Adyen and Stripe remain the two dominant global payment platforms in late 2025, collectively processing trillions in volume and powering much of the world's e-commerce and digital payments. In 2024 (latest full-year data), Stripe processed $1.4 trillion in total payment volume (TPV), up 38% YoY, while Adyen processed €1.29 trillion (~$1.35 trillion USD), up 33% YoY. Both achieved profitability in 2024, with Adyen maintaining exceptional ~50% EBITDA margins.
Stripe continues its developer-first, bottom-up approach (winning startups/SMBs and scaling upmarket), while Adyen focuses on top-down enterprise unification (omnichannel for global giants like Uber, Spotify, Microsoft). Many large merchants now use both via routing/orchestration for optimization.
Performance Verdict: Both top-tier; Stripe easier/simpler (ideal startups), Adyen more customizable/powerful (enterprises). Large merchants A/B test both — differences often geography/bank-specific.
Both are evolving rapidly with AI fraud/auth optimizations and global expansions. For your specific volume, channels, or region, quotes from both are essential (Adyen custom; Stripe transparent but negotiable at scale).
If you share more about your business (e.g., monthly volume, regions, online vs. POS), I can provide a tailored recommendation!
Stripe continues its developer-first, bottom-up approach (winning startups/SMBs and scaling upmarket), while Adyen focuses on top-down enterprise unification (omnichannel for global giants like Uber, Spotify, Microsoft). Many large merchants now use both via routing/orchestration for optimization.
Expanded Comparison Table
| Category | Stripe | Adyen | Winner/Notes (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Startups, SMBs, SaaS, marketplaces, digital-first (e.g., AI companies, platforms) | Large enterprises, omnichannel retailers (online + POS), global brands | Stripe for startups/SMBs; Adyen for enterprises |
| Processed Volume (2024) | $1.4 trillion (38% YoY growth) | €1.29 trillion (~$1.35T USD, 33% YoY growth) | Comparable scale; Stripe slightly higher |
| Market Share (Online Payments) | ~20–34% global (leader behind PayPal) | ~8–9% | Stripe broader adoption |
| Onboarding | Instant/self-service; minimal underwriting | 4–14+ days; full KYC/underwriting, custom contracts | Stripe (faster for most) |
| Pricing Model | Flat-rate: ~2.9% + $0.30 (US cards); predictable but add-ons (e.g., Radar advanced, Billing) | Interchange++ (~0.6–1.2% + €0.11–0.13 fixed); custom quotes, cheaper at scale | Adyen for >$5–10M/mo; Stripe predictable |
| Global Reach | 45+ countries, 135+ currencies, strong NA/Europe/Asia | Direct licenses 30+ countries, 250+ methods; excels local (PIX, iDEAL, SEPA) | Tie; Adyen stronger omnichannel/local acquiring |
| Omnichannel (Online + POS) | Good (Terminal hardware), but online-first | Excellent unified platform (single integration for all channels) | Adyen |
| Developer Tools/APIs | Legendary: Clean docs, pre-built components, vast ecosystem | Robust but more complex; strong for custom enterprise | Stripe |
| Support | Email/chat/docs; premium/enterprise dedicated | 24/7 phone, dedicated managers for large clients | Adyen for enterprises |
| User Ratings (G2/Capterra) | ~4.6/5; praised for ease, innovation | ~4.5–4.6/5; praised for reliability, scale | Tie |
Deep Dive: 3DS & CNP Fraud Prevention (Core to This Thread)
Both platforms fully support EMV 3DS 2.3.1+ with dynamic risk-based authentication (RBA), achieving 80–90%+ frictionless rates in mature markets.- Stripe Radar + 3DS:
- ML-based scoring on billions of transactions; custom rules to trigger 3DS.
- Enhanced Issuer Network: Shares data with issuers for +1–2% auth rates / lower fraud.
- Built-in (no extra setup); easy dashboard rules.
- Strong for online/ATO; high frictionless in voluntary markets (e.g., US).
- Adyen RevenueProtect + Dynamic 3DS:
- Enterprise-grade rule engine + AI (e.g., Uplift: +6% conversion via optimization).
- Automatic 3DS application based on risk, region, card brand; granular controls.
- Native dispute/chargeback management; excels PSD2/SCA compliance (EU/Japan).
- More tunable for complex fraud rings/cross-border.
Performance Verdict: Both top-tier; Stripe easier/simpler (ideal startups), Adyen more customizable/powerful (enterprises). Large merchants A/B test both — differences often geography/bank-specific.
Other Key Features (2025 Updates)
- Stripe Strengths:
- Billing/subscriptions ($500M+ run rate), Connect (platforms/marketplaces), Tax/Issuing.
- AI investments: Optimized Checkout Suite (+revenue capture), stablecoin support.
- Crypto/embedded finance push.
- Adyen Strengths:
- Unified Commerce: Single platform online/POS.
- Revenue optimization (routing, recovery), card issuing, Impact (donations).
- Banking licenses: Direct connections (FedNow, Faster Payments).
- Drawbacks:
- Stripe: Fees add up at extreme scale; occasional holds.
- Adyen: Complex setup/onboarding; risk-averse (banking license).
Who Should Choose Which? (2025 Recommendations)
- Choose Stripe if:
- Startup/SMB/SaaS/digital business.
- Need fast launch, developer tools, predictable pricing.
- Primarily online/CNP focus.
- Choose Adyen if:
- Enterprise/high-volume (> $5–10M/mo).
- Omnichannel/global/local methods critical.
- Want lowest costs, deep customization, unified platform.
- Hybrid Approach: Increasingly common — use orchestration (e.g., Spreedly) to route between both for best rates/auths.
Both are evolving rapidly with AI fraud/auth optimizations and global expansions. For your specific volume, channels, or region, quotes from both are essential (Adyen custom; Stripe transparent but negotiable at scale).
If you share more about your business (e.g., monthly volume, regions, online vs. POS), I can provide a tailored recommendation!