You may know that the idea for QR codes came from a board game called Go. This idea has spawned a massive industry with an estimated market of $15.2 billion in 2026, according to Mordor Intelligence. Its market size is expected to more than double by 2031. There are two main categories of QR codes, or “quick response” codes: static and dynamic. The main difference between the two is that data associated with a static design cannot be changed after the QR code is published, while information associated with a dynamic design can be changed and updated at any time.
With concerns about people being scammed after scanning fake QR codes, you may be wondering whether using static or dynamic QR codes is safer for businesses and end users. The static QR code does not collect any data during the scanning process, alleviating fears of loss of personal data for end users. However, businesses may prefer to have this analytical data, which becomes available because the dynamic version points to a short URL that simplifies capturing end-user data. Static design cannot use a short URL. Dynamic QR code gives businesses the ability to deploy multi-factor authentication (MFA) or password protection as an additional layer of security, but static design does not offer these layers of security.
Situations where dynamic QR codes provide key benefits
Some businesses prefer the use of dynamic QR codes over static designs because they always provide the end user with the most up-to-date related information. If the business needs to match a different web page with a certain QR code, the dynamic design makes it easy to create a seamless change. The business does not have to worry about updating dynamic QR codes, which is a cost-effective and beneficial difference if they have printed the QR codes on marketing materials.
A business that is open different hours at different times of the year or may need to update its information regularly (for example with a restaurant menu) is more likely to benefit from dynamic designs. For someone who is looking for a job, adding a dynamic QR code to a resume allows you to keep your work portfolio up to date without having to redo the resume each time.
If you’re wondering why we haven’t run out of QR codes yet, you might be thinking that dynamic designs can help manage overall QR code usage. After all, you don’t have to create a new design every time you want to change related information when you use a dynamic design. However, the reality is that there is no limit to the number of QR codes available, so you don’t need to choose dynamic QR codes to try to preserve them.
Differences that can give static QR codes the advantage
When you need to convey a basic, unchanging message to end users, static QR code is the best choice. Some people use it to provide end users with things like a location on a map for an event, a digital instruction or assembly guide for a product, or a coupon they can use in a store. (If the coupon terms need to be updated occasionally, the store can choose a dynamic QR code.)
A key difference between static and dynamic QR codes is that static designs generally have no costs associated with them. Dynamic QR codes have an ongoing cost that can range from approximately $1 to $3 per month. However, the dynamic version may incur additional costs, depending on the number of scans performed, the type of data you want to track, and the security measures in place. Some plans can cost up to $35 per month.
Will a static QR code expire if the information associated with it is no longer viable? It does not expire, but if the web page associated with the static QR code crashes or is no longer available, the person scanning the static QR code will simply see a dead link to the web page. This is different from dynamic QR codes, which may expire if you created the dynamic design using a free trial and have not paid for the current subscription.
