Kilo QR vs Bitly for QR codes
Two differences decide this for most people making QR codes. First, Bitly's free plan gives you two QR codes per month; Kilo QR gives unlimited free static codes with no signup. Second, changing where a Bitly code points (a redirect) needs the $10/mo Core plan, while Kilo QR lets you edit one dynamic link for free.
Bitly is the better-known brand with a deeper enterprise suite. Kilo QR is the better fit if you mainly want QR codes that are free to make, free to keep, and cheap to edit after printing.
Last updated: 2026-07-07
| Kilo QR | Bitly | |
|---|---|---|
| Free QR codes per month | Unlimited (static) | 2 |
| Edit destination after printing | Free (1 dynamic link) | Paid, from $10/mo |
| Scan caps on free | None | None |
| Analytics on free | Basic, included | 30-day history is paid |
| Do free codes expire | Never | No, while account is active |
| Redirect speed | ~50 ms edge 302 | Not published |
Competitor details verified July 2026; check their pricing pages for changes. Source: Bitly pricing.
What Bitly does well
Bitly is the default name in link shortening for good reason. Its brand is trusted by recipients, its dashboard is mature, and it handles link management, campaign UTMs, and team workflows at a scale few tools match.
For large organisations already standardised on Bitly for short links, adding QR codes inside the same account is convenient, and its enterprise plans offer SSO, deeper analytics retention, and account management that a QR-first tool will not.
When to switch from Bitly to Kilo QR
Switch when the QR economics stop making sense. If you print more than two codes a month, or you need to re-point a printed code and do not want the $10/mo Core plan just to do it, Bitly is charging you for things Kilo QR gives away.
A common trigger is a printed code whose destination changed. On Bitly, editing that redirect is a paid feature. On Kilo QR, one dynamic link is free to edit as often as you like, so a poster or menu can outlive the URL behind it without a reprint.
Bitly vs Kilo QR - FAQ
Is Bitly free for QR codes?
Bitly has a free plan, but for QR it is limited: two QR codes per month and five short links. The codes get unlimited scans, but editing where a code points (a redirect) is not on the free plan - it starts on Core at $10/mo billed annually.How much does Bitly cost to edit a QR code?
Editing a code's destination (Bitly calls it a redirect) starts on the Core plan at $10/mo, billed annually as $120/year. The free plan does not include redirects.Do Bitly QR codes expire?
Bitly QR codes do not expire while your account stays active. They stop resolving if the underlying short link is deleted or the account lapses. A static QR code you download elsewhere has nothing to expire, because the destination is encoded in the code itself.What is the best free Bitly alternative for QR codes?
For QR specifically, Kilo QR keeps static codes free and unlimited with a full designer, plus one free editable dynamic link. QR Tiger is another option with a cheaper paid floor, though its free dynamic codes stop after 500 scans.