Dead Simple QR vs Uniqode
Uniqode has the most polished design in the QR space. It's also $49/mo for the features most people actually need, and your codes stop working if you downgrade.
Feature comparison
How the features stack up
| Feature | Dead Simple QR | Uniqode |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic QR codes | Up to 250 | 2 (Essential) / 50 (Core) |
| Scan analytics | Basic (Essential) / Full (Core+) | |
| Custom design & themes | ||
| Logo embedding | Pro+ | |
| Honest monthly pricing | From $0 | From $9/mo |
| Codes survive cancellation | ||
| Permanent free tier | ||
| No credit card required | 14-day trial only | |
| Analytics retention | Up to 1 year | Plan-dependent |
| Short redirect URLs | dsqr.io | Custom domains (Core+) |
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 freeUniqode
Essential $9/mo, Core $49/mo, Plus $99/mo, Business+ custom
The $9/mo Essential plan is a teaser with just 2 dynamic codes and basic analytics. Most users need the $49/mo Core plan to get the features they're actually looking for.
There's no permanent free tier. You get a 14-day trial, then you're choosing between $9/mo for a very limited plan or $49/mo+ for what most people need. SOC2, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance are genuine strengths if you're in a regulated industry.
Watch out for these patterns
· Code deactivation on downgrade or cancellation. Your printed QR codes stop scanning if you change plans.
· The $9/mo entry price suggests affordability, but the feature set at that tier is intentionally minimal. The real product starts at $49/mo.
Common frustrations
Real issues with Uniqode
The $9/mo Essential plan sounds affordable until you hit the 2 dynamic code limit. The features most people actually need, like bulk creation and advanced analytics, start at $49/mo on the Core plan.
Downgrade your plan and your codes stop working. If you printed a QR code on a thousand flyers and then switched to a lower tier, those flyers now point to nothing.
There's no free tier at all. You get a 14-day trial, and then you're paying or you're locked out. No room to try things at your own pace.
The pricing and messaging lean heavily toward enterprise teams. If you're a small business owner or a solo creator, it can feel like the product wasn't really built for you.
Switching from Uniqode?
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
Does Uniqode deactivate codes when you cancel?
Yes. If you cancel your subscription or let your trial expire, Uniqode deactivates your dynamic QR codes. Any printed materials using those codes will stop working. With Dead Simple QR, your codes keep working forever — even after cancellation.
How much does Uniqode actually cost?
The $9/mo Essential plan is a teaser with just 2 dynamic codes and basic analytics. Most users need the $49/mo Core plan to get the features they're actually looking for. 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 Uniqode?
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
Uniqode (formerly Beaconstac) has strong enterprise adoption and SOC2/HIPAA/GDPR compliance, which is a real advantage if you're in a regulated industry like healthcare or finance. Their design quality is genuinely top-tier. The gaps are pricing accessibility and code permanence.
Ready to try something simpler?
Create your first QR code in under a minute. No credit card required.