Free vs paid QR codes
Making a QR code costs nothing: it’s an open standard. What you pay for is a service around it — changing the code after printing, counting scans, working as a team.
Is a free QR code enough?
Yes, if its destination never changes: website, Wi-Fi, business card, Instagram profile. A free static code works just as well as a paid one and depends on no service.
You can make one right now with the free generator, as PNG or SVG.
What are you actually paying for?
For a dynamic code: changing the destination after printing, counting scans, keeping statistics longer, working as a team. The service runs a redirect server, hence a subscription.
It’s explained in the dynamic QR code.
What are the traps in “free” offers?
The most common: a dynamic code that’s free during a trial and switched off at the end. Others: a free plan with ads, or a watermark on the code.
Sourced examples are in the QR Code Generator Pro alternative and the Bitly alternative.
What does Scanotte’s free plan include?
Unlimited static codes, 1 editable code, 3 short links, 1 multi-link page and 30 days of statistics, with no end date. The free multi-link page shows a small “Made with scanotte” line.
| Plan | Price per month | Editable codes | Short links | Pages | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | €0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 30 days |
| Starter | €6.90 (€5.90 yearly) | 15 | 50 | 3 | 90 days |
| Pro | €12.90 (€11 yearly) | 100 | 200 | 10 | 1 year, CSV export, 3 people |
| Business | €39 (€33 yearly) | 500 | 1,000 | 50 | 1 year, CSV export, 5 people |
What if I go paid and then stop?
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.
Refunds can be requested from your account within 14 days of a payment. To compare with other services, see the best QR code generator.
Which plan suits which use?
The free plan suits a test or a single use (a menu, a review card). Starter covers a shop or freelancer with a few printed items; Pro and Business are for teams tracking many codes and exporting statistics.
Start free: you only move up when you hit the limit, and your existing codes stay exactly the same.
Is paying ever worth it for a single code?
It can be, if that one code is printed on thousands of items or on something expensive to redo, like signage or packaging. Being able to change the destination is insurance against a reprint.
But Scanotte’s free plan already includes one editable code, so for a single code you may not need to pay at all.
Frequently asked questions
Can a QR code be pay-per-use?
Not at Scanotte: static codes are free and unlimited, and paid plans are monthly or yearly subscriptions.
Is there a commitment?
No, plans have no commitment. Yearly billing costs less per month but is paid upfront.
Does Scanotte’s free plan end?
No, it isn’t a trial: the free plan has no end date.
Do prices include VAT?
Yes, Scanotte’s prices are shown with VAT included.