An in-depth comparison between Stripe as well as. Paddle vs.

Feb 10, 2023

to help you decide between Stripe or. Paddle. , this guide compares:

  • What parts of the cycle of payment each software provides a solution to (e.g. the processing of payments collecting and remitting tax in addition to subscription management) as well as what additional software that you'll require to integrate into your technology stack.
  • Which businesses and industries each provides.

Then, we provide details on how you can compare the most important choices like reporting and checkout. We also provide testimonials from customers and case reviews of every service.

In simple terms, Stripe primarily deals with processing payments. Paddle and Paddle handle payment processing, subscription management in addition to collecting and remitting taxes, fraud protection, and much more without requirement for additional software.

Table of Contents

NOTE: Information in this article is current at the time of writing but can alter.

Which areas of the lifecycle of payments are you able to handle and which other applications do you need for a comprehensive payment solution?

Stripe is a processing firm.

Stripe is the most popular as a payment processor, which means they help you collect information about your payments and have them accepted. They also offer a few fundamental features that can help you manage your subscription, fraud detection, invoices and much more.

These extra features may meet the needs of some early-stage start-ups, however, most businesses will need more choices. In the end, you'll require additional software to handle the complex payment requirements, take on different payment methods across the globe, or make your own checkout system. Luckily, most developers can integrate Stripe with different programs (however, you have to be able to pay for each in its own way).

Most companies using Stripe will also require staff responsible for sales tax (and VAT) as well as compliance with the regulatory standards. Although Stripe takes sales tax and VAT on behalf of your company however, you're accountable to pay it. If you commit a mistake by submitting these taxes to the incorrect amount, at the wrong time , or using an incorrect technique there could be penalties and losses in money. (More on this subject later. )

Furthermore, you'll be required to keep up to date and observing the local laws and regulations in the areas where you've got customers. It's a big task for any business, which is why most companies allocate an entire section to the work.

: The Entire Payment Lifecycle

  • A variety of payment processors (which improves authorization rates and lets you conduct transactions globally).
  • A flexible management of subscriptions and tools to manage recurring billing.
  • B2B electronic invoicing.
  • Modern methods of fraud detection.
  • Flexible checkout (down to the pixel).
  • Analytical and report reports which are thorough.
  • Plus much plus.

It will be possible to control every step of the payment lifecycle through your credit card without having to add additional headcounts or software.

Paddle: A large portion of the lifecycle of a payment

Paddle provides solutions for payment process, managing subscriptions and the detection of fraud and offers more advanced options than Stripe's. But it is true that some of its functions are not as robust as Stripe's capabilities. Particularly the checkout options are much more flexible than the options for checkout offered by Paddle (more on this later).

If Paddle isn't able to provide the capabilities it needs it could be necessary to install additional software or move to a different software.

Like Paddle , Paddle is an MoR.

What kind of business and Which Industries Can Use the Platforms?

With Stripe, You Can: Nearly Any Business

It is a great alternative for businesses that is in any field. However, SaaS companies will inevitably face some difficulties when using Stripe.

We've already mentioned that businesses using Stripe have the sole responsibility of making payments for VAT and sales tax. It used to be true that SaaS businesses didn't need to remit sales tax or VAT, but a lot of states and nations are introducing (and rigorously enforcement of) legislation that requires SaaS firms to pay VAT or sales tax.

Here are two examples:

  • 1 January 2015 , on the 1st January 2015 1 January 2015, the European Union began requiring software sellers to collect and pay VAT according to the location of the buyer instead of the location of the seller's company or employees.
  • In the year of 2018 2018, The United States Supreme Court has ruled that states could charge sales tax on transactions with sellers not in the state (including those selling on the internet) however the seller's location isn't with a physical presence in the state which taxes.

Being aware of and adhering to ever evolving tax law isn't easy. It's the reason SaaS businesses (and companies that sell digital products) should opt for a solution like that will take care of remitting sales tax and VAT for you.

: B2C and B2B SaaS or Digital Goods Companies

For more than 20 years and counting, it has provided services to B2B and B2C companies that offer SaaS and digital products and software which is downloadable:

3,200+ SaaS and Software Companies Trust

Paddle B2C SaaS

Paddle is serving SaaS businesses for more than ten years. Paddle's platform is better suited for B2C companies, however they're working to add other features to B2B businesses, like automated billing.

