The no-SDK Branch.io alternative.
Branch is a powerful mobile linking and measurement platform. But if all you need is one smart link that sends users to the right app store — plus a QR code — it's overkill. appqr.io does that one job in 30 seconds, for free.
TL;DR
- Core appqr.io store routing needs no SDK and no code changes; the optional Business beta uses a native SDK for app links and Android first-install attribution
- Setup takes 30 seconds: paste your store URLs, get a smart link + QR code
- Free tier with 3 links and 1,000 clicks/month; Pro is $5/month, with a $47 Founding lifetime offer while available — no enterprise sales calls
- Honest caveat: Branch provides mature cross-platform deferred deep linking and attribution. appqr.io's Business beta is limited to native app links and Android first-install attribution, with no individual iOS attribution.
Branch.io vs appqr.io
These are different tools for different jobs. Here's where each one fits.
| Feature | Branch.io | appqr.io | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDK required | For in-app and deferred deep-linking flows | No for routing; Android SDK for the optional Business beta | appqr |
| Setup | Dashboard plus app integration for full deep linking | Store URLs; native setup only for the Business beta | appqr |
| Smart store redirect | Yes | Yes | tie |
| Deferred deep linking | Yes, cross-platform | Android first-install destination (Business beta) | Branch |
| Install attribution | Yes (full attribution suite) | Android first install only (Business beta); no individual iOS attribution | Branch |
| Traffic source attribution | Yes | Yes (UTM, ad source, referrer) | tie |
| Huawei / Samsung / Amazon stores | Limited | Built-in (all 5 stores) | appqr |
| QR codes | Available | Included free, customizable | appqr |
| UTM tracking | Yes | Yes | tie |
| Pricing | $39/mo Intro; Basics from $199/mo | Free; Pro $5/mo or $47 Founding | appqr |
| Best for | Mobile growth & attribution teams | Indie devs & small teams | tie |
Being honest: where Branch.io wins
Branch is a mature mobile linking and measurement platform. appqr.io does not try to compete on these features — if you need them, Branch is the better choice.
- Mature cross-platform deferred deep linking. appqr.io only returns a deferred destination after a verified first Android install in its Business beta.
- Install attribution and campaign measurement across ad networks. appqr.io has limited Android first-install attribution in beta, not a full MMP or individual iOS attribution.
- Enterprise scale, integrations, and support for large growth teams.
Where appqr.io wins for the simple use case
No SDK, no code changes
Branch's in-app and deferred deep-linking flows use its mobile SDKs. appqr.io is just a URL: it detects the device in the browser and redirects to the right store. It works with any app or framework.
30-second setup instead of an integration project
Paste your App Store and Google Play URLs, get a smart link and QR code instantly. No dashboard configuration, no SDK keys, no app release needed.
5 app stores out of the box
iOS App Store, Google Play, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Amazon Appstore — all handled by one link with no extra configuration.
Customizable QR codes included free
Pick dot shapes, corner styles, colors, and add your app logo. Generated client-side, ready for print or packaging.
Pricing built for indie developers
Free tier with 3 links and 1,000 tracked clicks/month. Pro is $5/mo or $47 once, with traffic source attribution included. Native app links are available in Business beta.
Skip the SDK.
Get your smart link in 30 seconds.
One link for every app store, plus a QR code. No credit card. No integration work.
Create a free linkLast verified: August 25, 2026
We compare published product documentation and plan pages with appqr.io's current product. Products, availability, and pricing can change; this is an editorial comparison, not an independent benchmark or a claim of feature parity.
Primary sources: Branch plans and pricing, Branch Intro plan limits and pricing, Branch Deep Linking API overview.