Tested, Compared, and Ranked for Every Use Case
QR Codes are no longer just black-and-white squares; theyâre dynamic marketing tools, interactive menus, and bridges between offline and digital worlds. But with 110K average monthly Google search results for âfree QR code generator,â finding the right one feels like searching for a needle in a digital haystack.
Source: Google keyword Planner
Previously, I worked with plenty of eCommerce businesses and had to try and use a wide range of tools. Similarly, for this purpose, I used and tested 20+ QR code generator tools (paid + free) for various clients.
Based on that, here Iâve come up with a detailed list of the best or top 5 free QR code generators for businesses in 2025.
Hereâs my brutally honest take on the 5 best free QR code generators in 2025, ranked by design, functionality, and real-world performance.
As a marketer, I work with multiple e-commerce businesses, and for that reason, I needed to generate QR codes with tracking capabilities.
It turned out to be a great opportunity for me to test various QR code generators available in the market. I ended up creating 100+ free printable QR codes for a sustainable skincare brandâs packaging and tracking purposes.
Tools were graded on a 10-point scale. Hereâs the criteria:
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Design Flexibility | 25% |
| No Sign-Up Required | 20% |
| Download Formats (PNG/SVG/EPS) | 15% |
| Scannability | 20% |
| Ads/Watermarks | 20% |
You need to consider some points when looking for the best free QR code generator. You should avoid settling for âjust okayâ featuresâinstead, prioritize the following:
Dynamic vs. Static:
A dynamic QR code generator (free and editable post-creation) is rare but a game-changer for campaigns that evolve.
No Watermarks:
Some free tools sneak in logosâa deal-breaker for professional use. Look for free QR code generators with no watermark.
High-Resolution Downloads:
Blurry QR codes = failed scans. Make sure the tool supports vector formats like SVG or EPS for professional printing.
Safe QR Code Generator Online:
Ensure the tool uses HTTPS and doesnât add risky redirects or link shorteners.
| Tool | Customization | Tracking | Download Formats | Ads/Watermarks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| qrcode-generator.com | Basic colors, size | â No | PNG, SVG, EPS | â No | Free QR codes for printing |
| QrStuff.com (14-day free trial) | Colors, templates | â Basic scan stats | PNG, SVG | â No | Free QR code maker with Tracking |
| qrcode-monkey.com | Logos, shapes, patterns | â No | PNG, SVG, EPS, PDF | â Banner ads | Custom QR codes for business branding |
| GoQR.me | Minimal (colors only) | â No | PNG, SVG | â No | Free QR code generator for small businesses |
| Unitag.io | Gradients, templates | â No | PNG, JPG | â Watermark | Social media QR codes |
Listed below are the 5 best free QR code generator tools that work perfectly on both iPhone and Android devices. The best part is that they are completely free and require no signup, unlike Canva's or Adobe's QR code generators.
đ Best For: Branded QR Codes (Logos + Custom Shapes)
This is ideal for marketers or small businesses wanting to know how to create branded QR codes that match their brand colors.
-Free Logo Embedding: Upload your logo without a paid plan
-Shape Customization: Circles, rounded edges, and abstract patterns
-Transparent Backgrounds: Perfect for packaging and merch
Testing Notes:
-Created a floral QR code for organic face cream packaging.
-Scanned flawlessly on 8/10 devices (failed on scratched Android screens).
-No sign-up required
-EPS/SVG/PNG downloads
-30+ template designs
-Limited dynamic QR options
-Premium templates locked
đ Best For: Analytics-Curious Users
One of the few free QR code makers with basic tracking, ideal for campaigns that need feedback on scan activity.
Free Tracking: Basic scan metrics (total scans, locations)
Wi-Fi QR Codes: Share network logins instantly
Google Sheets Integration: Auto-update QR content
Used for a pop-up storeâs Wi-Fi access.
Scans dropped by 40% after 3 daysâpaid upgrade needed for advanced analytics.
-Real-time tracking (14-day free trial)
-20+ data types (vCards, Bitcoin, etc.)
-No watermark
-UI feels outdated
-High-res downloads require a sign-up
đ Best For: Social Media Campaigns
Perfect if you're looking to generate stylish and interactive QR codes for Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook campaigns.
Gradient Colors: Match QR codes to Instagram themes
Animated QR Codes: Add motion for TikTok/Reels
Frame Library: 50+ borders for CTAs (âScan Me!â)
Viral coffee brand campaign saw 2x engagement with animated QR codes vs. static.
