Shift4 Payments vs Stripe: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Shift4 Payments 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:
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.
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 |  Shift4 Payments |  Stripe |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Payment Processing | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 94/100 |
| Feature | Shift4 Payments | 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 | Payment Processing | API ToolsPayment Processing |
How Shift4 Payments and Stripe Compare
Shift4 Payments
Integrate payments and commerce technology for a seamless, end-to-end business ecosystem.
Paid
Stripe
Payment infrastructure for the internet
Paid · 94/100 score
Shift4 Payments is a payment processing 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. Shift4 Payments 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?
Shift4 Payments is a payment processing 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
Shift4 Payments
- Better fit for payment processing
The Bottom Line
Stripe (94/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shift4 Payments or Stripe better?
Stripe scores 94/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Shift4 Payments and Stripe used for?
Shift4 Payments: Integrate payments and commerce technology for a seamless, end-to-end business ecosystem.. Stripe: Payment infrastructure for the internet.
What does Shift4 Payments cost vs Stripe?
Shift4 Payments is a paid tool. Stripe is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.