---
title: "Stripe vs PayPal: Features and Cost Comparison 2026 | Capterra"
description: "Stripe vs PayPal: Which payment processing tool is right for you? Dive into our detailed comparison of their features, costs, and user experience to make your decision."
source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/compare/123889-207944/Stripe-vs-PayPal"
page_type: "comparison"
language: "en"
---

# Stripe vs PayPal Features and Cost Comparison

Last updated August 26th, 2026

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews  
moderated by our Reviews Verification team.[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/)

Your comparison:

StripePayPal2/4 selected

[Stripe](https://www.capterra.com/p/123889/Stripe/)[4.6 (3383)](https://www.capterra.com/p/123889/Stripe/reviews/)

[PayPal](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/)[4.6 (26663)](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/reviews/)

[## Stripe](https://www.capterra.com/p/123889/Stripe/)[4.6 (3383)](https://www.capterra.com/p/123889/Stripe/reviews/)

[## PayPal](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/)[4.6 (26663)](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/reviews/)

Starting Price

Contact vendor

Starting Price

Contact vendor for pricing

Value-for-Money

4.3

Functionality

4.5

Ease of Use

4.5

Customer Service

4.2

Starting Price

$0.29

Starting Price

$0.29

Value-for-Money

4.5

Functionality

4.6

Ease of Use

4.6

Customer Service

4.2

Reviews Sentiment

Based on [3,383 reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/123889/Stripe/reviews/)

Positive

3,139

Neutral

120

Negative

124

Positive

3,139

Neutral

120

Negative

124

Reviews Sentiment

Based on [26,663 reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/reviews/)

Positive

25,055

Neutral

1,076

Negative

532

Positive

25,055

Neutral

1,076

Negative

532

Best for (according to reviews)

-   **Business size**: Small businesses account for 85% of reviews (2,762), indicating strong adoption among this segment.
-   **Industry**: Marketing and advertising, computer software, and IT/services together represent 25% of reviews, reflecting broad industry relevance.
-   **Use cases**: Payment processing dominates with 94% of reviews, while small business POS and merchant services are also notable use cases.

Best for (according to reviews)

-   **Business size**: Small businesses account for 19,138 reviews (74%), indicating strong adoption among this segment compared to enterprises (15%) and midsize businesses (11%).
-   **Industry**: Education management, IT services, and marketing/advertising each contribute 5% of reviews, reflecting a broad but not concentrated industry usage.
-   **Use cases**: Payment processing (67%), online ordering (25%), and billing/invoicing (24%) are the primary use cases, highlighting a focus on digital transactions and commerce.

## Not a match? Find software alternatives tailored to your priorities.

These software suggestions are similar to those you’re currently comparing.

Highest Rated

### HoneyBook

4.7 (689)

* * *

Starting Price

$36.00

Flat Rate,Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

* * *

User rating

94%

of reviewers  
rated it above 4 stars

* * *

### Wave

4.4 (1,730)

* * *

Starting Price

$19.00

Flat Rate,Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

* * *

User rating

87%

of reviewers  
rated it above 4 stars

* * *

### PaySimple

4.5 (298)

* * *

Starting Price

$69.95

Flat Rate,Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

* * *

User rating

90%

of reviewers  
rated it above 4 stars

* * *

### Acumatica Cloud ERP

4.4 (243)

* * *

Starting Price

Contact vendor for pricing

Free Trial

Free Version

* * *

User rating

92%

of reviewers  
rated it above 4 stars

* * *

## Reviewer verdict

Stripe

Stripe users find it best for businesses needing efficient, customizable payment processing with strong data security and detailed transaction tracking. Reviewers appreciate its integration with platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, and Xero, and value its transparent pricing and support for various payment methods. They note that Stripe is particularly suitable for small to medium-sized businesses seeking flexibility and comprehensive card processing, though some mention high fees and occasional account management issues.

