Top 5 PayPal Competitors and Alternatives You Should Know About in 2025

Irion Dekov
Apr 29
4 min read

Author: Eva Bravin

Let’s be real—PayPal has been the go-to for online payments for years. Whether you're buying something on eBay, paying a freelancer or splitting the dinner bill, there are high chances you've used PayPal at some point. It's everywhere. But just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

From high fees to sudden account freezes and limited control for businesses, there are quite a few reasons why people are starting to look elsewhere. Thankfully, the world of digital payments has exploded in recent years, and there are plenty of solid alternatives out there—each with their own strengths.

Here you can find five of the best PayPal alternatives to check out in 2025 if you're running a business, working as a freelancer in different countries or just want to split the bills with your flatmate.

1. Stripe

If you're building an online business or app and want total control over how payments work, Stripe is a dream come true. It’s easily developer-friendly, which means the person that works on the website can customize nearly everything—from checkout pages to subscription billing.

Stripe also supports a ton of different payment methods, currencies, and even recurring billing, which makes it super flexible.

Who it’s great for:

E-commerce stores
Tech startups
Global businesses

Pros:

Clean and powerful API
Particularly indicated for subscriptions and recurring payments
Global support and multi-currency options
Transparent fees

Cons:

Not the easiest setup if you’re not tech-savvy
Can feel overwhelming for small, simple businesses

Our two cents on it: If you’re running a serious online operation and need something you can customize to the core, Stripe is your best bet.

2. Square

If Stripe is the coder’s choice, Square is the small business champion. It started with a tiny card reader and is now a full-fledged ecosystem—POS system, online store builder, payroll services, you name it.

You can accept payments in person, online, or even send invoices, all from one place. It could be a good option if you’re selling both online and in a physical location.

Who it’s great for:

Cafes, salons and retail shops
Small businesses with physical stores
Pop-up vendors

Pros:

User-friendly and quick to set up
Great in-person payment tools
Flat-rate pricing = no surprises
Offers extra tools like inventory and staff management

Cons:

Not ideal for international or online-only businesses
Less customizable than Stripe
Still charges transaction fees, like most platforms

Our two cents on it: If you’ve got a storefront (or dream of opening one), Square is your all-in-one solution.

3. Venmo

You’ve probably heard someone say “Just Venmo me.” That’s how common this app has become in the U.S. Venmo makes it super easy to send money to friends, roommates, or that one friend who always forgets their wallet.

It’s owned by PayPal, but it has its own vibe—more casual, more social. There’s even a public feed (don’t worry, you can make it private).

Who it’s great for:

Individuals
Friends and family splitting bills
Casual payments

Pros:

Ridiculously easy to use
Fast transfers (you can pay a small fee for instant)
Fun social features
Free if you use your bank account or balance

Cons:

Only available in the U.S.
Not designed for business or international use
That social feed can feel a little… invasive

Our two cents on it: Venmo is perfect for casual, everyday payments—think pizza, rent, or movie tickets.

4. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

If you’re tired of losing money on hidden exchange rates and high fees when sending money abroad, Wise is a total game-changer. It’s built specifically for international payments and uses the real mid-market exchange rate (the one you see on Google), not a marked-up one like PayPal often does.

Wise also lets you hold and manage money in multiple currencies—ideal for freelancers, digital nomads, or anyone working with international clients.

Who it’s great for:

Freelancers
Remote workers
People sending money across borders

Pros:

Super low and transparent fees
Great exchange rates
Multi-currency accounts and debit card
Solid mobile app

Cons:

Not great for in-person payments
No advanced features for e-commerce
Not ideal for domestic-only use

Our two cents on it: If you send or receive money internationally, Wise will save you a ton over time.

5. Apple Pay

Apple Pay is all about simplicity, speed, and security. If you have an iPhone, you’ve probably already used it to tap-and-go at the store or pay in apps. It’s seamless, and you don’t even need to carry a wallet.

What makes it powerful is the ecosystem—Apple Pay just works, whether you’re buying a coffee or sending money to a friend via Apple Cash.

Who it’s great for:

iPhone users
Mobile-first shoppers
Anyone who values convenience and security

Pros:

Extremely secure with Face ID and Touch ID
No extra fees for users
Works almost anywhere contactless is accepted
Integrates with your Apple devices

Cons:

Only available on Apple devices
Not designed for international transfers or freelancers
Limited business tools compared to Stripe or Square

Our two cents on it: If you're already in the Apple ecosystem, this is probably the smoothest way to pay in 2025.

Final Thoughts

PayPal is still a major player, but it’s no longer the only option—and depending on your needs, it might not even be the best one.

To recap:

Stripe is amazing for tech-forward businesses and developers.
Square is a lifesaver for retail and local businesses.
Venmo is perfect for everyday, casual money transfers.
Wise is unbeatable for international payments.
Apple Pay brings convenience and security for mobile users.

So, what’s the right choice for you? Maybe it’s one. Maybe it’s two. Maybe it’s a mix. The good news is, in 2025, you’ve got options—and they’re all pretty great.