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PayPal alternatives
Quick answerThe closest PayPal alternative is Stripe, for payments infrastructure for the internet. Pick Polar for open-source payments and billing, or Lemon Squeezy for Payments, tax and subscriptions for software.
At a glance
| Tool | Best for | Pricing | Votes | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | Payments infrastructure for the internet | Paid | — | vs PayPal → |
| Polar | Open-source payments and billing | Paid, open source | — | vs PayPal → |
| Lemon Squeezy | Payments, tax and subscriptions for software | Paid | — | vs PayPal → |
How to choose
- For payments infrastructure for the internet: Stripe (paid)
- For open-source payments and billing: Polar (paid, open source)
- For Payments, tax and subscriptions for software: Lemon Squeezy (paid)
- For all-in-one digital wallet and checkout: PayPal itself
Closest alternatives
Stripe provides developer-focused payment APIs, while PayPal is a consumer-oriented digital wallet. PayPal vs Stripe →
Polar is an open-source billing library for developers; PayPal is a hosted service with consumer features. PayPal vs Polar →
Lemon Squeezy handles SaaS subscriptions and tax compliance, while PayPal covers broader consumer payments and rewards. PayPal vs Lemon Squeezy →
More Payments tools
FAQ
What is the best alternative to PayPal?+
The closest PayPal alternatives are Stripe (payments infrastructure for the internet), Polar (open-source payments and billing) and Lemon Squeezy (Payments, tax and subscriptions for software). Each one links to a side-by-side comparison with PayPal.
What is the best free alternative to PayPal?+
None of the closest PayPal alternatives are free, but Dodo Payments, Uvodo and Stripe Sync Engine are free Payments tools on DevHunt.
Is there an open source alternative to PayPal?+
Yes. Polar (open-source payments and billing) is open source.
What is PayPal used for?+
PayPal is a digital wallet app for payments, money transfers, rewards, savings, crypto and financing. Common uses: pay for groceries, rideshare or fuel and earn cash-back rewards, split a group gift cost by creating a PayPal Pool and finance a purchase over time with Pay in 4 or Pay Monthly.
Is PayPal free?+
PayPal is free.



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