8 Best Stripe Alternatives 2026: Lower Fees & Easier Setup
By Itai Varochik | Updated February 19, 2026 | 3 min read
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1. PayPal: best brand recognition
PayPal's checkout button is trusted by billions. Higher fees (3.49% + 49 cents vs Stripe's 2.9% + 30 cents) but potentially higher conversion rates from brand trust. Best for: businesses where checkout conversion matters more than fee optimization.
2. square: best for in-person + online
Square combines online payments (2.9% + 30 cents) with the best POS hardware for in-person sales (2.6% + 10 cents). Integrated inventory, invoicing, payroll, and banking. Best for: businesses that sell both online and in-person.
3-8. more alternatives
Paddle: Merchant of record handling global sales tax (5% + 50 cents). Best for SaaS companies. Adyen: Enterprise payments for Uber, Spotify scale. Braintree: Stripe-like APIs with PayPal/Venmo integration. Shopify Payments: Built into Shopify, avoids extra fees. Razorpay: Best for India. Lemonsqueezy: Best for digital products with tax compliance built in.
How to choose
For in-person + online: Square. For SaaS tax compliance: Paddle or Lemonsqueezy. For brand trust: PayPal. For enterprise volume: Adyen. For Shopify stores: Shopify Payments. Most alternatives have higher fees than Stripe, so switching is about features, not savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider Stripe alternatives for my business?
Many businesses explore Stripe alternatives like PayPal, Square, and Shopify Payments to find lower transaction fees, simpler setup processes, or more tailored features for their specific industry. Evaluating options can lead to significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
What are some of the top Stripe alternatives with lower fees?
Some leading Stripe alternatives known for potentially lower fees include PayPal, Square, and Shopify Payments. Each platform offers different pricing structures, so comparing them based on your transaction volume and type is crucial to finding the most cost-effective solution.
Which Stripe alternative offers the easiest setup process?
For businesses prioritizing ease of setup, platforms like Square and Shopify Payments often stand out. They are designed with user-friendly interfaces and streamlined onboarding processes, making it quick to start accepting payments without extensive technical knowledge.
Is PayPal a good alternative to Stripe for online businesses?
Yes, PayPal is a strong alternative to Stripe for many online businesses, especially those with an established customer base who recognize and trust the brand. It offers various payment solutions, including invoicing and recurring payments, and is widely accepted globally.
How does Square compare to Stripe for in-person payments?
Square is generally considered superior to Stripe for businesses with a significant in-person payment component. Its robust point-of-sale (POS) hardware and software integration make it an excellent choice for retail, restaurants, and service-based businesses that need to accept card payments physically.
Can Shopify Payments be used as a standalone Stripe alternative?
Shopify Payments is primarily integrated within the Shopify e-commerce platform and is an excellent alternative for businesses already using or planning to use Shopify. While not a standalone payment gateway in the same way as Stripe, it offers seamless payment processing for Shopify stores, often with competitive fees.
What should I look for when choosing between Stripe and its alternatives?
When choosing between Stripe and its alternatives, consider factors like transaction fees, ease of integration, supported payment methods, customer service quality, and specific features relevant to your business model. Also, evaluate their international capabilities and any associated monthly or setup costs.
Are there any niche Stripe alternatives for specific industries?
Yes, several niche Stripe alternatives cater to specific industries. For example, some platforms specialize in subscription billing, high-risk industries, or particular geographic regions, offering tailored features and potentially better rates for those specific needs. Researching industry-specific providers can be beneficial.