PayPal

PayPal users consider it ideal for those prioritizing speed, global reach, and convenience in online payments. Reviewers highlight its user-friendly interface, robust security, and seamless integration with platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, and QuickBooks Online. They value PayPal for its wide acceptance, ease of managing multiple funding sources, and features that help reduce cart abandonment, though some mention high fees for international transactions and occasional account holds.

## Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation

Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. Our team has helped 1 million+ businesses like yours find options that fit their needs.

## Features comparison

When looking at payment processing tools like Stripe and PayPal, price is just one factor to consider. Understanding their features and differences can help determine which one best suits your needs, maximizing efficiency while avoiding unnecessary costs. Here's how they compare in key areas that matter most. \[[1](#source-item-1)\]

Key features rated by users

Features selected based on 46,880 reviews from Payment Processing users.  
about the Fit Score methodology.

Fit Score methodology

To calculate the Fit Score, our proprietary methodology factors in the following:

  

-   The importance level for each feature. By default, this is determined by user reviews. They can rate a feature Critical, High, Low, or Not Used.
-   Feedback from real users on how the product performs for each key feature, derived from verified user reviews and ratings.

  

Please note:

  

-   To calculate the Fit Score, the number of reviews for those features and the actual rating carry the same weight. You might see that, in some cases, even though the ratings are the same, we still determine a winner because it had more reviews.
-   If the Fit Score is not shown for a specific product, that only means there are currently not enough relevant data points to develop a meaningful score. It does not indicate that the product should be excluded from further evaluation.

Stripe

94%Fit

Feature ratings

Payment Processing

4.5

Data Security

4.6

Online Payments

4.7

Debit/Credit Card Processing

4.6

PayPal

100%Fit

High performer

Feature ratings

Payment Processing

4.6

Data Security

4.6

Online Payments

4.7

Debit/Credit Card Processing

4.5

Payment Processing

4.5 (710)

4.6 (3478)

Stripe users appreciate the platform's efficiency in handling multiple transactions daily, citing its detailed payment intent outlines and secure processing. They value the ability to process payments from various sources, including credit/debit cards and digital wallets, and they find the integration with websites seamless. However, some users report issues with delayed fund transfers and customer service. PayPal users, on the other hand, praise its reliability and speed in processing payments, noting that funds are often transferred instantly. They also appreciate its global reach and security measures, though some users mention high fees and occasional account holds. Overall, users find Stripe efficient and versatile for payment processing, while they value PayPal for its speed and reliability.

Data Security

4.6 (679)

4.6 (3228)

Stripe users express confidence in the platform's data security, highlighting its encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance with PCI standards. They appreciate not having to store sensitive user data themselves and report no issues with data breaches. PayPal users also commend its robust security measures, including encryption, fraud detection, and two-factor authentication. They feel secure using PayPal for transactions and appreciate its commitment to protecting user data. However, some users have experienced account hacks and issues with scam protection. In general, users trust both Stripe and PayPal for their strong data security measures, with Stripe users valuing its comprehensive protection and PayPal users appreciating its advanced security features.

Online Payments

4.7 (857)

4.7 (3819)

Stripe users find the platform effective for online payments, appreciating its ease of integration, customization options, and support for various payment methods. They note that it enhances business efficiency and customer convenience. However, some users mention high fees and issues with international payments. PayPal users value its convenience and global acceptance for online payments, highlighting its user-friendly interface and security features. They appreciate the ability to link multiple funding sources and the ease of making transactions. Some users, however, report high fees and occasional processing issues. Overall, users find Stripe effective and customizable for online payments, while they appreciate PayPal's convenience and widespread acceptance.

Debit/Credit Card Processing

4.6 (778)

4.5 (1956)

Stripe users appreciate the platform's ability to process a wide range of debit and credit cards, including support for recurring payments and detailed transaction records. They find it easy to set up and integrate with other systems, though some mention high processing fees. PayPal users also value its debit/credit card processing, noting its convenience, security, and ability to handle multiple cards. They appreciate the ease of making payments without re-entering card details, though some users find the fees high and have experienced issues with card linking. In summary, users find Stripe's card processing comprehensive and secure, while they appreciate PayPal's convenience and strong security measures.

