QR codes are everywhere — menus, business cards, WiFi sharing, event tickets. Generating one takes seconds, but the tool you use affects customization, whether your data is logged, and if the code comes with hidden tracking.
What We Compared
- Processing — server vs browser-local
- Data types — URL, text, WiFi, vCard, email
- Customization — colors, logo, size
- Output formats — PNG, SVG, PDF
- Tracking — does the tool add analytics/redirects?
- Account required
- Privacy
The Comparison
| Tool | Processing | WiFi QR | Custom colors | SVG export | Tracking | Account | Privacy |
|------|------------|---------|---------------|------------|----------|---------|---------|
| BrowserStay | Browser (local) | Yes | Yes | Yes | None | No | Never uploaded |
| QR Code Monkey | Server | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional dynamic | No | Data sent to server |
| QR Tiger | Server | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dynamic tracking | Optional | Data sent to server |
| goqr.me | Server | Yes | Yes | Yes | None | No | Data sent to server |
| Canva | Server | No | Yes | Yes | None | Optional | Data sent to server |
*Based on publicly available information as of 2026.*
Server-Based Generators
QR Code Monkey, QR Tiger, goqr.me, Canva generate codes on their servers.
Strengths:
- QR Code Monkey and QR Tiger offer rich customization (logos, frames, gradients)
- Canva integrates with design workflows
- Dynamic QR codes (change destination without reprinting) on paid tiers
- Scan analytics on some platforms
Weaknesses:
- Your URL, WiFi password, or contact info is sent to their server
- Dynamic QR codes route through their redirect — they see every scan
- QR Tiger/Monkey analytics track when and where codes are scanned
Best for: Marketing campaigns where scan analytics matter and you accept the tracking tradeoff.
Browser-Based: BrowserStay
Generates QR codes locally for URLs, text, WiFi, and contacts.
Strengths:
- Data never leaves your device — especially important for WiFi passwords
- Custom colors and error correction levels
- PNG and SVG export, no watermark
- No account, no tracking, free forever
Weaknesses:
- No dynamic/redirect QR codes
- No scan analytics
- No logo embedding (yet)
- Simpler customization than dedicated QR design tools
Best for: WiFi sharing, business cards, static URLs, anything with sensitive encoded data.
Static vs Dynamic QR Codes
Static: The data is encoded directly in the QR pattern. Scan it → go directly to the URL. No middleman. The code works forever (as long as the URL doesn't change).
Dynamic: The QR encodes a short redirect URL. The provider's server redirects to your real destination. You can change the destination without reprinting — but the provider sees every scan.
For WiFi passwords and contact cards, always use static. For marketing campaigns where you want analytics, dynamic may be worth the tradeoff.
WiFi QR Codes: Privacy Matters
A WiFi QR code contains your network name and password. Generating it on a server means your WiFi credentials traveled to a third party.
Browser-based generation keeps your network password on your device. Print the QR, tape it to the wall, done.
How to Choose
| Situation | Best choice |
|-----------|-------------|
| WiFi password QR | BrowserStay (local) |
| Business card contact QR | BrowserStay or goqr.me |
| Marketing campaign with analytics | QR Tiger or QR Code Monkey |
| Designed poster with branded QR | Canva or QR Code Monkey |
| Simple URL, no tracking | BrowserStay or goqr.me |
| Verify no data logging | BrowserStay (client-side) |
Try It Yourself
Create QR codes for URLs, text, WiFi, and contacts with our QR Code Generator. Customize colors, download PNG or SVG. Generated entirely in your browser. Read our WiFi QR codes guide.
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