QR Code Maker vs Bitly: Honest Comparison (2025)

QR Code Maker and Bitly serve different primary purposes: Bitly is a link shortening service with QR code generation as an add-on, while QR Code Maker is a purpose-built QR code platform. This fundamental difference affects which QR code types each supports, pricing structure, and which tool fits your use case.

This comparison covers features, pricing, and honest recommendations for when to use each service.

Quick Comparison

Feature Deep Dive

QR Code Types

This is the biggest functional difference.

QR Code Maker supports:

• URL (website links)
• WiFi (network credentials)
• vCard (contact information)
• Email (pre-filled mailto links)
• Phone (click-to-call)
• Text (plain text messages)
• PDF (document links)

Bitly supports:

• URL links only

If you need WiFi QR codes for your restaurant, vCard codes for business cards, or any non-URL QR type, Bitly won't work. Their QR codes are URL-only because they're fundamentally a link shortener.

Static vs Dynamic Codes

QR Code Maker:

• Unlimited free static codes (all types)
• Dynamic codes with tracking on paid plans
• 1 dynamic code included on free tier (with 7-day analytics)

Bitly:

• All QR codes are dynamic (redirect through Bitly)
• No truly static codes available
• Free tier limited to 10 total QR codes

The static code distinction matters for permanent use cases. A vCard QR code on a business card doesn't need tracking or updates—static is ideal and free forever.

Analytics and Tracking

Both platforms provide scan analytics for dynamic codes:

Bitly's analytics are strong because link tracking is their core business. If you need deep attribution and referrer analysis, Bitly offers more sophisticated options at higher tiers.

Customization

QR Code Maker:

• Foreground/background colors
• Multiple dot styles (square, rounded, dots)
• Logo placement (centered)
• Frame templates
• Downloadable as PNG or SVG

Bitly:

• Foreground/background colors
• Logo placement
• Limited shape options
• PNG download (SVG on higher tiers)

Both offer adequate customization for most use cases. For advanced design work, either will suffice.

Pricing Comparison

Free Tiers

Paid Plans

QR Code Maker:

• Starter: $9/month (or $79/year)
• Pro: $29/month (or $249/year)
• Team: $79/month (or $699/year)

Bitly:

• Core: $35/month (billed annually = $420/year)
• Growth: $300/month (billed annually)
• Premium: Custom pricing

Price per QR Code

For businesses creating multiple dynamic QR codes:

For QR-focused use cases, QR Code Maker is significantly more cost-effective.

What Happens When You Downgrade or Cancel?

This is where policies differ significantly.

QR Code Maker:

• Static codes: Work forever (no server dependency)
• Dynamic codes: Excess codes are paused (show informational page), not broken
• You choose which code stays active on free tier
• Scan history retained
• Never break a link someone already printed

Bitly:

• All codes redirect through Bitly servers
• Codes continue working if you stay subscribed
• Cancellation policies vary by plan
• May lose access to certain features/analytics

Use Case Recommendations

Choose QR Code Maker If:

• You need non-URL QR codes (WiFi, vCard, email, phone, text)
• You want free static codes for permanent use
• Budget is a concern ($9/mo vs $35/mo)
• You want month-to-month billing without annual commitment
• QR codes are your primary need (not link shortening)

Choose Bitly If:

• You already use Bitly for link shortening
• You need advanced link analytics (deep attribution, A/B testing)
• Link-in-bio features are important
• You want one platform for short links AND QR codes
• Enterprise SSO/integrations are required

The Honest Take

Bitly is a link management platform that added QR codes. QR Code Maker is a QR code platform built around that specific use case.

If you're a marketing team already invested in Bitly for link shortening and want to add QR codes to the same dashboard, sticking with Bitly makes sense despite the higher cost.

If QR codes are your primary need—especially non-URL types like WiFi or vCard—QR Code Maker is purpose-built for that and costs less.

Feature Comparison Table

Making Your Decision

Before choosing, consider:

1. What QR code types do you need?

   • URL only → Either works
   • WiFi, vCard, or others → QR Code Maker

2. What's your budget?

   • Minimal → QR Code Maker ($9/mo vs $35/mo)
   • Flexible → Either works

3. Do you need link shortening?

   • Yes → Bitly offers both
   • No → QR Code Maker focuses on QR

4. Are you already using Bitly?

   • Yes → Adding QR to existing platform makes sense
   • No → Evaluate based on QR needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I migrate QR codes from Bitly to QR Code Maker?

You cannot transfer a QR code between platforms because the code encodes a specific URL (either a Bitly redirect or our redirect). However, you can recreate the same destination content with a new QR code. For print materials already distributed, you'd need to update the destination on your current platform.

Does Bitly offer WiFi QR codes?

No. Bitly's QR codes only support URL destinations. WiFi QR codes encode network credentials directly in the pattern (no URL involved), which Bitly's link-based architecture doesn't support.

Which has better analytics?

Bitly's analytics are more sophisticated for link tracking—referrers, A/B testing, deep attribution. QR Code Maker's analytics cover scan counts, timing, location, and device type, which is sufficient for most QR use cases. If advanced link analytics are critical, Bitly has an edge.

Can I use both services?

Yes. Some businesses use QR Code Maker for static and specialized codes (WiFi, vCard) and Bitly for dynamic URL codes that benefit from their link ecosystem. Use the best tool for each job.

Which is better for enterprise?

Both offer enterprise plans. Bitly has more mature enterprise features (SSO, team management, API access) because they've been in the enterprise market longer. QR Code Maker's Team plan covers most business needs. For large enterprise with existing Bitly contracts, staying with Bitly may be simpler.

What if I need features from both?

Evaluate your primary use case. If you mostly need QR codes with occasional link shortening, QR Code Maker plus a free Bitly account might work. If link management is central and QR codes are supplementary, Bitly's integrated approach may be worth the premium.

Summary

Bitly and QR Code Maker serve different primary purposes:

• Bitly: Link management platform with QR code add-on
• QR Code Maker: Purpose-built QR code platform

For QR-first use cases—especially non-URL types like WiFi or vCard—QR Code Maker offers more functionality at lower cost. For link management with QR codes as a secondary feature, Bitly's integrated approach may justify its premium.

Ready to try QR Code Maker? Start with our free tier—unlimited static codes, 1 dynamic code, no credit card required. Or test all Pro features with our 14-day trial.