Checked October 28, 2026
Permly vs QR Code Generator (by Bitly)
This is the site behind most "my QR code stopped working" stories: the editable code is a 14-day trial, and when it ends the printed code goes to a service page until you subscribe. Permly's whole design is the opposite.
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.
| QR Code Generator (by Bitly) | Permly | |
|---|---|---|
| Free editable codes | Trial only14 days. | NoneEditable codes are paid. Regular codes are free and unlimited. |
| The catch | Trial, then deadWhen the trial ends, editable codes are deactivated and send people to a service page until you pay. | You pay up front$9 for 1 editable code, $19 for 3, or $49 for 25. |
| Can a code stop working? | YesWhen the free trial ends. | NoNo expiration date, no scan limit, and a written promise about what happens if we ever close. |
| Their logo on your code? | Not stated | 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 yearStarter: 2 editable codes and 10,000 scans, $119.88 a year, renewing. | $9 onceFor 1 editable code ($19 for 3, $49 for 25). Nothing after that. |
| Use your own web address | Not listedNot on the pricing page; Enterprise is custom. | 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 Plans change; if something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it.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 QR Code Generator (by Bitly) is the better choice
You're already paying for it and happy. Its regular (non-editable) codes are free and need no account, same as ours.
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 QR Code Generator (by 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 QR Code Generator (by Bitly) have free editable QR codes?
- Trial only. 14 days. Trial, then dead. When the trial ends, editable codes are deactivated and send people to a service page until you pay.
- Do QR Code Generator (by Bitly) QR codes stop working?
- Yes. When the free trial ends.
- What does QR Code Generator (by Bitly) cost?
- $120 a year. Starter: 2 editable codes and 10,000 scans, $119.88 a year, renewing. Permly sells editable codes for a single payment: $9 for 1, $19 for 3 or $49 for 25.
- When is QR Code Generator (by Bitly) the better choice?
- You're already paying for it and happy. Its regular (non-editable) codes are free and need no account, same as ours.
- 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.