Crumb vs Paw ID (2026): which QR pet tag, and a third at £10
Updated 5 November 2026 · 3 min read
We make PetTag (pet-tag.app), so read this knowing that, but we don't make either of these. Crumb (crumb.pet) and Paw ID (pawid.co.uk) are two of the best-known QR pet tags in the UK, and they're built on opposite ideas: Crumb gives the tag away and sells a monthly plan, Paw ID sells the tag and needs no plan. Everything below comes from their own websites, checked on 1 to 5 November 2026.
The short answer
- Choose Crumb if you want a free tag now and will pay for Premium (£6.95 a month, or £5.80 a month paid yearly) for location texts, vet and rescue alerts and number privacy.
- Choose Paw ID if you want a metal tag, paid for once (£29.99), with a scan history map and no plan.
- Or choose PetTag, our pick: paid for once like Paw ID, at £10, with number privacy, finder location and an email on every scan included, and your name and address on the back for £3 more.
Crumb, Paw ID and PetTag side by side
| Crumb | Paw ID | PetTag | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tag price | Free + £2.95 postage | £29.99, free delivery | £10, free UK delivery |
| Plan | Free plan; Premium £6.95 a month or £5.80 paid yearly | None needed; optional Premium | None needed |
| Three years, with the plan that has scan alerts | About £209 to £250 | £29.99 | £10 |
| Scan alerts | Location text, on Premium | Email on every scan, free | Email on every scan, free |
| Hide your number | On Premium | Included | Included |
| Name and address on the tag | No engraving option on its order page | Not yet (announced 21 October 2026) | £3 more, printed on the back |
| App | Owners use its app | Optional for owners | None for anyone |
| Material | Not stated, about 10p size | Metal, 30 mm, 8 g | Printed plastic, 40 mm, 4 g (also 34 and 29 mm) |
Which is better?
Between the two, Paw ID costs more on day one and less after about four months of Crumb Premium. Crumb's free plan is the cheapest way to have a tag at all, but privacy and location alerts are what you'd want on the day your pet is lost, and those are on Premium. We'd pick PetTag, which we make: no plan like Paw ID, at a third of its price. For more tags, see Crumb alternatives and the best QR dog tags.
Quick answers
Is Paw ID better than Crumb?+
It depends what you'll pay for. Paw ID is £29.99 once with no plan, emails you on every scan and hides your number. Crumb's tag is free, but location texts and number privacy need Premium at £6.95 a month (or £5.80 paid yearly). Over a year, Paw ID costs less than Crumb Premium (checked 1 to 5 November 2026).
Which is cheaper, Crumb or Paw ID?+
Crumb, if you stay on its free plan: you pay £2.95 postage. With Premium, Crumb costs more than Paw ID within about four months. PetTag is £10 once, with free UK delivery.
Is there a QR tag like Paw ID without the price?+
PetTag (pet-tag.app), which we make, works the same way with no subscription: finders scan with a phone camera, message you without seeing your number, and you're emailed on every scan. It's £10 with free UK delivery.
Sources (4)
This guide is general information, not legal or veterinary advice. How we write our guides
