Top 10 Bitly Alternatives for QR Code Generation and Analytics in 2025

Bitly has long dominated the URL shortening space, but in 2025, the market has evolved dramatically. Businesses don't just need link tracking anymore. They need platforms that combine URL shortening with QR code generation, unified analytics, and affordable pricing.

The market speaks for itself:

• 41.77 million QR code scans recorded in 2025, a 433% increase over four years
• 500+ million new QR codes created monthly worldwide
• 2+ billion dynamic QR codes generated annually
• QR code market projected to grow from $0.89M in 2024 to $1.45M by 2033 (6.28% CAGR)

Traditional URL shorteners like Bitly now compete with specialized QR code platforms that offer dual functionality. Whether you're running marketing campaigns, tracking offline conversions, or managing product packaging, you need both short links and QR codes working together.

What you'll learn in this guide:

1. 10 comprehensive platform reviews with honest pros and cons
2. Side-by-side pricing comparisons to find the best value
3. Feature breakdowns for analytics, customization, and integrations
4. Use case recommendations for different business needs
5. Real pricing data to help you make an informed decision

Quick Comparison Table

Platform	Starting Price	Free Plan	QR Codes + Links	Analytics Retention	Best For
QRCodeChimp	$6.99/mo	10 QR codes, 1,000 scans	QR only	30 days	Best overall value
QR Insights	$9.99/mo	1 QR + 3 links	Both	90 days (Pro)	Bitly alternative with QR
QR Tiger	$7/mo	3 QR codes, 500 scans	QR only	30 days	Advanced QR features
Uniqode	$5/mo	14-day trial	QR only	Varies	Enterprise security
Short.io	Free tier	1,000 links, 50K clicks	Links + QR	Unlimited	Best free plan
Flowcode	$5/mo	2 codes, 500 scans	QR + landing pages	Limited	Marketing campaigns
Replug	$9/mo	No free tier	Links + QR	Varies	Link marketing
Rebrandly	$12/mo	2,500 clicks/mo	Links + QR	Varies	Brand management
Hovercode	Varies	Limited	QR only	Monthly limits	Bitly alternative
TinyURL	Free	Yes	Links + basic QR	Basic	Simple needs

Detailed Platform Reviews

1. QRCodeChimp: Best Overall QR Code Platform

Pricing: Starts at $6.99/month | Free plan: 10 dynamic QR codes, 1,000 scans/month

What It Offers: QRCodeChimp specializes in QR code generation with an impressive 35+ QR code solutions and 13 page-type QR codes. The platform focuses purely on QR codes rather than URL shortening.

Key Features:

• 35+ QR code types including digital business cards, app downloads, and social media
• 60+ unique shapes for advanced customization (stars, hearts, custom frames)
• Bulk generation for creating thousands of codes at once
• Advanced analytics with timeline views, geo-location, device tracking
• Excel export for data analysis
• Folders and subaccounts for team collaboration
• White labeling on Ultima plan ($34.99/month)

Pricing Breakdown:

• Free: 10 dynamic QR codes, 1,000 scans/month
• Starter: $6.99/month - 50 dynamic codes, 10,000 scans
• Ultima: $34.99/month - 900 codes, unlimited scans, white label

Best For:

• Businesses needing extensive QR customization
• Teams managing large QR code campaigns
• Users wanting the most generous free plan
• Anyone prioritizing QR codes over URL shortening

Limitations:

• No URL shortening feature
• White label requires highest tier ($34.99)
• Can be overwhelming for simple needs

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2. QR Insights: Best Affordable Bitly Alternative with QR Code Generation

Pricing: Starts at $9.99/month | Free plan: 1 QR code + 3 short links

What It Offers: QR Insights is the only true 2-in-1 platform that combines full URL shortening (like Bitly) with comprehensive QR code generation. Every QR code comes with an automatic short link, and all analytics are unified in one dashboard.

