Dead Simple QR vs Bitly
Bitly is a household name in link shortening. But QR codes are a bolt-on to their platform, not the main event. You can tell.
Feature comparison
How the features stack up
| Feature | Dead Simple QR | Bitly |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic QR codes | Up to 250 | Growth plan+ ($29/mo) |
| Scan analytics | ||
| Custom design & themes | Basic colors and logo | |
| Logo embedding | Pro+ | Paid plans only |
| Honest monthly pricing | From $0 | From $10/mo |
| Codes survive cancellation | Unclear policy | |
| Permanent free tier | Minimal QR on free | |
| No credit card required | ||
| Analytics retention | Up to 1 year | Varies by plan |
| Short redirect URLs | dsqr.io | bit.ly links |
Pricing
What you actually pay
Dead Simple QR
From $0/mo
Free forever, no credit card. Pro at $9/mo, Business at $24/mo. Monthly means monthly — you see the price, you pay that price, and you can cancel anytime.
Start freeBitly
Free, Core $10/mo, Growth $29/mo, Premium $199/mo
The free tier is really for link shortening. QR features are minimal until Growth at $29/mo, which is where most QR-focused users end up.
You're paying for an entire link management platform when all you wanted was a QR code. Most of what you're subsidizing, you'll never use.
Watch out for these patterns
· QR features are gated behind the $29/mo Growth tier, but the pricing page leads with the $10/mo Core plan that barely supports QR use cases
Common frustrations
Real issues with Bitly
QR codes feel like an afterthought bolted onto a link shortening platform. The QR page is buried, the customization is basic, and the product screenshots are generic.
You need the $29/mo Growth plan to get meaningful QR features. That's three times the cost of a dedicated QR tool for a product where QR isn't even the focus.
Customization stops at basic color changes and a logo upload. No dot styles, no corner patterns, no frame templates, no themed designs. Your codes end up looking like everyone else's.
The "Connections Platform" messaging is designed for marketing teams managing link campaigns. If you just want to create a QR code for your menu or flyer, the interface feels like overkill.
Switching from Bitly?
Existing QR codes can't be transferred between platforms — they're tied to the provider's redirect infrastructure. You'll create new codes with Dead Simple QR. The difference is that these new codes will never stop working, even if you cancel.
Frequently asked
Common questions
How much does Bitly actually cost?
The free tier is really for link shortening. QR features are minimal until Growth at $29/mo, which is where most QR-focused users end up. Dead Simple QR starts at $0 forever, and Pro is $9/mo billed monthly.
Can I transfer my existing QR codes to Dead Simple QR?
Dynamic QR codes are tied to the platform that created them and can't be transferred. You'll create new codes with Dead Simple QR — and unlike your old ones, they'll keep working no matter what.
What's the difference between Dead Simple QR and Bitly?
Both offer dynamic QR codes with scan analytics. The core differences are pricing transparency, code permanence after cancellation, and a permanent free tier with no credit card required.
Is Dead Simple QR really free?
The free tier is permanent — no trial period, no credit card required. You get up to 5 dynamic QR codes with scan analytics. Pro ($9/mo) and Business ($24/mo) unlock more codes, custom branding, and longer analytics retention.
More comparisons
See how we compare to others
Bitly is a household name and one of the most recognized brands in link management. They've earned that reputation over more than a decade. But their QR product is a secondary feature, not their core business. If QR codes are all you need, you're paying for a platform built around something else.
Ready to try something simpler?
Create your first QR code in under a minute. No credit card required.