Scanta vs Bitly
Bitly is a link shortener that added QR codes. Scanta is built for QR codes from the ground up. The difference shows in the free tier: dynamic codes, scan analytics, and no expiry — without a subscription.
Free · Built for print QR codes
- Dynamic codes free, no upgrade needed
- No scan caps on any plan
- No account needed for static codes
- Basic analytics included free
Link shortener with QR as an add-on
- Dynamic QR codes require paid plan
- Scan limits per month by tier
- Account required for any link/code
- Analytics gated behind upgrade
Feature by feature
| Feature | Scanta | Bitly |
|---|---|---|
Free dynamic QR codes Bitly's free plan allows only static QR codes. Dynamic QR codes — where you can edit the destination — require a paid Bitly plan. Scanta includes dynamic codes on the free tier. | ||
Update destination without reprinting Editing a printed code's destination requires a Core or higher plan on Bitly. On Scanta it's free. | Paid only | |
Redirects expire on free plan Bitly free links and QR codes can stop working if the account is downgraded or inactive. Scanta's redirects work indefinitely. | ||
Scan limits Bitly's paid plans cap the number of link clicks (and QR scans) per month. Scanta has no scan caps on any plan. | By plan tier | |
Scan analytics on free plan Bitly gates all click/scan analytics behind paid plans. Scanta includes basic scan counts free. | ||
Purpose-built for QR codes Bitly is primarily a link shortener — QR codes were added later. Scanta is built specifically for print-and-deploy QR codes. | ||
No account required (static code) Bitly requires an account even for static links. Scanta lets you generate a static code instantly without signup. | ||
High-resolution PNG download | Paid | |
SVG / vector download | Paid | |
Custom short domain Bitly allows branded short domains (e.g. go.yourbrand.com) on paid plans. Scanta does not currently offer custom domains. | Paid | |
Custom QR code design (colors, logo) | Basic | Paid |
Deep analytics (device, location) | Pro plan | Paid plan |
Bulk QR code / link creation | Paid | |
API access | Paid | |
Starting paid price Bitly's Core plan starts around $10/month and is required for dynamic QR codes and analytics. Scanta's free plan covers most QR code use cases — paid is only needed for advanced features. | $9/mo | ~$10/mo |
Last updated May 2026. Data sourced from each vendor's public pricing page. If anything is incorrect, email support@scanta.satosushi.co.
Why Bitly wasn't built for print QR codes
Bitly launched in 2008 as a URL shortener — a tool for compressing long web addresses into shareable links that fit in a tweet. QR codes came years later, added as an output option for existing Bitly shortened links. That origin matters: Bitly's free tier was designed around web link sharing, not the persistent, edit-anytime requirements of physical print campaigns.
The clearest symptom of this mismatch is dynamic QR code gating. A dynamic QR code encodes a short redirect URL rather than the final destination — so you can change where the code sends people without altering or reprinting the code itself. Bitly locks this behind a paid subscription. On the free plan, all QR codes are static: once printed, the destination is permanent. If your URL changes, every printed code becomes a dead link. Scanta provides dynamic redirects at no cost, because that flexibility is the entire value of deploying QR codes in print.
Bitly also gates scan analytics behind paid plans. Seeing how many times a code has been scanned requires a subscription on Bitly. Scanta includes basic scan counts on the free tier. For anyone running a print campaign who needs to measure impact without a monthly bill, Scanta is the more practical option.
Print use cases where dynamic codes make a real difference
Restaurant and café menus
Menu URLs change with seasonal updates, platform migrations, and PDF replacements. A static code printed on table tents becomes a dead link the moment the URL changes. A Scanta dynamic code keeps working — update the destination in your dashboard, no reprint needed.
Business cards
Cards are printed in batches but roles, LinkedIn profiles, and personal websites evolve. A dynamic QR code on your card always routes to whatever URL you set — without ordering a new batch.
Product packaging
Campaign landing pages rotate by season and product line. A label printed with a static code pointing to a campaign URL is permanently locked to that address. Dynamic codes let you swap the destination without a new print run.
Event signage and programmes
Schedules update, Zoom links change, and registration pages get replaced. Dynamic codes on printed banners and programmes can be redirected right up to — and during — the event.
Retail shelf labels
Price pages, product detail URLs, and promotional landing pages change frequently in retail environments. A dynamic code on shelf signage can be redirected without pulling and replacing physical materials.
When Bitly is the better pick
Bitly has a mature ecosystem for link management at scale — branded short domains, team collaboration, and an API that integrates into large marketing stacks. If you're managing thousands of short links across multiple campaigns and need custom domain branding (e.g. go.yourbrand.com), Bitly's infrastructure is proven. Scanta is the right choice when your primary need is a reliable, editable QR code for print — not a full link management platform.
常見問題
Is Bitly free for dynamic QR codes?
No. Bitly's free plan only generates static QR codes whose destination cannot be changed after creation. Dynamic QR codes require Bitly's Core plan at around $10/month. Scanta includes dynamic QR codes on its free tier with no subscription required.
Can I create a restaurant menu QR code for free?
Yes, with Scanta. Scanta's free plan includes dynamic QR codes with no scan caps and no expiry — ideal for restaurant menus that change seasonally. Bitly requires a paid plan for the same capability.
What happens to Bitly QR codes if I cancel my subscription?
Dynamic links and QR codes created on a paid Bitly plan may stop redirecting or revert to static-only functionality after downgrading. Scanta's free plan codes redirect indefinitely — no subscription required.
Does Scanta expire QR code redirects on the free plan?
No. Scanta dynamic codes redirect indefinitely on the free plan. There is no trial period, time limit, or expiry date on redirects.
Which is better for print QR codes — Bitly or Scanta?
For print use cases — menus, business cards, product packaging, event signage — Scanta is purpose-built with free dynamic redirects, no scan caps, and no expiry. Bitly is primarily a web link shortener whose QR features require a paid plan for any edit-after-print capability.