Last checked November 1, 2026

The QR Code Generator (TQRCG) alternatives for ad-free free codes

The QR Code Generator, often shortened to TQRCG, is the lighter sister product of Uniqode [1]. People find it through searches like "qr code generator free no expiration" and "the qr code generator free", and then ask "does the qr code generator expire?" Its answer is better than many: after the 14-day trial, 2 dynamic codes stay active [1]. They show ads, though [1]. This page compares five alternatives on that point, including QRay, which we make.

Facts checked on November 1, 2026. Prices and terms change, so follow the numbered sources before you buy.

The problem: a code that keeps working, with an ad in front

Say a florist makes two dynamic codes on TQRCG during the trial: one on delivery cards for care tips, one on the shop window for orders. After the 14-day trial, both stay active, but scanners see ads [1].

That's a fair way to keep a free plan going, and better than a code that stops. For a florist, though, an ad between a gift card and the care tips isn't the impression she wants. Removing ads and watermarks is a paid feature [1], with the Flex plan at about $5–$10 a month billed yearly, depending on which plan view you look at [1].

The free plan also keeps 14 days of scan analytics, and Flex lists more [1]. So the real question is whether ads and short history are acceptable, or whether another free option fits better.

If your codes need to stay up for years, the ranking changes a little. A code that keeps working with ads is safer than one that stops when a trial ends. A code that keeps working without ads is better still. Sort the options by that order, then by price, and the choice usually becomes clear.

TQRCG's link to Uniqode is a plus for some teams. Its pricing page presents Uniqode as the next step for larger needs [1], and Uniqode lists security and compliance features that bigger companies ask for [2]. If you expect to grow into that, starting on TQRCG can make the move simpler later. If you don't, the question stays simple: ads or no ads on your free codes.

Three things to check before you choose

1. What happens after the trial

Stops working, keeps working with ads, or keeps working cleanly. Those are very different outcomes for printed material. Ads are better than a dead code, but a clean free code is better than either.

2. What scanners see

Ads, logos and popups affect how a code feels to a customer. Test on a phone before printing. A gift, a menu or a medical page deserves a cleaner first screen.

3. The real paid price

When a pricing page shows two prices for one plan, check the checkout total before you buy. Two plan views showing different Flex prices [1] is a reason to check the total.

Comparison table

Pros and cons of each

The QR Code Generator

Pros

• Dynamic codes on the free plan, not just a trial [1]
• Low-cost Flex plan billed yearly [1]
• An easy step up to Uniqode for larger teams [1]
• Scan analytics are included even on free, with a short history [1]

Cons

• Free-plan dynamic codes show ads [1]
• Bulk creation and watermark-free codes are paid features [1]
• Two plan views on the pricing page show different Flex prices, so confirm the amount at checkout [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

Uniqode

Pros

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

Cons

• Dynamic codes need a paid plan, from $9/month [2]
• Trial dynamic codes stop redirecting when the trial ends unless you upgrade [1]
• Feature-rich plans can be more than a small shop needs

Hovercode

Pros

• A free plan that isn't a trial: the first 3 dynamic codes don't expire [3]
• Custom domains, GPS tracking and team features on paid plans [3]
• GS1 Digital Link codes [3]
• The free plan's rules are written plainly on the pricing page, which makes planning easy [3]

Cons

• The 3 free dynamic codes are a total, not per month [3]
• Codes beyond the first 3 expire if you cancel a paid plan [3]
• Custom domains and GPS tracking are paid features [3]

Flowcode

Pros

• Codes and landing pages in one place [4]
• The free plan is ad free [4]
• Pro Plus includes up to 50 Flowcodes and landing pages and 3 collaboration seats [4]
• A free plan with no ads in front of your page [4]

Cons

• Pro Plus is $25/month billed annually, and Growth ($250) is annual only [4]
• Free-plan analytics cover up to 500 scans; Pro Plus covers up to 6,000 [4]
• The pricing page doesn't say what happens to codes if a paid plan ends [4]
• Its top product is built for large brands, so much of the feature list may not apply to a small business [4]

QR Code Generator PRO

Pros

• A large set of code types and landing-page templates [5]
• Bulk creation from a CSV file on paid plans [5]
• Upgrading reactivates codes made in the trial, so a lapsed trial doesn't force a reprint [6]

Cons

• Dynamic codes made in the trial stop redirecting when it ends [6]
• Advanced and Professional plans are billed yearly only [5]
• The Starter plan is small for its price, so count the codes you'll need before choosing a tier [5]

Which one fits your situation

Two codes, and ads are acceptable. Stay with TQRCG's free plan [1].

Codes that must stay ad free. Hovercode's first 3 free codes don't expire [3], and Flowcode's free plan is ad free [4]; QRay is free to try.

A team that may grow into enterprise needs. TQRCG to Uniqode is a natural path [1], with SSO and SOC 2 listed on Uniqode's pricing page [2].

Many code types and templates. QR Code Generator PRO has a large range on its paid plans [5].

A hobby project or personal page. TQRCG's free plan is fine if ads don't matter and two codes are enough [1].

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

Does The QR Code Generator expire?

After the 14-day trial, 2 dynamic codes stay active but display ads [1].

Is The QR Code Generator free?

Yes: 2 dynamic codes with ads, 1 user and 14 days of scan analytics [1].

How much does TQRCG cost?

Flex is about $5–$10/month billed yearly, depending on the plan view [1].

Is TQRCG related to Uniqode?

Yes. Its pricing page presents Uniqode as the step up for larger teams [1].

How do I remove ads from TQRCG codes?

Watermark-free codes are a paid feature [1].

Is there a free QR code generator with no expiration and no ads?

Hovercode's first 3 free dynamic codes don't expire [3], and Flowcode's free plan is ad free [4]. Codes made with a free QRay account have no trial end date.

Can I bulk create codes on TQRCG?

Bulk creation is a paid feature [1].

What is TQRCG's Flex plan?

Its low-cost paid plan, about $5–$10/month billed yearly depending on the plan view [1].

Sources

1. https://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/pricing
2. https://www.uniqode.com/pricing
3. https://hovercode.com/pricing/
4. https://www.flowcode.com/pricing
5. https://www.qr-code-generator.com/pricing/
6. https://support.qr-code-generator.com/hc/en-us/articles/7665046137613

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