Quick Overview
- 1#1: Stripe - Developer-friendly payment processing platform with APIs for seamless online payments, subscriptions, and invoicing.
- 2#2: PayPal - Global online payment system enabling businesses to accept credit cards, PayPal, and other methods on websites.
- 3#3: Adyen - Unified commerce platform for processing payments across online, mobile, and in-store channels with global reach.
- 4#4: Braintree - PayPal-owned payment gateway offering drop-in UI, advanced fraud tools, and support for multiple payment methods.
- 5#5: Square - All-in-one payment processing and business management software for websites and e-commerce integrations.
- 6#6: Authorize.Net - Reliable payment gateway for accepting credit cards and eChecks with robust security and reporting features.
- 7#7: Checkout.com - Modern payment gateway with direct acquiring, smart routing, and advanced analytics for high-volume web transactions.
- 8#8: Mollie - European payment service provider offering simple integrations for iDEAL, SEPA, cards, and more on websites.
- 9#9: Worldpay - Global payments platform supporting omnichannel commerce with fraud prevention and multi-currency capabilities.
- 10#10: Rapyd - Unified payments API platform providing access to global payment methods, wallets, and banking rails for web apps.
We evaluated these tools based on functionality (including support for diverse payment methods), security, ease of use, and value, ensuring each entry stands out for its ability to adapt to modern business demands.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right web payment software requires evaluating features, costs, and usability, and this table breaks down top tools like Stripe, PayPal, Adyen, Braintree, Square, and more. It compares core functionalities, pricing models, and ideal use cases, helping businesses identify the best fit for their operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stripe Developer-friendly payment processing platform with APIs for seamless online payments, subscriptions, and invoicing. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | PayPal Global online payment system enabling businesses to accept credit cards, PayPal, and other methods on websites. | other | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Adyen Unified commerce platform for processing payments across online, mobile, and in-store channels with global reach. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Braintree PayPal-owned payment gateway offering drop-in UI, advanced fraud tools, and support for multiple payment methods. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Square All-in-one payment processing and business management software for websites and e-commerce integrations. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Authorize.Net Reliable payment gateway for accepting credit cards and eChecks with robust security and reporting features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Checkout.com Modern payment gateway with direct acquiring, smart routing, and advanced analytics for high-volume web transactions. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Mollie European payment service provider offering simple integrations for iDEAL, SEPA, cards, and more on websites. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Worldpay Global payments platform supporting omnichannel commerce with fraud prevention and multi-currency capabilities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Rapyd Unified payments API platform providing access to global payment methods, wallets, and banking rails for web apps. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
Developer-friendly payment processing platform with APIs for seamless online payments, subscriptions, and invoicing.
Global online payment system enabling businesses to accept credit cards, PayPal, and other methods on websites.
Unified commerce platform for processing payments across online, mobile, and in-store channels with global reach.
PayPal-owned payment gateway offering drop-in UI, advanced fraud tools, and support for multiple payment methods.
All-in-one payment processing and business management software for websites and e-commerce integrations.
Reliable payment gateway for accepting credit cards and eChecks with robust security and reporting features.
Modern payment gateway with direct acquiring, smart routing, and advanced analytics for high-volume web transactions.
European payment service provider offering simple integrations for iDEAL, SEPA, cards, and more on websites.
Global payments platform supporting omnichannel commerce with fraud prevention and multi-currency capabilities.
Unified payments API platform providing access to global payment methods, wallets, and banking rails for web apps.
Stripe
specializedDeveloper-friendly payment processing platform with APIs for seamless online payments, subscriptions, and invoicing.
Stripe Connect, enabling platforms to manage payments, payouts, and compliance for marketplaces effortlessly
Stripe is a leading payment processing platform that enables businesses to accept online payments, manage subscriptions, send invoices, and handle payouts globally. It provides powerful APIs and pre-built tools for seamless integration into websites, mobile apps, and platforms. With support for over 135 currencies and numerous payment methods, Stripe powers millions of companies from startups to enterprises.
Pros
- Exceptional developer tools and APIs for custom integrations
- Comprehensive global payment support with 135+ currencies
- Advanced fraud prevention via Stripe Radar
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume businesses
- Steeper learning curve for non-developers
- Premium support requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Developers and online businesses building scalable, customizable payment solutions.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go starting at 2.9% + $0.30 per successful card transaction; volume discounts and custom pricing for enterprises.
PayPal
otherGlobal online payment system enabling businesses to accept credit cards, PayPal, and other methods on websites.
One-click checkout with stored payment methods across a vast user network for frictionless payments
PayPal is a leading web payment software platform that allows businesses to securely accept online payments from customers worldwide using credit/debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal balances, and alternative methods. It provides easy-to-integrate tools like payment buttons, APIs, hosted checkout pages, invoicing, and subscription billing for e-commerce sites and apps. With strong fraud protection and buyer/seller guarantees, it's a cornerstone for digital transactions.
