Alternatives to Stripe

Top Stripe Alternatives: A Detailed Comparison

Comparing Stripe alternatives for 2024. Find the best payment processing solution for your business, including PayPal, Braintree, Adyen, and more.

5 alternatives comparedUpdated May 24, 2026Independent · No paid placements

Stripe is a popular choice for online payment processing, but it isn't always the best fit. Depending on your business needs, several alternatives could offer better features, pricing, or global reach.

This article provides a detailed comparison of the best Stripe alternatives to help you make an informed decision. We've focused on platforms suitable for small teams and individual developers, contrasting their strengths and weaknesses to help you identify the ideal solution for your specific requirements. We've evaluated options based on factors like pricing, supported payment methods, ease of integration, and international capabilities. If you’re also looking for more general accounting software, then you might consider a look at alternative accounting software.

The ranked list

  1. Top pick · Editor’s choice
    1

    Adyen

    A unified platform for global payments, offering comprehensive solutions for enterprises and rapidly growing businesses.

    Visit Adyen →
    Best forBusinesses processing significant transaction volumes and operating globally.

    Pros

    • Supports a wide range of payment methods, including local payment options in numerous countries.
    • Provides advanced fraud prevention tools and risk management capabilities.
    • Offers a unified platform encompassing payments, data, and financial products.
    • Directly integrates with various sales channels, including online, mobile, and in-store.

    Cons

    • Can have complex implementation, making it less suitable for very small businesses or those lacking technical expertise.
    • Pricing is not transparent and is often quote-based, potentially leading to unexpected costs.
    PricingContact sales

    Verdict. Adyen is a powerful and scalable platform for businesses with complex payment needs and a global reach. While setup may require more effort, the platform's comprehensive features and reliability make it a strong contender for those outgrowing Stripe.

  2. 2

    PayPal

    A widely recognized and trusted payment platform with extensive global reach and a large user base.

    Visit PayPal →
    Best forBusinesses targeting consumers who already have PayPal accounts.

    Pros

    • High consumer trust and recognition, leading to potentially higher conversion rates.
    • Supports numerous currencies and payment methods, facilitating international transactions.
    • Easy integration with many e-commerce platforms and websites.
    • Offers buyer and seller protection programs.

    Cons

    • Can be more expensive than some alternatives, especially for international transactions.
    • Account holds and limitations are relatively common, potentially disrupting business operations.
    • Customer service can be slow to respond and resolve issues.
    PricingPAID

    Verdict. PayPal is a solid choice for businesses that want to leverage its established brand recognition and large user base. Be prepared for potentially higher fees and the possibility of account restrictions.

  3. 3

    Braintree

    A PayPal service offering flexible and customizable payment solutions for businesses of all sizes.

    Visit Braintree →
    Best forBusinesses needing a customizable payment gateway with strong developer tools.

    Pros

    • Strong suite of developer tools and APIs for building custom payment experiences.
    • Supports a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and digital wallets.
    • Offers robust fraud protection features.
    • Competitive pricing and transparent fees.

    Cons

    • Can be more complex to set up and integrate than some other options.
    • Documentation, while extensive, can be difficult to navigate for beginners.
    • Reliance on the PayPal ecosystem; subject to their policies.
    PricingPAID

    Verdict. Braintree is a compelling option for businesses with development resources and a need for customization. Its flexibility and feature set make it ideal for building unique payment flows.

  4. 4

    2Checkout

    A global payment platform designed to simplify international commerce.

    Visit 2Checkout →
    Best forBusinesses selling globally, particularly those needing support for a wide range of currencies and payment methods.

    Pros

    • Supports 30+ currencies and 300+ payment methods.
    • Automated tax and compliance management.
    • Global risk management and fraud prevention.
    • Subscription billing capabilities.

    Cons

    • Higher fees compared to some competitors.
    • Potential for strict underwriting requirements.
    • Customer support can be inconsistent.
    PricingPAID

    Verdict. 2Checkout excels at simplifying international payments, handling complex tax and compliance issues for you. It’s a good fit for businesses seeking a turnkey global expansion solution.

  5. 5

    Square

    An all-in-one business solution offering payment processing, point-of-sale systems, and other business tools.

    Visit Square →
    Best forSmall businesses and retailers needing a combined payment processing and point-of-sale system.

    Pros

    • Integrated hardware and software solutions for seamless in-person and online sales.
    • Easy setup and user-friendly interface.
    • Fast access to funds.
    • Free online store options.

    Cons

    • Higher processing fees compared to some alternatives.
    • Account stability can be an issue for certain high-risk businesses.
    • Limited customization options.
    PricingPAID

    Verdict. Square is a great option for businesses seeking a comprehensive solution that combines payment processing with point-of-sale functionality, particularly if you need a physical point-of-sale system. Consider looking for alternative [POS systems](point-of-sale-systems) to ensure they fit your needs.

At a glance

Side-by-side comparison of the alternatives ranked above.

ToolBest ForStarting PriceFree PlanGlobal ReachEase of Integration
AdyenGlobal EnterprisesContact salesNoExcellentComplex
PayPalConsumers with PayPal accountsPAIDNoVery GoodEasy
BraintreeCustomizable Payment FlowsPAIDNoGoodModerate
2CheckoutGlobal SalesPAIDNoExcellentModerate
SquareSmall Businesses (POS)PAIDNoGoodEasy

Frequently asked questions

What are the main costs associated with Stripe alternatives?

Costs typically include transaction fees (a percentage of each sale), monthly fees (for some platforms), and potential setup or integration costs. Be sure to compare all fees carefully, including chargeback fees and international transaction fees.

How do these alternatives handle security and fraud prevention?

Most of these platforms offer robust security features, including PCI DSS compliance, encryption, and fraud detection tools. Adyen and Braintree provide particularly advanced fraud prevention capabilities.

Which platform is best for international payments?

Adyen and 2Checkout stand out for their extensive support of currencies and payment methods. PayPal also offers strong global reach, but fees can be higher.

Is it difficult to switch from Stripe to another payment gateway?

Switching payment gateways requires updating your website or application code to integrate with the new provider's API. The complexity depends on your existing setup and the chosen alternative. Braintree is generally considered a relatively easy switch from Stripe due to feature parity.

The verdict

What to pick

Choosing the right Stripe alternative depends on your unique business requirements. Adyen emerges as the strongest overall alternative for businesses with complex needs and a global focus, while PayPal remains a solid option for its brand recognition and ease of use. Braintree offers impressive customization capabilities, and 2Checkout simplifies international payments. Square is ideal for small businesses needing an all-in-one solution.