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Free Stripe alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

2 of the 10 Stripe alternatives we track can be used for free (free, open source, or with a free plan). Lemon Squeezy and PayPal rank highest, with facts last verified Nov 8, 2026.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Lemon Squeezy logoLemon SqueezyFree—NoWeb4 of 454.4
2PayPal logoPayPalFree plan + paid—NoWeb, iOS, Android8 of 850.0
  1. Lemon Squeezy logo

    1. Lemon SqueezyTop pick

    Best for: Indie software makers who want global tax handled for them

    FreeWeb

    54.4

    score / 100

    Why switch from Stripe

    Merchant-of-record checkout aimed at indie software and digital product sellers.

    Pros

    • Handles global sales tax and VAT as merchant of record
    • Subscriptions and licence keys built in
    • No monthly fee

    Cons

    • Per-transaction fees higher than plain payment processing
    • Future direction uncertain after the Stripe acquisition
    • Storefront options are basic
    Visit Lemon Squeezy Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.352
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Lemon Squeezy a good Stripe alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Transaction fee
    5% + 50¢
    Checked Nov 8, 2026lemonsqueezy.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Monthly fee
    None for ecommerce features
    Checked Nov 8, 2026lemonsqueezy.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Merchant of record
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026lemonsqueezy.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Stripe update
    Migration path to Stripe Managed Payments
    Checked Nov 8, 2026lemonsqueezy.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. PayPal logo

    2. PayPal

    Best for: People who pay online often or send money to friends across iPhone and Android

    Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android

    50.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from Stripe

    Buyers already know and trust the PayPal button, and it works in many markets without building a custom checkout.

    Pros

    • Accepted at a very large number of online stores
    • Works on any phone and in the browser
    • Purchase Protection on eligible purchases

    Cons

    • Fees on some transfers, currency conversion and receiving payments
    • Not a full tap-to-pay phone wallet in most countries
    • Features like Pay Later and crypto vary by country
    Visit PayPal Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.338
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is PayPal a good Stripe alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Account cost
    Free to open
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    iOS, Android
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Buy now, pay later
    Pay in 4, Pay Monthly (US)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Buyer protection
    Purchase Protection
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    PayPal Checkout fee
    3.49% + fixed fee (US)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Card payments fee
    2.99% + fixed fee (US)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Fixed fee
    $0.49 per US dollar transaction
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    International fee
    Extra 1.50% on international commercial payments
    Checked Nov 8, 2026paypal.com(opens source in a new tab)