Best QR Code Generators in 2023: A Complete Comparison Review

A quick search for the term “QR Code Generator” on Google gives you millions of results. How do you then identify the best QR Code generator out there?

That’s where we come in. After combing through multiple QR Code generators and assessing their capabilities, we present the crème de la crème: the top six QR Code generators available in 2023.

Our analysis sheds light on each solution’s features, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique needs. 

So, let’s dive in and find the perfect QR Code generator to elevate your marketing campaigns and enhance your customer engagement.

Table of contents

1. Top 6 QR Code generators 

2. How to choose the best QR Code generator

3. Final verdict: What is the best QR Code generator 

4. Frequently asked questions

Top 6 QR Code generators in the market today: Updated list

1. Beaconstac

2. Flowcode 

3. QR Code Generator Pro 

4. QR Code Monkey 

5. Adobe 

6. Canva 

1. Beaconstac

Not to toot our own horn, but we truly believe Beaconstac is the best QR Code generator in the market.  

Here’s why: 

• Fort Knox-level security. We’re the world’s first GDPR and SOC® 2 type 2-compliant QR Code solution. 
• 4000+ integrations through Zapier, Workato, Make (formerly Integromat), and API access for uninterrupted workflows.
• Built for scale. Create thousands of QR Codes in minutes; label and save them as templates for consistent organizational use.
• Extensive QR Code design customizations and an intuitive platform to work upon.
• Comprehensive QR Code scan tracking and analytics for valuable insights.
• Quick and easy bulk generation of QR Codes and other scalable features.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out our reviews on G2 to see what 330+ paying customers have to say about our platform (Spoiler alert: They love it!).

2. Flowcode 

If you want a QR Code platform that allows you to quickly create sleek and peppy circular QR Codes (that’s the only shape they offer), Flowcode can be a decent pick. 

However, it’s important to note that the platform’s analytics engine, customization capabilities, and security features are quite basic. 

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Additionally, Flowcode acknowledges that their QR Codes do not support scan tracking by location.

3. QR Code Generator Pro 

Next on our list is another popular solution—QR Code Generator Pro. 

QR Code Generator Pro provides essential features for creating and managing dynamic QR Codes, including customization, deployment, and backend editing after printing. 

However, it falls short of delivering advanced functionalities beyond the basics.

The platform’s security and analytics features are limited, and use-case templates need more diversity. 

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Users have expressed concerns about the platform’s inadequate customer support, as evident in G2 reviews and comments on their Facebook profile. 

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There have also been reports of overcharging and QR Codes not working correctly after printing.

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Compared with Beaconstac, this solution lacks many essential and advanced features. Check out this complete Beaconsac vs. QR Code Generator Pro comparison guide—and find out which solution better suits your needs.

4. QR Code Monkey 

QR Code Monkey is a free QR Code generator that does not require a paid subscription. You can only create static QR Codes. 

If your QR Code usage is restricted to one-off QR campaigns or to just encode information that is unlikely to change, QR Code Monkey’s static offering makes sense.

But suppose you need to update content on the backend after printing, enhanced security, and full creative control over the customization of your QR Codes. In that case, we recommend investing in a paid solution like Beaconstac. 

5. Adobe 

Another option for a free QR platform is Adobe Express’s free QR Code generator. If you’re looking for an image-based solution with basic QR-based features, Adobe may fit your requirement. 

On directly comparing Adobe vs. Beaconstac, Adobe’s free QR Code generator does not offer dynamic, trackable QR Codes with extensive customization options. 

Here again, for one-time use cases, Adobe’s free offering might be a good option. But if you need a data-driven and full-suite of QR Code solutions, paid QR Code generators such as Beaconstac are your best bet. 

6. Canva  

Following Adobe’s suit is Canva’s free QR Code generator. Using Canva, you can create simple and appealing QR Codes with ease. 

However, as expected from most free QR Code generators, you can only create static QR Codes. 

So whenever you need to change the destination link, you must generate a new QR Code. 

The absence of a dynamic QR Code makes Canva’s QR Code generator more suitable for one-time use cases with infrequent link updates.

Check out our guide on free vs. paid QR Code generators and learn why investing in a paid solution is a better option than the free ones. 

How to choose the best QR Code generator 

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a QR Code generator:

1. Look out for options to edit QR Codes after printing 

Dynamic or editable QR Codes allow you to make changes even after you have generated and printed them. 

This feature is valuable for scenarios where you may need to update the linked content, change URLs, or modify the information without creating a new QR Code. 

If you’re specifically looking for a dynamic QR Code generator, here’s your guide to selecting the best dynamic QR Code generator in 2023. 

2. Ensure there are enough QR Code customization options 

Customization is essential for creating QR Codes that align with your brand identity and campaign aesthetics. 