## Pricing comparison

### Starting prices

Stripe

Contact vendor for pricing

PayPal

$0.29

Other

Not provided by vendor

Free Trial

Free Version

[View pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/pricing/)

### Value-for-money analysis

4.3 (3383)

4.5 (26663)

A dive into reviewer perceptions about the value for money of both Stripe and PayPal demonstrates that Stripe reviewers consider it to offer a comprehensive and flexible payment processing solution, while PayPal reviewers comment on its extensive features and security. Reviewers find Stripe's transparent pricing structure and lack of monthly fees appealing. They appreciate its integration capabilities with various platforms and the inclusion of features like subscriptions and international payments. Users also note that Stripe's competitive pricing and flat rates make it a good option for small to medium-sized businesses. However, some users mention that the fees can add up quickly, especially for small businesses or high-value transactions. With regard to PayPal, reviewers highlight its robust security features and wide range of payment options. They appreciate the competitive transaction rates and the discounts available for non-profits. Users also value PayPal's ease of use and the convenience it offers for both personal and business transactions. However, some users feel that the fees, especially for international transactions and currency conversions, can be high. They also mention occasional issues with customer service and hidden fees.

## Integrations

Popular Integrations

Compare available integrations between Stripe and PayPal.

### 123FormBuilder

Stripe

PayPal

### Volusion

Stripe

PayPal

### Squarespace

Stripe

PayPal

### Shift4Shop

Stripe

PayPal

### BigCommerce

Stripe

PayPal

### Shopify

Stripe

PayPal

### Xero

Stripe

PayPal

### Wufoo

Stripe

PayPal

Total Integrations

105

Shopify

Reviewers mention that Stripe integrates easily with Shopify, which they note simplifies the payment process for online stores and allows for seamless credit card transactions.

Squarespace

Users report that Stripe integrates smoothly with Squarespace, citing that it enables efficient payment processing for e-commerce sites and simplifies the setup for non-technical users.

Xero

Users state that Stripe integrates well with Xero, noting that it facilitates easy invoice payments and streamlines financial reconciliation for businesses.

Stripe Integrations (105)

