A QR Code Monkey alternative, compared fairly
Pick QR Code Monkey if you want free static codes with deep design controls like gradients, custom eye shapes, templates and EPS or PDF files. Pick QRNoExpire if you want a simple free static code, or editable codes for $5 a month that keep redirecting even after you cancel.
Updated
The short version
QR Code Monkey and QRNoExpire both make free static codes that never expire. That is the most important thing to know, and many comparison pages get it wrong. If you only need a code that points to one link forever, either tool will do.
The real differences are design depth and what happens when you need to edit a code. QR Code Monkey has far more free design options. QRNoExpire has its own low cost editable codes that keep redirecting after you cancel. Not sure which kind you need? Read static vs dynamic QR codes.
Side by side
Facts about QR Code Monkey come from its homepage and its API page, read on 3 November 2026.
| Feature | QRNoExpire | QR Code Monkey |
|---|---|---|
| Free static codes | Yes, never expire | Yes, never expire |
| Signup to download | No | No login shown before download |
| Watermark | No | Not stated |
| Download formats | PNG, SVG, JPG | PNG, SVG, PDF, EPS (no gradients in PDF or EPS) |
| Colors and logo | Yes | Yes |
| Gradients and custom eye shapes | No | Yes |
| Templates | No | Yes, template gallery |
| Editable codes | Pro, $5 a month or $48 a year | Not on its site; sends you to QRCG |
| Scan statistics | Pro, total scan count only | Not on its site; sends you to QRCG |
| Bulk creation | No | Through QRCG |
| API | No | Yes, through RapidAPI |
What QR Code Monkey does well
QR Code Monkey is a strong free generator, and it is fair to say so.
- Free codes that last. Its homepage says: “All generated QR codes will work forever, do not expire and have no scanning limits like you see at other commercial QR code generators.”
- Free for business use. “All generated QR Codes are 100% free and can be used for whatever you want. This includes all commercial purposes.”
- Design controls. You can change the body shape, eye frame shape and eye ball shape, set custom eye colors, add linear or radial gradients, and start from a template.
- Logos. “Upload your own custom logo image as .png, .jpg, .gif or .svg file format with a maximum size of 2 MB.” You can also pick one from its gallery.
- Print files. It offers SVG, PDF and EPS as well as PNG. Its page notes that PDF and EPS have “no support for color gradients”, and that logo and design settings “currently only work for .png and .svg files.”
- Many content types. URL, text, email, phone, SMS, vCard, MeCard, location, WiFi, event, Bitcoin and several social networks.
Where the “expiring” confusion comes from
QR Code Monkey does not make dynamic codes itself. When you look for editing or scan statistics, it points you to QR Code Generator PRO. In its own words: “The created static QR code is 100% free but if you need scan statistics, flexible editability and more features then have a look at our QR Code Generator for professionals.” That link leads to a QRCG signup page.
QRCG’s dynamic codes are a different product with different rules. QRCG’s help center (read 3 November 2026) says: “Any Dynamic QR Codes you created during the 14-day free trial period are deactivated at the end of the free trial.” So when someone says a “QR Code Monkey” code stopped working, it is usually a QRCG trial code. We compare QRCG directly in our QR-Code-Generator.com alternative page.
What QRNoExpire does differently
- Editable codes from the same site. QRNoExpire Pro costs $5 a month or $48 a year and lets you change where a code points after printing. See pricing.
- Codes keep working after you cancel. If you stop paying for Pro, your editable codes keep redirecting. Only editing locks.
- Less data. Pro shows a total scan count only. There are no maps and no device data.
- Made in your browser. Free static codes are built in your browser, with no signup and no watermark, up to 15 new codes a day.
QRNoExpire is simpler. It has colors and an optional logo, but no gradients, custom eye shapes, frames or templates. It has no bulk creation, no API, no detailed analytics, no team accounts, no landing pages and no EPS or PDF downloads. If you need those, it is not the right tool. For print, its SVG files scale to any size; see the SVG QR code generator.
Who should pick which
- Pick QR Code Monkey if you want a free static code with a custom look: gradients, special eye shapes, templates, or EPS and PDF files for a designer.
- Pick QRNoExpire if you want a plain free static code fast, or editable codes at a low price that will not break your printed materials if you cancel.
- Either one is fine for a simple static code that points to one link forever. Before you print any code, scan it and check that it shows your own link. Our guide on whether QR codes expire explains why.