Many 'free' QR code generators have hidden catches: codes that expire after 14 days, watermarks on free tiers, scan limits that disable your code, or paywalls for basic features like downloading. Truly free options exist—Quality QR offers 1 permanent dynamic code with analytics and 5 static codes, no watermarks, no expiration, free forever.
Common 'Free' QR Code Traps
### Trap 1: Expiring QR Codes
Some generators create codes that stop working after 14 days or 30 days unless you upgrade. You won't know until your printed materials suddenly don't work.
Red flag: Terms mentioning "trial period" for QR codes themselves.
### Trap 2: Watermarks
Your QR code works, but there's an ugly watermark across it or the landing page. Looks unprofessional and damages your brand.
Red flag: "Remove watermark" as a paid feature.
### Trap 3: Scan Limits
The code works... for the first 100 scans. Then it stops or shows an upgrade message to your customers.
Red flag: "Unlimited scans" listed as a premium feature.
### Trap 4: Feature Gating
You can create a QR code, but can't download it in high resolution, can't get SVG format, or can't remove the generator's branding.
Red flag: Basic features like PNG download require payment.
### Trap 5: Forced Account Creation
You complete the QR code, click download, and suddenly need to create an account, verify email, and enter payment information "just in case."
Red flag: Can't see or download your code without signing up.
### Trap 6: Bait and Switch
The code works today, but the company changes their free tier tomorrow. Your permanent codes are suddenly held hostage.
Red flag: No clear commitment to free tier terms.
What's Actually Free at Quality QR
We built Quality QR to be genuinely free for basic use:
Free tier includes:
- 1 dynamic QR code (editable, with full analytics)
- 5 static QR codes (unlimited types)
- No watermarks on any tier
- No expiration dates—codes work forever
- PNG and SVG downloads
- Full customization (colors, patterns)
- No credit card required
What requires paid plans:
- More dynamic QR codes
- Team features
- Custom domains
- A/B testing
- Advanced analytics exports
We believe the free tier should be genuinely useful, not a crippled demo.
Comparing Free Tiers
| Feature | Quality QR | Competitor A | Competitor B |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Dynamic codes | 1 free | Trial only | None free |
| Static codes | 5 free | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Watermarks | None | On free tier | None |
| Code expiration | Never | 14 days | Never |
| Scan limits | None | 500/month | 100 total |
| Analytics | Full | Paid only | Basic |
When Free Is Enough
The free tier is genuinely sufficient if you:
- Need one trackable QR code (business card, main promotion)
- Want a few static codes (WiFi, contact info)
- Don't need team collaboration features
- Have modest analytics needs
When to Consider Paid
Upgrade makes sense when you:
- Need multiple dynamic QR codes for different campaigns
- Want to A/B test landing pages
- Need team access and collaboration
- Require custom branded domains
- Generate codes in bulk
How to Evaluate Any 'Free' Generator
Before committing to any QR code generator, check:
- **Do codes expire?** Read the terms carefully
- **Are there watermarks?** Create a test code and check
- **What's the scan limit?** Often buried in fine print
- **Can you download high-res?** Try downloading before signing up
- **Is the free tier permanent?** Look for clear commitments
Try Quality QR's genuinely free tier—create your first code in 60 seconds, no credit card needed.
