---
title: App-Opening QR Codes: Deep Linking Platforms Compared
description: Which deep linking platforms make QR codes that open the app, or the right app store page if it is not installed, and keep the destination through install.
url: https://deeplinkingtools.com/qr-code-deep-links/
---

[Home](https://deeplinkingtools.com/) / QR codes that open your app

Shortlist

# QR codes that open your app

Which deep linking platforms make QR codes that open the app, or the right app store page if it is not installed, and keep the destination through install.

**Short answer**

Most deep linking platforms generate QR codes, but only some say the code opens the app when installed and the right app store page when not. Linkrunner and Singular state exactly that, with deferred deep linking so the user still lands on the right screen after installing. Kochava, Airbridge, Dub and URLgenius make QR codes for their app links, and OneLink.to's free QR codes send people to the right store but do not open the app on its free plan.

## Which deep linking platforms can create QR codes that open the app, or the right app store if it isn't installed?

Checked on each vendor's own pages on 5 Nov 2026:

- **Open the app or the right store, with deferred deep links:** Linkrunner (QR code deep links on its free plan, every link deferred by default) and Singular (its QR codes page describes opening the app or the right store, with deferred deep linking; plan not stated).
- **QR codes for app links on a free or entry plan:** Kochava (SmartLinks with QR codes on its free plan of 10k conversions a month), Airbridge (short links and QR codes in Core, from $40 a month), AppsFlyer (short links and QR codes on Zero; deferred links from its Standard deep linking tier), and Branch (basic QR codes in its free tier).
- **Link tools:** Dub, Bitly and Short.io generate QR codes for any link, with app deep links on paid plans. URLgenius gives every link a QR code. OneLink.to's free QR codes send people to the right app store by device.

**QR code deep link:** a QR code that encodes a deep link, so scanning it opens a screen in the app if it is installed, or sends the user to the right store and then to that screen after install.

## How do platforms compare on QR codes?

Linkrunner is first, then A to Z. The QR column shows whether QR codes are on the free or entry plan; the deferred column shows whether a scan survives an install.

Comparison table checked on 5 Nov 2026 against each vendor's own pricing page, help centre or docs.

Free or entry plan Paid plan Yes, plan not stated Partly Not published No

| Platform | QR codes | Deferred deep links | Universal Links and App Links | Install attribution | Free plan | Paid price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Linkrunner MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/linkrunner/) | Free or entry plan QR code deep links [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan Every link deferred by default [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan Universal Links and App Links [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | Free or entry plan Attribution and deep linking in one platform [L1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L1) | 25k attributed installs, one time, no expiry, every feature | $0.012 down to $0.007 per attributed install after the free 25k [L2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-L2) |
| [Adjust MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/adjust/) | Yes, plan not stated QR code with short branded links [AD3](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD3) | Free or entry plan Direct and deferred deep linking on every plan [AD1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD1) | Yes, plan not stated Documented under TrueLink [AD4](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD4) | Free or entry plan Free Base plan for the first year [AD1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD1) | 1.5k conversions a month, first year only | Not public beyond the free plan [AD1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AD1) |
| [Airbridge MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/airbridge/) | Free or entry plan Short links and QR codes in Core [AB1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB1) | Free or entry plan Deferred deep links in Core [AB1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB1) | Not published Not stated on the pricing pages | Free or entry plan Google, Meta, Apple and TikTok attribution in Core [AB2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB2) | 30-day free trial | From $40 a month (Core), billed per data point [AB1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-AB1) |
| [AppsFlyer MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/appsflyer/) | Free or entry plan Short links and QR codes on Zero [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | Paid plan Standard deep linking tier and up [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | Free or entry plan Included in all packages [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) | Free or entry plan Zero plan with 12k free conversions in the first year [A2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A2) | 12k conversions, first year only | $0.07 per conversion (Growth); deep linking tiers are custom priced [A2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A2) [A1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-A1) |
| [Bitly Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/bitly/) | Free or entry plan 2 QR codes a month on Free [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) | Not published Not stated | Paid plan On a custom domain, Premium and up [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) [BT2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT2) | No Click and scan analytics only [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) | 5 links and 2 QR codes a month | Mobile deep links from Premium, $199 a month billed annually [BT1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-BT1) |
| [Branch MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/branch/) | Free or entry plan Basic QR codes in the free tier [B2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B2) | Yes, plan not stated Yes; plan not published [B1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B1) | Yes, plan not stated Through app.link and custom domains [B3](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B3) | Yes, plan not stated Yes; plan details not published [B1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B1) | Trial only (Basics) | No public prices [B1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-B1) |
| [Dub Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/dub/) | Free or entry plan QR codes on Free [D1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D1) | Paid plan Pro and up: Install Referrer on Android, clipboard or IP match on iOS [D2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D2) | Paid plan Deep link domains with AASA and assetlinks files, Pro and up [D3](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D3) | Partly Conversion tracking from Business ($81); no ad network install attribution described [D1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D1) | 25 new links a month, 3 custom domains | $27 a month (Pro) for deep links [D1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-D1) |
| [Kochava MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/kochava/) | Free or entry plan SmartLinks with QR codes on Free [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Yes, plan not stated Listed; plan not stated [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Paid plan Foundation and up [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | Free or entry plan Free App Analytics, 10k conversions a month [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) | 10k conversions a month | From $500 a month (Foundation) [K1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-K1) |
| [OneLink.to Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/onelinkto/) | Free or entry plan QR codes on Free [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | Paid plan Android only, Team ($25 a month) and up [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | Not published Open in App on Team Plus; method not stated [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | No No install attribution listed [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) | 3 onelinks with QR codes | From $10 a month; deep linking from $25 [O1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-O1) |
| [Short.io Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/shortio/) | Free or entry plan QR codes for branded links [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) | No Opens the browser when the app is missing [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) | Not published Not stated | No Click analytics only [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) | 1k branded links, 5 custom domains | Mobile deep links from Team, $48 a month [SH1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-SH1) |
| [Singular MMP with links](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/singular/) | Yes, plan not stated QR codes that open the app or the right store; plan not stated [S3](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S3) | Free or entry plan Deferred deep linking listed on the free plan [S1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S1) [S5](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S5) | Yes, plan not stated Covered in Singular Links setup [S5](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S5) | Free or entry plan Free plan up to 15k paid conversions [S1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S1) | 15k paid conversions | $0.05 per conversion (Growth) [S1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-S1) |
| [URLgenius Link tool](https://deeplinkingtools.com/platforms/urlgenius/) | Free or entry plan Every link comes with a QR code [U2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U2) | Paid plan Deferred journeys on Custom, from $199 a month [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) | No Uses URL schemes instead [U2](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U2) | Partly Measures installs and app engagement without an SDK [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) | Starter plan with trial clicks | $0.02 per click (Growth); Custom from $199 a month [U1](https://deeplinkingtools.com/methodology/#src-U1) |

