Bitly alternative for QR codes
Bitly is the go-to for short links, and it does QR codes too. If what you mainly need is editable codes to print, the comparison is worth making.
How much does Bitly cost for QR codes?
According to its official pricing page, checked on 23 October 2026, the Core plan costs $10 a month billed yearly and includes 5 QR codes a month. Bitly’s free plan shows ads.
Prices are in US dollars, as listed; check the page before subscribing.
What does Scanotte offer for the same use?
Scanotte makes editable QR codes, short links and multi-link pages, all with statistics. The free plan includes 1 editable code, 3 short links and 1 page, with no ads on the redirect.
Static QR codes are free and unlimited. For editable QR codes with statistics: 1 is free, then Starter at €6.90 a month (15 editable QR codes), Pro at €12.90 a month (100) or Business at €39 a month (500). Billed yearly, that’s €5.90, €11 and €33 a month.
| Bitly Core | Scanotte Starter | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (checked 23 Oct 2026) | $10/month, billed yearly | €5.90/month billed yearly, or €6.90 monthly |
| QR codes | 5 a month | 15 editable, unlimited static |
| Short links | Included | 50 short links |
| Free plan | With ads | No ads, 1 editable code |
Where is Bitly better?
On short links and advanced analytics: that’s its core business. If you manage lots of links for online marketing, Bitly gives you more tools than Scanotte.
Scanotte has no custom domain or API, and doesn’t create links in bulk from a file.
Where does Scanotte have the edge?
On printed codes: design (colours, shapes, logo), free and unlimited static codes, an in-browser generator, and a written cancellation rule. Statistics keep no IP address and set no cookie.
If you stop paying, nothing dies overnight: whatever fits the free plan keeps working as usual, and the rest keeps redirecting, read-only, for 12 months before showing an “expired” page. Picking a plan again brings everything back.
To understand Scanotte’s short links, read the link shortener; for safety, are short links safe?.
Can I use both?
Yes. Nothing stops you keeping Bitly for marketing links and making your printed codes with Scanotte, or a free static code pointing to a Bitly link.
If you’re torn between free and paid, read free vs paid QR codes; for other services, see Hovercode, Uniqode, Unitag.
What matters most for printed codes?
What happens to codes already in circulation: on menus, packaging and posters, a code that stops working costs a reprint. Check each service’s cancellation rule before you print.
Then look at the monthly quota: a plan with a limited number of new codes per month suits steady campaigns, while a fixed number of editable codes suits a shop that reuses the same few codes.
| Tool | Listed price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Scanotte | from €5.90/month billed yearly; free static QR | if you cancel, nothing dies overnight: what fits the free plan keeps working, the rest still redirects for 12 months |
| Hovercode | Pro: $12/month or $120/year official page, checked on 23 October 2026 | after cancelling, only 3 dynamic codes stay active |
| Uniqode | Basic: $9/month, billed yearly official page, checked on 23 October 2026 | after cancelling, QR codes become inactive |
| QR TIGER | Regular: $7/month (12 dynamic codes) official page, checked on 23 October 2026 | |
| Bitly | Core: $10/month, billed yearly (5 QR codes a month) official page, checked on 23 October 2026 | the free plan shows ads Where they are better: short links and advanced analytics |
Compared use : QR codes you can edit after printing
Frequently asked questions
Is Bitly free?
Bitly has a free plan that shows ads, according to its pricing page checked on 23 October 2026.
Can I import my Bitly links into Scanotte?
No, there’s no import. You can recreate the important links one by one.
Do Bitly codes change if I leave?
A dynamic code depends on the service that made it. Check Bitly’s terms before cancelling.
Does Scanotte count short-link clicks?
Yes, with the same statistics as QR codes, no IP or cookie, and link previews aren’t counted.