QR Planet vs QR Tiger
Businesses today are finding new ways to bridge the gap between physical products and digital information. QR codes began as a simple marketing tool but quickly grew into a powerful asset for product identification and customer interaction.
Unlike traditional barcodes that only store numeric identifiers, QR codes can hold detailed data and instantly connect people to online content. This makes them more flexible and valuable in modern commerce.
To ensure global consistency, GS1, the international standards body for product identification, has developed the GS1 Digital Link (DL). This standard allows QR codes to hold the same product data as barcodes while also directing users to digital content such as product details, instructions, or regulatory information.
GS1 has set Sunrise 2027 as the target date for widespread adoption. It implies that retailers and manufacturers worldwide are preparing for a future where 2D barcodes will be widely accepted at point-of-sale systems.
Platforms like QR Planet and QR Tiger play a crucial role. They extend GS1 Digital Link functionality by offering tools to generate, customize, and track QR codes at scale.
This blog will compare QR Planet vs QR Tiger/GS1 to help you determine how each platform supports GS1 DL implementation. It makes it easier for you to choose a solution that best fits your needs.
Table of Contents
QR Planet Overview
QR Planet is a complete QR code management platform that lets businesses and individuals create, customize, and track QR codes for a wide range of uses. It supports both static and dynamic QR codes. It has served more than 1,000,000 users from 197 countries worldwide.
One of its standout features is its barcode tracking and analytics. Users can see when, where, and how often their QR codes are scanned, including details like device type, location, and time.
This tracking capability makes QR Planet more than just a QR code generator. It is a powerful tool for monitoring engagement.
Although both QR Planet and QR Tiger offer strong QR code solutions, we will focus specifically on their GS1 Digital Link generation capabilities, what each platform provides, and how they can be used effectively.
Here are its key features:
Dynamic QR Code Generation
You can create QR codes that always stay the same, even if you change the website or link they point to. This means you don’t need to reprint the code when updating the destination; it will still work with the new link.
Landing/Product page links
The platform lets businesses quickly create mobile-friendly landing pages that open when someone scans their dynamic QR codes. These pages can show product details, contact info, images, PDFs, or promotions without needing separate web hosting.
They are secured via HTTPS, can be customized with logos, colors, and templates, and include analytics to track how visitors interact with them. However, the structure is limited; aside from the product name and description, and links, you cannot add additional text blocks or detailed content directly on the page.
This makes it more like a link directory than a full product page.
Scan Statistics & Tracking
QR Planet lets you check how your QR codes are used. You can track when and where scans happen, the device and browser used, and the number of unique visitors. You also get daily scan counts and location data at the country or city level.
For detailed insights, the platform provides optional GPS tracking. This feature only works if the person scanning the code gives permission, and it can show the exact location of a scan with an accuracy of about 10 meters. All tracking is GDPR/CCPA compliant. This means the personal data is only collected with consent.
Data security and integrity
The platform is fully GDPR compliant to ensure powerful data protection and security. All connections are encrypted with SSL certificates, and sensitive information like passwords and payment data is stored securely using encryption.
It performs daily backups across multiple locations for quick recovery if needed. For accountability, IP addresses linked to user accounts or QR codes are saved, allowing us to disable fraudulent codes and share details with authorities when required. The data is deleted once the account or code is removed.
How to create GS1 DL QR codes with QR Planet?
Step 1: Set Up Your Account and Landing Page
1. Create your QR Planet account by signing in with Google on their website and confirming activation on the welcome screen.
2. Select Create Landing Page and start adding product details:
- Upload a product image
- Fill in fields like Title, Product Number, Product Name, Manufacturer, Description, Website, and Contact URL.
3. Use Call-to-Action Buttons to link product pages, social media, or FAQs.
4. Customize branding with templates or CSS, set language preferences, and add password protection under Extras.
5. When finished, the landing page can be connected to generated GS1 QR codes in the platform
Step 2: Create Your GS1 QR Code
In the QR Planet dashboard, select the GS1 option in the QR code generator. There is an error in this section. It allows other GS1 primary identifiers to be selected, but the input field only accepts GTIN-13 or GTIN-14. This is incorrect, since not all GS1 primary identifiers use GTIN (Global Trade Item Number).
