Static QR codes
A static QR code has its data — a URL, WiFi password, contact card, whatever — encoded directly into the pattern itself. Once generated, it never changes and never expires, for as long as the underlying content (like a website URL) still exists. It's free to create, works forever, and requires no ongoing service or account.
Dynamic QR codes
A dynamic QR code instead encodes a short redirect link, which is controlled by a third-party service. That service then redirects scanners to whatever destination you've configured — and because you control the redirect, you can change the destination later without reprinting the code. This is typically a paid subscription service, since it depends on that company's redirect servers staying online indefinitely.
So which one do you actually need?
Choose static (free) if:
- You're linking to a URL, WiFi network, contact card, or PDF that isn't likely to change
- You want the code to work forever without depending on a third-party service staying in business
- You don't want an ongoing subscription for something you're printing once
Consider dynamic (paid) if:
- You're running a large print campaign (thousands of posters/products) and might need to update the destination after printing
- You need scan analytics — how many times, from where, on what device
- The destination URL is genuinely likely to change and reprinting isn't practical
For the vast majority of everyday use cases — a WiFi password for guests, a contact card, a link to your menu or website, a WhatsApp chat — a static QR code does the job just as well, for free, with one less thing that can break if a subscription lapses.
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Create a Free QR Code →Frequently asked questions
Do static QR codes expire?
No. The code itself never expires. It will only stop working if the content it points to (like a webpage) is taken down or moved.
Can I track how many times a static QR code was scanned?
Not directly — since there's no redirect service in the middle, there's nothing to log scans. If tracking matters more to you than cost, that's the main case for a dynamic/paid service instead.
Are static QR codes less secure?
No — security depends on where the code points, not whether it's static or dynamic. A static code pointing to a safe URL is exactly as safe as a dynamic one pointing to the same URL.