What’s the difference between QR codes and Short URLs?

Created by Alex Stansfield, Modified on Fri, 9 May at 3:42 PM by Alex Stansfield

Both QR codes and Short URLs in ConnectQR help you share links more easily — but they serve different purposes, and it’s important to understand when to use each.


Short URLs: A clean, clickable link

A Short URL is a condensed version of a full web link. You can use it in emails, social media, printed materials, or anywhere a long link would look messy or take up too much space.

Key features:

  • Dynamic: You can update the destination link after it’s created.
  • Trackable: Built-in analytics let you track who clicked your link, when, and where.
  • Clean: Short and simple — great for copy/paste or sharing verbally.
  • Best for: Online campaigns, social bios, printed URLs, and SMS links.

QR Codes: A scannable visual link

QR codes are visual representations of data that can be scanned by a phone camera. While some QR codes point to a URL (just like a Short URL), ConnectQR also supports many other QR code types.

Types of QR codes you can create:

  • Website links (just like Short URLs)
  • Business cards (vCard)
  • Forms
  • Files
  • Phone numbers, email, SMS
  • Custom Connect Pages and more

Key benefits:

  • Flexible content: Not limited to just URLs
  • Trackable: Dynamic QR codes include full scan analytics
  • Editable: You can update the destination later (for dynamic QR codes)
  • Best for: Print materials, signage, packaging, events, and menus

Comparison Table: QR Codes vs. Short URLs

FeatureQR CodeShort URL
How people access itBy scanning with a phone cameraBy clicking or copying a link
Supported content typesURLs, business cards, forms, files, phone, pages, moreURLs only
Can update the destination?✅ Yes (for dynamic QR)✅ Yes
Analytics tracking✅ Yes (for dynamic QR)✅ Yes
Best suited forPhysical environments (print, signs, packaging)Online sharing (email, social media, SMS)

So, which one should I use?

It depends on how your audience will interact with it:

  • Use a QR Code when people will scan something in person — like a poster, flyer, label, or sign.
  • Use a Short URL when you’re sharing something online or want to include a neat, trackable link in your messaging.

And remember — you can always pair them together: generate a QR code that points to a Short URL!


Want to get started?

Here are two great guides to help you create your first item:


Need help deciding?

If you’re not sure which is the better fit for your use case, feel free to contact our support team — we’re happy to help.

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