A thorough comparison of Stripe in comparison to. Paddle and.

Feb 10, 2023

For help in deciding between Stripe and. Paddle and.  the following guide will aid you to compare:

  • What aspects of the lifecycle of payment each one of them has a solution to (e.g. the processing of payments collecting and remitting taxes, or controlling subscriptions) and what additional software will you need to include in your stack of tech.
  • Which industries and businesses serve.

In the next part In the next section, we will provide a thorough comparison of the most important aspects like checkout and reporting. Additionally, we provide reviews from customers and case studies on each solution.

In other words, Stripe primarily deals with processing payments, while and Paddle manage the processing of payments, as well as subscription management that includes tax collection and tax refunding, fraud prevention as well as many other features and without the need for additional software.

Table of Contents

Note: Information in this article is accurate at the time of writing but subject to change.

Which areas of the payment lifecycle will you be able to manage and which additional programs do you require to have an all-encompassing payment system?

Stripe Paye: Payment Processing

Stripe is most famous for the ability to process payments and can assist you gather information about payment transactions and get them accepted. The company also offers basic services to manage your subscription including the detection of fraud, billing as well as other features.

These additional functions may be able to satisfy the needs of some startups, but most companies end up needing better solutions. In the end, you'll require additional software that can handle complicated recurring billing requirements as well as accept different payment methods all over the world, and develop a unique checkout procedure. It's good to know that many programmers can integrate Stripe with all other applications (however you'll need to pay for each program separately).

Many companies using Stripe require additional employees for handling sales tax (and VAT) as well as compliance with the regulatory standards. Even though Stripe accepts taxes on sales as well as VAT for you but you'll still have for paying the tax yourself. If you remit tax in the wrong quantity, in the wrong moment or using the wrong method it could result in penalties and financial loss. (More on this subject in the future. )

Furthermore, you'll need to ensure that you are up-to-date as well as observing the local laws and regulations in the region where you've got clients. It's an enormous undertaking for any company which is why many companies devote an entire section to the work.

The entire payment lifecycle

  • A variety of payment processors (which improves authorization rates and lets you conduct international transactions).
  • Flexible subscription management and bill-recurring tools.
  • B2B Invoicing via digital Invoicing.
  • Modern methods of detection of fraud.
  • Flexible check out (down to the pixel).
  • Analytics and reports that are detailed.
  • And there's and more.

It will be feasible to manage every step of the procedure of making payments to an bank account without the need for additional heads or programs.

Paddle: The Majority of the lifecycle of a payment

Paddle offers options for processing payments, subscription management, and fraud detection, and includes more functions than Stripe's options. However, some of Paddle's features are less robust than Stripe's capabilities. For instance, the checkout is more customizable as are the checkout options for Paddle's (more about this in the future).

If Paddle isn't able to provide the features that you require it is possible that you require additional software or move to another solution.

Like , Paddle is a MoR.

Which types of businesses and industries are able to benefit from Each Platform?

With Stripe With Stripe, You Are able to: Nearly Any Business

It's a fantastic option for any type of business in nearly all fields. However, SaaS companies will inevitably have some challenges when using Stripe.

We've mentioned before that the companies that use Stripe are the sole ones accountable for paying sales tax and VAT. It was the norm that SaaS firms didn't have to pay taxes on sales or VAT however many states and countries are coming to (and insisting on enforcing) laws that require SaaS companies to contribute sales tax or VAT.

Two examples are offered:

  • The 1st of January, 2015 the European Union began requiring software sellers to collect and return VAT depending on the location of the buyer -- not the location of employees employed by the company or its headquarters.
  • It was in 2018 that it was the year in which the United States Supreme Court ruled that states can to charge sales tax for purchases made from sellers outside of the state (including sellers who sell online) but the seller does not reside physically in the state that taxes.

Being aware of and observing constantly changing tax laws isn't an easy task. This is the reason SaaS companies (and businesses selling any other digital item) choose a solution that can handle remitting sales tax and VAT on your behalf.

