If you’re a small business owner, one powerful and low-cost marketing tool —potentially free—is the QR code. Sites that let you create a custom QR code that you can apply to your packaging or marketing can give you an edge over the competition.
However, while most sites will give you functional QR codes, not all of them are created equally. This post will compare twelve sites that will let you make QR codes, and compare them.
The Best QR Code Generator List
We have looked at 12 sites that let you make QR codes. We then compared them based on their features, highlighted the good, and pointed out the bad. Not all sites are equal. For example, some sites offer free QR codes or a free version, while others are behind a paywall but offer robust analytics and detailed customization options.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Tool Name | Best For | Standout Feature | Price |
| ViralQR | Businesses, marketers, creators, and anyone needing customizable templates | Full analytics with localization in 14+ languages | $1.49–$39.99/month, trial |
| MyQRhub | Marketers, designers, and event organizers | Variety QR code types, dynamic support | Free, $9.78, $14.03/month |
| QRcoDeal | Privacy-focused users, remarketing campaigns | Pixel retargeting support for Facebook, TikTok, etc. | Free, $9.99/month |
| QR Codes Generator | People needing free static QR codes | Unlimited static QR codes, no sign-up required | Free |
| QRflexi | Businesses and advanced campaigns | API access | Free, $7–$37/month (annual) |
| ZebraQRCode | Startups with small budgets | Affordable paid plan with vector output | $2/month or $20/year |
| FreeQRCode | Someone who needs a quick QR code | Free QR code generator | Free |
| QRNow | Businesses needing dynamic campaigns | Basic analytics | $19.95–$39.95/month |
| ForQRCode | Quick, free static generator | Embeddable for your website | Free (Optional PayPal donation is available) |
| Online QR Generator | Medium to large businesses needing API & analytics | Branded QR templates with basic analytics | $19.95–$49.95/month |
| QRickit | Anyone needing a free QR code for various purposes | Free API and embeddable widget | Free (Donations appreciated) |
| Fotor QR Code Generator | Someone who needs a QR code generator with their photo editor | Being an extension of a photo editor | Free (High resolution available with Fotor Pro plan starting at $3.33 monthly) |
12 Best QR Code Generators Reviewed: Benefits and Drawbacks
1. ViralQR
ViralQR is a user-friendly QR code generator that offers dynamic and static codes, and a variety of customizable templates and tools for marketing campaigns, big or small.
Key Features:
- Unlimited dynamic QR codes and no scan limit
- Robust analytics with real-time insights for your marketing campaigns, including the ability to track scans, device type, city, country, and language used
- Many QR code types, including vCard, social media, PDF, and much more
- Dynamic and branded QR code templates that include colors, shapes, and custom logos
- Custom short URL slugs for quicker access to your landing pages
- Image types like JPG and PNG files.
- High-resolution exports in PNG, JPG, PDF, SVG formats
- Error corrections
- Mobile-friendly landing pages for custom QR codes
- 14+ language localization
Pros (What We Liked):
- A very user-friendly site
- Plenty of ways to customize and bring in more user engagement
- Tracking features are very detailed
- GDPR-compliant and offers file storage with paid plans
Cons (What’s Missing?):
- It requires an account, regardless of whether you’re using a free trial
- API and bulk generators are a WIP
- Dynamic codes may expire if the subscription isn’t continued
2. MyQRhub
MyQRhub is a great creator for commercial purposes, with a powerful free plan for new businesses.
Key Features:
- A static QR code can be of various types, such as URL, text, email, PDF, etc.
- A free plan that also includes plenty of features, such as analytics, folders, etc.
- Bulk generation
- SVG vector graphic and PNG downloads
- API access in premium plans
What We Liked:
- Free plan also includes unlimited scans
- It’s perfect for both startups and larger businesses
- Site is perfect as well for those who speak multiple languages
What’s Missing?
- The free QR code generator has ads on it
- The interface is a bit cluttered
- Advanced analytics and additional features you have to pay for
- Customization features are a little lacking in design
3. QRcoDeal
QRcoDeal is a privacy-focused QR code creator that is great for private or commercial purposes.
Key Features:
- Both static and dynamic support
- Multiple types, including WhatsApp, FaceTime, and PayPal
- 13 templates in PRO plan with different shapes and designs, including the ability to add logos
- You can make an account, or do it without an account, without any data stored
- Dynamic QR codes include password protection, analytics, and more
What We Liked:
- It’s a cleanly designed, simple website
- Free version includes no ads and no other junk
- Pro plan is nice and advanced
What’s Missing?
- Free plan doesn’t let you save codes and includes no dynamic links
- No bulk QR code generation, and API hidden behind Pro plan
- No team sharing
4. QR Codes Generator
QR Codes Generator is a tool that works well for smaller jobs. It provides truly free codes with no strings attached.
Key Features:
- PDF, image, and vector format available to download
- 30% error correction
- Basic customization features
- No creation or scan limit
What We Liked:
- It’s truly free
- Simple interface
- No account limit, no strings attached
What Needs Improvement:
- Static codes only; no dynamic codes
- No API access, password protection, or bulk generation
- Not much use for a business beyond them doing a casual, one-off campaign
5. QRflexi
QRflexi is a generator with plenty of advanced features, but it can be scaled to include newcomers.
Key Features
- Supports dynamic QR codes
- Robust customization, including frames and colors
- Real-time analytics
- Team management
- QR codes are available in plenty of uploadable formats, like MP3s
What’s Missing?
