The difference in one sentence
A static QR code contains the destination itself, while a dynamic QR code contains a short link to a redirect service that forwards the scanner to the destination. Both are ordinary QR codes; the difference is only in what data they hold. A scanner cannot tell them apart until it follows the link.
For example, a static code for Maple Street Bakery might encode https://maplestreetbakery.example/menu directly. A dynamic version would encode something like https://go.example/ab12, and the service would forward that link to the menu page.
When to use each
Static codes suit content that will never change and should work without any outside service. Wi-Fi credentials, contact cards, plain text and payment codes with fixed account data are usually static, and many formats such as Wi-Fi and vCard only work as static codes because the phone reads the data offline.
Dynamic codes suit printed material that should outlive a single URL, such as packaging, signs and brochures. Because the redirect happens on a server, the owner can change the destination after printing, add UTM parameters and count scans.
- Static: no dependency on a service, works forever, cannot be edited or tracked
- Dynamic: editable destination, scan counts and analytics, shorter data so the code can be less dense
- Dynamic: stops working if the redirect service shuts down or the account lapses
The trade-off to plan for
The main risk of a dynamic QR code is that it depends on the redirect service staying online. If the provider closes, changes terms or the subscription ends, every printed copy can stop working at once. Owners who print in volume often choose a provider that lets them use their own domain, or keep a record of every code so they can reprint if needed.