: B2C and B2B SaaS or Digital Goods Companies

Since more than 20 years, has been serving B2B as well as B2C companies that sell SaaS Digital software and other products. software:

3,200+ SaaS and Software Companies Trust

Paddle: B2C SaaS

Paddle is serving SaaS companies for the past 10 years. Paddle's platform is more suitable to B2C businesses, but they're working on adding more features that are suitable for B2B companies, such as automated billing.

Paddle will soon offer B2B billing and invoicing

If adding B2B features are planned in at some point in the future, these capabilities may be established at the point you'll need these features. However, if you're already offering products with B2B connections, and you're interested in consider a product that is completely operational B2B capabilities ('s Digital Invoicing tool which is specifically for B2B customers has been in operation for some time).

Then, we will examine Stripe against. and. Paddle in accordance with certain features.

Comparative Functionality and Features

Processing Payments (Payment Methods, Currency, and More)

Stripe

For the first time, when you begin to process payments through Stripe, you have to create each account using the correct currencies and payment options that you want to offer within that particular area. Once you've set this to go into effect, Stripe is able to convert the prices of the item and offer the most appropriate choice to pay and the currency you choose during checkout.

Stripe supports 135+ currencies.

It is feasible to accept payment through major credit card companies (including MasterCard and Visa) as well as bank transfers and vouchers, as well as popular wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. They don't however offer support for PayPal.

Stripe is also able to support transactions in person by using the Stripe Terminal and mobile SDKs.

It makes it simple for SaaS as well as e-commerce businesses to accept transactions in any currency and popular payments methods across the globe. Instead of configuring each in isolation, sellers simply switch on localized payment and start accepting global payments right away.          LOYJzMHGWYTbmtPOLniy

In contrast, Stripe automatically converts the cost into local currency for you It also gives you more flexibility

  • Your company could take care of the conversions on behalf alternatively,you can determine a price for each of your products for every country.
  • The customer can pick the right currency, based on the user's place of residence. There is the option of selecting a local currency, or you allow the user to choose the currency they prefer. supports 23+ currencies.

It is a method by which customers can pay by using:

  • Credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB as well as UnionPay.
  • ACH.
  • SEPA Direct Debit.
  • Wire transfers.
  • The wallets that are available include PayPal, Apple Pay, Amazon, Alipay, and numerous others.
 Payment Methods: Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, ACH Direct Debit, SEPA Direct Debit

Payments have a higher success rate when the payment processor is in the same place as the buyer. Automatically routes online transactions through the gateway that offers the highest rate of authorization for this type of payment and its location.

Additionally, having multiple payment processors can help solve most issues when payments fail due to network errors. If a payment gateway is experiencing a technical failure and the payment is not successful, it automatically attempts to retry the transaction by using another gateway- without your team having move a finger.

Bonus: Partners with Sift

It is the leading company in risk and fraud activities (including chargebacks). We work with Sift which is the leading company in risk analysis and prevention to ensure your transaction is secure. Sift employs artificial intelligence and machine-learning to:

  • Improve the accuracy of fraud-related decisions.
  • Improve approval rates. This means less false positives.
  • Beware of bad actors before a transaction is even completed.

also blocks transactions from the areas and countries where companies are not able to conduct business.

Paddle

Paddle is also a multi-payment processors to allow businesses to accept international transactions without any set-up.

Paddle works with 20 currencies, the most well-known credit cards (including MasterCard, Union Pay and many others) as well as wire transfer as well as wallets (including Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Alipay) (although specific options are still under beta testing).

Inputing and submitting Sales Tax (VAT, GST) in addition to Sales Tax

Stripe

Stripe bought TaxJar to help you with calculating taxes on sales, VAT and GST. The company only provides instructions for enabling taxes features as well as assigning tax codes. It is the user's responsibility to make all decisions and implications of the use of those tools (e.g., knowing what your product is classified as per tax law and knowing if and where your business is connected to nexus, it is necessary to sign up as well as collect, file and pay the tax on consumption). If you're uncertain about how to lower tax burdens are eligible for tax reductions, or have any related tax issue it is likely you'll be instructed to speak with your tax professional or go through the documents for assistance.

     If you made a mistake when setting it up, and then pay for the wrong amount (or the incorrect type) or tax amount and you're responsible, you'll have to pay.    