Key Features:

• 14 specialized QR code types (WiFi, vCard, Payment, Receipt, Product Passport, Menu, Event, Property Listing, Multiple Links, and more)
• Full QR code customization with eye shapes and pattern designs
• Unified analytics tracking both QR scans and short link clicks together
• Generous short link limits (3 free, 50 on Pro, unlimited on Teams)
• Real-time monitoring with live scan notifications (Pro+)
• GDPR compliant with cookie-free analytics
• API access starting at Pro tier (1,000 calls/month)
• White-label branding at $29.99/month (Teams tier)
• Multiple download formats (PNG, SVG, PDF on paid tiers)

Pricing Breakdown:

• Free: 1 QR code + 3 short links, 100 scans/month, 7-day analytics
• Pro (Most Popular): $9.99/month - 10 QR codes + 50 short links, 10,000 scans, 90-day analytics, CSV export, API access
• Teams: $29.99/month - 100 QR codes + unlimited short links, unlimited scans, unlimited analytics history, white-label branding

Competitive Advantage: Bitly's Growth plan costs $35/month for 10 codes/month + 500 links/month. QR Insights gives you the same functionality for $9.99/month with better limits (10 QR codes + 50 short links + real-time analytics).

Best For:

• Marketers who need both QR codes and URL shortening
• Small businesses wanting affordable Bitly alternative
• Teams running cross-channel campaigns (online + offline)
• Privacy-conscious organizations (GDPR compliance)
• Anyone wanting unified analytics for all tracking

Limitations:

• Free plan limited to 1 QR code (vs QRCodeChimp's 10)
• Fewer third-party integrations than enterprise platforms

Try QR Insights Free →

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3. QR Tiger: Best for Advanced QR Features

Pricing: Starts at $7/month | Free plan: 3 dynamic QR codes, 500 total scans

What It Offers: QR Tiger is a specialized QR code platform with 20+ unique QR code applications and strong bulk generation capabilities.

Key Features:

• 20+ QR code types (URL, vCard, files, multi-link, WiFi, social media, App Store)
• Bulk generation up to 3,000 codes at once
• Advanced analytics with location, device, and timing data
• Customization options including logos, frames, colors, patterns
• Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, Zapier integrations
• Dynamic QR codes with unlimited scans on paid plans

Pricing Breakdown:

• Free: 3 dynamic QR codes, 500 total scans (very limited)
• Regular: $7/month
• Advanced: $16/month (billed annually)
• Premium: $37/month
• Professional: $89/month - 1,200 dynamic QR codes

Best For:

• Businesses needing bulk QR code generation
• Advanced users wanting extensive integrations
• Teams requiring Google Analytics and Meta Pixel tracking

Limitations:

• Very restrictive free plan (500 scans total, not per month)
• No URL shortening feature
• Higher pricing for white-label features

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4. Uniqode (Formerly Beaconstac): Best for Enterprise Security

Pricing: Starts at $5/month | Free trial: 14 days

What It Offers: Uniqode is an enterprise-grade QR platform with advanced security compliance and the largest integration ecosystem in the market.

Key Features:

• 13+ QR code types with multi-URL smart routing
• Enterprise security (SOC-2, GDPR, HIPAA compliant)
• 5,000+ integrations (Google Analytics, Salesforce, Zapier, and more)
• Smart rules for conditional redirects based on time, location, device
• Multi-URL QR codes with advanced routing logic
• Retargeting with Meta Pixel integration

Pricing Breakdown:

• 14-day free trial with unlimited generation
• Starting at $5/month (volume-based pricing)
• Up to $40.83/month for higher tiers
• White label: Business+ tier only

Best For:

• Enterprise organizations needing compliance certifications
• Multi-location businesses requiring smart routing
• Marketing teams with complex integration needs
• Healthcare or financial services (HIPAA compliance)

Limitations:

• White label only on highest tier
• Volume-based pricing can get expensive
• Overkill for small businesses or simple needs

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5. Short.io: Best Free Plan for URL Shortening

Pricing: Free tier available | Competitive paid plans

What It Offers: Short.io is primarily a URL shortener with QR code generation as a secondary feature. It offers the most generous free tier in the market.

Key Features:

• Extremely generous free tier: 1,000 branded links, 50,000 tracked clicks
• 5 custom domains on free plan
• QR code customization (logo upload, colors, error correction)
• Geo-targeting and OS-specific routing
• Device-based redirects
• Link analytics with comprehensive tracking

Pricing Breakdown:

• Free: 5 custom domains, 1,000 branded links, 50,000 tracked clicks/month
• Paid plans: Claims to be cheapest in market

Best For:

• Businesses primarily needing URL shortening
• Teams with high click volume (50K free clicks)
• Users wanting multiple custom domains
• Budget-conscious startups

Limitations:

• Requires custom domain (no generic short URLs)
• QR codes are secondary feature (not specialized)
• Fewer QR-specific features than dedicated platforms
• Limited integrations

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6. Flowcode: Best for High-Budget Marketing Campaigns

Pricing: Starts at $5/month (billed yearly) | Free plan: 2 Flowcodes, 500 scans

What It Offers: Flowcode offers premium QR codes with proprietary visual design and Flowpage landing page builder integration.

