Last checked November 1, 2026

Scanova alternatives if you want to start free

"Is Scanova free?" is one of the top Scanova searches. Scanova offers a 14-day trial with no credit card [1], and after that its listed plans are billed annually [1]. This page explains what you get at each step, what to check in any QR tool, 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: paying a year up front to find out if codes work

Say a dental practice wants QR codes on appointment cards to open its booking page and on a waiting-room poster for reviews. It tries Scanova's 14-day trial [1] and likes the clean, ad-free result [1].

After the trial, Basic is $5 a month for 3 codes, Lite $9 for 10, and Standard $35 for 50, all billed annually [1]. Basic is cheap, but billed as a year, and three codes may not cover cards, posters and a website button.

Scanova's pricing page doesn't say what happens to dynamic codes if a plan isn't renewed. That's not a sign anything bad happens. It's a question to ask before the cards are printed.

Scanova is strong on things small tools skip: vector downloads in SVG, EPS, PS and PDF [1], webhooks and integrations with Slack and Google Analytics on higher plans [1], and no promotional ads on QR images or landing pages [1]. If those matter, the annual plan may be worth it. If you just need a few editable codes, a free allowance can be a better first step.

It also helps to count codes per plan before you choose. Basic covers 3 codes, Lite 10 and Standard 50 [1]. A practice that needs four codes would move from $5 to $9 a month, billed for a year. That's still modest, but it's a reason to list every code you'll need, including website buttons and email footers, before you pick a tier.

Three things to check before you choose

1. Free plan or trial

A free plan lets you run codes for as long as you like within limits. A trial is a deadline. Know which you're on. If a plan has no monthly option, the trial is your only cheap test.

2. How codes are counted per plan

Plans priced by number of codes can jump in cost when you add one more. Count your codes before choosing. Leave room for one or two extra codes in your count.

3. Integrations you'll really use

Webhooks and analytics integrations help a marketing team. A practice with three codes may not need them. If you won't use them, the cheaper tier is fine.

Comparison table

Pros and cons of each

Scanova

Pros

• No promotional ads on QR images or landing pages [1]
• Vector downloads (SVG, EPS, PS, PDF) [1]
• Webhooks, Slack and Google Analytics integrations on higher plans [1]
• A no-card trial lets you test the editor before paying [1]

Cons

• Listed plans are billed annually: Basic $5/month for 3 codes, Lite $9 for 10, Standard $35 for 50 [1]
• Basic analytics history is short on the Basic plan [1]
• Codes use a Scanova short link unless you're on a plan with a custom hash [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]

QRCodeChimp

Pros

• Free plan with 10 dynamic codes and no trial clock [3]
• Low paid entry: Starter $6.99/month yearly or $9.99 monthly [3]
• A 15-day refund on the first purchase [3]
• Pro is $13.99/month yearly or $19.99 monthly, and Ultima $34.99/month yearly or $49.99 monthly [3]

Cons

• On free, scans pause for the rest of the month once the account reaches 1,000 [3]
• If a paid plan lapses, dynamic codes beyond the last 10 are paused [3]
• Cancellation is by email to support before renewal [3]
• A busy month on free can pause every code on the account at once [3]

QR TIGER

Pros

• Free plan with dynamic codes and basic analytics, plus unlimited static codes [4]
• Paid plans from US$7/month, with bulk generation and geofencing on higher tiers [4]
• A wide range of code types, from links to files and social pages [4]
• Free static codes are unlimited, which covers permanent links at no cost [4]

Cons

• Free dynamic codes are capped at 500 scans each [4]
• Free codes show a QR TIGER logo popup [4]
• Packaging or a busy flyer can reach the free scan cap, so plan to upgrade if a code gets popular

Uniqode

Pros

• Security and compliance listed on the pricing page, including SOC 2, SSO and 2FA [5]
• Digital business cards in the same product [5]
• Room to grow, with a Core plan at $49/month [5]
• Integrations and team tools suit companies with IT and security reviews [5]

Cons

• Dynamic codes need a paid plan, from $9/month [5]
• Trial dynamic codes stop redirecting when the trial ends unless you upgrade [6]
• Feature-rich plans can be more than a small shop needs

Which one fits your situation

A practice or shop with a few codes. Start with a free allowance: Hovercode's first 3 codes don't expire [2]; QRCodeChimp's free plan has 10 dynamic codes [3]; QRay is free to try.

A marketing team with integrations. Scanova's webhooks, Slack and Google Analytics integrations [1] are a good match.

A print shop needing vector files. Scanova's SVG, EPS, PS and PDF downloads [1] suit professional print.

A larger company with security reviews. Uniqode lists SOC 2, SSO and 2FA [5].

An agency with print clients. Scanova's vector downloads and no-ads policy [1] suit client work.

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 Scanova free?

It has a 14-day trial with no credit card [1]. Listed plans after that are paid and billed annually [1].

How much does Scanova cost?

Basic $5/month for 3 codes, Lite $9 for 10, Standard $35 for 50, billed annually [1].

Does Scanova show ads on QR codes?

Scanova says it shows no promotional ads on QR images or landing pages [1].

Does Scanova have monthly billing?

The listed plans are billed annually [1].

What file formats does Scanova offer?

SVG, EPS, PS and PDF, among others [1].

What happens to Scanova codes if I don't renew?

The pricing page doesn't say. Ask Scanova before you print.

Is there a free Scanova alternative?

Hovercode [2], QRCodeChimp [3] and QR TIGER [4] have free plans with dynamic codes; QRay is free to try.

Does Scanova need a credit card for the trial?

No, the 14-day trial needs no credit card [1].

Sources

1. https://scanova.io/pricing/
2. https://hovercode.com/pricing/
3. https://www.qrcodechimp.com/pricing
4. https://www.qrcode-tiger.com/payment
5. https://www.uniqode.com/pricing
6. https://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/pricing

Try QRay free →