The Best Bitly Alternative
Need a Bitly alternative for QR codes? Keep Codes offers unlimited free static QR codes, 3 free dynamic codes, and full customisation. Unlike Bitly, your codes work forever — even after cancellation.
Why Switch from Bitly?
QR codes are a secondary feature — Bitly is primarily a link shortener
Very limited free tier: only 1 QR code per month
No static QR code generator — all codes go through Bitly's redirect
QR code customisation options are limited compared to specialist tools
All QR codes depend on Bitly's servers — cancellation breaks codes
Keep Codes vs Bitly
| Feature | Keep Codes | Bitly |
|---|---|---|
| Free static QR codes | Yes | No (all codes are dynamic/redirect) |
| Dynamic QR codes | 3 free, unlimited from £5/mo | 1 free/mo, more from $8/mo |
| Custom colours & styles | Yes | Limited |
| Logo embedding | Free | Paid plans only |
| Scan analytics | £5/mo (Pro) | From $8/mo |
| Bulk generation | £5/mo (Pro) | From $29/mo |
| No subscription lock-in | Yes | No |
| Custom domains | £15/mo (Business) | From $29/mo |
| API access | £15/mo (Business) | From $29/mo |
| No watermark (free tier) | Yes | Bitly branding on link |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bitly generate QR codes?
Yes, Bitly can generate QR codes, but they are primarily a link shortener. Every Bitly QR code is a dynamic redirect through Bitly's servers, which means there is no true static QR code option. Keep Codes offers both static and dynamic QR codes, with static codes that work independently of any server.
Is Bitly good for QR codes?
Bitly is adequate for basic QR codes if you are already using their link-shortening platform. However, for dedicated QR code needs, a specialist tool like Keep Codes offers more customisation, free static codes, better QR-specific features, and lower pricing for QR code generation.
What happens to Bitly QR codes when I cancel?
Since all Bitly QR codes route through Bitly's redirect servers, they will stop working if you cancel your paid plan and exceed the free tier limits. Keep Codes's static codes encode the destination directly in the image, so they work forever without any server dependency.
How does Bitly QR code pricing compare to Keep Codes?
Bitly's free tier gives you 1 QR code per month. Their Core plan at $8/month provides 10 QR codes. Keep Codes offers unlimited free static QR codes and 3 free dynamic codes, with unlimited dynamic codes from £5/month. For most QR code use cases, Keep Codes is significantly more affordable.
Should I use Bitly or Keep Codes for QR codes?
Use Bitly if you already rely on their link-shortening ecosystem and want QR codes as an add-on. Use Keep Codes if QR codes are your primary need — you will get better customisation, more generous free limits, and the guarantee that static codes never expire.
Ready to Switch from Bitly?
Create your first QR code in under 30 seconds. Free. No account needed.
Try Keep Codes Free