Stripe API vs PayPal API
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right API for your project
Both APIs have verified data. Information has been manually fact-checked against official documentation and may be more accurate than automated data collection.
TL;DR Summary
Choose Stripe if:
- You need 11+ official SDKs
- You prefer OAuth 2.0 authentication
- Supports secret keys, publishable keys, and restricted API keys
- You're in Payments industry
Choose PayPal if:
- You need 9+ official SDKs
- You prefer OAuth 2.0 authentication
- OAuth 2.0 only - exchange client ID and secret for access tokens via /v1/oauth2/token
- You're in Payment Processing industry
Feature Comparison
| Feature |  Stripe |  PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Website | Available | Available |
| API Documentation | Available | Available |
| Founded | 2010 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, CA & Dublin, Ireland | San Jose, CA |
| API Features | ||
| OpenAPI Specification | ||
| GraphQL Support | * | |
| Webhooks | ||
| Sandbox/Test Mode | ||
| SDKs & Libraries | ||
| Total SDKs | 11 SDKs | 9 SDKs |
| JavaScript/Node.js | ||
| Python | ||
| Ruby | ||
| PHP | ||
| Java | ||
| .NET | ||
| Go | ||
| Authentication | ||
| Auth Methods | OAuth 2.0, API Key | OAuth 2.0 |
| OAuth 2.0 | ||
| API Key | ||
| Developer Experience | ||
| GitHub Stars | - | - |
| Stack Overflow Questions | - | - |
| Changelog Available | ||
| Status Page | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Total Integrations | 155 integrations | 86 integrations |
| Zapier Integration | ||
Our Verdict
Both Stripe and PayPal are solid choices in their category. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements:
- For more SDK options: Stripe offers 11 SDKs
- For more integrations: Stripe has 155 integrations
- Authentication: Stripe uses OAuth 2.0, API Key, while PayPal uses OAuth 2.0
We recommend trying both APIs and consulting their official documentation to see which fits your workflow better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Stripe and PayPal?
Stripe focuses on Payments while PayPalspecializes in Payment Processing. Both offer robust APIs but may differ in specific features, pricing, and integration options.
Which API has better documentation?
Both Stripe and PayPal provide API documentation. Stripe offers an OpenAPI specification. PayPal offers an OpenAPI specification. We recommend reviewing both to see which style suits your team better.
Can I use both Stripe and PayPal together?
Yes, many developers use multiple APIs together depending on their needs. You might use Stripe for some features and PayPal for others, depending on which offers better support for specific use cases.