Polar.sh vs Stripe Payments - spinningideas/resources GitHub Wiki
There are a number of payment providers
Below is a rough attempt to compare Polar.sh and Stripe
Polar.sh can be a better option than Stripe for certain use cases, particularly for SaaS businesses and developers focused on selling software or digital products with specific needs. While Stripe is a powerful and versatile platform, Polar.sh offers advantages in terms of ease of use, built-in features for developer-centric products, and Merchant of Record status, which simplifies tax compliance. [1, 2, 3]
Here's a more detailed comparison:
Polar.sh Strengths:
• Simplicity and Ease of Use: Polar.sh is designed to be user-friendly, particularly for those who want to quickly set up a payment system for their SaaS or digital products without extensive development work. [1, 1, 3, 3]
• Merchant of Record (MoR): Polar acts as the MoR, handling tax collection and remittance, which can be a significant benefit for businesses selling globally and wanting to avoid the complexities of tax compliance. [1, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6]
• Developer-Focused Features: Polar.sh offers features like automated benefits (entitlements) for common upsells, including license keys, file downloads, GitHub repository access, and Discord invites, making it ideal for developers. [2, 2, 7, 7]
• Open Source and Transparent: Polar is an open-source project, meaning you can potentially customize it further and contribute to its development. [8, 8, 9]
• Built-in Benefits Automation: Polar offers automation for common upsells, making it easier to manage benefits like license keys, file downloads, and access to private GitHub repositories. [7, 7]
Stripe Strengths:
• Flexibility and Customization: Stripe is known for its flexibility and extensive customization options, making it suitable for a wide range of businesses and complex payment scenarios. [1, 1, 3, 3, 10, 11]
• Lower Fees for Smaller Transactions: Stripe's fee structure can be more cost-effective for smaller transactions compared to Polar.sh's flat fee structure. [2, 2, 12, 12]
• Powerful API and Integrations: Stripe has a robust API and a vast ecosystem of integrations, making it a good choice for businesses needing more complex integrations and advanced features. [2, 2, 13, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]
When to Choose Polar.sh:
• SaaS Businesses with Developer Focus: If you're selling software or digital products with features like license keys, GitHub access, or Discord integration, Polar.sh can simplify your workflow. [4, 4, 7, 7, 9, 18, 18, 19]
• Businesses Focused on Simplicity and Speed: If you need a quick and easy way to set up payments without extensive development, Polar.sh is a good option. [1, 1, 3, 3]
• Businesses Selling Globally and Wanting Tax Compliance: If you need a Merchant of Record to handle VAT and other taxes, Polar.sh can save you the hassle. [3, 4, 5, 20]
When to Choose Stripe:
• Businesses with Complex Payment Needs: If you have unique or highly customized payment requirements, Stripe's flexibility is a major advantage. [1, 1, 3, 3]
• Businesses with Smaller Transactions: Stripe's fee structure can be more cost-effective for businesses with smaller transaction volumes. [2, 2, 12, 12, 21]
• Businesses that need advanced integrations: If you require a wide range of integrations and advanced features, Stripe is a strong contender. [2, 13, 22, 23, 24, 25]
Sources:
[1] https://www.buildcamp.io/blogs/stripe-vs-polarsh-which-payment-platform-is-best-for-your-saas [2] https://userjot.com/blog/stripe-polar-lemon-squeezy-gumroad-transaction-fees/ [3] https://supastarter.dev/blog/saas-payment-providers-stripe-lemonsqueezy-polar-creem-comparison [4] https://www.reddit.com/r/webdev/comments/1jznycw/i_used_polarsh_to_add_licensepayment_to_my/ [5] https://www.reddit.com/r/SaaS/comments/1gk8zrl/anyone_using_polarsh_as_mor_for_subscription_saas/ [6] https://docs.polar.sh/merchant-of-record/supported-countries [7] https://docs.polar.sh/features/benefits/introduction [8] https://polar.sh/ [9] https://github.com/polarsource/polar [10] https://technologyadvice.com/blog/sales/stripe-vs-paypal/ [11] https://stripe.com/en-mx/payments/features [12] https://www.reddit.com/r/SaaS/comments/1kc2fq5/i_tried_polar_as_payments_system_and_this_is_what/ [13] https://wpsimplepay.com/reasons-to-use-stripe-to-accept-payments-on-wordpress/ [14] https://www.depositfix.com/blog/alternatives-to-stripe [15] https://www.acodei.com/blog/stripe-vs-paypal-which-payment-processor-is-best-for-your-small-business [16] https://flatirons.com/blog/benefits-of-stripe-over-paypal/ [17] https://www.techrepublic.com/article/stripe-review/ [18] https://polar.sh/blog/introducing-digital-products [19] https://supastarter.dev/blog/saas-payment-providers-stripe-lemonsqueezy-polar-creem-comparison [20] https://research.com/software/reviews/stripe-billing [21] https://www.cognitoforms.com/blog/597/square-vs-stripe-the-ultimate-guide-for-small-businesses [22] https://www.acodei.com/blog/stripe-vs-paypal-which-payment-processor-is-best-for-your-small-business [23] https://www.subscriptionflow.com/2023/05/paystack-vs-stripe-comparison/ [24] https://www.acodei.com/blog/stripe-vs-paypal-which-payment-processor-is-best-for-your-small-business [25] https://fitsmallbusiness.com/helcim-vs-stripe/