linqr vs QRCode Monkey

linqr vs QRCode Monkey at a glance

This isn't a comparison of two versions of the same thing. QRCode Monkey writes your link straight into the pattern. linqr writes a short link that it redirects, which is what makes editing and stats possible.

Static vs dynamic: the real difference

A static code can't be switched off, and it can't be changed either. QRCode Monkey says its codes have no expiration date and no scanning limits, and it says just as clearly that you can't edit a code again. If the page moves, the printed code is dead and you reprint.

A dynamic code adds one step: the phone opens linqr's short link, and linqr sends it to the destination you set. That step lets you change the destination in My codes with Change link, count scans, or Pause a code. The cost is dependence: the short link has to stay online. linqr has no trial and its codes have no expiration date, as explained in QR codes with no expiration date; the terms of service, linked in the footer, set out what happens to codes when Pro ends. For a longer explanation, read static vs dynamic QR codes.

What the free options include

Both are free to start, but they're free in different ways.

• QRCode Monkey: as many static codes as you like, free for commercial use, with no sign-up. Logo upload up to 2 MB or a logo from its gallery, custom body and eye shapes, gradients and templates.
• linqr Free: 3 active dynamic codes with no trial, unlimited scans and link changes, logo, colors, shapes and frames with a label, PNG, JPG, WEBP and SVG up to 2048 px, and basic stats. Saving needs a free account (Google, or email and password); there's no trial and no card.

If you need 20 codes that will never change, QRCode Monkey is the simpler free option. If you need 1-3 codes that you might have to redirect later, linqr's Free plan covers that without a subscription.

Changing the link after printing

This is the main reason people look for a QRCode Monkey alternative. The site itself points visitors who need editable codes and stats to its paid professional generator. With linqr, editing is part of the Free plan:

• a new seasonal menu, the same table tents,
• a finished promo, the flyer now points to your homepage,
• a new website address, the business cards still work,
• your three most recent earlier links stay under Previous links, so Use again switches back in one click.

Changes take effect immediately and there's no limit on how many you make.

Design and print files

QRCode Monkey offers PNG, SVG, PDF and EPS. Its site notes that logo and design settings work only for PNG and SVG; PDF and EPS files contain a classic code without the design. You set the resolution with a pixel slider.

linqr gives every plan PNG, JPG, WEBP and SVG up to 2048 px with the full design. Pro adds PDF and EPS with the design, 4096 px, and a Print size in centimeters. Before you download, a real decoder checks the preview and shows Scans correctly or a warning with a quick fix, such as Fix contrast. Frames with a call to action, like “MENU” or “SCAN ME”, are built into the linqr creator.

Scan statistics

Static codes can't be counted, because the phone goes straight to your page. QRCode Monkey has no stats and refers you to its paid professional tool. linqr counts scans on every plan, leaving out bots and link previews. Free shows total and unique scans, a 30-day chart, top 3 countries and devices. Pro keeps 365 days and adds cities, systems, browsers, languages, a day-and-hour heatmap and CSV export; see linqr pricing.

Who should pick which

• Pick QRCode Monkey for codes whose destination will never change (Wi-Fi details on a sticker, a permanent homepage, a one-off event page), when you need many codes at no cost, or when you don't want an account or a dependency on any service.
• Pick linqr when the code goes on something printed in quantity or kept for years, like menus, business cards, packaging and signs, and the link might change, or when you want to know how many people scan.

Using both is fine too: static codes for fixed things, linqr for the few that need to stay flexible. Other head-to-heads are in QR code generator comparisons.

How to replace a QRCode Monkey code with a linqr code

Your QRCode Monkey codes keep working as long as the pages they point to exist, so there's no rush. Replace them when you next reprint, with a code from linqr's free dynamic QR code generator.

1. Find the link inside the old code

   Scan it with your phone's camera: a static code shows the full address. Open it and copy it from the browser.

2. Paste it into The link to turn into a QR code

   The creator is at the top of this page. Add your logo, colors and a frame, and wait for Scans correctly.

3. Save and download

   Click Download QR code and save the code to a free account. The first PNG downloads right away; pick SVG for print.

4. Print the new code on the next run

   Swap it in when you reprint menus, cards or packaging. From then on, a new destination is one Change link away, with no reprint.