Best Stripe alternatives in 2026

Stripe is the developer favorite, but it isn't for everyone. These payment alternatives fit different needs — from consumer trust to merchant-of-record tax handling.

1
PayPal
Best for: Consumer trust
Instant buyer trust and the easiest setup for non-developers.
4.4CustomVisit
2
Square
Best for: In-person + online
Great for retail and businesses that sell in person and online.
4.5FreeVisit
3
Paddle
Best for: SaaS tax handling
A merchant of record that handles global sales tax and VAT for you.
4.4CustomVisit
4
Braintree
Best for: PayPal + cards
A PayPal-owned gateway combining cards and PayPal with solid APIs.
4.3CustomVisit

Still considering Stripe itself? Read our Stripe review →