-   [123FormBuilder](https://www.capterra.com/p/122770/123ContactForm/)
-   [ABC Glofox](https://www.capterra.com/p/136861/Glofox/)
-   [Accelevents](https://www.capterra.com/p/144596/Accelevents/)
-   [Accelo](https://www.capterra.com/p/225762/Accelo/)
-   [AccountsPortal](https://www.capterra.com/p/106821/AccountsPortal/)
-   [Attribution](https://www.capterra.com/p/147753/Attribution/)
-   [Avalara](https://www.capterra.com/p/75673/AvaTax/)
-   [Avaza](https://www.capterra.com/p/136096/Avaza/)
-   [Baremetrics](https://www.capterra.com/p/181846/Baremetrics/)
-   [BigCommerce](https://www.capterra.com/p/131883/Bigcommerce/)
-   [Bizness Apps](https://www.capterra.com/p/141178/Bizness-Apps/)
-   [Blinksale](https://www.capterra.com/p/60350/Blinksale/)
-   [Bookinglayer](https://www.capterra.com/p/133291/Bookinglayer/)
-   [Bookwhen](https://www.capterra.com/p/157881/Bookwhen/)
-   [Chargebee](https://www.capterra.com/p/131433/Chargebee/)
-   [ChargeKeep](https://www.capterra.com/p/176915/ChargeKeep/)
-   [ChartMogul](https://www.capterra.com/p/137740/ChartMogul/)
-   [Chatfuel](https://www.capterra.com/p/181770/Chatfuel/)
-   [Cheqbook](https://www.capterra.com/p/182165/Cheqbook/)
-   [ClickFunnels](https://www.capterra.com/p/156583/ClickFunnels/)
-   [Cloudbeds](https://www.capterra.com/p/158839/Cloudbeds/)
-   [Commence](https://www.capterra.com/p/576/Commence/)
-   [CoreCommerce](https://www.capterra.com/p/133039/CoreCommerce/)
-   [CrowdPower](https://www.capterra.com/p/206723/CrowdPower/)
-   [Cyclr](https://www.capterra.com/p/158623/Cyclr/)
-   [Databox](https://www.capterra.com/p/154024/Databox/)
-   [Descartes ShipRush](https://www.capterra.com/p/43273/ShipRush/)
-   [Docusign](https://www.capterra.com/p/121506/Docusign/)
-   [Ecwid](https://www.capterra.com/p/143648/Ecwid/)
-   [Elorus](https://www.capterra.com/p/152770/Elorus/)
-   [Eventcube](https://www.capterra.com/p/193900/Eventcube/)
-   [Expensify](https://www.capterra.com/p/97594/Expensify/)
-   [FormCrafts](https://www.capterra.com/p/211812/FormCrafts/)
-   [FreeAgent](https://www.capterra.com/p/122008/FreeAgent/)
-   [FreshBooks](https://www.capterra.com/p/142390/FreshBooks/)
-   [GoDaddy Website Builder](https://www.capterra.com/p/182500/GoDaddy-Website-Builder/)
-   [Gravity Forms](https://www.capterra.com/p/206381/Gravity-Forms/)
-   [Harvest](https://www.capterra.com/p/75598/Harvest/)
-   [Hiveage](https://www.capterra.com/p/129691/Hiveage/)
-   [IFTTT](https://www.capterra.com/p/186695/IFTTT/)
-   [Invoiced](https://www.capterra.com/p/222215/Invoiced/)
-   [InvoiceSherpa](https://www.capterra.com/p/154446/InvoiceSherpa/)
-   [Involve.me](https://www.capterra.com/p/241622/Involve-me/)
-   [Jotform](https://www.capterra.com/p/158456/JotForm-4-0/)
-   [Jumpseller](https://www.capterra.com/p/146737/Jumpseller/)
-   [Keap](https://www.capterra.com/p/76390/Infusionsoft/)
-   [Keen IO](https://www.capterra.com/p/174027/Keen-IO/)
-   [Leadpages](https://www.capterra.com/p/203635/Leadpages/)
-   [LeadsBridge](https://www.capterra.com/p/152361/LeadsBridge/)
-   [LearnWorlds](https://www.capterra.com/p/143513/LearnWorlds/)
-   [Lendio](https://www.capterra.com/p/154197/Sunrise/)
-   [LessAccounting](https://www.capterra.com/p/128885/LessAccounting/)
-   [MakePlans](https://www.capterra.com/p/126695/MakePlans/)