In addition, the process of remitting sales tax can be more complicated than simply filling in a spreadsheet and writing a check. As time passes, nations are imposing additional conditions to be in the compliance. As an example:

  • Countries like Colombia, Japan, Mexico, Serbia, and others need the assistance of a representative in the country, meaning you have engage someone with an actual presence in the country in order to manage of tax requirements. This can cost anywhere between $5k-$15k per year.
  • Countries such as India, Indonesia, Japan and many others need the account to be "pre-funded" meaning you must determine the tax amount that you owe, and then keep the money until it's time to make a tax filing (up to three months ahead).
  • Countries such as Serbia, United Kingdom, Taiwan and many more also are all equipped with electronic invoicing (it is applicable to non-resident businesses, too). The average cost for businesses are between $2k and $5k per year. Note: E-invoicing mandates are increasing at a rapid rate due to the EU outlining an all-encompassing requirement for electronic invoices prior to 2028..
  • States like Taiwan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, and others require you to file tax returns for earnings in addition for indirect taxes (this can be as high as 5-10k per year).

The fact is that sending international tax payment isn't easy and isn't cheap. Banks that receive and corresponding have to pay costs. There's also the additional risk involved when dealing with international transactions.

Thus, while Stripe has taken a major move towards helping to get sales tax collected from TaxJar however, they're still a long distance from offering an all-in-one solution for sales tax and international tax.

manages the entire procedure of collecting and processing sales tax, VAT and GST to you .

With over 20 years of knowledge in the preparation of more than 1200 tax returns every year Our team is able to ensure you get the right amount (and the correct type) of indirect tax is collected during the checkout process. We are able to facilitate tax-free transactions within U.S. and 0% reverse fees when accepted when making international transactions.

Files and collects tax in more than 52 countries and 13 provinces, as well as all the 45 U.S. states that collect sales tax (five states do not collect taxes on sales).

Our team pays taxes for you and ensures that the necessary processes are in place to stay compliant. If a country or state asks you to comply with the tax laws, we can advise on the appropriate response similar to you would copy and paste your responses.

We establish and maintain relationships with tax professionals around the world to make sure we're aware of the latest laws and regulations as they alter.

Benefit: Bonus tax codes Customized

Instruments like TaxJar, Avalara, and other tax software provides users with tax codes applicable to all kinds of goods and services. However, most companies will at some point want to sell products or services which doesn't match the description of tax codes offered (e.g. the potential of hosting an event that is held in person, with people who are online and speaking). With a tool such as TaxJar it's your own to calculate and pay the correct amount and type of indirect tax, since it doesn't have the correct tax code that is appropriate for your particular scenario.

This issue shouldn't be a problem for sellers as we've recently launched a new feature that lets us create unique tax codes for products tailored to the particular use- within moments. Simply tell us about your service or product and we'll produce the tax code you need.

Paddle

As with other companies , Paddle takes the lead on gathering and remitting the VAT, sales tax as well as GST, to its clients. Unlike , Paddle doesn't support tax exempted situations within the U.S.

Check out

Stripe

Stripe Checkout is described as a pre-built payment page made to work on every device. There is a wide range of ways to customize (e.g. blocks, the font, colors and more.) However, it's quite the same for colors, block forms, fonts and more. Stripe can translate automatically Checkout to the appropriate local language (35+ options) depending on the customer's location.

You are able to personalize every aspect of the checkout process, including custom fields and colours. You can also select whether to grant your developer total control of checkout, or allow them to manage everything for you (or anything in between).

Here is a quick overview of the check-out options:

  • Three variations: You have the possibility of embedding checkout directly onto your website you could also use the popup checkout option or send your visitors to a Web Storefront managed by .
Rankmath's Secure Checkout with
  • Store Builder Library (SBL): The SBL gives you total control over the appearance and feel of your checkout all the way down to the last pixel, regardless of the checkout option you select.
  • localized checkout:Let buyers select their preferred language, or choose the one that's most appropriate according to the purchaser's geographic location. Supports 19plus languages.
  • Tracking and testing tools: With 's built-in tracking tools, you'll discover methods to improve the rate of conversion. The majority of companies using this approach are able to increase their conversion rates by 30 percent or greater.
  • Personalized customer service:Although we provide you with complete control of the checkout process, our team is always willing to help in designing the perfect checkout experience for your company. Some companies offer personal support to their most important clients, but they don't provide any support for small companies. Our company is not part of only a few. Our staff will assist in any manner they are able to.

