Skip to main content

Best Square Alternatives (2026)

Exploring alternatives to Square? We tracked 24 other Payment & Billing tools with full pricing breakdowns so you can compare costs before switching.

Data compiled by Arthur Jacquemin, Founder & Lead Analyst

Overview

Square is a Payment & Billing tool using usage-based pricing. We tracked 24 alternatives in the same category with full pricing breakdowns. Whether you need a different pricing model, more features, or better value, these alternatives cover a range of options from $0.13/mo to enterprise-grade solutions.

At $35/mo, Square sits below the category average of $333/mo. Adyen offers a lower starting price at $0.13/mo. 13 tools in this space offer free plans for getting started. 4 alternatives offer annual billing discounts.

Here are the standout alternatives: Adyen (best budget option, $0.13/mo), Stripe (best for flexibility with 9 pricing tiers), Braintree (best free alternative).

When comparing pricing models, consider that Square uses usage-based pricing. Alternatives like Adyen and Braintree use the same usage-based model, making it easier to compare costs side-by-side. If you switch to a differently-priced tool, be prepared to adjust your budgeting approach—for example, shifting from per-seat to flat-rate pricing.

When switching from Square, evaluate migration effort alongside pricing. Tools using similar pricing models offer the most predictable cost comparison. If your team is growing, prioritize tools with flat-rate or team-based pricing to avoid escalating per-seat costs. Consider the learning curve and data migration complexity when making your final decision.

24 Payment & Billing Alternatives to Square

Adyen logo
Adyen

Enterprise payment platform for global commerce

From$0/mo
2 tiers
Compare with Square
Braintree logo
Braintree

Full-stack payment platform by PayPal

From$0/mo
5 tiers
Compare with Square
Cashfree logo
Cashfree

Payment and banking API platform for Indian businesses

From$0/mo
2 tiers
Compare with Square
Chargebee logo
Chargebee

Subscription billing and revenue management platform

Free
3 tiers
Compare with Square
FastSpring logo
FastSpring

Full-service ecommerce platform for digital products

From$0/mo
4 tiers
Compare with Square
Flutterwave logo
Flutterwave

Payment technology company for Africa and emerging markets

From$0/mo
2 tiers
Compare with Square
Gumroad logo
Gumroad

Simple platform for selling digital products and memberships

Free
2 tiers
Compare with Square
Kill Bill logo
Kill Bill

Open-source subscription billing and payment platform

Free
1 tier
Compare with Square
Lago logo
Lago

Open-source metering and usage-based billing platform

Free
4 tiers
Compare with Square
Lemon Squeezy logo
Lemon Squeezy

All-in-one payments and billing for digital products

From$0/mo
4 tiers
Compare with Square
Merchantry logo
Merchantry

Payment operations and merchant services platform

Free
1 tier
Compare with Square
Orb logo
Orb

Usage-based billing infrastructure for modern pricing models

Free
3 tiers
Compare with Square
Paddle logo
Paddle

Merchant of record handling payments, tax, and subscriptions

Free
1 tier
Compare with Square
PayPal Business logo
PayPal Business

Online payment processing and merchant services

From$0/mo
3 tiers
Compare with Square
Payhip logo
Payhip

Ecommerce platform for selling digital downloads and courses

From$0/mo
3 tiers
Compare with Square
Paystack logo
Paystack

Payment infrastructure for African businesses

From$0/mo
4 tiers
Compare with Square
Polar logo
Polar

Open-source monetization platform for developers

From$0/mo
1 tier
Compare with Square
Razorpay logo
Razorpay

Payment gateway and business banking for India

From$0/mo
3 tiers
Compare with Square
Recurly logo
Recurly

Subscription management and recurring billing platform

Free
5 tiers
Compare with Square
Stigg logo
Stigg

Pricing and packaging management platform for SaaS

Free
2 tiers
Compare with Square
Stripe logo
Stripe

Payment processing and financial infrastructure for the internet

From$0/mo
9 tiers
Compare with Square
Whop logo
Whop

Marketplace for selling digital products and memberships

From$0/mo
4 tiers
Compare with Square
Wise Business logo
Wise Business

International money transfers and multi-currency accounts

From$0/mo
5 tiers
Compare with Square
Zuora logo
Zuora

Enterprise subscription management and billing platform

Free
2 tiers
Compare with Square

Track Pricing Changes

Get notified when alternatives update their pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions: Square Alternatives

How many alternatives to Square are there?
As of March 2026, there are 24 alternatives to Square in the Payment & Billing category with full pricing data.
What is the cheapest alternative to Square?
Adyen is the most affordable alternative at $0.13/mo. However, the best choice depends on your specific feature needs. Compare pricing and feature lists to find the right balance of cost and functionality for your use case.
Are there free alternatives to Square?
Yes, Braintree, Cashfree, FastSpring, and others offer free plans. Free tiers are a great way to evaluate solutions before upgrading to a paid plan. Keep in mind that free tiers often have feature or usage limitations compared to paid plans.
How does Square pricing compare to alternatives?
Square starts at $35/mo, while alternatives in the same category average $333/mo. 6 alternatives offer lower starting prices. The best value depends on the specific features you need at each tier.
Which Square alternatives offer annual billing discounts?
Braintree, Razorpay, Stripe, and others offer annual billing options with discounts typically ranging from 10-25%.
What pricing models do Square alternatives use?
Square alternatives use various pricing models, with the most common being usage-based (20 tools) and open-source (2 tools). Tiered pricing allows you to start small and scale up as your needs grow, while per-seat pricing works well for teams where you know the exact user count.