Paddle will soon offer B2B billing and invoicing

If adding B2B features is in the near future, the features could be in place at the time when you'll require them. But, if you're already offering B2B products, then you may want consider a different product that includes functional B2B functions ('s Digital Invoicing tool for B2B has been running for some time).

In the next section, we'll examine Stripe vs. and. Paddle, based on specific attributes.

Features and functions

Payment Processing (Payment Methods, Currencies, and more)

Stripe

For Stripe to begin accepting payments Stripe must configure each site to use the currencies and payment options that you wish to provide for that specific location. Once set to go live, Stripe will automatically convert prices of the products and display the correct option for payment as well as currency when you checkout.

Stripe supports 135+ currencies.

It is possible to accept payments via major credit card networks (including MasterCard and Visa) as well as bank transfers and vouchers, as well as popular wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The company doesn't offer assistance for PayPal.

Stripe will also allow in-person transactions using the Stripe Terminal and mobile SDKs.

It makes it simple for SaaS as well as e-commerce businesses to accept payment in a variety of types of currencies and popular payments methods across the globe. Instead of having to set up every payment method individually, merchants can switch to local payment, and begin accepting global payments right away.

 Global Payments: Visa, Discover, Mastercard, PayPal, Amazon Pay, etc.

While Stripe automatically converts the price into the local currency, it offers more freedom:

  • You can let you handle the exchanges, oryou can select a cost for all of your items in all or more of the currency.
  • You can allow the user to select which currency is appropriate to use based on their location and location. You may choose the right currency for each region, or you allow the user to choose the currency they prefer. supports 23+ currencies.

With it, customers are able to pay using:

  • Credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB and UnionPay.
  • ACH.
  • SEPA Direct Debit.
  • Wire transfers.
  • Wallets including PayPal, Apple Pay, Amazon, Alipay, and several more.
 Payment Methods: Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, ACH Direct Debit, SEPA Direct Debit

Payouts are more successful rate when the payment gateway is situated in the exact same area as the buyer. Automatically routes online payment transactions to the merchant with the highest level of payment authorization for both the method of payment and place of the payment.

Furthermore, the use of multiple payment gateways solves most failed payment issues which are the result of difficulties with the network. If the payment gateway experiences a technical issue, it will attempt to complete the transaction with an alternative payment method without the team needing move the finger.

Bonus: Work with Sift

The company is in charge of the fraud and risk aspects (including chargebacks). We partner together with Sift the world's market leader in risk analysis as well as fraud prevention to make your transactions secure. Sift uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to:

  • Improve the accuracy of the fraud-related decision making.
  • Increase approval rates and result in less false positives.
  • Be sure that any bad actors are stopped before the transaction has even executed.

Furthermore, the bloc prohibits transactions with countries and jurisdictions where companies cannot currently do business.

Paddle

Paddle is also able to use multiple payment options and allows companies to accept payments from abroad without any configuration.

Paddle can be used with over 20 currencies, the most popular credit card brands (including MasterCard, Union Pay and many others) in addition to the ability to wire transfer money and wallets that save you money (including Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Alipay) (although certain of these options are still in beta testing.

Inputing and submitting Sales Tax VAT, GST, and Sales Tax

Stripe

Stripe purchased TaxJar for the purpose to assist you in calculating taxes on sales and VAT and GST. They also offer instructions to enable tax features as well as the assignment the tax-related codes. The user is responsible for all decision-making and the implications when using the features (e.g. knowing the class of your item in accordance with tax laws and understanding whether and in what circumstances you're nexus-related, you must to be registered, collect taxes, and file for and pay the consumption tax). If you have questions about how to optimize tax rates and qualify for tax reductions, rates, or any other tax-related matter, you'll be told to speak with your tax professional or go through the documents for assistance.

     If you've created it in error and then pay the wrong amount (or the wrong type) of tax, you'll be responsible.    

