At first glance, all QR codes look like random arrangements of black and white squares. However, the way they handle the data they store falls into two distinct categories: Static and Dynamic. Choosing the wrong one can lead to broken links, unexpected subscription fees, or a loss of data privacy.

Static QR Codes: Permanent and Private

A Static QR Code encodes your actual data directly into the image pattern itself.

For example, if you create a static QR code for the website https://example.com, the code literally contains that text string. If you create a static vCard QR Code , the image contains your actual name, phone number, and email address.

Pros of Static Codes:

• They never expire: Because the data is in the image, the code works forever. You don't need an active subscription to a third-party service to keep it alive.
• Privacy-first: When someone scans a static WiFi or text code, the data transfers directly from the image to their phone. There is no middleman tracking the scan.
• Free to generate: Static codes require no server infrastructure to maintain, meaning tools like GetEasyQR can provide them 100% free, forever.

Cons of Static Codes:

• Uneditable: Because the data is hardcoded into the image, if you make a typo in the URL or change your phone number, you cannot update the QR code. You must generate a new one and reprint it.
• Density: Storing a lot of data (like a heavily detailed vCard) makes the QR code pattern very dense and complex, which requires a larger print size to scan reliably.
• No Tracking: You cannot track how many people scanned a static code or where they scanned it from.

Dynamic QR Codes: Editable and Trackable

A Dynamic QR Code does not store your actual data. Instead, it stores a short, unique URL that redirects the user to your final destination.

For example, instead of storing https://my-very-long-restaurant-menu.com/pdf, the code might store https://qr-service.com/x72b. When scanned, the service intercepts the request, logs the scan, and then immediately redirects the user to your actual menu.

Pros of Dynamic Codes:

• Fully Editable: If your restaurant changes its menu URL, you don't need to reprint your table tents. You simply log into your QR service dashboard and change the destination link. The printed code stays the same.
• Analytics: Because every scan routes through a tracking server, you get data on how many times the code was scanned, the device operating systems, and rough geographic locations.
• Simpler Images: Because they only store a short URL, the resulting QR code image is very simple and easy for phones to scan, even at smaller sizes.

Cons of Dynamic Codes:

• Subscription Traps: Almost all services that offer dynamic codes charge a monthly fee. If you stop paying, they turn off the redirect, and your printed QR codes immediately break.
• Privacy Concerns: You are relying on a third-party company to route your traffic. They collect data on your users every time a scan occurs.
• Not Suitable for Offline Data: Dynamic codes are terrible for things like WiFi credentials, because scanning a dynamic code requires an active internet connection to process the redirect.

Which Should You Choose?

Use a Static QR Code (GetEasyQR) if:

• You want a permanent code that will never break or require a subscription fee.
• You are sharing offline utilities like WiFi passwords or a one-time vCard transfer.
• You respect user privacy and don't need scan analytics.

Use a Dynamic QR Code if:

• You are running a large marketing campaign and need to track engagement metrics (scans, location, time of day).
• You anticipate that the destination URL will absolutely need to change after the codes are sent to a professional printer.