Pros
- Massive global user base with over 400 million accounts for high conversion rates
- Comprehensive security features including fraud detection and Purchase Protection
- Seamless integrations with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce
Cons
- Transaction fees can add up at 2.9% + $0.30 per sale plus currency conversion charges
- Occasional account limitations or holds that frustrate sellers
- Dashboard interface feels dated and overwhelming for beginners
Best For
E-commerce businesses and online merchants seeking trusted, international payment processing with broad customer acceptance.
Pricing
Free to sign up; standard fees of 2.9% + $0.30 per online transaction, lower for some integrations, with additional charges for international sales and micropayments.
Adyen
enterpriseUnified commerce platform for processing payments across online, mobile, and in-store channels with global reach.
RevenueProtect AI-driven fraud detection and optimization that dynamically boosts approval rates
Adyen is a global payment platform that provides a unified solution for accepting payments online, in-app, and in physical stores through a single integration. It supports over 250 payment methods across 200+ countries, with advanced fraud detection, revenue optimization, and data insights to help enterprises scale efficiently. Designed for high-volume merchants, Adyen optimizes authorization rates and manages complex international transactions seamlessly.
Pros
- Supports 250+ payment methods globally with local acquiring
- Advanced fraud prevention and risk management tools
- Unified platform for online, mobile, and POS payments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for integration and setup
- Pricing lacks transparency and favors high-volume users
- Overkill and costly for small businesses
Best For
Large enterprises and high-volume e-commerce platforms needing scalable global payment processing.
Pricing
Interchange++ transaction-based pricing with no setup or monthly fees; custom quotes based on volume, typically starting at 0.1% + €0.11 per transaction for enterprises.
Braintree
specializedPayPal-owned payment gateway offering drop-in UI, advanced fraud tools, and support for multiple payment methods.
Native PayPal and Venmo one-touch payments with seamless marketplace facilitation
Braintree, owned by PayPal, is a robust payment gateway for web and mobile applications, enabling businesses to accept credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, and over 130 currencies globally. It provides developer tools like SDKs, a customizable Drop-in UI, and the Vault for secure payment method storage, supporting one-time, recurring, and marketplace payments. Advanced features include fraud detection via Braintree Fraud Protection and PCI DSS Level 1 compliance for secure transactions.
Pros
- Extensive payment method support including PayPal, Venmo, and digital wallets
- Developer-friendly SDKs and Drop-in UI for quick integration
- Strong security with Fraud Protection and customer tokenization via Vault
Cons
- Transaction fees can be costly for very low-volume merchants
- Requires coding knowledge for advanced customizations
- Customer support leans heavily on self-service documentation
Best For
Mid-to-large e-commerce businesses and developers building scalable online stores or marketplaces needing multi-payment method support.
Pricing
No setup or monthly fees; standard pricing at 2.59% + $0.49 per transaction, with volume discounts and custom plans for enterprises.
Square
otherAll-in-one payment processing and business management software for websites and e-commerce integrations.
Instant payment links for sharing secure checkouts without needing a website
Square is a user-friendly payment processing platform that enables businesses to accept web payments via customizable online checkouts, payment links, embedded APIs, and a free online store builder. It supports major credit/debit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, ACH, and Afterpay, with seamless integration for e-commerce sites. The platform unifies online and in-person sales in a single dashboard, offering real-time analytics and no monthly fees for basic use.
Pros
- No monthly fees and pay-per-transaction pricing
- Quick setup with payment links and easy website embeds
- Strong omnichannel support for online and in-person sales
Cons
- Higher transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢ online) than some enterprise alternatives
- Limited advanced customization and reporting in free tier
- Geographic restrictions outside US, Canada, and select countries
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking simple, reliable web payments without upfront costs or technical expertise.
Pricing
No monthly fees; 2.9% + 30¢ per online card transaction, 2.6% + 10¢ keyed-in; Square Online free with premium plans from $29/mo.
Authorize.Net
specializedReliable payment gateway for accepting credit cards and eChecks with robust security and reporting features.
Customer Information Manager (CIM) for secure tokenization and simplified recurring billing without storing sensitive data
Authorize.Net is a long-established payment gateway owned by Visa, providing secure online payment processing for credit cards, ACH transfers, eChecks, and more. It supports seamless integrations with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, along with features for recurring billing, fraud prevention, and customer data management. Ideal for businesses seeking reliable, enterprise-grade transaction handling, it emphasizes PCI compliance and high-volume scalability.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with major e-commerce platforms
- Robust fraud detection and PCI DSS compliance
- Reliable uptime and scalability for high-volume merchants
Cons
- Dated user interface and dashboard
- Higher transaction fees compared to newer competitors like Stripe
- Setup can be complex for non-technical users
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise e-commerce businesses needing dependable, feature-rich payment processing with strong security.
Pricing
Gateway fee starts at $25/month; transaction fees typically 2.9% + $0.30 for card-not-present, plus optional add-ons like $10/month for advanced fraud tools.
