8 Best QR Code Generators: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right One

If you want to grow your business, nonprofit, or other organization, one great idea is to create QR codes for your packaging, print ads, and more. It’s quite easy to do so, with many websites just a Google search away that will let you generate QR codes in just a few clicks. So, you should just choose the first one, right?

Not necessarily. While these sites let you create QR codes, some are better than others. This post will look at eight sites that each offer something unique when it comes to making codes for your business.

Why the Best QR Code Generator Could Be Paid

Many sites let you generate QR codes for free, but some may charge a subscription fee. So, why would you choose a site where you have to pay money? There are several reasons, including:

• Dynamic QR codes. These codes have editable URLs, making them evergreen. They can also track stats, such as the number of scans and devices used.
• Scans Tracking. While a free QR code generator may let you generate dynamic codes, the stats it gives you can be limited, and you may be limited in how many you can generate.
• Customization. Other advanced features a paid QR code maker may have include more customization options, letting your QR code stand out more.

Overview of the 8 Best QR Code Generators

We examined eight tools by analyzing Google search results, user opinions on forums, comparison articles, and the tools’ official websites to determine which ones perform best.

1. ViralQR

ViralQr is a robust website that offers plenty of customizable templates and both static and dynamic scannable QR code options. 

Pricing:

Basic Access Plan: $1.49 for 7 days (1 dynamic QR code)

Full Access Plan: $1.99 for 7 days (unlimited dynamic QR codes)

Monthly Plan: $39.99/month

Annual Plan: $19.99/month (billed annually)

30-day money-back guarantee and cancellation policy

Best For:

Commercial purposes, including businesses, marketers, event organizers, and creators who need scalable, high-quality QR code solutions with design flexibility and analytics

Key Features We Like:

• Unlimited dynamic and static QR codes and scans
• Full analytics (scans by device, city, browser, language, etc.)
• Multiple QR code types (vCard, social media, PDF, images, review links, link-in-bio, etc.)
• Advanced branding and customization
• Custom short URL slugs
• High-resolution downloads in these image files: PNG, SVG, PDF
• Error corrections
• Mobile-friendly
• Robust security descriptions
• Advanced QR management tools
• Localization in 14+ languages

What’s Missing? What Needs Improvement?

• You need to make an account to make QR code templates, even if using the free trial.
• The API and bulk generator are still in development, but should work for most marketing campaigns.
• If the subscription isn’t continued, the dynamic QR codes may expire.

Summary:

ViralQR is a versatile QR code generator suitable for both everyday users and businesses. Thanks to its rich feature set, intuitive interface, and affordable pricing, it’s a smart choice for anyone looking to create polished, effective QR codes without extra hassle.

2. QR Codes Generator

• Truly free QR codes without pricing. Perfect for small jobs.

Pricing: 100% free, and no sign-up.

Best For: Personal use or for businesses to test landing pages.

Key Features We Like:

• No creation or scan limit
• User-friendly design
• Basic customization and 30% error correction
• Did we mention it truly gives you free QR codes?

What‘s Missing? What Needs Improvement?

• It lacks dynamic QR codes, meaning no editable URLs or advanced analytics.
• No API access or password protection.
• No bulk QR code creation.

Summary: QR Codes Generator is a truly free, user-friendly site for static codes in vector format or PNG files. However, it’s not meant for hardcore business use, as it can’t track scans or has the additional features that dynamic codes have.

3. QRflexi

1. A generator that has plenty of advanced features and is simple enough for newcomers as well.

Pricing (billed annually):

Free Plan

Regular Plan is $7 a month

Advanced Plan is $16 a month

Premium Plan is $37 a month

Best For: Businesses, marketers, nonprofits, and other situations that need scalable campaigns with advanced analytics.

Key Features We Like:

• Dynamic QR codes that don’t expire.
• Robust customization options, such as colors, templates, frames, and the ability to add logos
• Real-time, advanced analytics
• Bulk QR generation
• Easy for a team to manage
• Can upload different types of formats to the QR code, such as MP3s, PDFs, and more

What‘s Missing? What Needs Improvement?

• Limited free plan.
• You need Premium if you want advanced features, like geofencing or a white-label domain.

Summary: The QRflexi has claws, allowing you to create very advanced codes for commercial purposes. These QR codes can also do more than just send scanners to your destination URL.

4. Visualead

1. A QR code with visuals in mind, making the ability to add logos or custom designs to your code a cinch.

Pricing:

Free Plan

Basic: $7.52 monthly or $6.23 monthly for annual plan

Advanced: $15.85 monthly or $12.45 monthly for annual plan

Premium: $36.75 monthly or $29.89 monthly for annual plan.

Best for: Any small business or situation that needs visually striking QR codes.

Key Features We Like:

• Add logos to your QR code to make it stand out.
• Advanced QR code analytics.
• Supports several types of QR code actions.
• Intuitive, simple dashboard.

What‘s Missing? What Needs Improvement?

• The site looks dated.
• The free plan is minimal.

Summary: If you want your QR code to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible, Visualead has your back. And it’s scalable, with several types of plans as your business evolves.

5. QR Code Generator (Delivr)

Delivr is a privacy-focused QR code generator with high scalability. It has worked with brands and enterprises of all sizes since 2008.

Pricing:

90-Day Free Trial

Plus: $25 monthly

Prime: $50 monthly

VIP: $125 monthly

Pro: $995 monthly

Enterprise: Custom

Best For: Scalable enterprises that need enterprise features, such as branding, API access, and intelligent routing. However, there are features and plans perfect for startups.