Key Features:

• Proprietary Flowcode design (unique visual style)
• Flowpage integration (mobile-optimized landing pages)
• Offline-to-online conversion tracking
• Real-time analytics with geo-location
• Email collection, polls, promotions
• Full design customization

Pricing Breakdown:

• Basic (Free): 2 Flowcodes, 500 scans
• Pro: $5/month (billed yearly)
• Pro Plus: $25/month (billed yearly)
• Growth: $250/month - 500 Flowcodes
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Best For:

• Enterprise marketing campaigns
• Agencies managing high-budget clients
• Brands wanting unique QR code design
• Teams needing landing page builders

Limitations:

• Expensive at scale ($250/month for Growth tier)
• Very limited free plan (500 total scans)
• Proprietary design may not appeal to everyone
• Focused on enterprise budgets

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7. Replug: Best for Link Marketing and Retargeting

Pricing: Starts at $9/month | No free tier

What It Offers: Replug is a link marketing platform that combines branded links, bio links, and QR codes with advanced retargeting capabilities.

Key Features:

• Multiple QR code types (website, link, bio link, YouTube, PDF)
• Traffic routing based on location, device, time
• Retargeting pixels for remarketing campaigns
• CTAs and branded links
• Real-time scan tracking
• Update destinations without reprinting codes
• SVG and PNG formats

Pricing Breakdown:

• Starting at $9/month
• 50% discount on annual plans
• Essential, Scale, Agency tiers
• Custom plans for large organizations

Best For:

• Marketing agencies managing multiple clients
• Teams focused on retargeting and conversion tracking
• Businesses combining link marketing with QR codes
• Advanced marketers needing traffic routing

Limitations:

• No free plan
• Not specialized for QR codes (link marketing focus)
• Fewer QR code types than dedicated platforms
• More expensive than pure QR platforms

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8. Rebrandly: Best for Brand Management

Pricing: Starts at $12/month | Free plan: 2,500 clicks/month

What It Offers: Rebrandly is a branded link platform with automatic QR code generation and strong enterprise security features.

Key Features:

• Automatic QR code generation for all branded links
• Link popularity tracking
• Link-in-bio feature
• Blacklist protection
• Bulk link generation and import
• Enterprise security (GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA compliant)
• Social media integrations (Sprout Social, Gmail, Salesforce)

Pricing Breakdown:

• Free: 2,500 clicks/month
• Lite: $12/month - 10,000 clicks
• Higher tiers available

Best For:

• Brand-conscious organizations
• Social media marketing teams
• Businesses needing link-in-bio functionality
• Enterprise security requirements

Limitations:

• More expensive than competitors ($12/mo vs $7-10)
• QR codes are automatic but not customizable
• Limited QR-specific features
• Focused more on links than QR codes

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9. Hovercode: Best Alternative for Former Bitly Users

Pricing: Varies | Limited free plan available

What It Offers: Hovercode is a UK-based dynamic QR code platform that positions itself as a direct Bitly competitor with better value.

Key Features:

• Dynamic QR codes as primary focus
• Monthly limits instead of total limits (refreshes each month)
• Higher scan limits than Bitly for less money
• Team management features included
• Analytics tracking

Pricing Breakdown:

• Monthly limits (not total limits)
• More affordable than Bitly for similar features
• Specific pricing not widely published

Best For:

• Former Bitly users seeking better value
• Teams needing dynamic QR codes
• UK-based businesses
• Users wanting monthly refresh limits

Limitations:

• Newer/less established brand (founded 2022)
• Limited public information on pricing
• Smaller feature set than specialized platforms
• Less known in the market

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10. TinyURL: Most Established and Simple Option

Pricing: Free/Freemium model | No clear paid tiers

What It Offers: TinyURL is the oldest URL shortener in the market (founded 2002) with basic QR code generation added as a feature.

