TurtleQR vs Bitly
The Bitly alternative built for QR codes, not just links.
Bitly is a link-management platform with QR added on. TurtleQR is QR-native, your codes keep working after you cancel, and Pro is $9 per month.
What happens to your codes if you stop paying? With TurtleQR they keep working, on every plan, redirecting to a fallback you choose. Most QR services restrict or retire your codes when you cancel. That is the whole reason TurtleQR exists.
TurtleQR vs Bitly, side by side
| TurtleQR | Bitly | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | QR-native: print, packaging, signage, menus. | Link shortener first, QR added on. |
| Free tier | 100 dynamic codes, 10,000 scans/month, and they survive cancellation. | 5 short links per month (as of June 2026; check their pricing page). |
| Starting price | $9/mo Pro, with a real free tier. | Paid plans at multiple tiers (check their pricing page for current rates). |
| Codes after you cancel | Keep redirecting to a fallback you choose. | Standard links persist; custom-domain links depend on the domain staying active. |
| Analytics retention | 1 year on Pro, 3 years on Business. | Retention varies by plan (check their pricing page for current limits). |
| AI agents (MCP) | Native MCP server, plus TS and Python SDKs. | MCP server available. |
Where Bitly is strong
Bitly is a strong fit if link management is your main job. It is a well-known brand, its Connections Platform unifies links, QR codes, and landing pages, and it lists more than 800 app integrations. If you live in short links first and QR second, it does that well.
Why teams choose TurtleQR
- QR-first, not a link shortener with QR bolted on.
- Your codes never go dark, even on the free tier.
- A genuinely useful free tier: 100 dynamic codes, not 5 links.
- Native MCP plus TS and Python SDKs for developers.