Key Features We Like:

• Dynamic codes
• Real-time analytics
• Mobile-friendly landing pages
• White label and custom domains
• Many other customization features

What‘s Missing? What Needs Improvement?

• It’s expensive, especially if you want advanced features.
• No visual designer for branded overlays.
• It can be overwhelming for casual users.

Summary: Delivr is a suitable option for users who need a range of customization features. Due to its pricing and advanced features, this site may not be for newcomers to QR codes, however.

6. Online QR Generator

A quick, customizable QR code generator where you can upload QR codes with your brand logo.

Pricing: Monthly, Annual, and Quarterly plans are available for $49.95, $19.95, and $29.95, respectively. A free trial is available.

Best For: Medium businesses and other enterprises that have some budget.

Key Features We Like:

• Dynamic and branded QR code templates.
• Real-time analytics.
• Several QR code types to choose from.

What’s Missing? What Needs Improvement?

• Limited options if your budget is small.

Summary: This generator is simple, yet has plenty of advanced features

7. Zebra QR Code

A simple, budget-friendly QR code generator that will help build user engagement.

Pricing  $20/year or $2/month, 3 to 7 day free trial available

Best For: Startups that have a budget to spend on advanced QR code makers, but don’t want to spend too much.

Key Features We Liked:

• Strong dynamic and static codes
• Decent scan statistics that will help you grow.
• Enough customization options for newcomers.
• Vector graphics and image format options.
• Wi-Fi, vCard, image, map, and message options.

What’s Missing? What Needs Improvements

• Lacks more advanced features some QR code generation sites have, like no API, bulk generation, or team access.
• Limited third-party integrations.

Summary: Zebra is the perfect medium between a paid and free version, offering more advanced QR code generation for a small fee.

8. QR Code Creator

1. A robust, scalable platform is great for casual or commercial purposes.

Pricing:

Basic: $9.89 a month

Advanced: $15.58 a month

Professional: $46 a month.

All billed annually, and with a free trial.

Best For: Businesses of all types and sizes, educators, and nonprofits.

Key Features We Like:

• Dynamic and static QR code generation.
• Plenty of customization with different shapes, sizes, etc.
• High scan limits.

What’s Missing? What Needs Improvement?

• Needs deeper third-party integrations, like CRMs.
• All pricing is annual.

Summary: QR Code Creator is one of the best enterprise creators available, perfect for businesses serious about their commercial purposes.

How to Choose the Best QR Code Generator

When you’re looking for QR code generation, here are some factors that you may consider.

Multiformat Support: Can you use QR code generation not just for websites, but for PDFs, Wi-Fi, and other formats? If you solely need a QR code for a landing page, you won’t need to worry about this too much.

Choice Between Static and Dynamic Codes: Static codes can work well for a one-off, private event, but for businesses, you’ll want a site that lets you create editable codes and has advanced features like location tracking.

Editing Options: Does the QR code generator let you edit the URL to correct errors or update landing pages? This will save you some headaches if you have lots of QR codes that lead to a defunct website!

Customization: Can you change the colors, frames, templates, or add a CTA to your QR code? This will make your code stand out and help your audience understand its purpose.

Branding Support: Can you add your logo to the QR code? Doing so may increase your chances of getting scans.

Analytics Tracking: What analytics can this generator track? For dynamic codes, sites may include a free version with fewer tracking options and a paid version with more options.

User Experience Evaluation: How is this site reviewed? Do people like it, or are there noticeable flaws that reviewers complain about?

Security: Does the site have secure payment methods? Does it have an HTTPS URL?

Pricing: If it’s not a free QR code generator, how are the prices? Does it have a good value, or is it a ripoff?

Support: If you have any questions about the QR codes generated, you can easily contact someone.

Platform Compatibility: The QR code should work on various devices (smartphones, tablets, computers).

Interactivity: The QR code should support user interaction, such as adding action buttons (e.g., calendar registration, adding contacts, newsletter subscription).

Integration with Other Systems (API)

Localization and Multilingual Support

White Labeling

Bulk Generation

Team Access for managing, creating, and monitoring QR codes

To summarize, here’s a table. Please note that the information may have changed since this publication, so check the proper website.

Key Features Comparison Table for Top QR Code Generators

Final Thoughts: What is the Best QR Code Generator?

To summarize:

If you value analytics and design control, ViralQR might be the most well-rounded option, though casual users may prefer QR Codes Generator.

The others have their own benefits, but if you have to choose two, there you go!

FAQs

What is a QR code generator? How does it work?

A QR code generator creates a scannable code that businesses can use to link their website, event, or other important document. It works by creating a barcode based on the URL and customization options you give.

What is the difference between dynamic and static QR codes?

Dynamic codes offer advanced features, such as editable URLs and trackable stats, that businesses can use to grow. Meanwhile, static QR codes have URLs that cannot be changed and don’t track information.

What types of information do functional QR codes link to?

A custom QR code can link to many different types of information, such as a landing page, instructional PDF, Wi-Fi code, ticketed event page, and more.

What scan statistics does a QR code maker collect?

It depends on the site, as some offer more advanced features than others. But generally, dynamic codes offer tracking features like the number of scans, location, device used, and more.

What custom QR code features do websites offer?

It depends on the website, but generally, websites will offer the ability to upload your logo into a QR code, customizable borders, colors, and much more. The more unique you make your code, the more it will stand out. So get creative.