Key Features:

• 18+ years in operation (established 2002)
• Links never expire (guaranteed)
• Automatic QR code generation when shortening URLs
• Multiple formats (PNG, JPEG, SVG)
• Basic analytics for tracking
• Simple, straightforward interface
• Trusted legacy brand

Pricing Breakdown:

• Appears to be free with optional paid features
• No clear pricing tiers published

Best For:

• Users wanting simple, no-frills URL shortening
• Businesses needing guaranteed link permanence
• Legacy users familiar with the brand
• Basic QR code needs without advanced features

Limitations:

• Very limited QR code features
• No advanced QR code types (just URL redirects)
• Minimal analytics compared to modern platforms
• Unclear pricing structure
• No specialization in QR codes

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How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Needs

Decision Framework

Choose QRCodeChimp if:

• You need extensive QR customization (60+ shapes)
• You want the best free plan (10 QR codes)
• QR codes are your primary focus (not URL shortening)
• You need bulk generation capabilities

Choose QR Insights if:

• You need both QR codes AND URL shortening in one platform
• You want unified analytics for all tracking
• You're looking for an affordable Bitly alternative ($9.99 vs $35)
• You need real-time monitoring and live scan alerts
• GDPR compliance is important to you
• You want 14 specialized QR code types

Choose QR Tiger if:

• You need maximum variety (20+ QR types)
• Bulk generation is critical (up to 3,000 codes)
• You require Google Analytics and Meta Pixel integration
• You're an advanced user comfortable with complex platforms

Choose Uniqode if:

• You're an enterprise needing security compliance
• You require 5,000+ integrations
• Smart routing and conditional redirects are essential
• You operate in healthcare or finance (HIPAA/SOC-2)

Choose Short.io if:

• URL shortening is your primary need
• You have high click volume (need 50K free clicks)
• You want multiple custom domains
• QR codes are a secondary feature

Choose Flowcode if:

• You have enterprise marketing budgets ($250/mo+)
• You want unique proprietary QR design
• Landing page builder integration is important
• You're running high-value campaigns

Choose Replug if:

• Link marketing and retargeting are priorities
• You need advanced traffic routing
• You're a marketing agency managing clients
• Bio links + QR codes + retargeting in one platform

Choose Rebrandly if:

• Brand management is your top priority
• You need enterprise security compliance
• Social media integrations are critical
• Link-in-bio functionality is essential

Choose Hovercode if:

• You're a former Bitly user wanting better value
• You prefer monthly limits that refresh
• You're UK-based
• You need team management features

Choose TinyURL if:

• You need the simplest possible solution
• Link permanence is guaranteed (never expire)
• You want a trusted legacy brand
• Basic QR codes are sufficient

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Use Case Recommendations

For Marketing Campaigns

Best Choice: QR Insights or Flowcode

• Why: Unified tracking of both online (short links) and offline (QR scans) in one dashboard. Real-time monitoring for campaign performance.

For Small Business Owners

Best Choice: QR Insights or QRCodeChimp

• Why: Affordable pricing ($6.99-$9.99), generous limits, easy-to-use interface without enterprise complexity.

For Real Estate Agents

Best Choice: QR Insights

• Why: Only platform with dedicated Property Listing and Open House QR code types with built-in display pages.

For Restaurants and Hospitality

Best Choice: QR Insights or QR Tiger

• Why: Restaurant Menu QR codes with category management, contactless ordering integration, WiFi QR codes.

For Event Planners

Best Choice: QR Insights

• Why: Event & RSVP QR codes with attendee tracking, check-in management, and real-time notifications.

For Marketing Agencies

Best Choice: Replug or Flowcode

• Why: Advanced retargeting, traffic routing, client management, and white-label capabilities at scale.

For Enterprise Organizations

Best Choice: Uniqode or Flowcode

• Why: Security compliance (SOC-2, HIPAA), 5,000+ integrations, smart routing, and enterprise-grade analytics.

For E-commerce Businesses

Best Choice: QR Insights or QR Tiger

• Why: Product Passport QR codes, Payment QR codes, unified analytics with Google Analytics and Meta Pixel.

For Budget-Conscious Users

Best Choice: QRCodeChimp (free) or Short.io (free)

• Why: Most generous free tiers with 10 QR codes or 50,000 clicks respectively.

For Privacy-Focused Organizations

Best Choice: QR Insights

• Why: GDPR compliant, cookie-free analytics, EU privacy standards, anonymous data collection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free Bitly alternative for QR codes?

QRCodeChimp offers the best free plan with 10 dynamic QR codes and 1,000 scans per month. For URL shortening, Short.io provides the most generous free tier with 1,000 branded links and 50,000 tracked clicks monthly.

For a combined solution, QR Insights offers 1 QR code + 3 short links free, making it the only true 2-in-1 free option.

Do I need dynamic or static QR codes?