-   [MemberSpace](https://www.capterra.com/p/175540/MemberSpace/)
-   [MYFUNDBOX](https://www.capterra.com/p/194113/MYFUNDBOX/)
-   [Nomod](https://www.capterra.com/p/176749/Nomod/)
-   [Operations Hub](https://www.capterra.com/p/226298/PieSync/)
-   [PayDirt Payroll](https://www.capterra.com/p/133905/PayDirt-Payroll/)
-   [Payfunnels](https://www.capterra.com/p/184237/Payfunnels/)
-   [PayPal](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/)
-   [Payrexx](https://www.capterra.com/p/146610/Payrexx/)
-   [Paythen](https://www.capterra.com/p/229948/Paythen/)
-   [Pelcro](https://www.capterra.com/p/201287/Pelcro/)
-   [PushPress](https://www.capterra.com/p/172781/PushPress/)
-   [Quaderno](https://www.capterra.com/p/206395/Quaderno/)
-   [QuickBooks Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/190778/QuickBooks-Online/)
-   [Recurly](https://www.capterra.com/p/122700/Recurly-Subscription-Billing/)
-   [RentMy](https://www.capterra.com/p/182064/RentMy/)
-   [Rezgo](https://www.capterra.com/p/33729/Tour-Activity-Booking-System/)
-   [Sellfy](https://www.capterra.com/p/151412/Sellfy/)
-   [Sellsy](https://www.capterra.com/p/133104/Sellsy/)
-   [Shift4Shop](https://www.capterra.com/p/14378/3dcart-Shopping-Cart-Software/)
-   [ShipStation](https://www.capterra.com/p/155621/ShipStation/)
-   [Shopify](https://www.capterra.com/p/83891/Shopify/)
-   [SimpleSpa](https://www.capterra.com/p/46329/SimpleSpa/)
-   [Skedda](https://www.capterra.com/p/132372/Skedda-Bookings/)
-   [SkyPrep](https://www.capterra.com/p/127236/SkyPrep/)
-   [Slack](https://www.capterra.com/p/135003/Slack/)
-   [Slemma](https://www.capterra.com/p/153269/Slemma/)
-   [Squarespace](https://www.capterra.com/p/143461/Squarespace/)
-   [Statsbot](https://www.capterra.com/p/163616/Statsbot/)
-   [SurveySparrow](https://www.capterra.com/p/168823/SurveySparrow/)
-   [TalentLMS](https://www.capterra.com/p/132935/TalentLMS/)
-   [Tapfiliate](https://www.capterra.com/p/145773/Tapfiliate/)
-   [Ticket Tailor](https://www.capterra.com/p/112510/Ticket-Tailor/)
-   [Typeform](https://www.capterra.com/p/137289/Typeform/)
-   [UltraCart](https://www.capterra.com/p/99529/UltraCart/)
-   [Volusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/32398/Volusion-eCommerce/)
-   [Wave](https://www.capterra.com/p/178021/Wave-Apps/)
-   [Weebly](https://www.capterra.com/p/246168/Weebly/)
-   [WeTravel](https://www.capterra.com/p/163474/WeTravel/)
-   [WildApricot](https://www.capterra.com/p/76116/WildApricot/)
-   [Wishpond](https://www.capterra.com/p/145745/Wishpond/)
-   [Wix](https://www.capterra.com/p/169007/Wix/)
-   [WooCommerce](https://www.capterra.com/p/225601/WooCommerce/)
-   [Woopra](https://www.capterra.com/p/155465/Woopra/)
-   [WordPress](https://www.capterra.com/p/131687/WordPress/)
-   [Wufoo](https://www.capterra.com/p/224990/Wufoo/)
-   [Xero](https://www.capterra.com/p/120109/Xero/)
-   [Xola](https://www.capterra.com/p/132175/Xola-Booking-and-Marketing-System/)
-   [Zapier](https://www.capterra.com/p/130182/Zapier/)
-   [Zoho Backstage](https://www.capterra.com/p/178453/Zoho-Backstage/)
-   [Zoho Billing](https://www.capterra.com/p/231293/Zoho-Subscriptions/)
-   [Zoho Books](https://www.capterra.com/p/163115/Zoho-Books/)
-   [Zoho Invoice](https://www.capterra.com/p/163114/Zoho-Invoice/)

