FairQR vs Bitly QR: the factual comparison
This page compares FairQR and Bitly's QR codes on verifiable facts: pricing model, how free-plan links behave, and independent ratings, each cited with a source and date (as of July 2026).
Third-party ratings and prices can change at any time. The figures shown here reflect our research as of July 2026 and can be checked via the sources linked below; for the current value, please refer to the respective source. This comparison is provided as factual information based on verifiable criteria and is not intended to disparage any competitor.
| Bitly QR | FairQR | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Subscription-based; QR codes are part of paid plans | One-time payment (Starter €29 / Business €59) |
| Cost over 3 years | Recurring subscription; no one-time option (see Bitly for current pricing) | €29-€59 once; €0 recurring |
| Free-plan behaviour | In 2025 Bitly added advertising interstitial pages to free-plan links (confirmed in Bitly's own Trustpilot replies) | No interstitials; link resolves directly; 12 months' notice + export if wound down |
| Scan limits | Governed by the paid plan | Unlimited scans |
| Data export | See provider terms | Full export: CSV, .htaccess, JSON |
| Independent review score | Trustpilot ~2.1 / 5 (as of July 2026) | No Trustpilot score cited |
Bitly offers QR codes as part of its paid, subscription plans. FairQR charges once (Starter €29 or Business €59) with no recurring fee, and static QR codes are free forever.
In 2025 Bitly began showing advertising interstitial pages on free-plan links, a change Bitly confirmed in its own replies on Trustpilot. Bitly's Trustpilot TrustScore is about 2.1 out of 5 as of July 2026. FairQR does not use interstitials; a scanned code resolves straight to your destination.
FairQR also keeps your data portable with cookie-less scan statistics and full export (CSV, .htaccess, JSON), and the longevity promise commits to 12 months' notice (barring exceptional cases such as insolvency) plus export tooling if the service is ever discontinued.