After entering the product GTIN, choose where the code should link, either a single URL, a landing page you created(P), or app store links.
If you select Product Info (PiP), you can choose a product from the dropdown menu and link it to a Product Landing Page you’ve created earlier.
Additional details like batch numbers, expiry dates, or extra links can be added if needed.
You can add linktype (optional). For that, click on “Add Linktype”. Now choose a language, choose a linktype (from available options, for example: allergen information, certification information, etc.), and paste the URL.
Finally, you can name the QR code, tag it, and specify where it will be used before generating it. Once complete, the system confirms your QR code has been successfully created.
Step 3: Customize and Download
After generating your QR code, you can personalize its look by adjusting colors, patterns, frames, and even adding a logo or background image to match your branding. You can also set the size and enable features like scannability improvements or GTIN barcode display.
However, it's important to note that most of these visual customizations do not comply with ISO/IEC 18004 standards for QR codes. If your GS1 DL QR code needs to pass 2D barcode verification (as required in regulated industries like healthcare, retail, or logistics) then these design modifications may cause it to fail.
Once you have made the necessary design adjustments, simply download the QR code in your preferred format (PNG, SVG, PDF, EPS, or DXF). Your GS1 DL QR code is now ready to use and can be scanned directly.
They also allow adding the corresponding 1D barcode with the QR code. However, there are important limitations to note:
The EAN barcode is truncated. It is shortened in height while maintaining its full width and data content. Truncated barcodes can cause readability issues and are generally discouraged in GS1 guidelines.
Both the QR code and the 1D barcode are downloaded as a single image, which makes resizing difficult. Any change in image size affects both codes at once, so either your 1D barcode becomes too small, or your QR Code becomes too big.
QR Tiger/GS1 Overview
QR TIGER has long been a trusted name in dynamic QR code creation. It has served more than 850,000 brands worldwide. With deep expertise in QR technology and enterprise solutions, it has become a go-to platform for companies that need trustworthy and scalable QR code generation and management.
To address the specific needs of GS1 standards, we developed QR TIGER/GS1. It is a dedicated platform built for GS1 Digital Link QR code generation. This specialized solution ensures businesses can easily create codes that meet GS1 requirements.
In collaboration with GS1 US and GS1 UK, we made sure QR TIGER/GS1 fully aligns with GS1 Digital URI standards. This makes sure that every QR code generated follows the correct data format, structure, and resolver rules. This allows them to work effectively across the global GS1 system.
Here are its key features:
User-Friendly Interface and Steps
It is straightforward to generate QR codes with QR TIGER. Begin by entering your product details. GTIN is essential. You can include additional information (such as batch number, serial number, expiry dates, packaging date, country of origin, link to sustainability certification, etc.) if you like.
Next, decide how you want the QR code to function. Once these details are entered, you can download it. The clear step-by-step process makes it easy to manage, whether you’re working on a single product or handling large batches at once.
Dynamic QR Code Outputs
The platform lets you decide how your QR codes work, giving you various ways to share information:
- Single URL: Directs users to one specific link.
- File: Instantly opens a downloadable file.
- Link Page: A landing page that organizes multiple links in one place.
- Product Page: A detailed page that can display images, videos, text, FAQs, reviews, and several links.
- Smart URL: Adapts automatically, changing its destination based on location, language, or scan count.
- App Store QR: Directs users to the right app store, whether iOS, Android, or Harmony.
With these options, you can tailor your QR codes to match exactly how you want to connect with your audience. Note that all of these output options can be edited anytime.
Bonus: EAN Barcode
The platform allows minor customization to GS1 QR code colors and patterns. This is to make sure the code still remains fully compliant with ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission) guidelines.
