Recurly vs Lemon Squeezy: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Recurly and Lemon Squeezy 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Recurly
Automate exceptional digital subscription experiences to grow recurring revenue and improve retention.
Best for you if:
- • Automates subscription management and recurring billing for digital businesses.
- • Offers advanced churn mitigation, revenue recovery, and global payment capabilities.
Lemon Squeezy
Payments for digital products
Best for you if:
- • Modern Merchant of Record for SaaS
- • Handles global taxes automatically
| At a Glance |  Lemon Squeezy | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Subscription Billing | Subscription Billing |
Rating | 85/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Recurly | Lemon Squeezy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Subscription BillingPayment Processing | Subscription BillingE-commerce Platforms |
Understanding the Differences
Both Recurly and Lemon Squeezy solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Recurly positions itself as "automate exceptional digital subscription experiences to grow recurring revenue and improve retention." while Lemon Squeezyfocuses on "payments for digital products". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Recurly
Recurly makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Lemon Squeezy
Lemon Squeezy is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Lemon Squeezy
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Lemon Squeezy is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Lemon Squeezy
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Recurly is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Recurly
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Recurly—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Recurly higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Lemon Squeezy more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Recurly Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Lemon Squeezy If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Recurly (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Recurly scores higher in our analysis, but Lemon Squeezy might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Recurly or Lemon Squeezy better?
Based on our analysis, Recurly scores higher with 85/100. Recurly ispaid while Lemon Squeezy is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Recurly to Lemon Squeezy easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Recurly and Lemon Squeezy offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Recurly is paid with potential trial.Lemon Squeezy is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.