Best Paddle Alternatives in 2026
Paddle ($0/mo) not the right fit? Here are 3 alternatives we tested and compared — from free options to enterprise-grade tools.
Last updated: February 2026 · 3 alternatives reviewed
Paddle
Complete payments, tax, and subscription management platform for SaaS. Merchant of Record model handles global tax compliance.
- 5% + $0.50 fee is higher than Stripe's 2.9%
- Less customizable checkout vs Stripe
- Slower payout cycle (1-2 weeks)
Top 3 Alternatives to Paddle
Stripe
Payment processing platform for internet businesses with powerful APIs and developer tools.
- Best-in-class developer experience and API documentation
- No monthly fee — only pay when you get paid
- 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction adds up at volume
- Account holds/freezes can happen without warning
Lemon Squeezy
All-in-one platform for selling digital products, SaaS subscriptions, and managing taxes globally.
- Handles global sales tax automatically (huge for solo devs)
- Merchant of Record — they handle tax compliance, not you
- Higher per-transaction fee (5% + 50¢) vs Stripe (2.9% + 30¢)
- Fewer payment methods than Stripe
Gumroad
Sell digital products, memberships, and courses directly to your audience with a simple storefront.
- Zero upfront cost — pay only when you sell
- Built-in email marketing (Workflows)
- 10% fee is high for volume sellers
- Limited storefront customization
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free alternative to Paddle?
The best free alternatives to Paddle include Stripe, Lemon Squeezy, Gumroad. Each offers a free plan with varying feature limits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Paddle?
Yes. Paddle starts at $0/mo. Several competitors offer lower pricing.
Why do people switch from Paddle?
Common reasons include: 5% + $0.50 fee is higher than Stripe's 2.9%, Less customizable checkout vs Stripe, Slower payout cycle (1-2 weeks). Each alternative addresses different pain points, so the best choice depends on your specific needs.
Can I migrate my data from Paddle?
Most alternatives offer import tools or CSV migration paths. The complexity depends on your data volume and workflow complexity. We recommend running both tools in parallel for 1-2 weeks during transition.