-Mobile-optimized interface
-Facebook/Twitter deep linking
-Free .SVG downloads
-Animation limits (5 seconds)
-Requires email for downloads
đ Best For: Quick, No-Fuss Codes
Great for those who want a free QR code generator with no watermark and instant download, especially for event tickets or pop-up flyers.
Instant Generation: 3-second URL-to-QR conversion
Lightweight: Works on slow connections
API Access: Free for â¤100 codes/month
Testing Notes:
Used for time-sensitive event tickets. Simple but reliable â zero scan fails.
-Zero ads
-No tracking cookies
-Bulk generation (CSV upload)
-Minimal customization
-Canât edit post-download
đ Best For: Print Media
An excellent choice if you need high-resolution QR codes for printing on packaging or brochures.
CMYK Support: Ideal for professional printing
Vector Downloads: EPS/AI files for large formats
Error Correction: Scannable even if 30% damaged
Printed on recycled brochures â readable after creases and coffee spills.
-Print-ready presets
-GDPR-compliant
-Multi-language support
-Clunky interface
-Watermark on free PDFs
Everyone indeed loves free stuff, and because of this, some hackers or illegitimate individuals take advantage of the opportunity for their purposes. To avoid falling into their trap, here are a few tips you should consider when using a free QR code generator platform or tool:
You can incorporate QR codes into your SMS marketing Strategy. QR codes simplify SMS opt-ins by letting customers scan to join SMS campaigns, making this one of the best use cases for QR codes in modern marketing.
TXTImpactâs SMS platform elevates this strategy with built-in QR code generation, ensuring compliance, real-time analytics, and seamless list growth.
đ To learn more, check out our guide:
QR code to Text: An Easy Way for Customers to Join your SMS Campaign
Use TXTImpactâs QR Code Generator to create custom, branded QR codes that make it effortless for customers to opt into your SMS marketing lists with just a quick scan.
With mobile QR codes becoming increasingly popular, you can now find them virtually anywhere:
QR codes are a creative and convenient way to share information, boost brand engagement, and communicate your message in a fun, accessible way.
Unlike basic QR code tools, TXTImpact links each QR code to a branded short URL, enabling:
đĄ Pro Tip:
Encode your mobile site, SMS keyword, or contact info into a QR code and add it to your website, email signature, product packaging, or business card for instant access.
Whether you're sharing your business contact details or launching a QR-to-text campaign, TXTImpactâs branded QR codes turn casual scans into meaningful customer connections â all while tracking performance and ensuring compliance.
Scan a QR code that opens a branded URL like txti.cc/JoinNow, prompting users to open a web form, company website, or any web-based application.
Then, deploy generated QR codes in storefronts, packaging, or events, and track performance via TXTImpactâs dashboard:
| Feature | Free Tools | TXTImpact |
|---|---|---|
| SMS-Specific QR Codes | Manual setup required | Built-in generator + tracking |
| Compliance | Add disclaimers manually | Auto-added, audit-ready |
| Campaign Integration | Limited to static codes | Syncs with live SMS workflows |
| Analytics | None | Scans, opt-ins, ROI tracking |
These free tools work for one-off codes, but TXTImpact turns QR scans into measurable SMS growth.
Start your free trial with TXTImpact today!
Final Tip:
Since TXTImpact provides website tracking via its QR code generator, you can still convert phone numbers or email IDs into QR codes using the free tools mentioned above â then integrate them with TXTImpactâs SMS automation for campaigns that captivate and convert.
There are plenty of options available on the web, many claiming to be the best, some even charging a hefty amount.
But I would ask: why go for a paid option when a free one gets the job done?
As a marketer, Iâve personally found these tools to be reliable and effective. I recommend them to all digital marketers and small business owners. They're worth trying.
However, if you're into SMS marketing and need advanced functionality like tracking links via QR codes for your products or analyzing user interactions â TXTImpactâs Mass Texting tool has you covered.
With built-in QR code features, analytics, and tracking, itâs an all-in-one solution designed to make your SMS campaigns smarter and more effective.
đ Try TXTImpactâs Mass Texting Tool today, along with our QR Code Generator featuring built-in link tracking and analytics â perfect for marketers who want smarter, data-driven results without paying extra.
đ For any queries, contact us or book a demo today!
Rahul Kumar
Digital Marketing Specialist - TXTImpact
Rahul Kumar is a Professional Digital Marketer, SEO Specialist, Content Strategist, and technical editor with more than 8 years of experience in SaaS, SMS marketing, Web hosting, WordPress CMS, and Digital Marketing. He creates effective online strategies that drive traffic, boost engagement, and increase conversions. Rahul's attention to detail and ability to craft compelling content make him a valuable asset to any brand looking to improve its online presence.