- Limited free plan
- Geofencing and white-label domain are hidden behind the advanced package
6. ZebraQRCode
ZebraQRCode is a professional, budget-friendly generator with a free trial also available.
Key Features:
- Dynamic and static QR codes
- Scan statistics that work well for a new business
- Customization options to make your code stand out
- Includes PNG and vector format download
- vCard, WiFi, map, and other options for your QR codes
What We Liked:
- The analytics work well for beginners, providing the most helpful data without being too overwhelming.
- Free trial gives you enough time to see if this is the generator for you.
What Needs Work?
- It’s a limiting site, with no API, bulk generation, team access, or third-party integrations
7. FreeQRCode
FreeQRCode is a simple, free QR code generator for static codes, with its purpose being that it can be hosted on other websites.
Key Features:
- Email, text, Skype, destination URL, Bitcoin, and other creation methods
- Several designs and customizations to choose from
- The ability to upload your logo
- PNG, SVG, PDF downloading
- Frame options
What We Liked:
- Straightforward
- Decent amount of customization options
- Truly free; no account required
What Needs Work?
- No dynamic QR code options
8. QRNow
QR Now is a basic generator with plenty of features.
Key Features:
- Dynamic and static QR codes
- Many different QR types, like YouTube, PDFs, SMS, vCards, WhatsApp, and much, much more
- Clean interface with a 3-step creation
- Basic analytics
- Unlimited scans and generation regardless of plan
- Downloads include vector and PNG, as well as WEBP and EPS
What We Liked:
- Plenty of features available out of the box
- Free trial doesn’t feel limited
What’s Missing?
- Requires a subscription for long-term dynamic use
- No mention of team access in the core features
9. ForQRCode
ForQRCode is a free, embeddable QR code maker similar to FreeQRCode.
Key Features:
- Plenty of creation methods, including Skype, Bitcoin, and others
- Very customizable static QR codes
- Logo uploading
- PNG, SVG, PDF support
- Frames let your QR code stand out
What We Liked:
- Simple generator that anyone can use
- Great customization options for what it is
- No-strings-attached static generator
- Embeddable for your own website
What Needs Work?
- No dynamic options, and very similar to FreeQRCode
10. Online QR Generator
Online QR Generator is a simple generator that has many different customization options.
Key Features:
- Basic customization features, such as the ability to add logos
- Real-time analytics
- Bulk generation
- Many different QR code formats are available
- Team-friendly dashboards
What We Like:
- A very advanced site for growing businesses
- Some limited options are available for smaller companies.
What’s Missing?
- A lack of good free QR code generation.
11. QRickit
Qrickit is one of the oldest sites on this list, being around for nearly 20 years. It’s a truly free static generator.
Key Features:
- Several QR code options, including URL, social media, Maps, WhatsApp, or a calendar event
- Truly free and has no account creation
- Color customization
- Widget lets you insert it into any website
- Free API access
What We Liked:
- It’s a free website run by support
- Plenty of formats to choose from
- API access is free of charge
What Needs Work?
- The site is from 2006, and it shows a cluttered design
- No dynamic codes
- No vector format, only GIF as the alternative format
12. Fotor’s QR Generator
Fotor is a photo editing app. Their site also includes a QR code generator that is limited but has some decent features.
Key Features:
- Several formats to choose from, including vCard and WiFi
- Customizable patterns, colors, backgrounds, eyes, frames, and the ability to add a logo
- Free 100×100 PNG download, with a 500×500 available with Fotor Pro
What We Liked:
- It’s simple
- Design options are enough
What Needs Work?
- No dynamic codes
- No SVG and higher-res downloads are hidden behind a Pro account
Key Takeaway
All of these QR code sites work well, but for our money, ViralQR stands out for its robust analytics, detailed customization options, strong error correction, and language localization. However, free static code may be what you want. If so, the others on this list may work out for you as well.
Common Questions
What are static QR codes?
These are QR codes generated with a permanent URL and no advanced features such as tracking. Static codes can be suitable for casual use or if you want free QR codes. However, they are lacking if you’re a business owner serious about tracking your customers.
What are dynamic QR codes?
This is a scannable QR code that includes advanced features such as location and device tracking. You can also change the destination URL without needing to create a new code. Many dynamic codes aren’t free, but they can be great for business owners.
What types of information can I create QR codes for?
You can put a destination URL, WiFi link, text, PDF, or other formats inside the QR code. What you can set also depends on the website you use to generate QR codes.
What is a short URL?
QR code generation sites will take a given URL and convert it into one with fewer characters. A shorter URL is easier to remember, can load faster, and tracks information from the people who click on it. Thus, QR code generation sites that use dynamic QR codes will often shorten the URL.
Do QR codes expire?
No, static QR codes will not expire. The only thing to worry about is if the link itself in the code expires or becomes outdated. That being said, a QR code generator may change the URL in your dynamic code if you don’t keep paying the monthly fee, so beware.
What statistics do dynamic QR codes have?
It depends on what website you use to generate QR codes. Cheaper websites or the free version of paid sites will have basic tracking features, such as the number of scans. However, you may pay for more advanced features, like unique scans or location tracking.
What QR code templates do sites offer?
It depends on what QR code generator you use. A free QR code generator will have minimal QR code types and only a few custom features. However, a more advanced generator may offer unique shapes, colors, and the ability to make a custom QR code with customizable landing pages with your logo on it.
What essential features does the best QR code generator have?
A QR code maker should allow you to create QR codes that don’t expire, have advanced features like dynamic links and tracking, and customize their design. In addition, it should give you vector graphic options so your code can be as big or small as possible.