This ensures they pass verification checks without any issues. You get flexibility in design and confidence in functionality.
Keep your QR Codes Organized
You can neatly arrange QR codes into folders to find and manage them easily. If you are dealing with a large number of products or running multiple campaigns, the bulk generation feature allows you to create many codes at once. This saves you time and effort.
Monitor Your QR Code Activity
With QR TIGER, you can easily keep track of how your QR codes are being used. Every scan is recorded to provide you insights such as:
- Total scans: The overall number of times your code was scanned
- Unique scans: How many individual users interacted with it
- Device type: Whether people used a phone, tablet, or other device
- Date and time: When each scan happened
- Location: Based on IP or GPS (GPS requires user permission)
These insights allow you to see how people interact with your code and improve product management strategies.
Security
This GS1 QR code generator ensures strong data protection with measures like password-protected access, encryption, SSL-secured communication, and ISO 27001 certification. It complies with EU and CA privacy regulations and anonymizes data before storage.
Also, it uses advanced tools such as two-factor authentication and carries out internal audits and 24/7 monitoring (by both humans and AI) to keep customer information safe worldwide.
How to create GS1 DL QR codes with QR Tiger?
Step 1: Enter Your Product Details
When creating your QR codes powered by GS1 Digital URI, you will begin by entering the product data. There are two ways to do this:
- Simplified mode: Type in the GTIN only.
- Extended mode: Specify the GTIN along with any additional product details you want to add.
You can also choose to display the GTIN as human‑readable text (HRI) below the QR code. At the end of this step, the platform shows you the generated URL syntax for reference. The platform automatically applies the correct format, but it is always a good idea to review it yourself for accuracy.
Step 2: Determine an Output Method and Generate
The next step is deciding what kind of output you want. QR TIGER gives you several options:
- Single URL, File, or App Store: These options are quick to set up
- Link Page or Smart URL: They are easy to configure once you’ve tested them. They offer you more flexibility.
- Product Page: It is the most advanced option. You can add images, videos, text, FAQs, reviews, and multiple links, and preview the page in real time as you edit.
After choosing and setting your output method, click Generate.
Step 3: Personalize and Download
The platform lets you make small design adjustments, such as changing colors or patterns. You can match the QR code to your brand colors or use colors that contrast with your packaging to make it stand out.
Optional: Download EAN Barcodes
If your products need dual marking, you can also download the matching EAN barcode. This ensures your products can still be scanned in retail stores that do not yet support 2D barcodes.
QR Planet vs QR Tiger/GS1: Comparison
| Criteria | QR Planet (QRP) | QR Tiger (QRT) | Winner |
| Ease of Use | It is straightforward to generate QR code by entering the necessary details. | Easier entry point for quick setup, with flexibility for advanced users. | Tie |
| QR Code Customization | Offers wide design flexibility with colors, patterns, logos, frames; many of these options violate verification standards | Provides design options with GS1 Digital Link compliance, ensuring codes pass official verification and retail scanning. | QR Tiger |
| Output Options | QR codes can redirect to multiple destinations: default link, product info page, or app store. | Offers multiple output types: Single URL, File, App Store, Link Page, Smart URL, or advanced Product Page with multimedia and FAQs. Also supports optional EAN barcode download for dual marking. | QR Tiger |
| Security | GDPR compliant with SSL encryption, secure data storage, daily backups, and IP tracking for accountability. | GDPR compliant, strong protection with ISO 27001 certification, encryption, 2FA, audits, and 24/7 monitoring | QR Tiger |
Ease of Use
QR Planet (QRP): The platform offers a simple, guided process; users enter basic details and generate QR codes quickly. It’s intuitive for beginners and doesn’t require technical expertise.
QR Tiger (QRT): It’s quicker to set up and easier to use, with extra options for advanced users like GS1-compliant settings and multimedia features.
Winner: Tie
Both platforms are beginner-friendly, but QR Tiger offers more options for users who need extra control or advanced features.
