QRZY vs Short.io for dynamic QR codes
Short.io does branded short links exceptionally well — multiple custom domains, API-first, developer-friendly. QR codes are included but secondary: dynamic redirect updates are possible, but there is no conditional routing engine. If the QR is the campaign and you need it to respond to time, device, or location, Short.io was not designed for that.
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When to choose each
Q
Choose QRZY if…QR codes are the primary campaign vehicle and you need smart conditional routing, full scan analytics, or hosted landing pages. Your workflow is QR-first.
B
Choose Short.io if…You run link-based campaigns at scale and need branded short domains, an API for programmatic link creation, and QR as a companion feature — not the main job.
Feature comparison
| Feature | QRZY | Short.io |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Dynamic QR codes with smart routing — QR-first | Branded link shortening with QR as an included companion feature |
| Smart routing | Time/day/date on Free; device + A/B on Starter; location, language, scan count on Pro | Single-destination redirect update only — no conditional routing |
| Scan analytics | Geo, device, channel attribution, GDPR HyperLogLog unique visitors | Click analytics on paid plans; Hobby ($5/mo) adds country-level targeting and referrer hiding — full device/browser breakdown depth not independently confirmed |
| Code longevity after cancellation | Codes redirect permanently — short codes reserved even after cancellation | Links/QR codes keep working after cancellation — the account reverts to free-tier limits rather than being deactivated |
| Custom domains | Coming soon (planned feature) | Multiple custom domains included from low tiers — a genuine strength |
| API access | API keys on Business ($600/yr) and above | API-first architecture — developer-grade link creation and management on all paid plans |
| Entry pricing | $100/yr Starter — 3 codes, smart routing, hourly analytics | Hobby $5/mo, Pro $18/mo, Team $48/mo billed monthly (annual billing advertised as "save 17%", exact annual rate not published) — confirmed at short.io/pricing |
Pricing
QRZY
Free tier
1 permanent dynamic QR code, smart routing, 7-day analytics — no credit card, no trial
Entry paid
Starter: $100/yr — 3 codes, hourly analytics (7 days), no QRZY branding
Notes
Annual-only billing. All codes dynamic by default. Codes work after cancellation.
Short.io
Free tier
Free plan ($0) with short links and QR codes — Short.io does not explicitly label its QR as static or dynamic, but since links are editable post-creation, redirects are effectively dynamic even on free
Entry paid
Hobby: $5/mo; Pro: $18/mo; Team: $48/mo (monthly rates, confirmed at short.io/pricing); annual billing saves ~17% but the exact annual rate is not published on the pricing page
Notes
Multiple custom domains from lower tiers. Dynamic QR included on paid plans. API access available. Cancelling a paid plan reverts the account to free-tier limits rather than deactivating links/QR codes (confirmed at short.io/pricing).
Where QRZY wins
- Purpose-built for QR: 9-condition routing engine — time/day/date free; device + A/B on Starter; location, language, scan count on Pro.
- Codes have no plan-based caps that put them at risk — Short.io reverts a cancelled account to free-tier limits, which can affect links/QR created above that cap.
- GDPR-compliant unique-visitor analytics (HyperLogLog) — privacy-safe scan counting.
- Channel attribution: track which print source, event, or campaign drove each scan.
- Hosted landing pages on Pro+ — replace a URL destination with a QRZY-hosted page.
Where Short.io wins
- Multiple custom domains on lower tiers — a genuine, shipped capability where QRZY has only a planned future feature.
- API-first developer experience: programmatic link creation, retrieval, and analytics for engineering teams.
- Monthly billing option — easier to start or cancel without an annual commitment.
- Better suited for link-at-scale use cases where the QR is a complement to URL campaigns, not the primary channel.
Frequently asked questions
QR-first. Routing-first. Permanent.
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