Total Integrations

53

Shopify

Reviewers mention that integrating PayPal with Shopify allows for seamless payment processing on e-commerce stores, which they note enhances customer convenience and trust, and supports global transactions.

WooCommerce

Users report that integrating PayPal with WooCommerce facilitates secure and reliable payment processing for online stores, which they say simplifies transactions and ensures customer confidence.

Wix

Reviewers state that integrating PayPal with Wix provides a secure and convenient payment option for e-commerce websites, which they indicate is critical for higher sales and customer satisfaction.

QuickBooks Online

Users say that integrating PayPal with QuickBooks Online automates transaction recording and reconciliation, which they note improves bookkeeping accuracy and streamlines financial management.

PayPal Integrations (53)

-   [123FormBuilder](https://www.capterra.com/p/122770/123ContactForm/)
-   [17hats](https://www.capterra.com/p/144328/17hats/)
-   [Acuity Scheduling](https://www.capterra.com/p/191978/Acuity-Scheduling/)
-   [AthletaDesk](https://www.capterra.com/p/167629/AthletaDesk/)
-   [BetterUnite](https://www.capterra.com/p/172631/BetterUnite/)
-   [BigCommerce](https://www.capterra.com/p/131883/Bigcommerce/)
-   [Cash App](https://www.capterra.com/p/246167/Cash-App/)
-   [Chargebee](https://www.capterra.com/p/131433/Chargebee/)
-   [Cognito Forms](https://www.capterra.com/p/138990/Cognito-Forms/)
-   [commercetools](https://www.capterra.com/p/174960/commercetools/)
-   [Constant Contact](https://www.capterra.com/p/31898/Constant-Contact/)
-   [Donorbox](https://www.capterra.com/p/156860/Donorbox/)
-   [Ecwid](https://www.capterra.com/p/143648/Ecwid/)
-   [Formsite](https://www.capterra.com/p/118995/Formsite/)
-   [Fundraise Up](https://www.capterra.com/p/174380/Fundraise-Up-Online-Giving-Widget/)
-   [GiveSmart](https://www.capterra.com/p/130794/GiveSmart/)
-   [GiveWP](https://www.capterra.com/p/10007439/GiveWP/)
-   [Google Pay](https://www.capterra.com/p/212826/Google-Pay/)
-   [Gravity Forms](https://www.capterra.com/p/206381/Gravity-Forms/)
-   [Invoice Simple](https://www.capterra.com/p/165683/Invoice-Simple/)
-   [Invoice2go](https://www.capterra.com/p/81858/Invoice2go/)
-   [Joist](https://www.capterra.com/p/230138/Joist/)
-   [Jotform](https://www.capterra.com/p/158456/JotForm-4-0/)
-   [Keap](https://www.capterra.com/p/76390/Infusionsoft/)
-   [Miva](https://www.capterra.com/p/83913/Miva-Merchant/)
-   [Ninja Forms](https://www.capterra.com/p/204315/Ninja-Forms/)
-   [nopCommerce](https://www.capterra.com/p/148685/nopCommerce/)
-   [OpenCart](https://www.capterra.com/p/143516/OpenCart/)
-   [Paymo](https://www.capterra.com/p/137033/Paymo/)
-   [Payoneer](https://www.capterra.com/p/187086/Payoneer/)
-   [PayPal Enterprise Payments](https://www.capterra.com/p/213069/Braintree/)
-   [QuickBooks Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/190778/QuickBooks-Online/)
-   [REPAY](https://www.capterra.com/p/246248/REPAY/)
-   [RocketRez](https://www.capterra.com/p/146552/RocketRez/)
-   [Salesforce Commerce Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/180822/Salesforce-Commerce-Cloud/)
-   [Shift4Shop](https://www.capterra.com/p/14378/3dcart-Shopping-Cart-Software/)
-   [Shopify](https://www.capterra.com/p/83891/Shopify/)
-   [Shopware](https://www.capterra.com/p/145605/Shopware/)
-   [Spreedly](https://www.capterra.com/p/114956/Spreedly/)
-   [Squarespace](https://www.capterra.com/p/143461/Squarespace/)
-   [Stripe](https://www.capterra.com/p/123889/Stripe/)
-   [SubscriptionFlow](https://www.capterra.com/p/197713/SubscriptionFlow/)
-   [TutorBird](https://www.capterra.com/p/181623/TutorBird/)
-   [UltraCart](https://www.capterra.com/p/99529/UltraCart/)
-   [Venmo](https://www.capterra.com/p/222572/Venmo-/)
-   [Volusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/32398/Volusion-eCommerce/)
-   [Wix](https://www.capterra.com/p/169007/Wix/)
-   [WooCommerce](https://www.capterra.com/p/225601/WooCommerce/)
-   [WordPress](https://www.capterra.com/p/131687/WordPress/)
-   [Wufoo](https://www.capterra.com/p/224990/Wufoo/)
-   [X-Cart](https://www.capterra.com/p/33849/X-Cart/)
-   [Xero](https://www.capterra.com/p/120109/Xero/)
-   [Zuora](https://www.capterra.com/p/84232/Z-Billing/)

For each product, we show you the most common integrations according to our user reviews and analyze themes in what reviewers say to highlight what you need to know.

