Checked October 28, 2026
Permly vs Bitly
A free Bitly code can't be re-pointed after you print it, which is the one thing you'd want. Permly's editable codes cost less than two months of Bitly Core, once.
This compares editable codes, the kind you can change after printing. Regular codes, where the link is drawn into the picture, are free on both sites and can't stop working anywhere.
| Bitly | Permly | |
|---|---|---|
| Free editable codes | NoneYou get 2 codes a month, but changing where a code goes ("redirects") starts on the paid Core plan. | NoneEditable codes are paid. Regular codes are free and unlimited. |
| The catch | Can't change the linkThe free plan is labeled "with ads". | You pay up front$9 for 1 editable code, $19 for 3, or $49 for 25. |
| Can a code stop working? | Not statedBitly lists unlimited scans on the free plan. | NoNo expiration date, no scan limit, and a written promise about what happens if we ever close. |
| Their logo on your code? | Ads on freeThe free plan is labeled "with ads". | NoNothing of ours is printed on your code, free or paid. |
| Need an account? | Yes | NoYou get a private link to manage your codes instead. |
| What it costs | $120 a yearCore, $10 a month billed annually, renewing. Adds redirects; 5 codes a month. | $9 onceFor 1 editable code ($19 for 3, $49 for 25). Nothing after that. |
| Use your own web address | Growth plan$29 a month billed annually ($348 a year). | Not yet |
Checked October 28, 2026 on each company's own pricing and help pages, linked below. Plans change; if something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it.
When Bitly is the better choice
You mainly need short links for marketing and QR codes are a side feature; Bitly is excellent at links.
When Permly is
You're printing something that has to keep working: an invitation, a menu, a sign. You want to be able to change where it sends people later, you'd rather pay once than every month, and you don't want to make an account just to get a simple code. Make a free code, or see the two prices.
Where these facts come from
Everything in the table was read from Bitly's own pricing and help pages on October 28, 2026. Where their pages didn't say, the table says "not stated". Where their pages disagreed with each other, the table says so.
Common questions
- Does Bitly have free editable QR codes?
- None. You get 2 codes a month, but changing where a code goes ("redirects") starts on the paid Core plan. Can't change the link. The free plan is labeled "with ads".
- Do Bitly QR codes stop working?
- Not stated. Bitly lists unlimited scans on the free plan.
- What does Bitly cost?
- $120 a year. Core, $10 a month billed annually, renewing. Adds redirects; 5 codes a month. Permly sells editable codes for a single payment: $9 for 1, $19 for 3 or $49 for 25.
- When is Bitly the better choice?
- You mainly need short links for marketing and QR codes are a side feature; Bitly is excellent at links.
- What is an "editable" QR code?
- A regular QR code is like a printed phone number: once it's on paper it can only go to one place. An editable (sometimes called "dynamic") code is like a forwarding number: the printed code stays the same, but you can change where it sends people.