## What makes a QR code work for an app?

- **One code for both stores:** the code must detect iOS or Android and send people to the App Store or Google Play. A plain store URL only works for one platform.
- **Opening the installed app:** the code's link needs Universal Links on iOS and App Links on Android, usually on a domain you control.
- **Surviving the install:** without deferred deep linking, a new user who installs from a poster lands on the home screen and the offer is lost.
- **Knowing which poster worked:** one link per placement, with attribution, tells you which shop, event or pack drove installs. A link tool only counts scans.

## Which option fits which campaign?

- **Packaging, posters and events that drive new installs:** use a platform with deferred deep links and attribution, so each placement gets credit for installs and purchases. Linkrunner covers both on its free plan of 25k attributed installs; Kochava's free plan covers SmartLinks with QR codes up to 10k conversions a month.
- **A single "download our app" code:** OneLink.to's free plan gives 3 store-routing links with QR codes, and app opening starts on Team Plus at $40 a month.
- **Codes for existing users only:** any tool that supports Universal Links and App Links on your domain will open the app; deferred links are not needed.

Print the code only after testing it on an iPhone and an Android phone, each with and without the app installed. Deep Link Doctor's [one link for both stores](https://deeplinkdoctor.com/problems/one-link-for-both-stores/) page explains how store routing breaks and how to check it. Linkrunner's [deep linking page](https://linkrunner.io/deeplinks?utm_source=deeplinkingtools&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=qr-code-deep-links) lists its QR code deep links alongside branded domains and web-to-app flows.

Plate I FAQ

## Questions

**Can a QR code open my app if it is installed and the app store if not?**

Yes, if it encodes a smart deep link rather than a store URL. Linkrunner and Singular say their QR codes do this, with deferred deep linking so new users land on the right screen after installing.

**Do QR codes need deferred deep linking?**

Only if new users should land on a specific screen after installing. Without it, they open the app's home screen and the offer or content in the code is lost.

**Are QR code deep links free?**

On some platforms. Linkrunner lists QR code deep links on its free plan, Kochava includes SmartLinks with QR codes on its free plan, and Bitly, Dub and Short.io generate QR codes free but put app deep links on paid plans.

**Can I track which QR code drove an install?**

With an MMP, yes: give each placement its own link and the install and later events are credited to it. Link tools count scans but do not attribute installs to ad networks.

**What is a deep linking tool?**

A deep linking tool creates links that open a specific screen inside a mobile app instead of the home screen or a web page. Good tools also handle users without the app, sending them to the store and then to the right screen after install.

**What is deferred deep linking?**

Deferred deep linking keeps the link's destination through an app install. A user who taps a link without the app goes to the store, installs, opens the app and still lands on the screen the link promised.

Plate II Index

## Related decisions

- [Ranking **Best deep linking tools for mobile apps** The best deep linking tools for mobile apps, ranked on six link features and free plans across 12 MMPs and link tools, with a comparison checked 5 Nov 2026.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/best-deep-linking-tools/)
- [Decision **Where to migrate after Firebase Dynamic Links** Firebase Dynamic Links shut down on 25 August 2025. What to migrate to for deep links and deferred deep links, compared on features and free plans, 5 Nov 2026.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/replacing-firebase-dynamic-links/)
- [Decision **Alternatives to Branch links** The best Branch alternatives for deep linking, compared on deferred links, custom domains, web-to-app, attribution and published prices, checked 5 Nov 2026.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/replacing-branch-links/)
- [Ranking **Deep linking tools with attribution** The deep linking tools that also attribute installs, ranked on six link features and free plans: Linkrunner, AppsFlyer, Airbridge, Adjust, Kochava and more.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/deep-linking-with-attribution/)
- [Shortlist **MMPs with deferred deep linking included** Which MMPs include deferred deep linking in the base product and which sell it as an add-on: Linkrunner, Singular, Adjust, Airbridge, AppsFlyer, 5 Nov 2026.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/mmps-with-deferred-deep-linking/)
- [Pricing **How much deep linking software costs** How much deep linking software costs: free plans, link-tool monthly prices and MMP per-install rates for 12 platforms, from vendor pricing pages, 5 Nov 2026.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/deep-linking-software-cost/)
- [Shortlist **Deep linking free plans compared** Deep linking free plans compared: which include deferred deep links, custom domains, QR codes and attribution, and where paid plans start, checked 5 Nov 2026.](https://deeplinkingtools.com/free-deep-linking-tools/)