BuildYourQR vs QR Code Generator. The big, established one, now part of Bitly.
QR Code Generator is one of the best-known names in the category, owned by Bitly, with 22 types of QR code, bulk creation and an API on its higher plans. The catch most people run into is the trial: dynamic codes made during the 14-day trial are deactivated when it ends unless you subscribe. BuildYourQR does less, but its free plan has no end date and codes keep working after you stop paying.
We make BuildYourQR, so read this with that in mind. Everything we say about QR Code Generator comes from its own website, checked on . The links are at the bottom. Prices change; check theirs before deciding.
QR Code Generator
qr-code-generator.com- Free option
- 14-day free trial, no card needed
- After the trial
- Dynamic codes made in the trial are deactivated and point to a service page until you upgrade (static codes keep working)
- Dynamic codes per plan
- Starter 2 · Advanced 50 · Professional 250
- Scan tracking
- Starter tracks up to 10,000 scans; Advanced and Professional unlimited
- Extras
- Bulk creation and API requests on Advanced and Professional; up to 5 users
- Price
- Shown by region on their pricing page
BuildYourQR
buildyourqr.com- Free option
- 5 dynamic codes (links or contact cards), 7 days of analytics, no end date
- Paid
- $9/month (Dynamic, unlimited dynamic codes); Pro $19/month adds AR
- Billing
- Monthly, cancel any time
- If you stop paying
- Codes keep working on the Free plan
- Extras
- AR video ads on Pro ($19/month); a free static generator with no account
- Not offered yet
- No custom short-link domain, no API, no bulk creation, no team seats yet
What matters most
The trial is the decision.
Most people meet QR Code Generator through its 14-day free trial, which asks for no card. That’s generous for testing. But its own support pages are clear that dynamic codes created during the trial are deactivated when it ends, and point to a service page instead of your link until you upgrade. If you printed anything during those two weeks, you’re subscribing to keep it working.
That isn’t a trick. It’s how trial-first products work, and QR Code Generator’s paid plans are capable, especially if you need bulk creation or the API. The practical advice is simple: don’t print trial codes on anything expensive until you’ve decided. With BuildYourQR the free plan has no end date, so the five codes you make on day one are still working next year whether or not you ever pay.
Being fair
Where QR Code Generator is better.
- Far more code types (they list 22), from PDFs to app-store links
- Bulk creation, an API and several users on the higher plans
- A long track record and the backing of Bitly
And the other way round
Where BuildYourQR is better.
- A free plan that doesn’t end: 5 dynamic codes, no trial clock
- Printed codes keep working if you stop paying
- Unlimited dynamic codes on the $9 plan rather than a fixed allowance
- AR video ads on Pro
Which one?
Pick the one that fits what you’re printing.
You need dozens of code types, bulk creation or an API, and you’re happy to commit to a paid plan from the start.
You want to try dynamic codes without a deadline, or you’d rather your printed codes never depend on staying subscribed.
Try it freeSwitching
Moving over without breaking anything.
- Leave printed codes alone. Codes already out in the world point at QR Code Generator’s links, so they keep doing whatever QR Code Generator does with them. Moving a code means making a new one.
- Start with your next print run. Make the new code in BuildYourQR, point it at the same page, and use it on anything printed from now on.
- Compare the numbers. Keep both running for a few weeks and you’ll see in each dashboard which print is being scanned.
Sources
- QR Code Generator: Pricing
- QR Code Generator: What happens when the trial expires
- BuildYourQR pricing
Checked 28 September 2026. QR Code Generator is a trademark of its owner; BuildYourQR isn’t affiliated with it. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@buildyourqr.com and we’ll correct it.