Stripe vs Square
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: Stripe (4.7/5)
We tested Stripe and Square side-by-side. Stripe comes out ahead overall, but Square may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Stripe | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 7.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 7.5/10 | 7/10 |
| Overall | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Stripe | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Payments | Yes | No |
| Billing | Yes | No |
| Connect | Yes | No |
| Radar | Yes | No |
| Atlas | Yes | No |
| Terminal | Yes | No |
| POS | No | Yes |
| Online Payments | No | Yes |
| Hardware | No | Yes |
| Banking | No | Yes |
| Payroll | No | Yes |
| Marketing | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
Stripe: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
Square: 2.6% + $0.10 in-person
Stripe Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-in-class API
- 135+ currencies
- Subscription billing built in
- ML fraud prevention
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge
- Rolling reserves possible
Square Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free POS software
- Complete business ecosystem
- No monthly fees
- Great hardware
Cons
- Higher online rates
- Account stability issues
Key Specifications
| Spec | Stripe | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Pricing | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction | 2.6% + $0.10 in-person |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
Our Verdict
Stripe wins overall. Choose Stripe if you value SaaS companies. Choose Square if you prioritize Retail stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stripe better than Square?
Based on our testing, Stripe scores higher with a rating of 4.7/5 compared to Square's 4.4/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between Stripe and Square?
Stripe is known for: The developer-friendly payment platform powering millions of businesses.. Square is known for: All-in-one payment and business management platform..
Which is cheaper, Stripe or Square?
Stripe pricing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Square pricing: 2.6% + $0.10 in-person.
Can I use Stripe and Square together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the Payment Processing category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of Stripe?
Best-in-class API. 135+ currencies. Subscription billing built in
What are the pros of Square?
Free POS software. Complete business ecosystem. No monthly fees
Which payment processing should I choose?
Choose Stripe if you value SaaS companies. Choose Square if you prioritize Retail stores.