Is QRLocker really free?

Yes, completely free. Every QR code can be created and downloaded at no cost — no payment, no subscription, no account, and no hidden fees. There are no scan limits and no expiry dates.

Do I need to sign up or create an account?

No. QRLocker requires no sign-up and no login. Just choose a QR type, enter your details, and download your code.

Will my QR codes keep working over time?

Yes. QRLocker QR codes encode your URL or content directly, so they keep scanning independently of us. There's nothing to renew and no expiry dates.

Can I add my logo to the QR code?

Yes. You can customise the colours and style and add your own logo to the centre of the QR code — all for free.

What file formats can I download?

You can download your QR code as a PNG image, a scalable SVG, or a print-ready PDF — all free.

QR Code vs NFC: Which is Better for Your Business?

QR Code vs NFC: Quick Overview

Feature	QR Code	NFC
How it works	Camera scans visual pattern	Phone taps physical chip
Range	10cm - several meters	1-4cm (must touch)
Cost per unit	Free - $3	$1 - $10+
Works on all phones	✅ Yes	⚠️ Most (not all)
Requires app	❌ No (camera works)	❌ No
Outdoor use	✅ Great	⚠️ Limited
Premium feel	Basic	Premium

How QR Codes Work

A QR code is a 2D barcode that stores information (usually a URL). Users scan it with their phone camera, and it opens the link.

No app required — modern phones (iOS 11+, most Android) scan QR codes automatically with the camera.

QR Code Advantages

✓Free to create — No hardware cost

✓Works at distance — Scan from 10cm to meters away

✓Universal compatibility — Any smartphone with a camera

✓Easy to share — Print, email, display on screens

✓Scalable — Print thousands cheaply

✓Editable (dynamic) — Change destination without reprinting

QR Code Disadvantages

✗Requires visibility — Must be in line of sight

✗Can look cluttered — May not fit premium aesthetics

✗Lighting dependent — Hard to scan in very dark/bright conditions

✗Wear and tear — Damaged codes may not scan

How NFC Works

NFC (Near Field Communication) uses a small chip that transmits data when a phone touches it. The chip is embedded in stickers, cards, or products.

No app required — Modern smartphones read NFC tags natively.

NFC Advantages

✓Tap to connect — Faster than scanning

✓Works in dark — No camera needed

✓Premium feel — Invisible, clean aesthetic

✓Durable — Chips last years

✓Hard to copy — More secure than visible QR codes

NFC Disadvantages

✗Hardware cost — $1-10+ per tag

✗Must touch — Range of only 1-4cm

✗Not universal — Some phones lack NFC (older/budget models)

✗iPhone limitations — iOS NFC has restrictions

✗Hidden — Users may not know it's there

✗Can't print on paper — Requires physical tag

Best Use Cases

When to Use QR Codes

Use Case	Why QR Code
Printed menus	Free, easy to update
Posters & ads	Scannable from distance
Business cards	Cheap to print in bulk
Product packaging	Low cost per unit
Event tickets	Easy to distribute digitally
Large venues	Works from far away

Bottom line: Use QR codes when you need low cost, distance scanning, or mass distribution.

When to Use NFC

Use Case	Why NFC
Premium products	Clean, no visible code
Access control	Secure, hard to copy
Loyalty cards	Durable, reusable
Interactive retail	In-store product info
Business cards	Premium networking
Payment	Contactless transactions

Bottom line: Use NFC when you need premium aesthetics, security, or durability.

Cost Comparison

QR Code Costs

Item	Cost
QR code generation	Free
High-resolution download	Free
Printing	Your existing print costs

Total for 100 QR codes: $0 for generation (one code printed 100 times)

NFC Costs

Item	Cost
Basic NFC sticker	$0.50-2 each
Premium NFC card	$3-10 each
NFC table stand	$10-50 each
Programming	Free (DIY) or $1-5/tag

Total for 100 NFC tags: $50-500+

The Best Solution: Use Both

Many businesses use QR codes AND NFC together:

Example: Restaurant Table

•QR code on table tent — Visible, anyone can scan
•NFC chip embedded in stand — Premium feel, instant tap

Customers choose their preferred method.

Example: Business Card

•QR code on back — Works for everyone
•NFC chip inside — Premium touch for tech-savvy contacts

Example: Retail Product

•QR code on packaging — Product info, anyone can access
•NFC tag on product — Authenticity verification, premium experience

Compatibility Check

QR Code Compatibility

Device	Support
iPhone (iOS 11+)	✅ Native camera
Android (most)	✅ Native camera
Older phones	⚠️ May need app
Tablets	✅ Yes

Coverage: ~99% of smartphones

NFC Compatibility

Device	Support
iPhone 7+	✅ Yes (with limitations)
iPhone XS+	✅ Full support
Android (most)	✅ Yes
Budget Android	⚠️ Some lack NFC
Tablets	⚠️ Many lack NFC

Coverage: ~85% of smartphones

Decision Framework

Choose QR Code if:

•✅ Budget is a concern
•✅ Need to reach maximum audience
•✅ Scanning from distance matters
•✅ Mass printing required
•✅ Content changes frequently
•✅ Primary use is outdoors

Choose NFC if:

•✅ Premium brand image matters
•✅ Budget allows $1-10 per tag
•✅ Physical tap experience desired
•✅ Security is important
•✅ Long-term durability needed
•✅ Indoor/retail environment

Choose Both if:

•✅ Want maximum accessibility
•✅ Serving diverse customer base
•✅ Premium product with broad reach

Our Recommendation

For most small businesses: Start with QR codes.

•Lower cost
•Universal compatibility
•Easy to get started
•Can always add NFC later

For premium brands or specific use cases: Consider NFC or both.

QRLocker offers free QR code generation:

•QR codes: 100% free, no account needed
•High-resolution downloads: PNG and SVG

Summary

Factor	Winner
Cost	QR Code
Compatibility	QR Code
Premium feel	NFC
Distance	QR Code
Durability	NFC
Ease of use	Tie
Flexibility	QR Code

The verdict: QR codes are better for most use cases. NFC is better for premium experiences and specific applications. The best solution often combines both.

Ready to get started? Create your QR code → or explore NFC solutions →

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