Last checked November 1, 2026
Uniqode alternatives, compared side by side
Uniqode, formerly Beaconstac [1], is most often searched next to its rivals: "uniqode vs qr tiger", "uniqode vs bitly", "uniqode vs flowcode". So this page is built around those comparisons. It covers what Uniqode offers, the trial rule worth knowing, and how it lines up against the tools people pair it with, plus QRay, which we make.
Facts checked on November 1, 2026. Prices and terms change, so follow the numbered sources before you buy.
The problem: picking a platform before you know your needs
Say a regional gym chain wants QR codes on posters, membership cards and equipment. Someone suggests Uniqode, because it lists SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, SSO and 2FA on its pricing page [2], and IT will ask about those.
Dynamic codes need a paid plan, from $9 a month [2]. There's a free trial for premium features [2]. One rule matters if the gym tests with real posters: according to its sister site's FAQ, dynamic codes become inactive when the free trial ends unless you upgrade [3].
The gym's marketing lead also hears about QR TIGER's free plan, Bitly's link tools and Flowcode's landing pages. Each is built for a different main job, which is why the head-to-head questions are so common.
A quick way to frame them: Uniqode leans on security, compliance and digital business cards [2]. QR TIGER leans on code types and a low first paid tier [4]. Bitly leans on short links, with QR as a part of the account [5]. Flowcode leans on landing pages and audience data [6]. QRay is a small, QR-only tool with an AI-tool angle. Start from your main job, not the longest feature list.
It's also worth testing with a code that won't be printed. Uniqode's trial is the cheapest way to see its editor, analytics and business cards, but trial dynamic codes become inactive if you don't upgrade [3]. Make a test code, scan it with your own phone, and only print once you've chosen a plan, whichever tool you pick.
Three things to check before you choose
1. Your main job
Security reviews, short links, landing pages or plain editable codes. The right tool follows from that. A quick list of your top three must-haves narrows this field fast.
2. What happens to trial codes
Test with a code that isn't printed yet, or confirm what happens at the end of the trial before printing. Ask the vendor in writing if you plan to print during a trial.
3. Total cost at your size
Compare the plan you'd really need, with seats and code counts, not the cheapest tier. Seats, codes and integrations all change the bill.
Comparison table
| Uniqode | QRay | QR TIGER | Bitly | Flowcode | The QR Code Generator | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edit destination after printing | Yes, on paid plans from $9/mo [2] | Yes | Yes [4] | Paid plans only: 5 edits/mo on Core, more on higher tiers [5] | Yes [6] | Yes [3] |
| Free option | Free plan for basic codes; free trial for premium [2] | Free to try, no card | Free plan: 3 dynamic codes [4] | Free with ads: 2 QR codes/mo [5] | Up to 2 Flowcodes, analytics for up to 500 scans, ad free [6] | 2 dynamic codes with ads, 1 user [3] |
| When a trial or plan ends | After the free trial, dynamic codes become inactive unless you upgrade (per its sister site's FAQ) [3] | Codes made with a free account have no trial end date | Free dynamic codes have a 500-scan cap each and a logo popup [4] | Paid plans can schedule a code to expire on a date [5] | Not stated | After the 14-day trial, 2 dynamic codes stay active but display ads [3] |
| Paid plans from | $9/mo [2] | Free to start | US$7/mo [4] | $10/mo billed yearly (Core) [5] | $25/mo billed annually (Pro Plus) [6] | Flex, about $5–$10/mo billed yearly depending on the plan view [3] |
| Scan counts | Yes [2] | Yes, per code | Basic analytics on free [4] | Yes [5] | Yes, capped by plan [6] | Yes; 14-day history on free [3] |
| 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
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 [3]
- Feature-rich plans can be more than a small shop needs
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
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
Bitly
Pros
- Short links, QR codes and landing pages in one account [5]
- Bulk creation from CSV or Excel on higher plans [5]
- Mobile deep links and custom dashboards on higher plans [5]
- Paid plans can schedule a code to expire on a date, handy for time-limited campaigns [5]
Cons
- The free plan has ads and doesn't include changing a code's destination [5]
- Destination changes are counted per month on paid plans [5]
- Core is $10/month with an annual charge of $120 [5]
- Growth is $29/month billed yearly, a step up if you need more edits [5]
Flowcode
Pros
- Codes and landing pages in one place [6]
- The free plan is ad free [6]
- Pro Plus includes up to 50 Flowcodes and landing pages and 3 collaboration seats [6]
- A free plan with no ads in front of your page [6]
Cons
- Pro Plus is $25/month billed annually, and Growth ($250) is annual only [6]
- Free-plan analytics cover up to 500 scans; Pro Plus covers up to 6,000 [6]
- The pricing page doesn't say what happens to codes if a paid plan ends [6]
- Its top product is built for large brands, so much of the feature list may not apply to a small business [6]
The QR Code Generator
Pros
- Dynamic codes on the free plan, not just a trial [3]
- Low-cost Flex plan billed yearly [3]
- An easy step up to Uniqode for larger teams [3]
- Scan analytics are included even on free, with a short history [3]
Cons
- Free-plan dynamic codes show ads [3]
- Bulk creation and watermark-free codes are paid features [3]
- Two plan views on the pricing page show different Flex prices, so confirm the amount at checkout [3]
Which one fits your situation
A company that needs compliance paperwork. Uniqode lists SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO, SSO and 2FA [2].
A small business that wants a free start. QR TIGER's free plan has 3 dynamic codes with a scan cap [4]; The QR Code Generator keeps 2 dynamic codes after its trial, with ads [3]; QRay is free to try.
A team centred on short links. Bitly puts links and QR codes in one account [5].
A brand that wants landing pages and data. Flowcode is built for that [6].
A healthcare provider. Uniqode lists HIPAA on its pricing page [2], which may matter for patient-facing codes.
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 Uniqode the same as Beaconstac?
Yes, Uniqode was formerly Beaconstac [1].
Is Uniqode free?
It has a free plan for basic codes and a free trial for premium; dynamic codes need a paid plan from $9/month [2].
What happens to Uniqode codes after the trial?
Per its sister site's FAQ, dynamic codes become inactive unless you upgrade [3].
Uniqode vs QR TIGER?
QR TIGER has a free plan with dynamic codes [4]; Uniqode lists more security and compliance features [2].
Uniqode vs Bitly?
Bitly is a link platform with QR codes [5]; Uniqode is QR- and business-card-first [2].
Uniqode vs Flowcode?
Flowcode centres on landing pages, with Pro Plus at $25/month billed annually [6]; Uniqode's dynamic plans start at $9/month [2].
Does Uniqode make digital business cards?
Yes, in the same product [2].
What are Uniqode's competitors?
People most often compare it with QR TIGER, Bitly and Flowcode, as on this page, and with business-card apps for its card product.