Dead Simple QR vs QRCode Monkey
QRCode Monkey is honest about what it is: a free static QR code generator. No tricks, no hidden fees. But static codes have a hard ceiling, and there's nothing on the other side.
Feature comparison
How the features stack up
| Feature | Dead Simple QR | QRCode Monkey |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic QR codes | Up to 250 | |
| Scan analytics | ||
| Custom design & themes | Basic colors only | |
| Logo embedding | Pro+ | |
| Honest monthly pricing | From $0 | Free only |
| Codes survive cancellation | N/A (static codes) | |
| Permanent free tier | ||
| No credit card required | No account at all | |
| Analytics retention | Up to 1 year | |
| Short redirect URLs | dsqr.io |
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 freeQRCode Monkey
Free
Free (static codes only, no paid tier)
There is no paid plan, no dynamic codes, and no analytics. What you see is all there is.
Common frustrations
Real issues with QRCode Monkey
Static codes lock in your destination the moment you download them. Change your URL next month? You're reprinting everything.
No analytics at all. You'll never know if anyone scanned your code, how often, or where they were when they did.
There's no upgrade path. When you outgrow static codes, you have to start over with a completely different tool and regenerate every code from scratch.
Design customization stops at basic colors and a logo upload. No dot styles, no frames, no themes that actually match your brand.
Switching from QRCode Monkey?
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 QRCode Monkey actually cost?
Free (static codes only, no paid tier) 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 QRCode Monkey?
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
QRCode Monkey has the highest organic traffic of any free QR code tool, and it deserves credit for being straightforward. No dark patterns, no bait-and-switch. But it's a dead-end product: static codes, no analytics, no way to grow. Users who need more have to leave.
Ready to try something simpler?
Create your first QR code in under a minute. No credit card required.