Dead Simple QR vs QR.io
QR.io has a clean, modern look. But the billing tells a different story.
Feature comparison
How the features stack up
| Feature | Dead Simple QR | QR.io |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic QR codes | Up to 250 | Limited by tier |
| Scan analytics | ||
| Custom design & themes | Basic | |
| Logo embedding | Pro+ | Paid plans only |
| Honest monthly pricing | From $0 | |
| Codes survive cancellation | ||
| Permanent free tier | ||
| No credit card required | ||
| Analytics retention | Up to 1 year | Unclear |
| Short redirect URLs | dsqr.io | qr-code.io |
Pricing
What you actually pay
Dead Simple QR
From $0/mo
Free forever, no credit card. Pro at $9/mo, Business at $24/mo. Monthly means monthly — you see the price, you pay that price, and you can cancel anytime.
Start freeQR.io
$5/mo Starter, $10/mo Basic, $20/mo Professional
All prices are annual-only. "$5/mo" actually charges $60 up front for a full year.
The most common complaint on review sites is the gap between advertised monthly pricing and the actual annual charge. Users don't realize it until the receipt lands.
Watch out for these patterns
· Annual billing displayed as a monthly price (e.g., "$5/mo" actually charges $60/year up front)
· Difficult cancellation process with slow or nonexistent refund support
· Key features hidden behind higher tiers without clear disclosure on the pricing page
Common frustrations
Real issues with QR.io
You see "$5/mo" on the pricing page, sign up, and your card gets charged $60 for a full year. That's not monthly pricing. That's annual billing wearing a monthly disguise.
Trying to cancel? Users report a frustrating process with slow or nonexistent refund support. Once they have your money, getting it back is an uphill battle.
Important features are gated behind higher tiers, but the pricing page doesn't make that obvious until you're already committed and paying.
The QR codes themselves are pretty basic. Minimal customization means your codes end up looking like everyone else's.
Switching from QR.io?
Existing QR codes can't be transferred between platforms — they're tied to the provider's redirect infrastructure. You'll create new codes with Dead Simple QR. The difference is that these new codes will never stop working, even if you cancel.
Frequently asked
Common questions
Does QR.io deactivate codes when you cancel?
Yes. If you cancel your subscription or let your trial expire, QR.io deactivates your dynamic QR codes. Any printed materials using those codes will stop working. With Dead Simple QR, your codes keep working forever — even after cancellation.
How much does QR.io actually cost?
All prices are annual-only. "$5/mo" actually charges $60 up front for a full year. Dead Simple QR starts at $0 forever, and Pro is $9/mo billed monthly.
Can I transfer my existing QR codes to Dead Simple QR?
Dynamic QR codes are tied to the platform that created them and can't be transferred. You'll create new codes with Dead Simple QR — and unlike your old ones, they'll keep working no matter what.
What's the difference between Dead Simple QR and QR.io?
Both offer dynamic QR codes with scan analytics. The core differences are pricing transparency, code permanence after cancellation, and a permanent free tier with no credit card required.
Is Dead Simple QR really free?
The free tier is permanent — no trial period, no credit card required. You get up to 5 dynamic QR codes with scan analytics. Pro ($9/mo) and Business ($24/mo) unlock more codes, custom branding, and longer analytics retention.
More comparisons
See how we compare to others
QR.io is a mid-tier player with a genuinely clean visual design. Credit where it's due: the site looks modern, the layout is minimal, and it proves that less-is-more works in this space. But the billing practices don't match the design's promise of trustworthiness.
Ready to try something simpler?
Create your first QR code in under a minute. No credit card required.