QR Code API Comparison 2026 - Best QR Code Generator APIs Reviewed

Compare the best QR code generator APIs in 2026: pricing, features, styles, output formats. Find the right QR API for your project.

Why Use a QR Code API?

QR codes are everywhere in 2026 — restaurant menus, payment systems, authentication flows, marketing campaigns. A QR code API saves you from managing image generation libraries and handling encoding edge cases. Key advantages:

• No server-side dependencies — no ImageMagick or Pillow installation needed
• Multiple output formats — PNG, SVG, or base64 from a single endpoint
• Custom styles — branded QR codes without complex rendering logic
• Batch generation — hundreds of codes in a single API call

QR Code API Comparison 2026

Detailed Reviews

1. QR Forge API (Best Free Option)

QR Forge API leads with six visual styles: standard, rounded, dots, diamond, star, and heart. The batch endpoint is unique — generate up to 50 QR codes in one request as a ZIP file. Four output formats cover every use case: PNG for web, SVG for print, base64 for HTML embedding, JSON for programmatic access.

The free tier includes 100 requests/day with no credit card required. API key signup takes 10 seconds.

Best for: Developers who need styled QR codes, batch generation, or a generous free tier.

2. QR Code Monkey API

Established service with three visual styles and high-resolution output. PDF output is useful for print workflows. The free tier is limited to 50 requests per month — restrictive for active development.

Best for: Users who need PDF output for print materials.

3. GoQR.me API

Simplest QR API — no signup required. Make a GET request and get a QR code back. Only standard black-and-white style, minimal customization, and aggressive rate limiting on high traffic.

Best for: Quick prototypes where style doesn't matter.

4. QRServer API

Enterprise-focused, reliable service with good uptime. No free tier and standard style only makes it less suitable for small projects.

Best for: Enterprise projects with existing budget.

Code Examples — QR Forge API

cURL

# Styled QR code as PNG
curl "https://api.commandsector.in/api/qr/generate?data=https://example.com&style=rounded&fg_color=1a73e8&size=400&api_key=YOUR_KEY" -o qr.png

# SVG for print
curl "https://api.commandsector.in/api/qr/generate/svg?data=https://example.com&style=dots&api_key=YOUR_KEY"

Python

import requests

response = requests.get(
    "https://api.commandsector.in/api/qr/generate",
    params={"data": "https://example.com", "style": "rounded", "size": 400, "api_key": "YOUR_KEY"}
)
with open("qr.png", "wb") as f:
    f.write(response.content)

JavaScript

const res = await fetch(
  "https://api.commandsector.in/api/qr/generate/base64?data=https://example.com&style=dots&api_key=YOUR_KEY"
);
const { base64 } = await res.json();
document.getElementById("qr").src = base64;

How to Choose

• Side projects/MVPs: QR Forge API — best free tier, quick setup
• Branded QR codes: QR Forge API — 6 styles with full color control
• Batch generation: QR Forge API — only option with batch (up to 50/request)
• Simplest integration: GoQR.me — no signup, just a URL
• Enterprise: QRServer or QR Code Monkey — established track records

Quick Start - Code Examples

cURL

curl "https://api.commandsector.in/api/qr/generate?data=https://example.com&size=300" \
  -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" -o qr.png

Python

import requests

response = requests.get("https://api.commandsector.in/api/qr/generate", params={
    "data": "https://example.com",
    "size": 300,
    "format": "png"
}, headers={"X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"})

with open("qr.png", "wb") as f:
    f.write(response.content)

JavaScript (Node.js)

const response = await fetch(
  `https://api.commandsector.in/api/qr/generate?data=https://example.com&size=300`,
  { headers: { 'X-API-Key': 'YOUR_API_KEY' } }
);
const blob = await response.blob();