Last checked November 1, 2026
QRCodeChimp alternatives for busy codes
QRCodeChimp's free plan looks strong: 10 dynamic codes, unlimited static codes and no trial clock [1]. Searches like "qrcodechimp free plan" and "does qr code chimp expire" show people checking what the catch is. The main one is a monthly scan limit shared across the account. This page explains it, what happens when a paid plan lapses, and how five alternatives compare. We make QRay, one of them.
Facts checked on November 1, 2026. Prices and terms change, so follow the numbered sources before you buy.
The problem: one busy code pauses the rest
Say a farmers' market stall uses QRCodeChimp's free plan for 8 codes: a price list, a recipe card, a newsletter sign-up and a few product labels. On the free plan, scans across all codes add up to a 1,000-a-month allowance, and once the account reaches it, scans are paused until the next month [1].
A local paper mentions the stall, and the recipe card gets scanned far more than usual. Mid-month, every code on the account stops, including the price list and the labels.
Upgrading fixes it. Starter is $6.99 a month billed yearly, or $9.99 monthly, with 50 dynamic codes and 10,000 scans a month [1]. There's one more rule to know: if a paid plan lapses, the account moves to free and dynamic codes beyond the last 10 are paused [1].
A shared allowance behaves differently from a per-code cap. It ties every code to the busiest one. That's fine when traffic is steady and small, and it's a risk when one code might take off. If you stay on such a plan, it helps to keep the codes that must always work, like a shop door sign, on a separate account or tool from codes used for promotions.
QRCodeChimp's paid plans are priced to make that move easy. Starter's monthly option at $9.99 [1] means you can upgrade for a busy month and step back later, which few tools on this page allow. Just remember the downgrade rule: only the last 10 dynamic codes stay active on free [1]. If you have more than ten codes in print, keep the plan running or move the extra codes elsewhere on your next reprint.
Three things to check before you choose
1. Whether limits are per code or per account
A per-account limit can stop every code at once. A per-code limit only affects the busy one. Ask whether one viral code could stop your door sign.
2. What happens on downgrade
Find out which codes keep working if you move back to free. QRCodeChimp keeps the last 10 [1]; others differ. Write down which 10 codes are your most important, since those are the ones kept on downgrade [1].
3. How to cancel
Some tools cancel in one click; some need an email before renewal. Note the method when you sign up. Put the renewal date in a calendar, because the email must arrive at least a day before [1].
Comparison table
| QRCodeChimp | QRay | Hovercode | QR TIGER | ME-QR | QRFY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edit destination after printing | Yes [1] | Yes | Yes [2] | Yes [3] | Yes, trackable codes [4] | Yes [5] |
| Free option | 10 dynamic codes, unlimited static, 1,000 scans a month combined [1] | Free to try, no card | Free plan: 3 dynamic codes in total [2] | Free plan: 3 dynamic codes [3] | Free plan; all codes show ads [4] | 7-day trial, no card [5] |
| When a trial or plan ends | On lapse, dynamic codes beyond the last 10 are paused [1] | Codes made with a free account have no trial end date | Free-plan codes don't expire; extra paid codes expire if you cancel [2] | Free dynamic codes have a 500-scan cap each and a logo popup [3] | Free plan lists unlimited code lifetime [4] | Not stated on the pricing page [5] |
| Paid plans from | $6.99/mo billed yearly, or $9.99 monthly [1] | Free to start | $12/mo [2] | US$7/mo [3] | Not stated (prices load by script) [4] | $19/mo billed $228 a year; shortest term 3 months at $39/mo [5] |
| Scan counts | Yes [1] | Yes, per code | Basic analytics, 3 months of history on free [2] | Basic analytics on free [3] | Yes; 1 year of history on free [4] | Unlimited scans on all plans [5] |
| Use from AI tools | Not stated | Claude and Cursor (MCP), command line; ChatGPT planned next | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Pros and cons of each
QRCodeChimp
Pros
- Free plan with 10 dynamic codes and no trial clock [1]
- Low paid entry: Starter $6.99/month yearly or $9.99 monthly [1]
- A 15-day refund on the first purchase [1]
- Pro is $13.99/month yearly or $19.99 monthly, and Ultima $34.99/month yearly or $49.99 monthly [1]
Cons
- On free, scans pause for the rest of the month once the account reaches 1,000 [1]
- If a paid plan lapses, dynamic codes beyond the last 10 are paused [1]
- Cancellation is by email to support before renewal [1]
- A busy month on free can pause every code on the account at once [1]
QRay
We make QRay, so read this section with that in mind.