QR Code Customization
QRP: It offers extensive design flexibility. Users can customize colors, patterns, logos, and frames. However, many of these visual enhancements don’t follow ISO/IEC 18004 or GS1 verification standards, which can lead to scanning failures in retail or regulated environments.
QRT: Balances design flexibility with compliance. It allows branding elements while ensuring the QR codes remain GS1 Digital Link–compliant and pass official verification tests.
Winner: QR Tiger
While QR Planet excels in creative design, QR Tiger’s compliance-first approach makes its codes more reliable for retail, logistics, and enterprise use.
Output Options
QRP: QR codes can redirect to various destinations: default URLs, product info pages, app stores, or custom landing pages. However, landing pages are mostly link-based and offer limited text formatting.
QRT: Supports a broader range of outputs including Single URL, File, App Store, Link Page, Smart URL, and rich Product Pages with embedded videos, FAQs, and detailed content. It also supports optional EAN barcode downloads for dual marking, which is essential for businesses preparing for GS1 Sunrise 2027 shift.
Winner: QR Tiger
QR Tiger leads with its multimedia-rich product pages and dual barcode support. It offers more flexibility for marketing, compliance, and customer engagement.
Security
QRP: GDPR compliant with SSL encryption, secure data storage, and IP tracking. It meets basic security needs for small to mid-sized businesses.
QRT: Goes further with enterprise-grade protections including ISO 27001 certification, two-factor authentication, encrypted backups, audit logs, and 24/7 monitoring.
Winner: QR Tiger
QR Tiger offers more robust, enterprise-level security features, making it better suited for organizations with strict compliance needs.
Why Choose QR Tiger?
When comparing QR Planet vs QR Tiger/GS1, both platforms support GS1-powered QR codes, but QR Tiger is the stronger option for businesses needing compliance, customization, and enterprise-level features. QR Tiger ensures all codes remain GS1 Digital Link compliant, even when customized. This helps avoid scanning issues in retail and supply chain environments.
It also offers advanced product pages with videos, FAQs, and detailed information, unlike the QR Planet’s basic landing pages. QR Tiger delivers a more comprehensive GS1 Digital Link QR code generation service. This makes it the better choice for organizations preparing for the Sunrise 2027 transition and requiring secure, compliant, and versatile QR solutions.
FAQs
1. How do UPC (Universal Product Code) barcodes differ from GS1 QR codes?
UPC barcodes are 1D barcodes that store only a product identifier, typically 12 to 13 digit-numbers linked to a database entry. They are commonly used in retail for scanning at checkout.
On the other hand, GS1 QR codes are 2D barcodes with the GS1 Digital URI standard. They can encode the same GTIN along with additional structured information such as batch/lot number, expiry date, or serial number, and also link directly to online resources.
This makes them more versatile for regulatory compliance, supply chain traceability, and consumer engagement.
2. How will GS1 Sunrise 2027 affect businesses and consumers?
For businesses, GS1 Sunrise 2027 means preparing systems to handle 2D barcode scanning at checkout, updating packaging, and ensuring compliance with GS1 standards. It offers opportunities to provide richer product information, improve inventory management, and meet regulatory requirements.
For consumers, it means being able to scan a product’s QR code with a smartphone to instantly access nutrition facts, sustainability certification, instructions, or promotional content.
The rollout varies by industry. Sectors not covered by traceability rules or the EU Digital Product Passport can keep using 1D barcodes if they choose.
3. Why are GS1 QR codes important for businesses today?
GS1 QR codes are valuable for businesses in retail, consumer goods, food & beverage, logistics, and technical industries. This is because they make supply chains more efficient, give customers clear product details, and help businesses with regulatory compliance.
They also connect physical products to online information, creating a bridge between store shelves and digital experiences.
DISCLAIMER: We acknowledge that GS1, as well as the materials, proprietary items, and all related patents, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property (collectively, “intellectual property”) relating to its use, are the property of GS1 Global, and that our use of the same shall be in accordance with the conditions provided by GS1 Global.