Paddle

Paddle offers two different versions of payment methods:

  • On your site
  • Popup overlay

Within these two formats, they provide 50+ choices to customize. Paddle can support 16 languages, and can automatically translate your shopping cart.

Subscription Management

Stripe

Stripe Billing includes a few different subscription options:

  • Flat-rate bill (for either an annual or monthly price)
  • Multiple price billing (where the same product is sold for different price in different places)
  • Per-seat invoice (based on customers who are active during the billing cycle)
  • Usage-based charge (single unit or tied)
  • Flat-rate + overage (a combination of flat-rate and usage-based bill)

This option is suitable for small businesses with just a handful of subscription-based products. However, organizations who have more intricate regular billing needs (e.g., SaaS) usually require an additional software. To this end, Stripe has developed a closely-knit relationship with Chargebee in order to make easy for customers to get the tools to manage the subscription billing they want. It's not difficult to connect both services. However, you'll need to handle and pay for each individually.

Furthermore, Stripe offers a customer website where users can control their accounts (both as well as Paddle have this option as well).

offers a variety of options to manage subscriptions. They are designed specifically for use by SaaS companies.

Edit Subscription Pricing: Standard or Managed

In addition, the vast majority of these choices are able to be setup without writing any codes. For instance, you can, create:

  • Automated monthly, weekly or even yearly recurring bill.
  • Prorated billing to accommodate changes -- as well as downgrades in during the mid-cycle.
  • Trials, whether paid or free with any length.
  • Tests without or with details about the transaction (by not collecting the payment information, there will be less friction at the check-out process, which will lead to better percentages of sales).
  • Automatic or manual renewal.
  • Upsells, cross-sells, one-time discount, add-ons.
  • And there's More...

Furthermore, you'll get access to the API as well as webhooks library to provide further customization choices.

     The most crucial aspect that is frequently neglected is whether the standard billing system is compatible with local laws and regulations that govern transactions.    

In the case of For instance For instance, the situation is that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has specific rules regarding recurring payment. At the time of writing the RBI limits automatic recurring payments to the amount of Rs15,000 (approximately 170 US dollars). When a payment exceeds the limit, the beneficiary must approve each transaction manually. Also, you must submit an official directive to the RBI which outlines the procedure you have to follow in order to ensure that you're in compliance. If you don't provide a mandate, or you allow clients to authorize large transactions, you'll be facing heavy fines or be prevented from selling your goods to buyers who are from India.

Though some subscription management software give community updates as they are informed of changes in regulations, you are the sole person responsible for keeping up with the applicable laws and regulations. If you do not comply with the rules then you'll be subject to fines or be banned from doing business in that region. Some companies will require more staff in order to handle the situation.

     Customers don't need to be concerned about this since we'll accept the transaction responsibility for our customers.    

Our expert team in legal issues is up-to-date on any relevant laws, and ensures the necessary procedures are in place, takes responsibility for audits, and offers individual guidance on how to remain in conformity -- all of this at no additional cost.

Bonus: Digital Invoicing

The Digital Invoicing (DI) allows you to manage B2B orders in conjunction with B2C purchases. With DI, you're capable of:

  • Manage and create custom quotes that are updated in real-time (including custom tags, coupons for tags, discounts, and many more).
  • Set quote expiration dates.
  • Accept the request and make payment.
  • Make notes that are specific to the prospective client or potential customer.
  • Create a widget to allow self-service quotations (this is particularly useful in cases where clients need approval prior to purchasing).
  • Plus much more.

Paddle

Through various webhooks and their API, Paddle supports the following subscription models:

  • Fixed
  • Tiered
  • Per-seat
  • Metered

Furthermore, certain choices can be mixed. In this case, for instance one example, you could create an elongated design in which each tier can accommodate an individual number of seats.

Paddle provides free or paid trials. But, customers will be required to supply payment information before they can begin the trial. Paddle also automatically adjusts the prorated amount when customers change plans during the course of their trial (e.g. adding new users , or upgrade). change to their plan).

