Graklink vs Bitly
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Graklink vs Bitly: which should you use?
Bitly offers short links, QR codes and landing pages on free and paid plans. Graklink offers those products too, with the option to buy an individual dynamic QR code as a one-time purchase. If you have a stack of business cards and want to keep its booking link editable, that one purchase includes the destination edits and scan counter. A team creating new campaign links every week may place more value on Bitly’s monthly allowances and integrations.
Different tools, different jobs
Bitly bundles QR codes with short links and landing pages. Its Free plan includes two QR codes per month; Core raises that to five and adds destination edits and longer reporting history. The monthly allowance is for creating new QR codes, not for scanning existing ones.
Graklink lets you buy the products individually: a dynamic QR code, a short link or a landing page, each as a one-time purchase.
Pricing, side by side
| Graklink | Bitly | |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic QR code | $7.99 once | Free: 2 new QR codes/month; Core: $120/year |
| QR codes included | Per QR code, no monthly cap | 5 per month on Core |
| Higher volume | Buy more QR codes, no monthly cap | Premium $199/month (200 QR/month) |
| Ongoing cost | None for purchased QR codes | Paid plan renews annually |
| QR codes on cancel or downgrade | Purchased QR codes keep redirecting and remain editable | Ordinary bit.ly QR codes keep working; features follow the new plan |
Bitly Core is $120 annually, with different reporting and creation allowances. Compare the products you will use, as well as the total.
What Bitly does well
Bitly is a category leader in link management: fast branded short links, custom domains, deep click analytics, team features, and integrations. If short links are your primary need and QR is a nice extra, Bitly is very good at its core job.
Where Graklink wins
- Buy the quantity you need. Each purchased QR code is its own purchase, without a monthly creation allowance.
- Editing and basic counts stay included. They do not depend on a subscription, and purchased redirects continue.
- Route by schedule or phone. Graklink can open different destinations by time and day or for iOS and Android, which is useful for timed offers and app-download signs.
- It is built for print: The designer checks artwork and contrast; test the final QR code at its intended size and placement.
When to pick which
- Pick Bitly if you need an enterprise link-management platform with branded domains and deep link analytics.
- Pick Graklink if you need dynamic QR codes that are cheap, durable, and yours to keep, without a subscription.
Common questions
Is Graklink cheaper than Bitly for QR codes?
Bitly offers two QR codes per month free. For purchased QR codes, compare the quantity and features you need. Bitly Core costs $120 a year and allows five new QR codes per month.
Do Bitly QR codes stop working if you cancel or downgrade?
QR codes using ordinary bit.ly links continue working after a downgrade, according to Bitly’s support page. Paid features change and custom-domain links have separate domain and certificate conditions. Purchased Graklink QR codes retain destination editing and basic counts without a subscription.
How many QR codes does Bitly's cheapest plan include?
The Free plan includes two new QR codes per month. Core includes five per month for $120 a year. Higher paid plans increase monthly creation allowances and reporting features.
What does Bitly do better?
Bitly is a strong link-management platform: URL shortening, branded short domains, deep click analytics, and integrations at scale. If short links are your main need and QR is a bonus, Bitly is excellent at its core job.
Which should I choose?
Choose Bitly if you need an enterprise link-management platform and branded domains. Choose Graklink if what you actually need is durable dynamic QR codes you buy once and keep.
Sources and verification dates
Source links, check dates and available archived copies are listed below.
- Bitly pricing
Checked September 15, 2026. Archived copy
Free includes two new QR codes per month. Core is $120 annually with five per month; scans are unlimited. Other capabilities vary by plan.
Live page; no archived copy supplied.
- Bitly: downgrade behavior
Checked September 15, 2026. Archived copy
Ordinary bit.ly links and their QR codes continue working after downgrade. Custom domains have separate conditions.
Live page; no archived copy supplied.
- Bitly cancellation policy
Checked July 12, 2026. Archived copy
Canceling reverts the account to the Free plan at the end of the billing period. Verified 2026-07-12.
- Graklink terms
Checked September 15, 2026.
Purchased products, subscription cancellation, trial conditions and service continuity.
Graklink’s published product information.