QR Studio vs Bitly (for QR codes)
Bitly is a link-management platform — short links, click analytics, custom domains — and QR codes are one feature within that, mostly on paid plans. If you already run your links through Bitly and want QR codes in the same dashboard with the same analytics, that integration is the reason to pay for it. If you just need QR codes, QR Studio makes them free and unlimited with no account.
Side by side
| QR Studio | Bitly | |
|---|---|---|
| Price for QR codes | Free, unlimited | Limited on free; a paid feature on most plans |
| Account required | No | Yes |
| Do the codes expire | Never (static) | Dynamic codes depend on an active plan |
| Dynamic QR + click/scan analytics | Not yet | Yes — this is Bitly's core |
| Custom short domain (e.g. yourbrand.co) | No | Yes |
| Link management dashboard | No | Yes |
| QR types (Wi-Fi, vCard, UPI, WhatsApp…) | 13 types | Mainly URL |
| Design, colours, logo, frames | Yes — extensive | Basic colour + logo |
| Print templates | Yes — posters, table cards, business cards, asset tags, editable then PDF | Limited or none |
| Bulk generation | Yes, free — up to 250 from a CSV/Excel or a numbered series, ZIP or Avery label-sheet PDF | Paid add-on |
| 1D barcode generator | Yes — Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A and more, single or bulk | No |
| Runs entirely in your browser | Yes — the URL, password or contact details you type are never sent to a server | No — codes are generated and stored on their servers |
| Bitly branding on the code / link | None | On the free tier |
Choose Bitly if
- You already manage your links in Bitly and want QR codes beside them
- You need a branded short domain and click analytics across links and QR
- You want one dashboard for a team managing many campaigns
Choose QR Studio if
- ✓You want QR codes without paying for link management you don't use
- ✓You need Wi-Fi, contact card, UPI, WhatsApp or event codes — not just URLs
- ✓You want the code built in your browser with nothing uploaded
- ✓You need print templates, bulk label sheets or a barcode generator
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a free QR code without a Bitly account?
Not a permanent one on Bitly. QR Studio makes unlimited static QR codes with no account at all.
Does QR Studio shorten links like Bitly?
No. QR Studio encodes your full URL directly into the QR — there's no short link and nothing to manage or pay for, but also no click dashboard. Add UTM tags if you want your own analytics to see the traffic.
Are Bitly QR codes free?
A small number are on the free tier, often with Bitly branding; unlimited and custom QR codes are on paid plans. QR Studio's static codes are free and unbranded.
Other comparisons
Comparison based on each product’s public plans and documentation. Features and pricing change — check the vendor’s site for the current details. QR Studio is not affiliated with Bitly.