Braintree vs PayPal
Braintree rates 4.3/5 and starts at Custom. PayPal rates 4.3/5 and starts at Custom.
Verdict
Both rate 4.3/5. Braintree suits Growing platforms & marketplaces, while PayPal is aimed at Stores wanting buyer trust.
Braintree vs PayPal at a glance
| Measure | Braintree | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Reviews | 1,900 | 21,200 |
| Starting price | Custom | Custom |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Public API | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations listed here | 5 | 5 |
Feature & pricing comparison
| Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Starting price | Custom | Custom |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| API available | ||
| Best for | Growing platforms & marketplaces | Stores wanting buyer trust |
| Cards, PayPal & Venmo | ||
| Marketplace payouts | ||
| Drop-in UI | ||
| Recurring billing | ||
| Fraud tools | ||
| PayPal & Venmo checkout | ||
| Pay Later (BNPL) | ||
| Buyer & seller protection | ||
| Invoicing | ||
| Global currencies | ||
| Visit | Visit |
Pricing side by side
Braintree
Full pricing →| Plan | Price | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Custom | — |
PayPal
Full pricing →| Plan | Price | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Custom | — |
| Advanced | Custom | — |
Which should you choose?
Pick Braintree if you prioritize Growing platforms & marketplaces
Pick PayPal if you prioritize Stores wanting buyer trust
Choose Braintree if…
- Native PayPal/Venmo matters to you.
- Good docs matters to you.
- Marketplace support matters to you.
- Higher fees would be a problem.
Choose PayPal if…
- Massive brand trust matters to you.
- Boosts conversion matters to you.
- Easy setup matters to you.
- Overlaps with Stripe/PayPal would be a problem.
Braintree
Pros
- Native PayPal/Venmo
- Good docs
- Marketplace support
Cons
- Overlaps with Stripe/PayPal
- Setup heavier than PayPal
PayPal
Pros
- Massive brand trust
- Boosts conversion
- Easy setup
Cons
- Higher fees
- Account holds can be frustrating
Frequently asked questions
Is Braintree better than PayPal?+
Both rate 4.3/5. Braintree suits Growing platforms & marketplaces, while PayPal is aimed at Stores wanting buyer trust.
Which is cheaper, Braintree or PayPal?+
Braintree starts at Custom and PayPal starts at Custom.
Do Braintree or PayPal have a free plan?+
Neither offers a permanently free plan, but free trials are often available.
Which is better rated, Braintree or PayPal?+
They are tied at 4.3/5.
What is Braintree best for, and what is PayPal best for?+
Braintree is aimed at Growing platforms & marketplaces (marketplaces, subscription apps). PayPal is aimed at Stores wanting buyer trust (boosting checkout trust, small stores).