Comparison · Buying guide
Every generator says it is free. The differences that matter are buried in expiry terms, watermark policy, and whether you can take your destinations with you. Five checks separate the safe ones.
| Feature | Typical free toolAd-supported or trial-gated. | QR Lift freePermanent free tier, no card. |
|---|---|---|
| Static codes | Usually unlimited | Unlimited |
| Dynamic codes | Often 7–14 day trial | 3, permanent |
| Watermark on free exports | Common | None |
| Vector export | Often paid-only | SVG on free |
| Scan analytics on free | Rare | Basic 7-day analytics |
| Account required | Usually | Only for dynamic codes |
| Data export if you leave | Often unavailable | Every tier |
| Commercial use on free | Varies — check terms | Allowed |
If the free dynamic codes are trial-gated, the redirect dies on a date you will have forgotten by the time the posters are up. Static-only free is safer than trial dynamic free.
A generator logo in the centre safe zone competes with your own branding and cannot be removed from anything already printed.
If you cannot export your destinations and scan history, migrating later means regenerating and reprinting every code.
Five things: whether dynamic codes expire, whether exports carry a watermark, whether vector formats are available, whether commercial use is allowed, and whether you can export your data.
No. The pattern itself is identical — the differences are in editability, analytics, export formats, and support, not scan reliability.
Not for static codes, since the destination lives inside the pattern. Dynamic codes need an account so the redirect belongs to someone.
On QR Lift, yes — commercial use is allowed on every tier including free. Other tools restrict this, so read the terms.
Three permanent dynamic codes, no watermark, no card required.