paywend.com
Head to head

Stripe vs Paddle vs Lemon Squeezy vs RevenueCat

The same providers, compared on what actually matters: who's the merchant of record, who remits the tax, and what it costs. Figures are for digital goods and current as of July 2026 — always confirm with each provider.

  Stripe
direct		 Stripe Managed Payments Paddle Lemon Squeezy RevenueCat
RoleDirect processorMerchant of recordMerchant of recordMerchant of recordIn‑app subscription infrastructure
Who remits VAT/taxYouStripePaddleLemon SqueezyApple / Google
Typical fee*~2.9% + 30¢5% + 50¢~5% + 50¢5% + 50¢Free tier, then % of tracked revenue
Global tax handled✗ (you)✓✓✓✓ (via stores)
Subscriptions✓✓✓✓✓ (mobile)
Disputes/chargebacksYou manageStripe managesPaddle managesLemon Squeezy managesStore‑handled
ChannelWebWebWebWebiOS / Android
Best forDomestic sales, lowest fees, full controlStripe users wanting MoR without leaving StripeSaaS selling worldwideIndie digital productsMobile app subscriptions & entitlements
Learn more Details Details Details Details Details
Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit

*Headline rates for digital goods, July 2026; vary by country, plan and card type. For comparison only, not billing.

How to read this

If tax admin is the thing you want gone, any of the three merchants of record removes it. If low fees and control matter most and your sales are mostly domestic, a direct processor wins. Most global sellers end up combining them — direct at home, MoR abroad, stores in‑app — and routing by the buyer. That routing is what Paywend does automatically.

Understand who owes the VAT Back to the guide
Not tax advice. Rules and prices change and depend on your situation. Verify with each provider and a qualified adviser.