Look for a QR Code generator that offers a wide range of customization options, such as changing colors, adding logos, and selecting different shapes. 

For instance, advanced customization features such as pattern and background image options can enhance the visual appeal of the QR Code.

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to use Beaconstac’s QR Code Generator to create custom QR Codes quickly and easily.

3. Ascertain the QR Code generator’s tracking capabilities

A QR Code generator with tracking capabilities can help you understand the effectiveness of your QR Code campaigns. 

Most QR Code generators give you basic analytics: location, time, and scan date. Beaconstac offers a powerful analytics dashboard, regular QR Code reports, and displays the following data:

Overview

1. The number of scans
2. Unique visitors

Campaign Performance

1. Top 5 best-performing QR Code campaigns
2. Top 5 under-performing QR Code campaigns

Reports

1. Overview of scans by location
2. Aggregate scan details
3. Individual scan details

You can export the reports as a .xls file.

Campaign Distribution

1. Types of QR Code campaigns currently active to measure which one is the most effective

Along with basic tracking, you can also integrate Beaconstac’s QR Code dashboard with Google Analytics to get a much deeper understanding of your target audience.

4. Check out the safety and privacy commitment

Ensure the platform of your choice is GDPR and SOC 2 type-2-compliant and uses secure connections (HTTPS) to protect user data during QR Code interactions. 

Also, look for additional security features such as Single Sign-On (SSO) login to control access and password protection for sensitive QR Code content.

5. Check out for bulk generation and API access

A bulk QR Code generator is essential to create multiple QR Codes simultaneously for large-scale deployments. 

Additionally,  with API access, you can integrate QR Codes with your existing systems and applications for automated QR Code generation and other extensions.

You can use Beaconstac’s QR Code Generator API free for 14-days and integrate it into your system or app by following three simple steps:

1. Sign-up for a free 14-day trial
2. Get your developer token
3. Create and download the QR Code

6. Ensure integrations with third-party tools

Look for a generator that seamlessly integrates with popular third-party tools such as CRMs, Google Analytics, marketing automation platforms, etc. 

For instance, you can create multiple workflows and connect two or more apps with Beaconstac via Zapier integration. You can also use some of our other integrations via Integromat and Workato.

7. Check out the customer reviews and feedback

Genuine customer experiences can provide valuable insights into the platform’s reliability, ease of use, and customer support. Look for positive reviews and high ratings. They indicate a satisfactory user experience. 

Review sites like G2 can be a good place to start when looking for practical feedback on the top SaaS platforms. On this front, not only is Beaconstac the highest-rated QR Code platform on G2, but it also has all of the features mentioned above. 

Final verdict: What is the best QR Code generator 

Our detailed review of the top QR Code generators will help you make an informed decision. 

As for our recommendations, Beaconstac is hands down the most comprehensive, secure, and scalable dynamic QR Code solution today. Again, we’re not saying this—users are!

Want to see Beaconstac’s dynamic QR Code maker in action? Get started with a 14-day free trial, or schedule a free demo with our experts. 

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the safest QR Code?

Beaconstac is the world’s first GDPR and SOC® 2 type-2-compliant QR Code solution, making it the safest QR Code generator. 

2. How do I choose a QR generator?

There are a few factors that you must consider while choosing a QR Code generator: 

1. Editable QR Code creation
2. Customization options
3. Tracking capabilities
4. Safety and privacy
5. Bulk generation and API access
6. Integrations with third-party tools
7. Customer reviews and feedback

3. Does QR Code generator last forever?

QR Code generators typically do not last forever, but the longevity of the generated QR Codes depends on the specific generator and the type of QR Codes created. 

Static QR Codes with fixed information can last indefinitely if the linked content remains accessible. In contrast, dynamic QR Codes, which allow content editing, may have a specified update period. 

4. Are there any QR Code generators that are actually free?

Yes, there are free QR Code generators like QR Code Monkey, Adobe Express, and Canva. They allow users to create static QR Codes without a paid subscription. 

However, free generators have limitations, such as restricted customization, limited security, and tracking capabilities. For advanced features like dynamic QR Codes and comprehensive analytics, paid solutions are recommended.

5. Are free QR Code generators safe? 

The safety of free QR Code generators is questionable, and they may not always adhere to GDPR and SOC® compliance standards. Unlike paid solutions like Beaconstac, which prioritize data security and comply with industry regulations, free QR Code generators may lack essential security features and data privacy measures.

Editor’s note: This blog was originally written by Chaitra Joshi and we have retained their most valuable insights. 

• Author Details

Author Details

Sneh Ratna Choudhary

Sneh is a Content Marketing Manager at Beaconstac and has a penchant for all things tech and startups that improve human lives. She adores dogs, Radiohead, and Michael Gary Scott.

[email protected]