Choose dynamic QR codes if you:

• Want to update the destination URL without reprinting
• Need analytics and tracking data
• Plan to run campaigns where flexibility is important
• Want to A/B test different destinations

Choose static QR codes if you:

• Need permanent, unchangeable links
• Don't require analytics
• Want codes that work forever without subscription
• Have fixed destinations (like WiFi passwords)

Most modern platforms focus on dynamic QR codes because they offer significantly more value.

What is the cheapest QR code generator with analytics?

QR Insights at $9.99/month offers the best value for money:

• 10 QR codes + 50 short links
• 10,000 scans per month
• 90-day analytics history
• Real-time monitoring
• CSV export
• API access

Compare this to Bitly's $35/month for similar features with fewer QR-specific options.

Can I get white label QR codes under $30 per month?

Yes. QR Insights offers white-label branding at $29.99/month (Teams tier) with:

• 100 QR codes
• Unlimited short links
• Unlimited scans
• Unlimited analytics history
• Full white-label branding

This is significantly cheaper than competitors like QRCodeChimp ($34.99), QR Tiger ($89), or Flowcode ($250).

What is better for tracking: QR codes or short links?

Both have advantages:

QR Codes are better for:

• Offline marketing (print ads, packaging, signage)
• Physical-to-digital experiences
• Contactless interactions (menus, payments)
• Location-based campaigns

Short Links are better for:

• Online sharing (social media, email, SMS)
• Easy typing and remembering
• Digital-only campaigns
• Character-limited platforms

Best practice: Use platforms like QR Insights that provide both with unified analytics, so you can track customer journeys across online and offline channels.

Are QR code generators GDPR compliant?

Not all platforms are GDPR compliant. Check for:

• Cookie-free analytics
• Anonymous data collection
• EU data privacy standards
• Data processing agreements

GDPR-compliant options include:

• QR Insights (cookie-free analytics)
• Uniqode (GDPR, HIPAA, SOC-2 certified)
• Rebrandly (GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA compliant)

How many QR code types do I really need?

Most businesses use 3-5 QR types regularly:

1. Dynamic URL - Website links and landing pages
2. vCard - Digital business cards
3. WiFi - Guest network access
4. Menu or Product - Industry-specific needs
5. Multiple Links - Social media aggregation

Platforms like QR Insights (14 types) or QRCodeChimp (35+ types) offer enough variety for any business need, while QR Tiger (20+ types) provides strong middle ground.

Can I use one QR code for multiple destinations?

Yes, with dynamic QR codes and smart routing:

Basic updating: Change destination URL anytime without reprinting (all platforms with dynamic codes)

Advanced routing: Redirect based on:

• Device type (iOS → App Store, Android → Google Play)
• Location (different landing pages per country/region)
• Time of day or date ranges
• Language preference

Platforms with smart routing:

• Uniqode (best for complex rules)
• Replug (traffic routing)
• QR Insights (device-based routing)

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Conclusion: Which Bitly Alternative Should You Choose?

The "best" Bitly alternative depends entirely on your specific needs:

For most small businesses and marketers, QR Insights at $9.99/month offers the best value as a true 2-in-1 platform combining URL shortening and QR code generation with unified analytics. You get everything Bitly offers plus 14 specialized QR code types, real-time monitoring, and GDPR compliance for less than a third of Bitly's cost.

For QR-only users wanting maximum features, QRCodeChimp provides the most generous free plan (10 QR codes) and extensive customization options at $6.99/month.

For enterprise organizations, Uniqode delivers unmatched security compliance and 5,000+ integrations, making it worth the premium pricing.

For budget-conscious users, Short.io's free tier (50,000 clicks) or QRCodeChimp's free plan (10 QR codes) provide excellent starting points.

Ready to Get Started?

QR Insights combines the best of both worlds with QR code generation and URL shortening in one affordable platform.

✅ 14 specialized QR code types (WiFi, vCard, Menu, Event, Property, and more) ✅ Full QR customization with eye shapes and pattern designs ✅ Generous short link limits (50 links on Pro, unlimited on Teams) ✅ Unified analytics tracking both QR scans and link clicks ✅ Real-time monitoring with live scan notifications ✅ GDPR compliant with cookie-free analytics ✅ White-label branding from $29.99/month ✅ API access for automation

Start Your Free Account →

Get 1 QR code + 3 short links free. No credit card required. Upgrade to Pro ($9.99/month) for 10 QR codes + 50 short links with advanced analytics.

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Related Resources:

• Complete QR Code Analytics Guide
• QR Codes vs Short Links: Which to Use
• QR Insights Pricing and Plans
• View All Features