4 Bitly alternatives for QR codes and links, and when to stay with Bitly
Bitly is a link management platform: short links, branded links, QR codes, link in bio pages and analytics. If you shorten and track many links, it is hard to replace, and VISU does not try to. These alternatives make sense when what you really need is a few editable QR codes, a link in bio page, or a page for your local business.
Short answer
VISU is not a link shortener. Choose it if you want editable QR codes, a link in bio page and a local business page on one free account, with paid plans from $5 a month. Stay with Bitly if short links, branded domains, detailed analytics or device based routing are part of your daily work.
When to stay with Bitly
- You shorten and track many links for campaigns. VISU has no general link shortener.
- You need branded short domains, detailed scan analytics or routing by device and location.
- You want designed QR codes with colors, logo and frames. VISU codes are plain black and white.
The alternatives
- 1
VISU Dynamic QR
Our productBest for: Small businesses and creators that want a few editable QR codes, a link in bio page and a local page on one account.
Strong points
- 2 dynamic QR codes on Free, and 10, 50 or 250 on paid plans.
- Change the destination after printing; scans are not capped by plan.
- Link in bio page and local business page on the same account.
Limits
- No link shortener for any URL and no custom domain.
- No colors, logo or frames: codes are plain black and white.
- Analytics for dynamic QR show the total scan count only.
See how dynamic QR control works on VISU See VISU Link Only need a static code? Make one free, no account
- 2
QR Code Generator
The QR tool Bitly owns, focused only on QR codes: dynamic codes, logo and frame design, scan tracking and bulk creation. A good fit if QR is the main job.
QR Code Generator alternatives - 3
Linktree
The best known link in bio tool, with themes, analytics and selling features on paid plans. A good fit if all you need from Bitly is a bio page.
Linktree alternatives - 4
Flowcode
A polished QR platform with designed codes, landing pages and analytics, and a free plan with a couple of editable codes. A good fit for brand campaigns.
Flowcode alternatives
Feature comparison
| Feature | VISU | Bitly |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan, no credit card | Yes | Yes |
| Dynamic QR codes on a free plan | Yes2 on Free | Check their site |
| Edit the destination after printing | Yes | Yes |
| Printed codes keep working after a downgrade | Yes | Check their site |
| Link in bio page on the same account | Yes | Yes |
| Local business page with map and hours | Yes | No |
| Short links for any URL | No | Yes |
| Colors, logo and frames on QR codes | No | Yes |
| Scan analytics by location and device | NoTotal scan count only | Yes |
| Route one code to different destinations by device or location | No | Yes |
Competitor features as listed on their public sites when this page was written. They change often, so check before you decide.
Questions
Can VISU replace Bitly?
Only for part of what Bitly does. VISU covers editable QR codes, a link in bio page and a local business page. It has no general link shortener, no custom domains and no device based routing.
Is there a free Bitly alternative for QR codes?
Yes. The VISU Free plan needs no credit card and includes 2 dynamic QR codes with an editable destination and a VISU Link page. Paid plans start at $5 per month.
Does Bitly own QR Code Generator?
Yes. Bitly acquired Egoditor, the company behind QR Code Generator, and announced it in December 2021.
What scan data does VISU show?
The total number of scans for each dynamic code. Bitly shows more, such as location and device breakdowns.
What happens to my VISU codes if I downgrade?
They keep redirecting. Codes above your new plan limit stay active but locked for editing while you are over the limit.
Try VISU next to what you use today
Create a free VISU account, make 2 dynamic QR codes and change where they point whenever you need.
VISU plans: Free plan, no credit card. Paid plans: Starter $5/month, Pro $9/month, Premium $24/month. See all plans
All trademarks and brand names on this page belong to their owners. Feature information is based on public sources and may change. For corrections, contact us.