The 7 Best QR Code Libraries for Developers in 2025

The 7 Best QR Code Libraries for Developers in 2025

Finding the right QR code library can save you hours of development time. After testing dozens of libraries across different platforms, I’ve compiled this list of the best options available today. Whether you need simple generation or advanced styling capabilities, there’s a perfect solution here for your project.

Quick Comparison

Before diving into details, here’s what makes each library unique:

Library	Best For	Styling Options	Performance
QRCode.js	Simple web apps	Basic	Excellent
ZXing	Mobile apps	Limited	Good
QR Code Styling	Beautiful QR codes	Advanced	Very Good
Nayuki QR	Multi-language	Basic	Excellent
python-qrcode	Python projects	Moderate	Good
QR Server	API integration	Basic	N/A
qrcodegen	Low-level control	None	Excellent

1. QRCode.js - The Classic Choice

QRCode.js remains the go-to library for straightforward QR code generation in web applications. With over 12,000 GitHub stars, it’s battle-tested and reliable.

Key Features:

• Zero dependencies
• Canvas and table rendering
• TypeScript support
• 4KB minified size
• Cross-browser compatibility

Best For: Simple web applications that need quick QR code generation without fancy styling.

Limitations: No built-in logo support, limited customization options, and no SVG output.

2. ZXing - The Mobile Powerhouse

If you’re building mobile applications, ZXing (“Zebra Crossing”) is your Swiss Army knife. Originally developed by Google, it handles both QR code generation and scanning across multiple platforms.

Key Features:

• Multi-format barcode support
• Android and iOS SDKs
• Scanning capabilities
• Extensive documentation
• Active community

Best For: Mobile developers needing both generation and scanning features.

Limitations: Overkill for simple web projects, steeper learning curve.

3. QR Code Styling - The Designer’s Dream

QR Code Styling transforms boring QR codes into branded experiences. We use this library at QRCode.Fun for its incredible flexibility and modern approach to QR code design.

Key Features:

• Logo integration with automatic error correction
• Gradient support and custom shapes
• Multiple export formats (PNG, JPEG, WebP, SVG)
• Canvas and SVG rendering
• TypeScript first
• Extensive styling API

Best For: Marketing campaigns, branded QR codes, and projects requiring visually appealing codes.

Why We Love It: The balance between customization and reliability is perfect. You can create stunning QR codes that actually scan consistently.

4. Nayuki QR Code Generator - The Polyglot

Nayuki’s QR Code Generator offers implementations in six programming languages with identical APIs. It’s the library of choice when you need consistency across different tech stacks.

Key Features:

• Available in Java, TypeScript, Python, Rust, C++, and C
• Mathematically optimal encoding
• Comprehensive documentation
• MIT licensed
• Small footprint

Best For: Projects requiring multiple language implementations or educational purposes.

Limitations: Basic styling options, no built-in logo support.

5. python-qrcode - The Pythonic Solution

For Python developers, python-qrcode provides a clean, Pythonic interface for QR code generation. With over 4,000 GitHub stars, it’s the most popular Python solution.

Key Features:

• PIL/Pillow integration
• SVG output support
• Custom image factories
• Command-line interface
• Extensive customization

Best For: Python web applications, data science projects, and automation scripts.

Trade-offs: Python-only, requires image processing libraries.

6. QR Server - The API Approach

Sometimes you don’t need a library at all. QR Server provides a simple API for generating QR codes without any installation.

Key Features:

• REST API access
• No installation required
• Multiple output formats
• URL-based parameters
• Free tier available

Best For: Quick prototypes, serverless applications, and projects with minimal QR code needs.

Considerations: External dependency, potential latency, limited customization.

7. qrcodegen - The Performance King

When every millisecond counts, qrcodegen delivers unmatched performance with its optimized C implementation and bindings for multiple languages.

Key Features:

• Fastest generation speed
• Minimal memory usage
• C core with language bindings
• No external dependencies
• Comprehensive test suite

Best For: High-performance applications, embedded systems, and batch processing.

Trade-off: No styling options, requires more setup.

Making the Right Choice

Selecting the perfect QR code library depends on your specific needs:

Choose QRCode.js if you need a simple, lightweight solution for web apps.

Choose ZXing if you’re building mobile applications with scanning requirements.

Choose QR Code Styling if visual appeal and branding are priorities.

Choose Nayuki if you need consistent implementations across multiple languages.

Choose python-qrcode if you’re working in a Python ecosystem.

Choose QR Server if you want to avoid dependencies entirely.

Choose qrcodegen if performance is your top priority.

Implementation Tips

After implementing QR codes in dozens of projects, here are my top recommendations:

1. Always test with multiple scanners - What works in one app might fail in another
2. Maintain 30% error correction when adding logos or styling
3. Use vector formats (SVG) for print materials
4. Keep URLs short - Consider using URL shorteners for complex links
5. Test in real conditions - Different lighting and angles affect scanning

Conclusion

The QR code library landscape in 2025 offers something for everyone. While QRCode.js remains the simple standard, libraries like QR Code Styling are pushing boundaries with advanced customization. We’ve found that combining the right library with proper implementation practices creates QR codes that are both beautiful and functional.

For most web projects, I recommend starting with QR Code Styling for its balance of features and ease of use. It’s what powers our QR code generator here at QRCode.Fun, allowing users to create stunning, branded QR codes that maintain excellent scan rates.

What’s your experience with QR code libraries? Have you discovered any hidden gems? Let us know in the comments or try our generator to see these libraries in action.