We Tested 20 Free QR Code Generators: Sign-Up, Branding and Time Limits

On October 29, 2026, we typed the same link into 20 free QR code generators and read each QR code with QR reader software. The result: 15 showed a static QR code, which stores the link itself; 3 gave a dynamic QR code, which leads to a short link from the generator; and 2 only give you the QR code with a login or an email. Four put the generator's branding inside the code. Transparency: the test was run by the QR Code Free Forever team, which is an interested party. That's why our own generator is left out of the count of 20 and shown separately, tested with the same method.

How did we run the test?

We chose 20 free QR code generators that show up in searches and in recommendation lists, in Portuguese and in English, from big and small companies. For each one, on the same day and on a computer:

1. We opened the free generator page without logging in and declined the cookies that weren't essential.
2. We typed the same test link, https://example.com/teste-qr-2026, and clicked Generate when the site had that button.
3. We read the QR code that appeared on screen with QR reader software and compared the decoded address with the link we typed.
4. We noted what the screen showed (sign-up request, branding on the code, logo option) and what each site says about sign-up, expiration and free trials on its own pages: the generator, the FAQ and pricing.

We didn't create an account, didn't type an email address and didn't click download, buy or start trial. Anything that depended on that click appears as "not verified." When the information came from the site's text rather than the screen, we wrote "according to the site."

Why does it matter if a QR code is static or dynamic?

A static QR code stores your link inside the pattern: the camera reads it and opens your address, with no middleman. A dynamic one stores a short link from the generator, which redirects to yours. That lets you change the destination and count scans, but a printed QR code only works as long as the generator's server keeps redirecting: if the free trial ends or the plan runs out, it can stop working or open a different page.

Results for the 20 generators

First the 15 that showed a static QR code, then the 3 dynamic ones and, last, the 2 that showed no QR code; alphabetical order within each group. In the table, (per site) means the information comes from the site's own text, without a check on our part, and not verified means it depended on clicking download.

What did the test show?

Three give you a dynamic QR code by default

On ME-QR, the QR code read as a short link on q.me-qr.com, and the static QR code shows up as a paid-plan feature. According to the site, the QR code doesn't expire, but on the free plan only the first 10 scans are ad-free; after that, people who scan may see an ad before reaching your content. On QRStuff, the page opens with two toggles switched on ("Update Later" and "Enable Analytics") and the QR code comes out with a short link on qrs.ly; switch both off and the QR code stores the link directly. According to the site, the static one doesn't expire, and the free account gives you 10 dynamic QR codes that work for 30 days. On Flowcode, the round QR code leads to a short link on flowcode.com/p/, has the brand name printed on it and can only be downloaded after sign-up, which shows up right below the preview.

Four put the generator's branding on the code

On screen, by default, the generator's branding appeared inside the QR image on four sites: QR TIGER ("QR TIGER" in the corner), QuillBot (the name at the bottom right), The QR Code Generator ("TQRCG" in the corner) and Flowcode ("FLOWCODE" printed in the circle). On QR TIGER and The QR Code Generator, removing the branding is a paid feature. Since we didn't download the files, we didn't check whether the branding is included in the final file.

The preview doesn't always tell the whole story

On QR Code Generator (QRCG), the screen shows a "Dynamic QR Code" badge, but the QR code in the preview read as the direct link, with tracking turned on or off. On QR.io and QRFY, the preview also gave the direct link, but both sites' pages mention an account or a 7-day trial on the way to the download. Since we didn't download anything, we don't know what the final file stores. The lesson applies to any site: scan the QR code in the downloaded file, not just the one on screen.

Two don't show the QR code without a login or an email

On Canva, the Generate QR Code button opens a login or sign-up window before any QR code. On the Shopify generator, there is no download button: the QR code is sent by email, and the form warns that by entering your email you agree to receive marketing emails from Shopify. According to Shopify, you don't need to create an account, and each QR code gets a "quick link" that stays active until it's deleted.

Adding a logo without an account is common

On 11 of the 20, the screen offers to upload your logo without asking for an account: QRCode Monkey, ME-QR, QR TIGER, QR Plus, GenQRCode, QuillBot, Jotform, QRFY, QRStuff, Uniqode and gerarqrcode.com.br. We didn't upload an image or download anything, so we don't know whether the file with the logo comes out without sign-up on all of them. On QR Code Generator, QR.io and Flowcode, the logo needs an account; on The QR Code Generator, it only goes into the dynamic QR code, also with an account; and on Adobe Express, it goes in through the design editor. Jarbas and Shopify have no logo option, and on goQR.me it's a separate service. On Canva, we couldn't see it without a login. To add a logo without hurting scanning, see QR codes with a logo.

What about our generator?

We ran the same test on QR Code Free Forever on the same day. The QR code on screen led straight to the test link, which means it's static; the Download PNG and Download SVG buttons appear with no sign-up request; and there is no branding of ours on the code. Since the QR code is static, there is no time limit. Where we lose out to some of the generators on the list: the logo in the middle needs a free account (just sign in with Google), and the site has ad spaces.

How to check any generator in 1 minute

1. Generate the QR code and point your phone's camera at the screen before downloading.
2. Look at the address that shows up. If it's your link, the QR code is static. If it's a short link from the generator, it's dynamic and depends on the generator.
3. Search the FAQ for the words "trial", "free trial", "days" or "plan": they usually point to a time limit.
4. Check whether the generator's branding appears inside the code or stuck onto it.
5. After downloading, scan the file again at its final size. If it doesn't scan, the guide QR code not working helps you find the cause.

What are the limits of this test?

• No downloads: sign-up at download time and branding on the final file were read on screen and in the sites' text. The QR code in the downloaded file may differ from the one in the preview.
• "According to the site" is the site's promise: phrases like "no sign-up", "no watermark" and "never expires" were not checked by us.
• A one-day snapshot: plans and rules change. The data is valid for October 29, 2026, for a visitor from Brazil, on a computer. Ads and notices vary by country.
• Read by software: we read the QR codes on a computer, not with a phone, in one attempt per site.

Tools change. If any data has gone stale, or if you work at one of these sites and want to correct something, write to us through the contact page and we'll check and update it.

Create a free QR code, no sign-up