Plus, remitting sales taxes involves more rather than just filling out the spreadsheet and writing out an invoice. As the years progress, countries are mandating further terms to ensure the compliance of. For instance:

  • A few countries, such as Colombia, Japan, Mexico, Serbia, and others are run with local representation, meaning you have to hire someone with physical presence inside the country in order to pay the tax liabilities. The cost can vary between $5k and $15k per year.
  • Certain countries , like India, Indonesia, Japan and many more require that the account be "pre-funded" meaning you need to calculate the amount of tax you owe, and then save the cash until the time to file your tax return (up up to three months in advance).
  • Countries like Serbia, United Kingdom, Taiwan as well as others are required to have electronic invoices (it is also applicable to companies that are not resident as well as other businesses as well). This typically costs companies $2k-$5k each year. Note: E-invoicing mandates are growing at a rapid rate and the EU has announced the worldwide requirement for electronic invoices by 2028..
  • Countries like Taiwan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, and others require you to submit taxes for the income and earnings in addition to indirect taxes (this could be as high as $10k-$5k annually).

Finally, wiring tax-related payments internationally isn't easy or free. The banks that process the tax-related payments as well as those that are receiving them all charge charges, but there's also the risk of foreign transactions.

Thus, even though Stripe has made a major move towards helping to collect sales tax buying TaxJar However, they're far from offering the complete solution to taxes on sales and imports.

handles all the steps of collecting and paying tax for sales, VAT as well as GST for you. .

With more than 20 years of experience in processing more than 1,200 tax returns every year Our team makes sure you pay the correct amount (and the proper type) when it comes to indirect taxes when you pay your bill -- we can also manage tax-free transactions within the U.S. and 0% reverse charge when permitted internationally.

Files and collects tax across more than 52 countries, 13 provinces and every one of the U.S. states that collect sales tax (five states do not collect tax on sales).

Our team then remits these taxes on behalf of you, and makes sure that all necessary processes are in place to stay in compliance. If any country or state asks questions about tax compliance, our team will guide on the appropriate answer in the same manner by providing the appropriate responses via the copy-and-paste method.

We establish and maintain relationships with tax professionals around the world, so that we're aware of latest laws and regulations that are changing.

Bonus tax codes that are custom-designed

Software such as TaxJar, Avalara, and others provide tax-related software with tax codes that apply to the vast majority of items and services. But, the majority of companies ultimately want to provide services or products that does not fall within the scope of any tax code provided (e.g. the example of an in-person conference with some speakers and participants who are virtual). For example, if you're using a program such as TaxJar you will have to figure out the appropriate amount and type of indirect tax as they won't have an appropriate tax code for the particular circumstance you're facing.

It's not a problem for sellers as we've just launched a feature that lets us generate tax codes unique specific to each product based on use case -- within moments. Simply tell us the details of your product or service and we'll create your tax code.

Paddle

Similar to Paddle , Paddle takes the lead on gathering and remitting taxes for VAT, sales and GST to the benefit of all customers. However , Paddle doesn't support tax exemptions in the U.S.

Take a look

Stripe

Stripe Checkout can be defined as an integrated payments page designed for use on every mobile device. There's a wide range of possibilities for customizing (e.g., font forms blocks, patterns, colors, and more.) but it's pretty restricted. Stripe instantly converts Checkout to the appropriate the language (35plus possibilities) in accordance with the country of purchase.

It is possible to customize every aspect of your checkout procedure, including fields that you can customize and the colors. Also, you have the option to select whether to provide your developer with complete control over checkout or let them handle the entire process for you (or somewhere in between).

The following is an overview of the check-out options:

  • Three distinct versions: You have the possibility of embedding a checkout directly on your webpage or using an online checkout pop-up or redirect your clients to an Web Storefront managed by .
Rankmath's Secure Checkout with
  • Store Builder Library (SBL): The SBL allows you to have complete control over the look and experience of your payment process right until the very last pixel, regardless of the payment method you select.
  • Localized Checkouts:Let the customers select the language they prefer, or let them pick which one is suitable depending on where they have residence. Supports 19and more languages.
  • Tracking and testing instruments: With 's built-in tracking instruments, you'll be able to quickly identify methods to boost the speed of conversion. A lot of companies using this tool are able to increase their conversion rates by up to 30.
  • Personalized customer service:Although we offer you total control over the checkout process We will have a team available to assist you in creating an optimal checkout experience for your company. Certain companies provide only personal assistance to their largest customers while ignoring smaller businesses. This isn't us. favorites. Our team is always happy to be of assistance in whatever way that they are able.

