Best free QR code trackers: features, limits, and when to upgrade

Short answer

Free QR trackers are useful for validation and low-volume campaigns. Upgrade when limits start affecting reporting, reliability, or team workflows.

What to compare in free plans

Use this checklist before choosing a tool:

1. Monthly scan cap and what happens at the limit
2. Data retention window (for example, 30, 90, or 365 days)
3. Export access (CSV/API/webhooks)
4. Custom domain support
5. Team roles and permissions
6. Bot filtering and analytics quality controls

Practical free-tier limits

Most free tiers constrain one or more of the following:

• Scan volume
• Number of active QR codes
• Historical reporting depth
• Integrations and automation
• Branding control

When to upgrade

Upgrade when any of these become true:

• You need full-funnel reporting over multiple months
• Campaigns can exceed the monthly scan limit
• You need exports or API-driven reporting
• More than one person manages campaigns
• You need stable branded links/domains

Frequently asked questions

Are free QR trackers less accurate? Usually the core scan logging is similar. The bigger difference is limits on retention, filtering, and exports.

Can I start free and migrate later? Yes, but check whether historical data is retained when upgrading.

What is the most common upgrade trigger? Teams outgrow retention and export limits before they outgrow QR generation itself.

Additional context

Use this page as a baseline reference and validate details against your current campaign setup, reporting requirements, and compliance obligations before rollout.