Checkout.com
enterpriseModern payment gateway with direct acquiring, smart routing, and advanced analytics for high-volume web transactions.
Intelligent Payment Optimization that dynamically routes transactions for maximum acceptance and revenue recovery
Checkout.com is a robust payment gateway platform designed for online businesses, enabling seamless acceptance of payments across 150+ currencies and 100+ payment methods worldwide. It provides tools for fraud prevention, payment optimization, and detailed analytics to help merchants scale operations. The platform emphasizes developer-friendly APIs and customizable checkout experiences for enterprise-level integration.
Pros
- Extensive global payment method support including local alternatives
- Advanced fraud detection and optimization routing for higher acceptance rates
- Scalable infrastructure with strong API documentation for custom integrations
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and opaque without clear tiers
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users due to API focus
- Customer support can be slower for smaller merchants
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise e-commerce businesses seeking global payment processing with high customization and scalability.
Pricing
Custom pricing via quote; typically 1-2.9% + €0.20-€0.25 per transaction, volume discounts available, no setup fees.
Mollie
specializedEuropean payment service provider offering simple integrations for iDEAL, SEPA, cards, and more on websites.
Comprehensive suite of Europe-specific payment methods including iDEAL, Bancontact, and Giropay for higher conversion rates
Mollie is a European-focused payment gateway that enables online businesses to accept a wide range of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, iDEAL, SEPA Direct Debit, and more than 30 options tailored for Europe. It offers straightforward API integration, automated payouts, subscription management, and fraud prevention tools, making it suitable for e-commerce, marketplaces, and SaaS platforms. With no setup or monthly fees, Mollie emphasizes pay-per-transaction pricing and fast settlements, primarily serving merchants in the EU.
Pros
- Broad support for local European payment methods like iDEAL and SEPA
- Transparent transaction-based pricing with no fixed fees
- Developer-friendly API and plugins for major platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce
Cons
- Limited availability outside Europe compared to global giants like Stripe
- Customer support primarily via email/tickets, lacking phone options
- Higher fees for some international card transactions
Best For
European e-commerce businesses and developers seeking localized payment options with easy integration.
Pricing
Pay-per-transaction only (e.g., €0.25 + 1.8% for cards, 1.2% + €0.25 for iDEAL); no setup, monthly, or hidden fees; volume discounts available.
Worldpay
enterpriseGlobal payments platform supporting omnichannel commerce with fraud prevention and multi-currency capabilities.
Support for 300+ payment types and seamless multi-currency processing in 126 currencies
Worldpay is a robust payment gateway platform that enables businesses to accept online, in-store, and mobile payments across 146 countries and 126 currencies. It supports over 300 payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and local alternatives, while offering advanced fraud detection and tokenization for security. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce sites, POS systems, and enterprise software, making it suitable for high-volume transactions.
Pros
- Extensive global payment method support (300+ options)
- Advanced fraud prevention and PCI DSS compliance
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level transaction volumes
Cons
- Complex and opaque pricing structure requiring custom quotes
- Steep learning curve for setup and integration
- Customer support can be slow for smaller merchants
Best For
Large e-commerce enterprises with international operations needing comprehensive, scalable payment processing.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on volume; typically interchange-plus rates starting around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, with monthly gateway fees from $20-$100+.
Rapyd
specializedUnified payments API platform providing access to global payment methods, wallets, and banking rails for web apps.
Rapyd Issuing: Instant issuance of virtual and physical cards for payouts, refunds, or customer rewards directly through the platform
Rapyd is a global fintech platform providing a unified API for payments, payouts, card issuing, and banking services, enabling businesses to handle transactions in over 150 countries with 100+ payment methods. It supports web-based integrations for e-commerce, marketplaces, and SaaS applications, offering tools for fraud prevention, compliance, and multi-currency management. Designed for scalability, it allows seamless expansion into international markets without multiple vendor integrations.
Pros
- Extensive global coverage with 100+ payment methods and multi-currency support
- All-in-one platform including payments, card issuing, and payouts via single API
- Robust compliance, KYC/AML tools, and fraud detection built-in
Cons
- Pricing is custom quote-based with limited transparency
- Steep learning curve for non-developers due to API-heavy integration
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent for smaller clients
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises and fintechs scaling cross-border e-commerce or marketplaces requiring comprehensive global payment infrastructure.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on volume; transaction fees start around 1-3% + fixed fees, with no public tiers—contact sales for quotes.
Conclusion
The reviewed web payment software offers solutions tailored to varied needs, from developer-friendly integrations to global omnichannel processing. Stripe stands out as the clear top choice, excelling in seamless online payments, subscriptions, and invoicing via robust APIs. PayPal and Adyen follow closely, with PayPal's global reach and Adyen's unified cross-channel capabilities proving strong alternatives for different business requirements.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your web transactions—dive into Stripe’s powerful tools to simplify payments, scale your operations, and enhance customer trust.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison