Braintree vs Stripe
Braintree (owned by PayPal) and Stripe compared. Both handle cards + PayPal, but they differ significantly on developer experience, billing features, and long-term viability.
Our Verdict
For new integrations, choose Stripe. Braintree is in maintenance mode — PayPal is steering development toward its own platform, and Braintree's API hasn't kept pace with Stripe's. If you're already on Braintree, it works and there's no urgency to migrate — but plan for it eventually. If you need PayPal + cards in one integration, Stripe now supports PayPal as a payment method, removing Braintree's historical advantage.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Braintree | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
| UK card processing fee | 1.9% + 20p | 1.5% + 20p (UK cards) |
| PayPal integration | Native (owned by PayPal) | Via payment methods |
| Developer API quality | Good, aging | Best in class |
| Subscription billing | Basic | Advanced (Stripe Billing) |
| Marketplace payments | Braintree Marketplace | Stripe Connect |
| Active development | Maintenance mode | Actively developed |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | ||
| Venmo support | ||
| Card vault / portability | Good | Good |
| Documentation quality | Adequate | Excellent |
| Local payment methods | Limited | 100+ |
| Long-term viability | Uncertain | Strong |
Choose Braintree when…
- You're already on it and it works — no urgent reason to migrate
- You need Venmo support for US customers
- Your existing integration is deeply embedded and migration cost outweighs benefits
- You need PayPal's specific marketplace features
Choose Stripe when…
- You're building a new integration — Stripe is the clear choice
- You need advanced subscription billing
- You want a platform that's actively developed and improving
- You need 100+ local payment methods
- You want better documentation and developer tools
- You're building a marketplace (Stripe Connect is superior)
Implementation Pricing
Whichever platform you choose, we implement it. Transparent, project-based pricing.
Braintree Setup
£2,500–£5,000
1–2 weeks
- ✓Drop-in UI or custom SDK
- ✓Cards + PayPal
- ✓3-D Secure
- ✓Webhook handling
- ✓Go-live support
Stripe Integration
£2,500–£5,000
1–2 weeks
- ✓Checkout or Elements
- ✓Payment Intents API
- ✓PayPal as payment method
- ✓Webhook handling
- ✓Go-live support
Braintree → Stripe Migration
£10,000–£20,000
4–8 weeks
- ✓Vault data migration
- ✓Subscription transfer
- ✓Parallel running
- ✓Zero-downtime cutover
- ✓Post-migration support
Braintree vs Stripe FAQ
Is Braintree being discontinued?+
Not officially, but PayPal is clearly steering development toward its own platform. Braintree receives maintenance updates but no major new features. For new integrations, Stripe is the safer long-term bet.
Can Stripe process PayPal payments?+
Yes — Stripe now supports PayPal as a payment method alongside cards. This removes Braintree's historical advantage of having PayPal built in.
Should I migrate from Braintree to Stripe?+
If you're building new features or your Braintree integration needs work, yes — invest in Stripe rather than extending a platform in maintenance mode. If everything works and you're not changing anything, there's no urgency.
How hard is it to migrate from Braintree to Stripe?+
Moderate — the main challenge is migrating vaulted card data (via PAN transfer with both providers' cooperation) and moving subscriptions. We handle the full migration including parallel running and zero-downtime cutover.
Still Deciding?
We implement both platforms. Tell us about your business and we'll recommend the right one — then build it.
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