Compare / OpenQR vs Bitly
OpenQR vs Bitly
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OpenQR is the QR-first choice: unlimited free static codes with no account or watermark, 1 dynamic code with 7-day scan analytics on the free tier (25 active codes and a 90-day window on Pro for £9/mo), plus a custom oqr.to back-half, a built-in UTM builder, CSV bulk creation, a free API and an MCP server for AI agents. Bitly is the link-management choice: the best-known shortener, now bundling QR codes too, with a small free tier (a handful of QR codes, short analytics retention) and the useful limits on monthly plans.
Where OpenQR wins
- A free tier with dynamic codes, scan analytics, the UTM builder, CSV bulk create and the full API (no monthly plan); Pro at £9/mo lifts the cap to 25 active codes and analytics to a 90-day window; Business (£19/mo) goes further: 100 active codes and a 12-month analytics window.
- No sign-up and no watermark: generate and download a clean code in your browser in seconds.
- 1 dynamic code free and 25 active on Pro (£9/mo), where Bitly caps QR codes on its free plan and charges monthly to lift them.
- An open-source core you can self-host, audit or fork (no vendor lock-in).
- The only one of the two with a built-in MCP server, so AI agents (Claude, Cursor) can create OpenQR codes directly.
Where Bitly still leads
- The most recognised short-link brand, with large scale and reliability.
- Mature link management, team workspaces and granular reporting.
- Custom branded domains on paid plans (e.g. yourbrand.link).
- A large integrations ecosystem and long track record for enterprises.
- Higher one-shot bulk import limits on paid plans.
FAQ
Is OpenQR a free alternative to Bitly?
Yes. OpenQR's generator, UTM builder, CSV bulk creation and API are free with no monthly plan, and the free tier includes 1 dynamic code with 7-day scan analytics. Pro (£9/mo) lifts the cap to 25 active codes and the history window to 90 days; Business (£19/mo) goes to 100 codes and a 12-month window. Bitly's free tier caps QR codes and analytics, with the useful limits on paid plans.
Does Bitly limit how many QR codes I can make for free?
Yes. Bitly's free tier allows only a small number of QR codes, with short analytics retention. OpenQR's free tier includes 1 dynamic code and 7-day analytics; Pro (£9/mo) lifts the cap to 25 active codes and the history window to 90 days.
Can I move my links from Bitly to OpenQR?
For static codes, regenerate them in OpenQR for free; no account is needed. Dynamic short links are tied to each provider's domain, so you'd create new dynamic codes in OpenQR, and the free API and CSV bulk import make moving a batch straightforward.
Where does Bitly still win?
Brand recognition and scale, mature team link-management, custom branded domains on paid plans, a large integrations ecosystem, and higher one-shot bulk import limits. Several of these are on OpenQR's roadmap.
Free, open-source, no sign-up to generate.