When it comes to payment processing giants, Stripe and Adyen are two of the biggest names in the game. Both offer powerful, global solutions, but the question remains: which one is better for your business? Whether you’re a startup, an e-commerce platform, or an enterprise, choosing the right payment processor can make or break your growth.
So, let’s put them head-to-head and figure out who really comes out on top.
- Company Overview: Stripe and Adyen
| Feature | Stripe | Adyen |
| Founded | 2010 | 2006 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Target Audience | Startups, SMBs, Enterprises | Mid-to-Large Enterprises |
| Global Reach | 135+ countries | 100+ countries |
| Currencies Supported | 135+ | 100+ |
Quick Take:
- Stripe is more accessible to startups and small businesses, thanks to its easy setup and flexible pricing.
- Adyen often targets mid-to-large businesses with custom pricing and advanced solutions.
- Ease of Use and Setup
- Stripe:
- Famous for its simplicity — fast onboarding, intuitive dashboard, and easy-to-integrate APIs.
- No monthly fees and pay-as-you-go pricing — perfect for businesses of all sizes.
- Adyen:
- More complex setup — requires technical expertise and more documentation.
- Custom pricing models — not as straightforward as Stripe’s.
Winner: Stripe — faster setup and user-friendly experience.
- Payment Methods and Global Reach
| Payment Methods | Stripe | Adyen |
| Credit/Debit Cards |  |
|
| Digital Wallets | (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) |
(Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) |
| Local Payment Methods | (SEPA, iDEAL, UPI) |
(Alipay, WeChat Pay) |
| Cryptocurrency | (via third-party) |
 |
Winner: Stripe — broader currency support and better local payment coverage.
- Pricing Structure
| Fee Type | Stripe | Adyen |
| Transaction Fees | 2.9% + $0.30 (USA) | Varies (custom pricing) |
| International Fees | +1% | Varies |
| Chargeback Fees | $15 | €5–€25 |
Quick Take:
- Stripe’s pricing is transparent and predictable.
- Adyen’s custom pricing can save high-volume businesses money, but it lacks transparency.
Winner: Stripe for small-to-medium businesses; Adyen for high-volume enterprises.
- Security and Fraud Prevention
- Stripe:
- PCI DSS Level 1 certification (highest level of payment security).
- Stripe Radar: AI-driven real-time fraud prevention.
- 3D Secure 2.0 support for added protection.
- Adyen:
- Built-in risk management tools with customizable fraud rules.
- Real-time transaction monitoring with advanced risk scoring.
Winner: Tie — both offer exceptional security and fraud prevention.
- Developer-Friendliness and API Integration
- Stripe:
- Renowned for its powerful and flexible API.
- Extensive SDKs and pre-built tools for fast integration.
- Stripe Elements: Customizable payment forms and UIs.
- Adyen:
- Robust API, but requires more technical expertise.
- Fewer pre-built tools, more enterprise-level customization.
Winner: Stripe — easier, faster integration for developers.
- Advanced Features
| Feature | Stripe | Adyen |
| Subscription Billing | |
|
| Invoicing | |
|
| Marketplace Payments | (Stripe Connect) |
(Adyen for Platforms) |
| Customizable Checkout | |
|
| Embedded Finance | (Issuing, Capital, Treasury) |
|
Winner: Stripe — more diverse and innovative financial tools.
- Reporting and Analytics
- Stripe:
- Real-time dashboards and detailed financial reports.
- Advanced analytics for revenue, payouts, and disputes.
- Adyen:
- In-depth data insights tailored for enterprise clients.
- Customizable reporting features.
Winner: Adyen — more advanced reporting for larger businesses.
- Scalability
Both platforms scale beautifully, but with different target audiences:
- Stripe: Ideal for startups scaling rapidly, offering flexible tools and pricing.
- Adyen: Built for high-growth enterprises, handling massive transaction volumes with custom pricing.
Winner: Adyen — better suited for high-volume global businesses.
- Customer Support
| Support Type | Stripe | Adyen |
| 24/7 Live Chat | |
|
| Phone Support | (Enterprise only) |
|
| Email Support | |
|
Winner: Stripe — faster and more accessible support for small businesses.
FAQs: Stripe vs. Adyen
- Which platform is better for startups?
Stripe — faster setup, simpler pricing, and more user-friendly tools. - Which payment processor offers better global coverage?
Stripe — with 135+ currencies and more local payment options. - Does Adyen offer better pricing for high-volume businesses?
Yes — Adyen’s custom pricing can offer better rates for enterprise clients. - Which platform has better fraud prevention tools?
Both offer top-tier security, but Stripe Radar is more AI-driven and accessible. - Is Stripe easier to integrate than Adyen?
Yes — Stripe’s developer tools and pre-built elements make it faster and easier.
Conclusion: Who Comes Out on Top? 
| Category | Winner |
| Ease of Use | Stripe |
| Payment Methods | Stripe |
| Pricing | Stripe (SMBs), Adyen (Enterprises) |
| Security | Tie |
| Developer Tools | Stripe |
| Advanced Features | Stripe |
| Reporting | Adyen |
| Scalability | Adyen |
| Customer Support | Stripe |
Final Verdict:
- Choose Stripe if you’re a startup, small business, or scaling company looking for affordable, powerful, and easy-to-use tools.
- Choose Adyen if you’re a high-volume enterprise that needs custom pricing and advanced reporting.