Running an online business in 2025? Chances are, you’re dealing with payments. And when it comes to choosing a payment processor, three names pop up: Stripe, PayPal, and Adyen. But which one should you pick? Let’s dive into the world of fees, user experience, and disputes—without the boring jargon!
Meet the Contenders
Before we compare them, let’s briefly meet our top three payment champions:
- Stripe: Techy, sleek, and developer-friendly.
- PayPal: The OG of online payments with massive brand recognition.
- Adyen: Global powerhouse serving big-name clients like Uber and Spotify.
Each has its own style. Now let’s sort out who wins where!
Fees: What Are You Paying?
Let’s talk numbers. Because no one wants hidden fees sneaking into your profits.
Stripe
- 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (standard online rate)
- Volume discounts for businesses processing over $80k/month
- No monthly fees
- Refunds cost original fee amount (the fees aren’t returned)
PayPal
- 3.49% + fixed fee (depends on currency)
- Micropayment rate available
- No monthly fee for Standard plan, $30 for Pro
- Chargebacks cost $20–$30, even if you win
Adyen
- Interchange++ pricing (typically around 2.6% total)
- You may pay:
- Processing fee
- Payment method fee
- Risk management fee (optional)
- Transparent but complex pricing
Winner? Stripe takes the lead for simplicity. Adyen can be cheaper at scale, but it requires more math. PayPal’s fees stack fast.
User Experience (UX): Who’s the Smoothest?
People click away fast. That’s why payment UX matters. The smoother the checkout, the more money you make.
Stripe
- Modern, clean checkout
- Works seamlessly on mobile
- Customizable if you’re tech-savvy
- Fast payout to bank accounts (2 business days average)
PayPal
- Redirects customers to PayPal.com to pay
- Big trust factor—lots of customers already have an account
- Checkout experience can feel clunky or outdated
- Payouts might take up to 3–5 business days
Adyen
- Completely customized UX available
- Supports local payment methods (like iDEAL, Klarna, etc.)
- Deep integration = great enterprise control
- Slower to set up, but clean and powerful once it’s live
Winner? Stripe again! It offers the best balance of speed, design, and flexibility. Adyen is fantastic for big businesses. PayPal feels dated in 2025.
Handling Disputes & Chargebacks
No one likes disputes. But they happen. Let’s see how each player handles the drama.
Stripe
- Dispute fee: $15, refunded if you win
- You can submit evidence online—quick UI
- Replies to disputes automatically unless you customize
- Built-in Radar tool to prevent fraud using machine learning
PayPal
- Dispute fee: $20–$30, non-refundable
- Customer stays within PayPal’s Mediator system
- High buyer protection = more disputes
- You don’t control the resolution timeline—it’s in PayPal’s hands
Adyen
- Dispute fee depends on payment method
- Enterprise-grade dispute management tools
- You must submit evidence via merchant portal
- Dedicated support for businesses with high volume
Winner? Stripe makes disputes less painful. PayPal is less merchant-friendly. Adyen offers flexibility, but expect more manual work.
Extra Features That Might Wow You
Sometimes the little things matter. Here’s a few bonus perks each offers:
Stripe
- Built-in billing and subscriptions
- Supports crypto (limited support, but growing)
- Connect APIs for marketplaces
- Extensive developer documentation
PayPal
- One-touch login/checkouts
- Pay Later and financing options built into payments
- Send business invoices from your account
- Popular with nonprofits and casual sellers
Adyen
- Real-time payment insights
- Built for omnichannel (online + in-store)
- Multiple currencies and country support
- Risk management tools with advanced triggers
Winner? Depends on what you need. Stripe is ideal for startups and scalable SaaS. PayPal is cozy for personal or small ecommerce. Adyen wins at scale and complexity.
So…Which Should You Choose in 2025?
- Choose Stripe if: You want sleek UX, transparent pricing, and powerful APIs.
- Choose PayPal if: Your audience already loves and trusts it, or if you sell casually.
- Choose Adyen if: You’re scaling globally and need full control of payments.
Still unsure? Here’s a simple comparison table:
| Feature | Stripe | PayPal | Adyen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee Transparency | ✔️ Simple | ❌ More extras | ✔️ But complex |
| Best UX | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ Enterprise level |
| Dispute Handling | ✔️ Friendly | ❌ Buyer-focused | ✔️ Custom workflows |
| Best For | Startups/SaaS | Small biz/nonprofits | Global enterprises |
Final Thoughts
In 2025, all three—Stripe, PayPal, and Adyen—are strong. But they fit different styles.
Stripe is like a Tesla: sleek, fast, and techy. PayPal is like your old reliable Honda: trusted but quirky. Adyen? It’s like a Porsche for enterprises that want control and performance.
So choose the one that fits your business today—and the one that can grow with you