QRZY vs TinyURL for dynamic QR codes
TinyURL's QR codes are a shortcut on top of a shortlink — static for free users, editable only on paid plans, with no scan analytics and no conditional routing. If you need a QR that routes by time, device, or location, or shows you who scanned it and from where, TinyURL was not built for that job.
Looking for a TinyURL alternative? See the best TinyURL alternatives →
When to choose each
Q
Choose QRZY if…You need dynamic QR codes with smart routing rules, full scan analytics (geo, device, channel), and codes that keep working permanently — for menus, signage, packaging, or campaigns.
B
Choose TinyURL if…You need a fast, free, no-signup short link — or a simple QR to accompany a static URL with no analytics requirement.
Feature comparison
| Feature | QRZY | TinyURL |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Dynamic QR codes — purpose-built with smart routing | URL shortening; QR is a companion feature on paid plans |
| Free QR codes | 1 permanent dynamic code with smart routing and analytics | Static QR only on free — not editable after creation |
| Smart routing | Time/day/date on Free; device + A/B on Starter; location, language, scan count on Pro | No conditional routing — single-destination redirect only |
| Scan analytics | Geo, device, channel attribution, unique visitors, hourly/daily breakdown | Basic click analytics on paid plans; limited geo depth |
| Free short links | Not a core use case — QRZY is QR-first | Unlimited free short links — no account required for basic usage |
| Brand recognition | New, independent product | One of the most recognised URL shorteners globally — trusted for two decades |
| Simplicity | QR-focused dashboard with routing and analytics | Extremely simple — shorten a URL and get a QR in seconds |
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 with smart routing.
TinyURL
Free tier
Free unlimited static short links and basic static QR codes — no account required
Entry paid
Pro: ~$9.99/mo (500 active URLs, 10k API calls/mo); Bulk: ~$99/mo (300k URLs) — figures from a third-party pricing tracker (linklyhq.com), since tinyurl.com/app/pricing renders its table via JS and could not be read directly
Notes
Free plan generates static QR codes that cannot be edited after creation (confirmed via TinyURL's own blog). Dynamic/editable QR requires a paid plan.
Where QRZY wins
- Dynamic QR codes with smart routing — time/day/date on free; device + A/B on Starter; location, language, scan count on Pro.
- Full scan analytics: geo, device type, channel attribution, unique visitors, hourly/daily breakdown.
- Codes are permanent — work indefinitely whether you pay or not.
- Hosted landing pages on Pro+ — replace the destination URL with a fully hosted QRZY page.
- Purpose-built QR dashboard — not a shortlink tool with QR as an afterthought.
Where TinyURL wins
- Free unlimited short links with no account — faster than any paid tool for a throwaway use case.
- Maximum simplicity: paste a URL, copy a short link or QR — zero friction.
- Brand recognition built over two decades — often the default choice when someone says "shorten a link".
- No annual commitment required for basic usage.
Frequently asked questions
More than a short link with a QR attached
Smart routing, full analytics, permanent codes. Start free.
Get Started Free