| Decision | QR.io | Tidy QR |
|---|---|---|
| Free access | A 7-day trial includes static and dynamic code creation. | Static creation with no account, subscription or scan counter. |
| Code lifetime | The vendor explicitly says static codes continue after the trial expires. | The payload stays in the image. A linked website still needs to stay available. |
| Recorded price | $39.99 monthly or $350 for 12 months; currency not stated | $0 for the implemented static tools. |
| Output workflow | Review the vendor's current export and account options. | Local SVG, PNG and vector-module PDF, with image decoding before export. |
Where QR.io is a better fit
QR.io combines code generation with managed landing pages, scan statistics, API access and bulk creation in its listed paid feature set. That can be useful for an organization wanting those functions in a hosted service. Its FAQ usefully states that static codes survive the trial.
Where the workflows differ
The pricing page contains dollar amounts but its currency answer is incomplete in the retrieved text. We do not silently label them USD. The trial is also not the same as an indefinite free dynamic plan. Verify the currency, billing cadence and dynamic-code continuation terms in the actual purchase flow.
A concrete choice
Before printing a code made during a trial, decode it and identify whether it contains your intended address or a provider redirect. The static continuation statement applies to static codes. Save the payload and account details with the artwork so a later team member can understand what the print depends on.
Check the actual image before committing
Download a sample from the exact option you intend to use. Read the image with a separate scanner and compare the full payload with your intended destination. A direct address and a provider's redirect address can look identical on paper while creating different account dependencies.
Keep a copy of that decoded content with the final artwork. If the project depends on destination editing or reporting, review the vendor's terms for that selected plan, including what happens when an allowance is reached or billing stops. If the project only needs a stable destination, a static code can link to a page whose content you update yourself.
Test the final physical output, not just the preview. Phone recognition, lighting, material and the destination page all affect the visitor's experience. The comparison above describes documented product terms, not a measured ranking of scan speed or reliability.
Prices and features checked on October 29, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Email contact@tidyqr.com.
Sources
Last checked: . Examples are illustrative inputs, not measured results.
- Pricing, QR.io. Checked 2026-10-29.
- Implementation specifications, checked against source code, Tidy QR. Checked 2026-10-29.