Paddle

Paddle provides two distinct versions of checkout:

  • It's embedded in your site
  • Popup overlay

In both formats, you are able to select between 50 choices to modify. Paddle is able to support 16 different languages, and can automatically translate payments.

Subscription Management

Stripe

Stripe Billing includes a few different subscription choices

  • Flat-rate bills (for a monthly or annual price)
  • Multi-price billing (where an item is available at different prices in different locations)
  • Per-seat bills (based on customers who are active in the billing cycle)
  • Usage-based charging (single unit, or tied)
  • Flat rate and Overage (a combination of usage-based and flat-rate billing)

These solutions are ideal for small businesses with some basic subscription-based services but companies that have more complex recurring billing requirements (e.g., SaaS) typically require an additional software. For this reason, Stripe has developed a close relationship with Chargebee so that it is easier for its customers to get the software for subscription billing they need. It's not difficult to integrate these two tools, it's just a matter of having to manage and purchase the two separately.

Additionally, Stripe offers a customer site where users can control their accounts (both as well as Paddle are also offering this).

It provides a variety of subscription management options which are specifically developed for SaaS firms.

Edit Subscription Pricing: Standard or Managed

Furthermore, the majority of these applications are able to be setup without writing any code. You can, for instance, set up:

  • The options are weekly, monthly or even yearly.
  • The prorated bill permits upgrades -- and downgrades at the time of mid-cycle.
  • Free trials or paid for all durations.
  • Trials without or with collecting the details of the purchase (by not collecting details about the payment) You're less likely experience friction at check-out that usually result in greater percentages of transactions).
  • Automatic or manual renewal.
  • Upsells, cross-sells, one-time discount and cross-sells.
  • There's more...

You will also be able to access our API and webhooks library , which will give you more options to personalize your website.

     One of the most important aspects that people frequently overlooks is whether or not the regular billing system is in line with local transaction laws and regulations.    

As an example for instance, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is governed by very strict rules on recurring payments. At the time of writing, the RBI limits automatic recurring payments up to a maximum of 15,000 rupees (approximately 100 dollars). If a purchase exceeds this limit, the purchaser is required to approve each transaction by hand. Additionally, you need to send an official notice to the RBI to outline the steps to take to make sure you're complying with. If you fail to make a formal mandate request or let consumers approve of the massive transactions, you'll fall to massive fines, or be banned from selling products to consumers in India.

While some subscription management applications offer community-wide updates whenever they're informed of changes to rules However, you're ultimately responsible for tracking the relevant laws and regulations. If you fail to follow the guidelines and regulations, you could be fined or even be barred from working within the area. The majority of companies will require more staff to manage this.

     Customers need not worry about it since we'll accept the transaction responsibility for your behalf.    

Our expert team in legal issues is current on every relevant law, and ensures all the procedures required are in place, takes the lead in audits and offers individual guidance regarding how to remain in compliance . All of at no additional cost.

Bonus: Invoicing via digital

DI, also known as Digital Invoicing (DI) can help you manage B2B purchases in conjunction with B2C purchases. By using DI, you're able to:

  • Customize and manage quotes that are constantly updated (including personalized tags coupons discounts, coupons and more).
  • Set quote expiration dates.
  • Accept the request and make payment.
  • Send personalized notes to your prospect or customer.
  • Create a widget to allow self-service quotes (this is especially useful in cases where customers require an approval for making a purchase).
  • and many plus.

Paddle

Through a series of APIs and webhooks, Paddle supports the following subscription models:

  • Fixed
  • Tiered
  • Per-seat
  • Metered

Additionally, some of these choices are able to be combined. As an example it is possible to create a tiered design that allows every tier to offer a unique number of seats.

Paddle offers free and paid trial, but users will have to provide payment information before they can begin the trial. Paddle will also apply the amount prorated when customers change their plans mid-cycle (e.g. to add users or upgrade).

Analytics and Reporting

Stripe

Stripe has a wide range of revenue recognition tools that can simplify your accounting processes by using these tools:

  • Accounting reports that are standard, such as balance sheets, or income statement.
  • Flexible revenue rules for example for example, not allowing passthrough fees, or auto-adjusting the time to receive.
  • Revenue overview reports.
  • And more...

