Comparison · Checked October 20, 2026
A QR Code AI alternative without a trial deadline
QR Code AI is a capable generator with AI art and many code types. Its dynamic codes run on a seven-day trial. If you want editable, tracked codes that keep working on a free plan, Scanely is built for that.
What QR Code AI says about its free trial
From the “Is it free?” answer in QR Code AI’s FAQ, quoted verbatim:
“You can create QR codes within the free creation limits. A seven-day trial starts with the first QR code or Smart Link created in your personal account or Workspace; the two have separate allowances and trials. After the trial, Premium is needed to keep connected destinations and their paid features active. Direct QR types, such as plain text or WiFi, retain their encoded data independently of the redirect service.”
Source: qrcode-ai.com FAQ, checked October 20, 2026. Terms can change; check their site for the current version.
How Scanely handles the same situation
- No trial. The Free plan includes 3 dynamic codes with scan analytics, and they keep redirecting with no time limit.
- Over the allowance. Free includes 1,000 scans per month with direct redirects and full analytics. Codes keep working above that; extra scans are counted, and their analytics unlock with an upgrade.
- Static codes from our free tools need no account and never expire.
- The trade-off: after 1,000 scans in a month, free dynamic URL codes show a short Scanely screen before redirecting, and the extra analytics are locked until you upgrade. Paid plans start at $9/month.
Where each tool fits
Choose QR Code AI if you need AI-generated QR art, a wide catalogue of content types, barcodes, or a custom short domain.
Choose Scanely if you mainly need editable links and scan analytics that stay on after a trial, hosted mobile pages such as menus, offers, and event RSVPs with Scanely Pages, link health monitoring, and print-ready kits. Scanely does not offer AI-generated QR art.
See Scanely pricing, or compare other tools: Bitly alternative.
QR Code AI is a trademark of its owner. Scanely is not affiliated with QR Code AI.
Questions
Is QR Code AI free?
QR Code AI offers free creation limits and a seven-day trial that starts with the first QR code or Smart Link. According to its FAQ, Premium is needed after the trial to keep connected destinations active. Check their site for current terms.
Do Scanely free dynamic codes stop after a trial?
No. Scanely has no trial. The Free plan includes 3 dynamic codes and 1,000 tracked scans per month, and codes keep redirecting after the monthly scan allowance.
When is QR Code AI the better choice?
If you need AI-generated QR art, many content types, barcodes, or a custom domain, QR Code AI covers more of that. Scanely focuses on editable links, scan analytics, hosted Pages, and print kits.
What is the catch with Scanely Free?
Above 1,000 scans a month, Free codes show a short Scanely screen before redirecting, and analytics for the extra scans are locked until you upgrade. Below that, redirects are direct. Paid plans start at $9/month.