Square vs Stripe: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Square 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:
Square
Payment processing and POS systems
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need payment processing features specifically
- • Square is a payments and commerce platform for businesses
- • It provides payment processing, POS, and business management tools
Stripe
Payment infrastructure for the internet
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Payment processing for internet businesses
- • Subscription and billing tools
| At a Glance |  Square |  Stripe |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Payment Processing | API Tools |
Rating | 82/100 | 94/100 |
| Feature | Square | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 94 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Payment ProcessingE-commerce Platforms | API ToolsPayment Processing |
How Square and Stripe Compare
Square
Payment processing and POS systems
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Stripe
Payment infrastructure for the internet
Paid · 94/100 score
Square is a payment processing tool. Stripe is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Square has a free tier. Stripe is paid only.
Go with: Square
Want the highest-rated option?
Square: 82/100. Stripe: 94/100.
Go with: Stripe
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Stripe
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Square is freemium. Stripe is paid. Square lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Square is a payment processing tool. Stripe is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Stripe scores higher: 94/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Stripe
- Higher score: 94/100 vs 82
- Our pick for this comparison
Square
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for payment processing
The Bottom Line
Stripe (94/100) is our pick. Square has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Square or Stripe better?
Stripe scores 94/100 in our evaluation. Square is freemium and Stripe is paid.
What are Square and Stripe used for?
Square: Payment processing and POS systems. Stripe: Payment infrastructure for the internet.
What does Square cost vs Stripe?
Square is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Stripe is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.