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Head-to-head · Payment Processing Software

Stripe Payments vs PayPal Braintree

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Stripe Payments #1 in Payment Processing Software 9.4/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Stripe
PayPal Braintree #6 in Payment Processing Software 8.9/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 4 features Try PayPal Braintree

Stripe Payments leads on 0 checks, PayPal Braintree on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreStripe Payments · 9.4/10

Stripe Payments scores higher on our rubric for payment processing software: 9.4 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

Stripe Payments is the better fit for developers building scalable payment platforms. PayPal Braintree is the better fit for merchants needing PayPal and card coverage.

  • Stripe Payments fits best

    Developers building scalable payment platforms

  • PayPal Braintree fits best

    Merchants needing PayPal and card coverage

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Side by side

Feature Stripe Payments 9.4/10 Visit ↗ PayPal Braintree 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.9
Ranking #1 in Payment Processing Software #6 in Payment Processing Software
Best for Developers building scalable payment platforms Merchants needing PayPal and card coverage
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — $0.29/unit usage-based
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Features Stripe Payments 0/4 · PayPal Braintree 0/4
Recurring billing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Payment links Not checked yet Not checked yet
In-person payments Not checked yet Not checked yet
Multi-currency support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Payment methods Cards, wallets, bank debits, bank transfers, buy now pay later, local payment methods, and stablecoins cards, PayPal, Venmo, ACH Direct Debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, local payment methods
Payout schedule Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Supports 125+ payment methods and 135 currencies
  • Combines online, mobile, API, and in-person payment coverage
  • Connect supports marketplace routing, onboarding, split payments, and payouts
  • Accepts cards, PayPal, Venmo, wallets, ACH, and local methods
  • Supports recurring billing, vaulting, fraud tools, and 3D Secure
  • Includes marketplace payouts, reporting, webhooks, APIs, and SDKs
Cons
  • No free plan is available
  • Pricing varies by country, payment method, card origin, and currency conversion
  • Advanced integrations require development through APIs or official SDKs
  • Standard card and wallet pricing is 2.89% plus $0.29 per transaction
  • Venmo acceptance is limited to the United States
  • Availability varies by merchant account, region, method, and approval
Our verdict

Stripe Payments is a payment-processing platform for startups, online businesses, platforms, marketplaces, and enterprises. It covers online and in-person payments, customizable checkout, payment links, recurring billing, fraud prevention,…

Read the review →

PayPal Braintree is a payment-processing platform for online and mobile businesses. It supports web, iOS, Android, and API implementations, with hosted Drop-in and customizable checkout UI integrations. Merchants can accept cards, PayPal,…

Read the review →
  1. Stripe PaymentsPayment Processing Software 9.4Paid
  2. PayPal BraintreePayment Processing Software 8.9Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Stripe Payments — where it wins

    • Supports 125+ payment methods and 135 currencies
    • Combines online, mobile, API, and in-person payment coverage
    • Connect supports marketplace routing, onboarding, split payments, and payouts

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • Pricing varies by country, payment method, card origin, and currency conversion
    • Advanced integrations require development through APIs or official SDKs

  • PayPal Braintree — where it wins

    • Accepts cards, PayPal, Venmo, wallets, ACH, and local methods
    • Supports recurring billing, vaulting, fraud tools, and 3D Secure
    • Includes marketplace payouts, reporting, webhooks, APIs, and SDKs

    Where it doesn't

    • Standard card and wallet pricing is 2.89% plus $0.29 per transaction
    • Venmo acceptance is limited to the United States
    • Availability varies by merchant account, region, method, and approval

More comparisons

All payment processing software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update