Square vs Stripe: which should you pick in 2026?

Both are strong choices. The short answer: pick Square if you are in-person sellers and retail. Pick Stripe if you are online payments, subscriptions and invoicing.

SquareStripe
In one lineCard readers, POS and online payments for physical businesses.The developer-loved payments infrastructure of the internet.
PricingFree POS; 2.6% + 10c in person2.9% + 30c per transaction
Free tierYesYes
Best forIn-person sellers and retailOnline payments, subscriptions and invoicing
CategoryPayments & InvoicingPayments & Invoicing
Websitesquareup.comstripe.com

Square details Stripe details

Other options

PayPalWise BusinessMelioBill.com