Analytics and reporting

Stripe

Stripe has a variety of revenue recognition tools to help you cut your expenses, including:

  • Accounting reports that are standard such as balance sheets or an income statement.
  • Revenue rules can be implemented by excluding the passthrough fee , and setting an automatic-adjusting times-to-receive.
  • The report on the overview of revenue.
  • and more...

The reports can be viewed through your Stripe dashboard. Some reports can be downloaded in an CSV file. It is also possible to integrate with accounting software such as QuickBooks Desktop and Xero. But, the capability to import data from other revenue recognition companies into Stripe is at the beginning phases of testing.

The Data Analytics and Reporting can be a very powerful tool that can help you to understand:

  • The impact each product has on your bottom line.
  • People who are customers are more likely to quit.
  • Which coupons or promotions were successful.
  • Which subscription model generates the highest revenue.
  • Your customers' locations.
  • Which payment options and currencies do consumers prefer.
  • And many, many plus...

Most of this information can be found in one of the two dashboards that include the Revenue overview dashboard as well as subscription overview dashboard. subscription overview dashboard.

's Revenue Overview Dashboard

The dashboard for revenue overview includes more general data including total transactions for each country, as well as net sales per item.

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

The dashboard for subscriptions allows you to drill into more precise information, like active customers or monthly recurring revenues (MRR) over the course of time.

's Subscription Overview Dashboard

If you aren't able to find exactly the report you're seeking in these dashboards, you can create and save your own reports. You can also contact us, and we'll assist you to find (or create) the report that you want. Reports can be reviewed via your dashboard or downloaded in the form of CSV or as a PNG, XLSX or CSV.

Paddle

Paddle recently acquired ProfitWell for the purpose of providing the ability to analyze and report on information. But, the integration isn't complete, so there could be some differences between different platforms. For instance, they will show different MRR.

Once fully integrated, Paddle will be able to:

  • Automatically monitor and report about important performance indicators, like MRR.
  • Check the user's engagement, churn rate and.
  • Offer benchmarking tools and segmentation methods.
  • and more...

Pricing

Stripe

A DIY-oriented platform Pricing on Stripe operates different than Paddle's. When using Stripe you'll have to buy additional equipment and personnel to manage different aspects of the billing process, including advanced safeguards against fraudulent transactions, subscription management as well as remitting VAT and sales tax and much more.

The company also rates cards and wallets differently in comparison to alternative payment options, including ACH as well as SEPA.

In addition to these payment options You'll be able to access many of their services but not all of them. In the example above, Stripe charges additional fees for transactions that use 3D security as well as invoicing, tax features as well as many other features.

To find out more about Stripe, visit their site.

You'll get access to everything on the features of the services on the platform (and all of the services) with a single flat-rate price. Since we take on all accountability for the transactions you make and are the main source of sales tax and VAT You won't require any additional equipment or personnel.

Our staff works with you to establish an affordable price based on the volume of transactions you move through . In addition, you'll be charged for transactions that are completed.

Paddle

Paddle offers a fixed price for their basic product that covers the bulk of the options you'll need: payment processing including checkout, subscriptions worldwide fiscal and regulatory compliance fraud protection and reporting, as well as more. But it's not all-inclusive.

As an example, Paddle collects a 10% commission to recover abandoned carts.

To learn more regarding Paddle, visit their website.

Customer Reviews

Stripe

Stripe is currently 4.4 stars in G2 (a well-known software review website) which has more than 82 ratings.

Stripe G2 review: My go to invoicing system

It currently holds a 4.5 rating G2 and over 184 reviews.

This is what a few of our customers have to say about us:

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

Paddle

Paddle currently has 4.5 stars on G2 along with more than 145 reviews.

Paddle G2 review: Perfect partner for business growth

The conclusion. Paddle vs. Stripe

If you're selling physical products or services Paddle and Stripe aren't the best option for you, then the Stripe payment platform is the most suitable option of the three options described in this post. If you're selling digital products, Stripe may not be the most suitable option as you'll be on your own to build out a complete payment platform (which takes a considerable amount of time and money).

It has served SaaS businesses for twice as long as Paddle and offers more features and capabilities. Also, it is better equipped to support B2B companies.

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