🏆 Quick Verdict
Stripe is the industry standard. Paddle handles taxes and billing for you.
📊 Feature Comparison
| Feature | Stripe | Paddle |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 2.9% + 30¢ | 5% + 50¢ |
| Tax Handling | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Invoicing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Subscriptions | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
💰 Pricing Comparison
- ✓ 2.9% + 30¢/transaction
- ✓ Custom pricing for enterprise
- ✓ 5% + 50¢/transaction
- ✓ 3% + 20¢/transaction (US only)
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
Stripe
✅ Pros
- Developer-friendly
- Best documentation
- Market standard
❌ Cons
- Need handle taxes
- Account freezes
Paddle
✅ Pros
- Handles everything
- Global payments
- SaaS focus
❌ Cons
- Higher fees
- Less control
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small teams?
For small teams (under 10 people), Stripe typically offers better value with its intuitive interface and affordable pricing.
Can I switch from one platform to the other?
Both platforms offer data migration tools. Most users can migrate within a few hours, though the complexity depends on your data volume.
Do they offer free trials?
Yes, both platforms offer free trials: Stripe (14 days) and Paddle (14 days).
Which has better customer support?
Both offer email and chat support. Enterprise plans include dedicated support representatives.
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📅 Last updated: March 2026 · 🔄 Next update: April 2026 · 📊 Data sources: Official pricing pages, G2, Capterra, TrustRadius