a user-friendly interface.
• QRflexi supports a variety of QR code types and simple tracking options.
• Online QR Generator provides analytics and advanced features like customizable QR codes and downloads in multiple formats.

Ultimately, ViralQR seems to stand out among the competition due to its additional features and value for money. It’s a professional solution suitable for all types of marketing campaigns and business needs. But ultimately, it depends on your requirements. Feel free to try multiple options and pick the best tool for your specific needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of information can I link to with a QR code?

You can link them to a destination URL, but also images, videos, PDF files, contact details, etc. It’s even possible to open an app or link to a location or social media profile.

What is the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?

While you create QR codes, you can pick a static one if you don’t plan to change the destination page. That’s only possible if you generate a dynamic custom QR code, and that’s the main difference between the two types.

Can my QR code expire?

Yes, it’s possible for a dynamic QR code to expire, especially if you use a free QR code generator. Also, if you use a premium service, if your subscription expires, it could also mean that scanning won’t work anymore.

Can I create QR codes for free?

Yes, you can find generators that offer free QR codes. However, these have limited scans and functionalities. Premium tools come with advanced features that offer much more customization when using a QR code maker.

What is a secure QR code generator? What are the main criteria?

Data encryption and password protection are among the main features that the tool should have. Also, storing data in a safe manner, detecting URLs that could contain phishing, and complying with relevant regulations also make a QR code generator secure.