Static vs Dynamic QR Codes: Which Should You Use?

You've decided to create a QR code. But before you generate one, there's a fundamental choice to make: static or dynamic?

This isn't a minor technical detail — it affects whether you can update your code after printing, whether you get analytics, and how much flexibility you have down the line. Pick the wrong type and you could end up reprinting thousands of flyers because of a typo in a URL.

Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.

What Is a Static QR Code?

A static QR code encodes information directly into the pattern of the code itself. The data — whether it's a URL, text, WiFi credentials, or contact information — is baked into the black-and-white squares permanently.

When someone scans a static QR code, their phone reads the data directly from the image. No server is involved. No internet connection is technically needed (though opening a URL obviously requires one).

Key characteristics of static QR codes:

The content is permanent and cannot be changed after creation. No internet connection is required to decode the information. There's no tracking or analytics — you can't see how many people scanned it. The more data you encode, the more complex (and harder to scan) the pattern becomes. They're completely free to generate on most platforms, and they work forever since there's no dependency on any service.

What Is a Dynamic QR Code?

A dynamic QR code doesn't store your actual content in the code pattern. Instead, it encodes a short redirect URL. When someone scans the code, they're briefly routed through a server which then sends them to your actual destination.

This intermediary step is what makes dynamic codes powerful — because you control what happens at that redirect server.

Key characteristics of dynamic QR codes:

The destination can be changed at any time without creating a new code. Every scan is logged, giving you analytics on scan count, location, device type, and time. The QR pattern stays simple and compact regardless of how long your destination URL is. They depend on the redirect server staying online, and they typically require a paid plan (or have limited free tiers).

The Practical Differences

Editability

This is the single biggest difference and the main reason dynamic codes exist.

Imagine you've printed 5,000 product brochures with a QR code linking to yoursite.com/spring-sale. The campaign ends and you want the code to point to yoursite.com/summer-collection instead. With a static code, you'd need to reprint all 5,000 brochures. With a dynamic code, you log into your dashboard, change the destination URL, and every existing printed code now points to the new page. No reprinting. No waste. No cost.

This alone makes dynamic codes essential for any physical material — packaging, posters, business cards, menus, signage — where reprinting is expensive or impractical.

Analytics and Tracking

Static codes are invisible — once they're out in the world, you have no idea if anyone is scanning them. Dynamic codes give you data. You can typically see total scan count and unique scans, geographic location of scans (city and country level), device and operating system breakdown, time and date of each scan, and trends over time.

This matters enormously for marketing campaigns. If you've placed QR codes in three different locations, analytics tell you which placement performs best. If you're running a time-limited promotion, you can see scan activity in real time.

QR Code Size and Complexity

Static codes encode the full data in the image. A short URL like qrbase.eu creates a simple, clean pattern. But a long URL like yoursite.com/products/category/seasonal/spring-2026-collection?utm_source=flyer&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=spring creates a dense, complex pattern that's harder to scan — especially from a distance or at small sizes.

Dynamic codes always encode a short redirect URL, regardless of where they ultimately point. This means the QR pattern stays clean and compact, making it more reliable to scan and more forgiving when printed at smaller sizes.

Reliability and Longevity

Here's a trade-off worth considering. Static codes are self-contained. They don't depend on any server, service, or company staying in business. A static QR code printed today will work exactly the same in 20 years.

Dynamic codes depend on the redirect server. If the QR code platform goes offline — permanently or temporarily — your codes stop working. This means choosing a reliable provider matters. It also means that for truly permanent applications (like a memorial plaque or a time capsule), a static code might be the safer choice.

Cost

Most QR code platforms offer static codes for free with no limits. Dynamic codes usually require a paid plan, though many platforms offer a limited number of dynamic codes on their free tier. On QRBase, for example, the free plan includes 1 dynamic QR code and 5 static codes — enough to test both types before committing.

When to Use Static QR Codes

Static codes are the right choice when your content will never change, you don't need to track scans, simplicity and permanence matter most, and you want zero ongoing costs or dependencies.

Good use cases for static QR codes:

• WiFi network sharing — your network name and password encoded directly. Guests scan and connect instantly.
• Personal contact cards (vCard) — your contact details encoded in the code. Works without internet.
• Permanent links — linking to a stable page that won't change, like your company's main website.
• Event tickets or check-in — encoding a unique identifier for one-time verification.
• Simple text or messages — sharing a short piece of text, like assembly instructions or a serial number.

When to Use Dynamic QR Codes

Dynamic codes are the right choice when you might need to update the destination, you want to track performance, the code will be printed on physical materials, and you're using QR codes for marketing or campaigns.

Good use cases for dynamic QR codes:

• Marketing campaigns — track which channels drive the most scans, update landing pages as campaigns evolve.
• Restaurant menus — update prices, add seasonal items, or change the menu entirely without reprinting.
• Product packaging — link to product pages, manuals, or support that may change over time.
• Business cards — update your contact details or portfolio link without reprinting cards.
• Event materials — redirect from event info to post-event surveys or content after the event ends.
• Real estate listings — point to the current listing page, then redirect to "sold" or a new listing later.

A Quick Decision Guide

Ask yourself these three questions:

Will I ever need to change where this code points? If yes → dynamic. If definitely no → static is fine.

Do I need to know how many people scan this code? If yes → dynamic. If you don't care → static works.

Will this code be printed on something expensive to reprint? If yes → dynamic, always. The flexibility is worth it. If it's digital-only → static might be sufficient, since you can just generate a new code.

When in doubt, go dynamic. The small cost is almost always worth the flexibility and insight you get. The one exception is WiFi sharing codes and vCards, which work better as static codes since they encode information the phone reads directly.

Frequently Asked Questions