Braintree vs Square
Verdict
Both Braintree and Square are strong choices. Square edges ahead on overall rating, but the right pick depends on your budget and use case.
Feature & pricing comparison
| Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Starting price | Custom | Free |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| API available | ||
| Best for | Growing platforms & marketplaces | Retail, food & omnichannel SMBs |
| Cards, PayPal & Venmo | ||
| Marketplace payouts | ||
| Drop-in UI | ||
| Recurring billing | ||
| Fraud tools | ||
| In-person & online payments | ||
| Free POS software | ||
| Flat-rate fees | ||
| Invoicing | ||
| Hardware ecosystem | ||
| Visit | Visit |
Which should you choose?
Pick Braintree if you prioritize Growing platforms & marketplaces
Pick Square if you prioritize Retail, food & omnichannel SMBs
Braintree
Pros
- Native PayPal/Venmo
- Good docs
- Marketplace support
Cons
- Overlaps with Stripe/PayPal
- Setup heavier than PayPal
Square
Pros
- Great for in-person
- Transparent flat fees
- Free POS
Cons
- Less developer-flexible
- Funds holds for new accounts
Frequently asked questions
Is Braintree better than Square?+
Both Braintree and Square are strong choices. Square edges ahead on overall rating, but the right pick depends on your budget and use case.
Which is cheaper, Braintree or Square?+
Braintree starts at Custom, while Square starts at Free.