Alternatives · checked October 2026
The Best Bitly Alternatives for QR Codes in 2026
Bitly is the default for short links, and its QR codes are reliable: scans are unlimited and codes keep working after a downgrade. People who mainly need QR codes usually look elsewhere because of the monthly code allowance and how much of the analytics sits on the expensive plans.
We make ScanOrbit, so we've put it first. Every fact about other products comes from that company's own website, linked, as of October 2026. Prices change; check before you buy.
Why people look for a Bitly alternative
QR codes are rationed per month
Bitly's plans include 2 QR codes a month on Free, 5 on Core, 10 on Growth and 200 on Premium.
Source: Bitly pricingCity and device data on Premium
City-level and device breakdowns are listed on Premium ($199/month billed yearly) and above.
Source: Bitly pricingShort analytics history on lower plans
Data history is none on Free, 30 days on Core and 120 days on Growth.
Source: Bitly pricingEditing a code starts on Core
Changing where a QR code points (redirects) is listed from Core upwards.
Source: Bitly pricingThe alternatives
1. ScanOrbit
Free; Pro $9/mo ($7/mo yearly); Business $29/mo ($23/mo yearly)Best for: Small and mid-size businesses that want free dynamic codes that don't expire, real analytics, and monthly billing
- Free plan
- 3 dynamic codes with no time limit, unlimited static codes, 1 digital business card, 30 days of analytics
- Watch out for
- Free records 500 scans a month in analytics (codes keep working beyond that). If a paid plan ends, codes using Pro-only types pause until you upgrade; website links keep working.
2. QR TIGER
Regular $7/mo (monthly); Advanced $16, Premium $37, Professional $89 per month billed yearlyBest for: Low-cost entry with monthly billing, and API access on every paid plan
- Free plan
- 3 dynamic codes, 500 scans per code, with a QR TIGER popup on scans
- Watch out for
- Free codes stop working at 500 scans. Their FAQ says that if a plan expires, the codes stop working.
3. Uniqode
Essential $9, Core $49, Plus $99, Business+ $399 per month, billed yearlyBest for: Larger organizations that want GPS-level analytics, many integrations and enterprise plans
- Free plan
- Static codes only; 14-day trial for dynamic codes
- Watch out for
- Annual billing only. Dynamic codes become inactive when the trial ends or the subscription is cancelled. Plans have annual scan limits.
4. Flowcode
Free; Pro Plus $25/mo billed yearly; Growth annual only (price on request)Best for: Marketing teams that want codes to keep scanning even if they stop paying
- Free plan
- Up to 2 codes, analytics for up to 500 scans
- Watch out for
- Analytics stop counting after a scan allowance (500 free, 6,000 on Pro Plus). Webhooks, API and email reports are Growth only.
5. Scanova
Basic $5, Lite $9, Standard $35, Pro $75 per month billed yearly; one-time $150 for a single lifetime codeBest for: Buyers who want analytics with no time limit, email reports and webhooks from a low annual price
- Free plan
- No free dynamic plan; 14-day trial
- Watch out for
- Dynamic codes stop when the trial ends and need an active subscription. Code limits count static codes too (3 on Basic, 10 on Lite).
Side by side
| Product | Price | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ScanOrbit | Free; Pro $9/mo ($7/mo yearly); Business $29/mo ($23/mo yearly) | 3 dynamic codes with no time limit, unlimited static codes, 1 digital business card, 30 days of analytics | Small and mid-size businesses that want free dynamic codes that don't expire, real analytics, and monthly billing |
| QR TIGER | Regular $7/mo (monthly); Advanced $16, Premium $37, Professional $89 per month billed yearly | 3 dynamic codes, 500 scans per code, with a QR TIGER popup on scans | Low-cost entry with monthly billing, and API access on every paid plan |
| Uniqode | Essential $9, Core $49, Plus $99, Business+ $399 per month, billed yearly | Static codes only; 14-day trial for dynamic codes | Larger organizations that want GPS-level analytics, many integrations and enterprise plans |
| Flowcode | Free; Pro Plus $25/mo billed yearly; Growth annual only (price on request) | Up to 2 codes, analytics for up to 500 scans | Marketing teams that want codes to keep scanning even if they stop paying |
| Scanova | Basic $5, Lite $9, Standard $35, Pro $75 per month billed yearly; one-time $150 for a single lifetime code | No free dynamic plan; 14-day trial | Buyers who want analytics with no time limit, email reports and webhooks from a low annual price |
Switching from Bitly
- Bitly says links and QR codes keep working after a downgrade, so existing printed codes are safe while you move.
- List your live codes and where they point, then recreate them in ScanOrbit. Website links take a minute each, and bulk CSV import (Pro) creates many at once.
- Replace codes on anything reprinted soon first; for items already out in the world, a sticker with the new code over the old one is the quickest fix.
- Keep both running for a few weeks and compare scans, then close the old account.
Frequently asked questions
Do Bitly QR codes stop working if I downgrade?
Bitly's help centre says links and QR codes continue to work after a downgrade. One exception they mention: links on a complimentary custom domain stop when that domain's registration expires.
Which alternative has city-level analytics on a cheaper plan?
ScanOrbit shows country, US state and city on every plan, including Free.
Can I keep using Bitly for links and ScanOrbit for QR codes?
Yes. Many teams keep Bitly for short links and use a QR-focused tool for printed codes.