Shift4 Payments vs FastSpring: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Shift4 Payments and FastSpring 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:
Shift4 Payments
Integrate payments and commerce technology for a seamless, end-to-end business ecosystem.
Best for you if:
- • You need payment processing features specifically
- • Provides end-to-end payment processing and commerce technology solutions.
- • Offers tailored solutions for diverse industries including hospitality, retail, and transit.
FastSpring
All-in-one digital commerce platform for SaaS, software, and digital goods, handling payments, subscriptions, and global tax compliance.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need tax software features specifically
- • Manages global payments, subscriptions, and sales tax compliance for digital products.
- • Acts as a Merchant of Record, simplifying international sales and regulatory adherence.
| At a Glance |  Shift4 Payments |  FastSpring |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Payment Processing | Tax Software |
Rating | —/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Shift4 Payments | FastSpring |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Payment Processing | Tax SoftwarePayment Processing |
How Shift4 Payments and FastSpring Compare
Shift4 Payments
Integrate payments and commerce technology for a seamless, end-to-end business ecosystem.
Paid
FastSpring
All-in-one digital commerce platform for SaaS, software, and digital goods, handling payments, subscriptions, and global tax compliance.
Paid · 88/100 score
Shift4 Payments is a payment processing tool. FastSpring is in tax software.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: FastSpring
Want the highest-rated option?
FastSpring scores 88/100. Shift4 Payments is unrated.
Go with: FastSpring
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: FastSpring
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?
Shift4 Payments is a payment processing tool. FastSpring is in tax software. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
FastSpring
- Higher score: 88/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Shift4 Payments
- Better fit for payment processing
The Bottom Line
FastSpring (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shift4 Payments or FastSpring better?
FastSpring scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Shift4 Payments and FastSpring used for?
Shift4 Payments: Integrate payments and commerce technology for a seamless, end-to-end business ecosystem.. FastSpring: All-in-one digital commerce platform for SaaS, software, and digital goods, handling payments, subscriptions, and global tax compliance..
What does Shift4 Payments cost vs FastSpring?
Shift4 Payments is a paid tool. FastSpring is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.