Pros
- You can change where a printed code goes, and the pattern stays the same
- Free to try without a card, and codes made with a free account have no trial end date
- Scan counts per code
- You can create and edit codes from Claude or Cursor through MCP, or from the command line
Cons
- A young product with fewer features than the large tools: fewer code types, no landing-page builder and no bulk CSV upload
- Fewer design options than design-first tools
- Team accounts and custom domains aren't available
- ChatGPT support is planned next, not available yet
Hovercode
Pros
- A free plan that isn't a trial: the first 3 dynamic codes don't expire [2]
- Custom domains, GPS tracking and team features on paid plans [2]
- GS1 Digital Link codes [2]
- The free plan's rules are written plainly on the pricing page, which makes planning easy [2]
Cons
- The 3 free dynamic codes are a total, not per month [2]
- Codes beyond the first 3 expire if you cancel a paid plan [2]
- Custom domains and GPS tracking are paid features [2]
QR TIGER
Pros
- Free plan with dynamic codes and basic analytics, plus unlimited static codes [3]
- Paid plans from US$7/month, with bulk generation and geofencing on higher tiers [3]
- A wide range of code types, from links to files and social pages [3]
- Free static codes are unlimited, which covers permanent links at no cost [3]
Cons
- Free dynamic codes are capped at 500 scans each [3]
- Free codes show a QR TIGER logo popup [3]
- Packaging or a busy flyer can reach the free scan cap, so plan to upgrade if a code gets popular
ME-QR
Pros
- A large free plan with unlimited scans [4]
- Folders, multi-user access and scan email alerts on paid plans [4]
- API integration [4]
- Free-plan codes list unlimited lifetime [4]
Cons
- All free-plan codes show ads; Lite includes 1 ad-free code in total; Premium removes ads [4]
- Paid prices are filled in by script, so confirm them on the page before buying [4]
- Ads in front of your page can put off guests or customers who expect your site
QRFY
Pros
- Every plan includes unlimited dynamic codes, scans and users [5]
- A free trial without a card [5]
- Cancel with a single click [5]
- A 14-day refund on the first subscription payment if the service hasn't been used heavily [5]
Cons
- No monthly plan; the shortest commitment is 3 months [5]
- The pricing page doesn't say what happens to dynamic codes after the trial or after you cancel [5]
- Prices: $39/month billed $117 per 3 months, $29/month billed $174 per 6 months, $19/month billed $228 per year [5]
Which one fits your situation
Steady, modest traffic across a few codes. QRCodeChimp's free plan is a good fit [1].
A code that could suddenly get busy. Avoid shared monthly caps. ME-QR's free plan has unlimited scans with ads [4]; QRFY includes unlimited scans on all paid plans [5]; QRay is free to try.
Three codes that must keep working. Hovercode's first 3 free codes don't expire [2].
A team needing many codes and users. QRFY includes unlimited dynamic codes and users on every plan, from 3-month terms [5].
A venue with seasonal spikes. Expect busy months. Starter's 10,000 scans a month [1] gives more headroom than the free allowance.
Someone who works in Claude or Cursor. QRay lets you create and edit codes from the chat or editor through MCP, or from the command line.
FAQ
Is QRCodeChimp free?
Yes: 10 dynamic codes, unlimited static codes and 1,000 scans a month combined [1].
What happens when I reach 1,000 scans on QRCodeChimp?
Scans are paused until the next month [1].
Do QRCodeChimp codes expire?
On free, they pause when the monthly allowance is used [1]. If a paid plan lapses, dynamic codes beyond the last 10 are paused [1].
How much does QRCodeChimp cost?
Starter is $6.99/month yearly or $9.99 monthly; Pro $13.99 yearly or $19.99 monthly; Ultima $34.99 yearly or $49.99 monthly [1].
How do I cancel QRCodeChimp?
By emailing support at least a day before renewal [1].
Does QRCodeChimp offer refunds?
A 15-day refund on the first purchase [1].
Which QRCodeChimp codes stay active if my paid plan lapses?
The account moves to free, and dynamic codes other than the last 10 are paused [1].