Overview
Bitly is primarily known as a link shortening service, but they have expanded into QR code generation. QRDex, on the other hand, is built specifically for QR code creation and management. This comparison helps you understand which platform better serves your QR code needs.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | QRDex | Bitly |
|---|
| Primary Focus | QR Codes | Link Shortening |
| Starting Price (QR) | $50/year | $120/year (Core) |
| QR Codes/Month | Varies by plan | 5 (Core), 10 (Growth) |
| Dynamic QR Codes | Yes | Yes |
| Scan Analytics | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Branding | Yes | Yes |
| Link Shortening | Built-in (for tracking) | Core feature |
| Landing Pages | No | Yes (limited) |
| API Access | Yes ($199/year) | Yes (all paid plans) |
Pricing Breakdown
QRDex Pricing
View our full pricing page for current plans:
Bitly Pricing
- Free: Limited links, no QR codes
- Core: $120/year ($10/month) - 5 QR codes/month, 100 links/month
- Growth: $348/year ($29/month) - 10 QR codes/month, 500 links/month
- Premium: $2,388/year ($199/month) - 200 QR codes/month, 3,000 links/month
Key Differences
Pricing and Value
This is where the biggest difference emerges. Bitly pricing is designed around their link shortening business, with QR codes as an add-on. At $120/year for just 5 QR codes per month, Bitly is significantly more expensive per QR code than QRDex.
QRDex advantage: At $50/year, QRDex offers better value for businesses focused primarily on QR codes rather than link shortening. Check our pricing to compare.
Monthly Limits vs. Total Codes
Bitly counts QR codes by monthly creation limits. If you need to create many codes upfront (for a product launch, event, or campaign), Bitly limits can become restrictive. QRDex plans are based on total active codes rather than monthly creation limits.
Link Shortening Integration
If you already use Bitly for link shortening and want your QR codes in the same dashboard, Bitly offers convenience. However, QRDex dynamic QR codes include built-in short URLs for tracking, so you get similar functionality without a separate subscription.
QR Code Focus vs. Multi-Tool Platform
Bitly spreads development across links, QR codes, and landing pages. QRDex focuses entirely on QR code functionality, resulting in a more refined QR-specific experience with features tailored to QR code use cases like multiple QR code types and advanced branding.
Analytics
Both platforms offer scan analytics with location, device, and time data. Bitly integrates QR scan data with link click data for a unified view. QRDex provides dedicated QR code analytics optimized for understanding scan behavior.
Who Should Choose QRDex?
- Businesses primarily focused on QR codes
- Users who need more QR codes without monthly creation limits
- Budget-conscious teams wanting QR features without paying for link shortening
- Companies that do not need Bitly link shortening features
Who Should Choose Bitly?
- Teams already using Bitly for link management
- Users who want links and QR codes in one platform
- Enterprises with existing Bitly contracts
- Marketing teams that heavily use Bitly branded short links
The Bottom Line
Bitly is an excellent link management platform that happens to offer QR codes. QRDex is a dedicated QR code platform built specifically for that purpose.
If QR codes are your primary need, QRDex delivers significantly better value. At $50/year compared to Bitly $120/year (with strict monthly limits), QRDex is the smarter choice for businesses that want powerful QR code capabilities without paying for features they will not use.
Explore our QR code types, check our pricing, or visit our Help Center to get started. Already using Bitly for everything else? It might make sense to keep QR codes there. Starting fresh? QRDex is the better investment.