#1
P
PayPal
Global payment platform for online and in-person payments with buyer protection.
Online Payments Recurring Billing Invoicing Fraud Protection
Best for: Small businessesFreelancerseBay sellers
S
Best Stripe Alternatives [2026]
Compare 1+ alternatives to Stripe. Find the perfect payments tool for your needs.
About Stripe
Online payment processing platform for internet businesses with powerful APIs and developer tools.
Starting from Free
Visit Stripe Why Look for Alternatives?
- Find more affordable options
- Get features Stripe lacks
- Better UI/UX for your team
- Improved integrations
Top Stripe Alternatives
Feature Comparison
| Feature | S Stripe | P PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Online Payments | ||
| Recurring Billing | ||
| Invoicing | ||
| Fraud Protection | ||
| Mobile Payments | ||
| Multi-currency | ||
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
Want a detailed breakdown?
Stripe Pros & Cons
Understanding Stripe's strengths and weaknesses helps you decide if an alternative is right for you.
Pros
- Excellent developer experience
- Comprehensive documentation
- Wide payment method support
- Powerful API
- Great fraud protection
Cons
- Higher fees for small businesses
- Account holds possible
- Limited phone support
- Complex for non-developers
Detailed Comparisons
Stripe Alternatives FAQ
What are the best alternatives to Stripe?
The top alternatives to Stripe include PayPal, and more. Each offers similar functionality with different strengths in pricing, features, or ease of use.
Is there a free alternative to Stripe?
Yes, several Stripe alternatives offer free tiers, including PayPal. These free options are great for individuals or small teams getting started.
Why switch from Stripe to an alternative?
Common reasons to switch from Stripe include: seeking lower pricing, needing specific features Stripe lacks, preferring a different user interface, requiring better integration with your existing tools, or wanting more responsive customer support.
How do Stripe alternatives compare on pricing?
Stripe offers a free tier, but paid plans start at $0/mo. Alternatives range from free options to enterprise solutions, with many offering better value at similar price points.
Can I migrate my data from Stripe to an alternative?
Most payments tools support data import/export. Stripe allows data export, and many alternatives offer migration assistance or import tools. Check specific comparison pages for migration details.
Which Stripe alternative is best for small businesses?
For small businesses, we recommend PayPal. These offer the best balance of features and affordability for growing teams.
What features should I compare when evaluating Stripe alternatives?
Key features to compare include: online payments, recurring billing, invoicing, fraud protection, pricing structure, integration options, mobile apps, and customer support quality.
Are Stripe alternatives harder to learn?
Learning curves vary by tool. Some alternatives like PayPal are known for simplicity, while others offer more power with increased complexity. Consider your team's technical comfort.
How do I choose the right Stripe alternative?
Start by listing must-have features and your budget. Then compare 2-3 alternatives using our detailed comparison pages. Most offer free trials, so test your top choices before committing.
Do Stripe alternatives integrate with the same apps?
Many alternatives integrate with popular apps like Shopify, WooCommerce, Xero. Check each tool's integration page or our comparisons for specific compatibility with your tech stack.