Dynamic vs. Static QR Codes: What's the Difference?

Not all QR codes are created equal. The distinction between static and dynamic QR codes is one of the most important concepts to understand before you start generating codes for your business. Choosing the right type can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches down the road.

What is a static QR code?

A static QR code encodes data directly into its pattern. The information — whether it is a URL, text, phone number, or email address — is permanently baked into the code's black and white modules.

Pros of static QR codes: - Free to create and never expire - Work without any internet infrastructure - Cannot be tampered with or redirected - Ideal for personal use or fixed information

Cons of static QR codes: - Cannot be edited after creation - Longer URLs create denser, harder-to-scan patterns - No analytics or tracking - Any change requires reprinting

What is a dynamic QR code?

A dynamic QR code encodes a short redirect URL instead of the final destination. When someone scans it, they hit a redirect server that forwards them to the actual target URL. This intermediate layer is what makes dynamic codes so powerful.

Pros of dynamic QR codes: - Edit the destination URL anytime without reprinting - Shorter encoded URL means a simpler, easier-to-scan pattern - Full scan analytics (count, location, device, time) - Set expiration dates and password protection - A/B test different landing pages

Cons of dynamic QR codes: - Require a subscription service to maintain - Depend on the redirect server being online - Slight redirect latency (usually imperceptible)

When to use static QR codes

Static QR codes make sense in specific scenarios:

• WiFi sharing. The network credentials are encoded directly, no internet required to connect.
• Personal vCards. Share your contact info without depending on a service.
• One-time use. Event tickets, single-use coupons, or temporary signage where you will not need to change the content.
• Text or email. Simple data that does not change, like a support email address or plain text instructions.

When to use dynamic QR codes

Dynamic QR codes are the better choice for most business applications:

• Marketing campaigns. Track how many people scan your codes, where they scan from, and what device they use.
• Product packaging. Update the linked page after the product is already on shelves — add new instructions, promotions, or safety recalls.
• Restaurant menus. Change prices, add seasonal items, or swap the entire menu without reprinting table cards.
• Real estate listings. Reuse the same printed sign for different properties by updating the QR destination.
• Business cards. Update your portfolio URL or job title without reprinting cards.

The cost consideration

Static QR codes are free on virtually every platform — including Qrafted. Dynamic QR codes require a subscription because they need ongoing infrastructure: a redirect server, a database, analytics processing, and a dashboard to manage everything.

For a single personal QR code, free static is fine. For any business use where you want flexibility and data, the cost of a dynamic QR code service pays for itself quickly. Consider the alternative: reprinting 500 brochures because a URL changed, or missing out on campaign analytics that could improve your marketing ROI.

On Qrafted, the Pro plan gives you unlimited dynamic QR codes with analytics starting at $12/month — often less than the cost of a single round of reprinting.

Making the right choice

If the content behind your QR code might ever change, or if you want to know who is scanning and when, go dynamic. If the data is permanent and tracking does not matter, static works fine. Most businesses end up using a mix of both — static for stable internal codes and dynamic for anything customer-facing.