Best Stripe Alternatives
Stripe is the developer favorite, but it isn't the only option. These payment gateway alternatives offer more buyer trust, in-person payments, or enterprise pricing.
We compared 4 Stripe alternatives. Square is the top pick at 4.5/5 (from Free). 1 has a free plan.
Why look for a Stripe alternative?
Stripe rates 4.6/5 and is genuinely strong at best-in-class developer experience — most people switch because of a specific trade-off:
- •Support is mostly self-serve
- •Can hold funds for risk review
Stripe alternatives compared
The best Stripe alternatives, ranked
Unified online + in-person payments
Why switch: Great for in-person. Best for Retail, food & omnichannel SMBs.
Enterprise global payments platform
Why switch: Excellent for scale. Best for Enterprise & large platforms.
The most recognized checkout button
Why switch: Massive brand trust. Best for Stores wanting buyer trust.
PayPal-owned gateway for growing platforms
Why switch: Native PayPal/Venmo. Best for Growing platforms & marketplaces.
Pick by priority
Best rated → Square
4.5/5 across 12,600 reviews. Great for in-person.
Free option → Square
Has a genuine free plan — the cheapest way to test a switch.
Closest fit → Square
Our top overall pick for people leaving Stripe. Suits Retail, food & omnichannel SMBs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Stripe?+
Square is our top-ranked Stripe alternative, rated 4.5/5 and starting at Free. Great for in-person is its standout strength, and it suits Retail, food & omnichannel SMBs.
Are there free alternatives to Stripe?+
Yes — Square offers a free plan. Paid tiers unlock more, but the free tier is enough to test the fit.
Why do people look for Stripe alternatives?+
The most common reasons are: support is mostly self-serve, can hold funds for risk review. Stripe still rates 4.6/5, so the right move depends on which trade-off matters to you.
Which Stripe alternative is rated highest?+
Square at 4.5/5, versus 4.6/5 for Stripe.