Stripe vs Square
Verdict
Both Stripe and Square are strong choices. Stripe edges ahead on overall rating, but the right pick depends on your budget and use case.
Feature & pricing comparison
| Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Starting price | Custom | Free |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| API available | ||
| Best for | Developers, SaaS & online stores | Retail, food & omnichannel SMBs |
| Card & wallet payments | ||
| Subscriptions & billing | ||
| Global methods | ||
| Connect (marketplaces) | ||
| Excellent API & docs | ||
| In-person & online payments | ||
| Free POS software | ||
| Flat-rate fees | ||
| Invoicing | ||
| Hardware ecosystem | ||
| Visit | Visit |
Which should you choose?
Pick Stripe if you prioritize Developers, SaaS & online stores
Pick Square if you prioritize Retail, food & omnichannel SMBs
Stripe
Pros
- Best-in-class developer experience
- Huge feature set
- Global reach
Cons
- Support is mostly self-serve
- Can hold funds for risk review
Square
Pros
- Great for in-person
- Transparent flat fees
- Free POS
Cons
- Less developer-flexible
- Funds holds for new accounts
Frequently asked questions
Is Stripe better than Square?+
Both Stripe and Square are strong choices. Stripe edges ahead on overall rating, but the right pick depends on your budget and use case.
Which is cheaper, Stripe or Square?+
Stripe starts at Custom, while Square starts at Free.