Question 1

Why do some QR code generators deactivate codes?

Accepted Answer

It's usually a trial tactic. You create codes for free during a 7-14 day window, print them on menus or signs, and once the trial ends the codes stop working unless you pay $35-$50/month to turn them back on. Thousands of Trustpilot reviews describe exactly this. We don't do it: the TheQRCode.io free tier has no trial clock.

Question 2

Is TheQRCode.io really free?

Accepted Answer

The free plan gives you 10 QR codes and 1,000 scans a month with no time limit, no credit card, and no expiration, and static codes made on any plan work forever. Paid plans ($9-$29/month) are where we make money: more codes, higher scan limits, API access, and logo embedding.

Question 3

What happens to my QR codes if I cancel my paid plan?

Accepted Answer

They keep working. Every code you have printed carries on redirecting to wherever it already points; nothing is deleted and no code is switched off. The account returns to the free plan, so one dynamic code stays editable and the rest become read-only — still scannable, still redirecting, just not editable until you subscribe again. Scans above the free plan's 1,000 a month still redirect, they simply stop being recorded, and the dashboard shows the last 30 days. Your earlier scan history is kept and comes back if you subscribe again. Static codes are not affected at all: they encode their content into the pattern, so there is no redirect behind them to switch off.

Question 4

How is TheQRCode.io different from QR.io and QR Code Generator?

Accepted Answer

Mostly trust. QR.io and QR Code Generator (by Bitly/Egoditor) have drawn a lot of criticism for switching off "free" codes after short trials, which strands people who've already printed them. We offer a real free-forever tier, clear pricing, and static codes that never expire, plus lower paid pricing ($9/mo versus $39.99/mo) and a developer API that competitors put behind a paywall.

Question 5

Is QR.io free?

Accepted Answer

No. QR.io runs a 7-day free trial and then costs $39.99/month. Once the trial ends your dynamic codes stop redirecting until you pay, which stings if you've already printed them. TheQRCode.io has a real free plan instead: 10 QR codes, 1,000 scans a month, no credit card, no expiration.

Question 6

Do QR.io codes expire?

Accepted Answer

The code image never expires, but QR.io pauses your dynamic codes when the 7-day trial or a lapsed subscription ends, so a scan stops reaching its destination until you pay. On TheQRCode.io there is no trial clock and we never switch a printed code off: your dynamic codes keep redirecting after a subscription ends, with only editing locked. Static codes are permanent here too, but so are everyone's.

Question 7

How much does QR.io cost, and is there a cheaper alternative?

Accepted Answer

QR.io is $39.99/month after a 7-day trial, with no permanently free option. TheQRCode.io starts free and you upgrade only if you outgrow it: Starter is $9/month and Pro is $29/month, both with analytics and dynamic codes, and API access on paid plans.

Question 8

How long do QR.io codes last?

Accepted Answer

The QR code image never expires, but QR.io pauses your dynamic codes when the 7-day trial or a lapsed subscription ends, so a printed code stops reaching its destination until you pay $39.99/month. On TheQRCode.io there is no trial clock: your dynamic codes keep redirecting after a subscription ends, and nothing you have printed gets switched off. Only editing is locked.

Question 9

Is qr-code.io free?

Accepted Answer

No. qr-code.io (the hyphenated site, a different company from qr.io) only offers a free trial — after it, you can't access your codes or data without a paid plan. Its cheapest plan is $19.95/month billed annually, or $49.95 month-to-month. TheQRCode.io has a genuine free tier instead: 10 QR codes and 1,000 scans a month, no credit card, no expiration.

Question 10

How much does qr-code.io cost?

Accepted Answer

qr-code.io lists a single paid plan at $19.95/month billed annually (about $239 up front), or $49.95/month paid month-to-month, with no permanently free option. TheQRCode.io starts free, and paid plans run $9–$29/month with no annual lock-in required.

Question 11

Do static QR codes expire?

Accepted Answer

No. A static QR code encodes your content (a URL, WiFi password, contact card, and so on) directly into the pattern, so it doesn't depend on any server or subscription and keeps working forever, even if you delete your account. Dynamic codes, which add tracking and editable destinations, do need an active account.

Question 12

Can I switch from another QR code generator?

Accepted Answer

If your existing codes are static, they'll keep working as they are. For dynamic codes you'll need to recreate them here, since every platform ties dynamic codes to its own redirect system. Starting on the free plan is an easy way to test things before you pay.

Question 13

What's the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?

Accepted Answer

A static code has your content baked into the pattern: the URL, WiFi password, or contact info. It works forever but can't be changed or tracked. A dynamic code uses a short redirect, so you can update where it points, track scans by device, location, and time, and view analytics. Both are on every plan, including free.

Question 14

Is there a catch with the free plan?

Accepted Answer

No catch. You get 10 QR codes and 1,000 scans a month with no time limit and no expiration, covering all QR types, basic analytics and customization, unlimited static codes, and 1 dynamic code to try. No credit card, no trial clock. Upgrading from $9/month makes every code dynamic, adds full analytics (geo, device, time), and removes the "Powered by" branding.

Feature	TheQRCode.ioRecommended	QR Code Generator (Bitly)	QR.io	QR-Code.io	QR Tiger	Flowcode	Uniqode (formerly Beaconstac)
Free Tier	Yes - 10 QR codes, 1K scans/mo	14-day trial only	7-day trial only	Trial only	3 dynamic codes, 500 scans	2 codes, 500 scans	Static only
Lowest Paid Plan	$9/mo	$10/mo	$39.99/mo	$19.95/mo	$7/mo	$25/mo	$9/mo
Free Codes Expire?
Trustpilot Rating	New	1.6/5 (~9,100 reviews)	4.3/5 (~13K reviews)	4.7/5 (~190 reviews)	4.5/5 (159 reviews)	3.5/5 (~38 reviews)	~4/5 (few reviews)
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