Keep Codes vs Bitly
An honest, side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and limitations. We give credit where it's due — then show you where Keep Codes comes out ahead.
Quick Verdict
Bitly starts at $8/month (Core plan) and offers: 5 free links/month, 1 qr code/month on free tier. Keep Codes gives you unlimited free static QR codes with no watermarks, custom colours, and logo embedding on the free tier. Our Pro plan at £5/month includes unlimited dynamic codes and analytics. Bitly is best for marketing teams already using Bitly for link shortening who want to add QR codes to their existing workflow.
Feature Comparison
See exactly what you get with each platform.
| 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 |
Competitor information sourced from public pricing and feature pages. Prices may vary.
Pricing Comparison
What you actually pay, side by side.
What Bitly Does Well
We believe in honest comparisons. Here's where Bitly has strengths.
Why Choose Keep Codes Over Bitly
Here's where Keep Codes comes out ahead.
Genuinely Free
Unlimited static QR codes at £0. No watermarks, no branding, no daily limits. Custom colours and logo embedding included on the free tier.
No Subscription Lock-in
Your static QR codes work forever — they encode data directly in the image. Cancel anytime and your printed codes keep scanning. No hostage situations.
Clean Modern UI
No upsell pop-ups, no dark patterns, no cluttered dashboards. Generate your QR code in under 30 seconds with a fast, minimal interface.
Better Value Pro Plan
Unlimited dynamic codes, full analytics, bulk generation, and SVG/PDF export at just £5/month. Compare that to Bitly's $8/month (Core plan).
Bitly Limitations to Consider
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Keep Codes vs Bitly.
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.
Try Keep Codes Free
Create your first QR code in under 30 seconds. No account, no credit card, no watermarks. See why businesses are switching from Bitly.
Other Comparisons
See how Keep Codes compares to other QR code generators.