Paddle Retain vs Stripe: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Paddle Retain and Stripe comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Paddle Retain
Automated dunning and churn prevention to recover failed payments and retain subscribers.
Best for you if:
- • You need customer success features specifically
- • Automates failed payment recovery with proactive dunning.
- • Reduces churn through personalized cancellation offers and insights.
Stripe
Payment infrastructure for the internet
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Payment processing for internet businesses
- • Subscription and billing tools
| At a Glance |  Paddle Retain |  Stripe |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Customer Success | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 94/100 |
| Feature | Paddle Retain | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 94 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Customer SuccessSubscription Billing | API ToolsPayment Processing |
How Paddle Retain and Stripe Compare
Paddle Retain
Automated dunning and churn prevention to recover failed payments and retain subscribers.
Paid
Stripe
Payment infrastructure for the internet
Paid · 94/100 score
Paddle Retain is a customer success tool. Stripe is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Stripe
Want the highest-rated option?
Stripe scores 94/100. Paddle Retain is unrated.
Go with: Stripe
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Stripe
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Paddle Retain is a customer success tool. Stripe is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Stripe
- Higher score: 94/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Paddle Retain
- Better fit for customer success
The Bottom Line
Stripe (94/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paddle Retain or Stripe better?
Stripe scores 94/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Paddle Retain and Stripe used for?
Paddle Retain: Automated dunning and churn prevention to recover failed payments and retain subscribers.. Stripe: Payment infrastructure for the internet.
What does Paddle Retain cost vs Stripe?
Paddle Retain is a paid tool. Stripe is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.