## How does the user experience compare on Stripe vs PayPal?

### Overall rating

4.6 (3383)

4.6 (26663)

### User interface

Stripe

PayPal

### Customer service and support

Stripe

Email/Help Desk

FAQs/Forum

Knowledge Base

Phone Support

24/7 (Live rep)

Chat

PayPal

Email/Help Desk

FAQs/Forum

Knowledge Base

Phone Support

24/7 (Live rep)

Chat

## What users say about the pros and cons of Stripe vs PayPal

Stripe and PayPal are two software tools that have been evaluated and reviewed on Capterra by verified reviewers. Read genuine feedback from users to see how Stripe compares to PayPal and decide which one is the best fit for your needs. Users appreciate Stripe for its efficient payment processing, intuitive dashboards, and real-time transaction tracking. They also value its ability to handle various card payments and the ease of integration with other software. When it comes to PayPal, reviewers highlight its secure payment processing, user-friendly interface, and the convenience of managing card payments. They also appreciate its purchase and sales management features, which help streamline business operations and reduce cart abandonment rates. When it comes to cons, Stripe users mention high transaction fees, account management issues, and confusing subscription pricing. Meanwhile, PayPal users report problems with money transfers, slow issue resolution, and high transaction fees. \[[2](#source-item-2)\]

Pros

Stripe

JW

Jacob W

Owner OperatorDesign, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months.

“As a freelancer, it is fantastic to be able to assign services, automatically allow my clients to pay for them, and even allows me to utilize retainer situations.“

March 29, 2026

Ls

Louis s

CTOReal Estate, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“What I appreciate the most is the developer-friendly API and the extensive documentation, which makes integration straightforward, whether you're handling one-off payments, The wide range of supported payment methods (cards, SEPA, BANK transfers, etc.)“

May 22, 2026

PayPal

Melanie M

CoachConsumer Services, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“The free version gives me plenty of options, including creating a custom PayPal.me link which makes sharing my business with others even easier. Whenever I've needed to reach out to customer support, the messaging system feels a bit dated but, thankfully, I usually hear back same day.“

April 11, 2026

CD

Cody D

Performance HeadMarketing and Advertising, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months.

“Paypal easily adds my bank account and make secure payment using the email and the otp , even after i do my payment i got the invoice receipt over the email which is so useful for me.“

July 8, 2026

Cons

Stripe

TL

Tenequia L

ParalegalLegal Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months.

“The only thing I didn’t like is that I was not able to send invoices out to where the client can just click the link and make payment instead of having to go find the stripe application“

July 23, 2026

Ashish T

OwnerMarketing and Advertising, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months.

“My experience has been disappointing. While the platform works well initially, the risk management and compliance process can result in sudden account closures and prolonged fund holds.“

April 14, 2026

PayPal

Joe H

Founder and PrincipalHospitality, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“In using the debit card, or if you use it as a bank account, it will sometimes randomly decline transactions (which can be super embarrassing), and even make transfers seem impossible because of another financial institution… when in reality, PayPal is the culprit.“

May 6, 2026

BZ

Briana Z

Art InstructorArts and Crafts, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years.

“Accessing PayPal statements for PayPal Credit can be tricky- the bug is the page often won't load and the site encounters issues and error messages when trying to download statements.“

June 12, 2026

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Sources

1.  Our research team identified features from vendor websites based on their analysis of what users find valuable or expect from payment processing software. This list is not exhaustive. For additional features, refer to the vendor’s website.
    
2.  Review excerpts are passages extracted from longer reviews written by verified reviewers. We obtain these excerpts by applying an algorithm that considers factors including, but not limited to, length, topic coverage, and thematic relevance. Excerpts are evaluated for positive or negative sentiment and receive a sentiment score. They represent user opinion and do not represent the views of, nor constitute, an endorsement by Capterra or its affiliates. Excerpts are not edited for clarity or grammar.
    

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