The reports can be accessed from your Stripe dashboard. A few reports are accessible to download as a CSV file. It is also possible to integrate most popular accounting tools, like QuickBooks Desktop and Xero. However, the ability to import data from companies that provide revenue recognition into Stripe is currently in beta.

This Reporting and Analytics suite is an extensive tool that can assist you in understanding:

  • The impact each product has on the bottom line of your business.
  • Customers are the most likely to be tempted to quit.
  • Which coupons or promotions were successful.
  • Which subscription model earns the most income.
  • Your clients' location.
  • Which currencies and methods of payment do customers prefer.
  • And much plus...

A majority of the information available is available in either or both of the dashboards which comprise either the income overview dashboard as well as the subscription overview dashboard.

's Revenue Overview Dashboard

The dashboard that shows revenue overview gives more detail about total transactions per country in addition to the net revenue per product.

Transactions, Transaction Currencies, Net Sales and Net Sales by Country in

The dashboard of the subscription overview lets you drill to more specific information such as active customers, or monthly recurring income (MRR) in the course of time.

's Subscription Overview Dashboard

If you can't find the report you need in these dashboards, you're able to create and save your own custom reports. Or, you can get in touch with our support team, and we'll help with finding (or make) the report you're looking for. Reports can be viewed in your dashboard or downloaded in an CSV or PNG format or XLSX files.

Paddle

Paddle recently bought ProfitWell to assist in providing reports and analytics capabilities. However, the integration isn't complete, so there may be some variations between both platforms. In this case, they will show distinct MRR.

Following integration, Paddle will be able to:

  • Automatically monitor and provide reports on important performance indicators like MRR.
  • Track user engagement and reduce the amount of time spent by users and reduce.
  • Offer benchmarking tools and segmentation techniques.
  • Plus...

Pricing

Stripe

As a DIY platform the price of Stripe is set differently than or Paddle. When using Stripe it is necessary to purchase additional software and headcounts to handle various aspects of the payments lifecycle. This includes the most advanced security features for the prevention of fraud as well as subscription management in addition to the remittance of sales tax, VAT and VAT and much more.

Stripe has a price structure which currently ranks the card and wallets differently in comparison to other payment methods that include ACH and SEPA.

In all of these payment methods will allow you to access several of their offerings, however there aren't all of them available. As an example, Stripe charges additional fees for transactions that are 3D secure as well as invoices, tax functions and more.

To find out more about Stripe, visit their site.

Through this, you'll get all access to entire platform (and each service) with a single flat-rate cost. Since we take on all accountability for the transactions you make as well as the burden of sales tax and VAT, you won't need any extra software or personnel.

Our team will work with clients to come up with a fair cost based on the volume of transactions that you conduct . Furthermore, you'll be charged once transactions occur.

Paddle

Paddle promises a flat-rate price for their main product, that includes the bulk of features you'll require, for instance, payments processing checks-out, subscriptions, global fiscal and regulatory compliance protection against fraud and reporting, and more however, it does not contain everything.

In this case, Paddle collects a 10% of the profit in order to get rid of abandoned carts.

To learn more regarding Paddle, visit their site.

Customer Reviews

Stripe

Stripe is currently rated 4.4 stars at G2 (a famous software review site) with 82 user reviews.

Stripe G2 review: My go to invoicing system

Presently, the band has 4.5 scores on G2 and reviews of 184+.

This is what some of our customers have to say:

 G2 review: A pleasure doing business
 G2 review: The best service that incorporates the best qualities and user-friendliness

Paddle

Paddle is currently rated 4.5 five star ratings on G2 with more than 145 reviews.

Paddle G2 review: Perfect partner for business growth

The final chapter. Paddle vs. Stripe

If you're offering physical items or services, and Paddle isn't the ideal option, then Stripe would be the most suitable of three alternatives discussed in this article. When you're offering digital items, Stripe may not be the best choice since it's up to you to build an entire payment system (which can be expensive and takes a long time).

It has been serving SaaS businesses longer than Paddle and provides greater capabilities and options. It is also more prepared to assist B2B companies.

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