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Head-to-head · Payment Gateways

Stripe Payments vs PayPal for Business

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Stripe Payments #1 in Payment Gateways 9.3/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Stripe
PayPal for Business #3 in Payment Gateways 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit PayPal

Stripe Payments leads on 1 check, PayPal for Business on 1, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreStripe Payments · 9.3/10
  • Free planonly PayPal for Business

Stripe Payments scores higher on our rubric for payment gateways: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

PayPal for Business offers free plan; Stripe Payments doesn't. Stripe Payments leads on supported currencies: 135 versus 130.

Stripe Payments is the better fit for businesses needing broad payment coverage. PayPal for Business is the better fit for businesses wanting PayPal checkout across sales channels.

  • Stripe Payments fits best

    Businesses needing broad payment coverage

  • PayPal for Business fits best

    Businesses wanting PayPal checkout across sales channels

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Side by side

Feature Stripe Payments 9.3/10 Visit ↗ PayPal for Business 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.1
Ranking #1 in Payment Gateways #3 in Payment Gateways
Best for Businesses needing broad payment coverage Businesses wanting PayPal checkout across sales channels
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — —
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Features Stripe Payments 2/2 · PayPal for Business 2/2
Recurring payments ✓ ✓
Marketplace payments ✓ ✓
Specs
Payment methods Cards, wallets, bank debits, bank transfers, buy now pay later, local payment methods, and stablecoins PayPal, Venmo, Pay Later, credit and debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, vouchers, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Supported currencies 135 (best) 130
Payout countries Not checked yet Not checked yet
API and SDK coverage Api_sdk_plugins Api_sdk_plugins
Our review
Pros
  • Accepts 125+ payment methods across 135 currencies
  • Supports recurring billing, multi-currency settlement, and in-person payments
  • Connect adds marketplace payment routing, onboarding, split payments, and payouts
  • Accepts PayPal, Venmo, cards, wallets, and alternative payments
  • Includes recurring billing, invoicing, and marketplace payouts
  • Offers payment links, POS tools, and developer APIs and SDKs
Cons
  • No free plan is offered
  • Pricing varies by country, payment method, card origin, and currency conversion
  • Custom pricing tiers and discounts may require a tailored quote
  • Transaction fees apply even with the free business account
  • Payment-method and currency availability varies by market and product
  • Its broad commerce toolkit may exceed the needs of checkout-only businesses
Our verdict

Stripe Payments is a payment-processing platform for startups, online businesses, platforms, marketplaces, and enterprises. It handles online and in-person payments, with prebuilt or customizable checkout interfaces and payment links for…

Read the review →

PayPal for Business gives merchants tools to accept and manage payments online, in person, and on mobile. It suits businesses of different sizes that want PayPal checkout alongside other payment options, with tools for solo sellers through…

Read the review →
  1. Stripe PaymentsPayment Gateways 9.3Paid
  2. PayPal for BusinessPayment Gateways 9.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Stripe Payments — where it wins

    • Accepts 125+ payment methods across 135 currencies
    • Supports recurring billing, multi-currency settlement, and in-person payments
    • Connect adds marketplace payment routing, onboarding, split payments, and payouts

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is offered
    • Pricing varies by country, payment method, card origin, and currency conversion
    • Custom pricing tiers and discounts may require a tailored quote

  • PayPal for Business — where it wins

    • Accepts PayPal, Venmo, cards, wallets, and alternative payments
    • Includes recurring billing, invoicing, and marketplace payouts
    • Offers payment links, POS tools, and developer APIs and SDKs

    Where it doesn't

    • Transaction fees apply even with the free business account
    • Payment-method and currency availability varies by market and product
    • Its broad commerce toolkit may exceed the needs of checkout-only businesses
  • Stripe Payments9.3/10 · Paid

    Broad payment coverage for businesses selling online, in person, or through marketplaces.

    Visit StripeFull verdict →
  • PayPal for Business9.1/10 · Free plan

    A flexible PayPal checkout option with payment tools for online, in-person, and mobile sales.

    Visit PayPalFull verdict →

More comparisons

All payment gateways comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update