Stripe vs Adyen vs PayPal: 11 Best Payment Gateways 2026

Best for Complex payment integrations

Stripe (#1, 9.3/9.4). The top choice for its unmatched developer tools, feature velocity, and scalable infrastructure. It also handles SaaS billing, Marketplace payouts.

Best for Omnichannel payments

Adyen (#2, 9.1/9.4). The best for large enterprises needing a single, global, omnichannel payments platform. It also handles Global payment optimization, Enterprise-scale processing.

Best for Maximizing conversion

PayPal (#3, 8.8/9.4). Unrivaled brand trust and a massive user base that boosts e-commerce conversion rates. It also handles Leveraging consumer trust, Simple checkout.

Best for Reducing churn from card failures

GoCardless (#11, unrated wildcard). A specialized platform for recurring bank payments that reduces churn and fees for subscription models. It also handles Automating recurring payments, Lowering transaction costs.

What's the difference between a payment gateway and a payment processor?

A payment gateway securely captures and transmits payment data from your website to the processor. The payment processor then communicates with the banks (acquiring and issuing) to move the money. Some providers, like Stripe and Adyen, act as an all-in-one gateway and processor.

How do I choose the right gateway for my business?

Consider your business model (e-commerce, SaaS, in-person), technical resources (do you have developers?), target markets (domestic vs. international), and expected volume. Prioritize transparent pricing, necessary features like subscription billing, and integrations with your existing platforms.

How to choose

1. 1Assess your transaction volume and average ticket size to model the impact of different fee structures (flat-rate vs. interchange-plus).
2. 2Evaluate the quality of the API documentation and developer support if you plan a custom integration.
3. 3Confirm support for essential local payment methods in your key international markets.
4. 4Check for pre-built integrations with your e-commerce platform, CRM, or accounting software to minimize development work.

What is a payment gateway?

A payment gateway is a technology service that acts as a secure intermediary between a merchant's website and the payment processing network. It encrypts sensitive credit card details and routes them to the processor to authorize and complete a transaction.

Which payment gateway has the lowest fees?

There is no single 'cheapest' gateway, as fees depend on volume, transaction size, card type, and business model. Stripe and PayPal offer competitive flat-rate pricing for simplicity, while providers offering interchange-plus pricing may be cheaper for high-volume businesses. Always model your specific costs.

Can I use multiple payment gateways?

Yes, many businesses use multiple gateways to increase resilience, optimize costs for different regions or payment types, or offer customers more choices at checkout. This adds complexity but can improve conversion and reduce fees.

What is PCI DSS compliance and why does it matter?

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. Using a PCI-compliant gateway like those on this list significantly simplifies your own compliance burden.