Stripe vs Braintree
Stripe is payment processing platform with powerful APIs for online payments, subscriptions, and marketplaces, while Braintree is payPal's payment gateway for online and mobile payments with support for multiple payment methods. Stripe is built for developers wanting the best payment api, whereas Braintree targets businesses that need paypal, venmo, and credit card processing in one integration.
| Feature | Stripe | Braintree |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Connect | ✓ | — |
| Drop-in UI | — | ✓ |
| Fraud protection | — | ✓ |
| Invoicing | ✓ | — |
| PayPal integration | — | ✓ |
| Payment processing | — | ✓ |
| Payments API | ✓ | — |
| Subscriptions | ✓ | — |
| Venmo | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Both Stripe and Braintree are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.
Feature gaps: Stripe offers Connect, Invoicing and Payments API that Braintree lacks. Braintree brings Drop-in UI, Fraud protection and PayPal integration that Stripe does not have.
Where each tool shines: Stripe's biggest strengths are: includes payments api as a core feature, purpose-built for payment processing workflows. includes subscriptions as a core feature, purpose-built for payment processing workflows. Braintree's biggest strengths are: paypal, venmo, and card payments in one integration. drop-in ui makes implementation fast.
Watch out for: With Stripe, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With Braintree, the main complaint is that owned by paypal — some businesses prefer independent providers.
choose Stripe if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting the best payment api
- You specifically need Connect and Invoicing
- You care about includes subscriptions as a core feature, purpose-built for payment processing workflows
- The free tier works for you: no monthly fees
choose Braintree if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: businesses that need paypal, venmo, and credit card processing in one integration
- You specifically need Drop-in UI and Fraud protection
- You care about drop-in ui makes implementation fast
frequently asked
What is the difference between Stripe and Braintree?
Stripe is payment processing platform with powerful APIs for online payments, subscriptions, and marketplaces, while Braintree is payPal's payment gateway for online and mobile payments with support for multiple payment methods. Stripe is built for developers wanting the best payment api, whereas Braintree targets businesses that need paypal, venmo, and credit card processing in one integration.
Should I use Stripe or Braintree?
Stripe is built for developers wanting the best payment api. Braintree is built for businesses that need paypal, venmo, and credit card processing in one integration. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Stripe over Braintree?
Choose Stripe if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting the best payment api; You specifically need Connect and Invoicing; You care about includes subscriptions as a core feature, purpose-built for payment processing workflows; The free tier works for you: no monthly fees.
When should I choose Braintree over Stripe?
Choose Braintree if Your profile matches its sweet spot: businesses that need paypal, venmo, and credit card processing in one integration; You specifically need Drop-in UI and Fraud protection; You care about drop-in ui makes implementation fast.
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