QR Code Maker vs QR Code Monkey: Honest Comparison (2025)

QR Code Maker and QR Code Monkey are both QR code generators with free tiers. The key difference: QR Code Monkey focuses on free static codes with good customization, while QR Code Maker offers both static codes and trackable dynamic codes with a complete dashboard. Here's how they compare for different use cases.

Quick Comparison

Why QR Code Maker is the Better Choice

1. Integrated Dashboard with Analytics

QR Code Maker provides a full dashboard where you can:

• See all your QR codes in one place
• Track scan analytics in real-time
• Organize codes into folders
• Manage team access

QR Code Monkey's free tier is more limited in organization and tracking capabilities.

2. Dynamic Codes on Free Tier

QR Code Maker includes 1 dynamic code on the free tier with:

• Scan tracking (counts, timing, location)
• Ability to update the destination URL
• 7-day analytics retention

This lets you test dynamic QR codes without paying.

3. Transparent Pricing Model

QR Code Maker's paid tiers are straightforward:

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

True monthly billing—pay month-to-month, cancel anytime.

4. Modern Dashboard Experience

QR Code Maker's dashboard is built for managing QR codes at scale:

• Folder organization
• Search and filter
• Bulk actions
• Team collaboration

QR Code Types

Both platforms support the essential QR code types: URL, WiFi, vCard, email, phone/SMS, text, and PDF. These cover the vast majority of business and personal use cases.

Customization

Both platforms offer professional customization options: custom colors, logo placement, multiple dot and eye styles, and high-quality downloads (SVG and PNG). QR Code Maker includes frames with call-to-action text—essential for marketing campaigns.

Analytics and Tracking

This is where the platforms diverge significantly.

QR Code Maker Analytics

• Scan counts: Total and over time
• Timing: When scans occur (hour, day)
• Devices: iOS vs Android breakdown
• Location: Geographic distribution
• Dashboard: Visual charts and trends

QR Code Monkey Analytics

• Basic scan tracking on paid plans
• Less comprehensive dashboard
• Limited free analytics

For serious QR code tracking, QR Code Maker provides more actionable data.

When to Use QR Code Maker

• You want to track scan performance
• You might need to update the destination later
• You're managing multiple QR codes
• You need a dashboard for organization
• You want to test dynamic codes for free
• You're creating codes for business or marketing use

Best for: Business use, marketing campaigns, any scenario where tracking matters.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Restaurant Menu QR Code

QR Code Monkey: Create a static URL QR code for free. Works fine until you need to update the menu URL—then you need new codes.

QR Code Maker: Create a dynamic code (free tier includes 1). Update the menu URL anytime without reprinting. Track how many customers scan. See our restaurant QR code guide.

Winner: QR Code Maker (updatable + trackable)

Scenario 2: Business Card with Contact Info

QR Code Maker: Create a vCard QR code with your logo. Make it dynamic so if you change jobs or update your contact info, you can update the code without reprinting business cards. See our business card guide.

Winner: QR Code Maker (dynamic updates for future-proofing)

Scenario 3: Event Marketing Campaign

QR Code Monkey: Create static codes. No way to measure campaign performance.

QR Code Maker: Create dynamic codes, track scans by day/location, see which placements perform best, update destination for post-event follow-up. See our event QR code guide.

Winner: QR Code Maker (tracking is essential for campaigns)

Scenario 4: Product Packaging

QR Code Monkey: Static codes work for permanent product info pages.

QR Code Maker: Dynamic codes let you update destination for seasonal promotions, track which products get scanned, measure engagement. See our packaging guide.

Winner: QR Code Maker (flexibility + tracking)

The Bottom Line

QR Code Maker is built for people who take QR codes seriously—whether for business, marketing, or any use case where tracking performance and updating destinations matter. The free tier includes a dynamic code with analytics, plus unlimited static codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is QR Code Monkey really free?

Yes, QR Code Monkey offers unlimited free static QR codes. You can create, customize, and download without paying. Their paid plans add features like dynamic codes, analytics, and bulk generation. QR Code Maker also has a free tier with unlimited static codes plus one dynamic code with tracking.

Do QR Code Monkey codes expire?

Static QR codes from QR Code Monkey don't expire—they work as long as the destination URL is active. However, you cannot update where they point. Dynamic codes (paid feature) can be updated but may have different terms.

Which has better customization?

Both platforms offer professional customization including custom colors, logo placement, and multiple dot styles. QR Code Maker includes frames with call-to-action text, which is particularly valuable for marketing.

Can I track scans with QR Code Monkey?

Limited tracking is available on paid plans. The free tier has minimal analytics. QR Code Maker includes scan tracking on the free tier (for the 1 dynamic code included) and comprehensive analytics on paid plans.

Which is better for business cards?

Both work for business card QR codes. QR Code Monkey is fine for a static vCard. QR Code Maker offers the option to make it dynamic (useful if you change jobs or update contact info frequently). See our business card QR code guide.

Do I need an account for QR Code Monkey?

No account is needed for basic static QR codes on QR Code Monkey. You need an account for saved codes, dynamic codes, and advanced features. QR Code Maker requires an account to access the dashboard and tracking features.

Summary

QR Code Maker offers everything you need for business and marketing QR codes: scan tracking and analytics, updateable destinations, an organized dashboard, and a free dynamic code to test. For any use case where tracking matters or you might need to update your codes later, QR Code Maker is the clear choice.

Ready to try QR Code Maker? Create your first QR code free—unlimited static codes, 1 trackable dynamic code, full customization, no credit card required.