Lemon Squeezy vs Stripe: Which Payment Gateway is Right for Your Bubble.io App?
When building a Bubble.io app that needs payment processing, choosing the right payment gateway can make or break your user experience. While Stripe has been the go-to choice for most no-code builders, Lemon Squeezy is emerging as a compelling alternative that might actually be easier to integrate with your Bubble app.
Understanding the Pricing Models
The pricing structure between these two payment gateways differs significantly. Stripe operates on a percentage-based model with additional fees that can add up quickly. You'll find various extra costs scattered throughout their pricing page, making it challenging to predict your true payment processing expenses.
Lemon Squeezy takes a different approach with a higher percentage per transaction but promises an all-encompassing fee structure. This means fewer surprise charges and more predictable costs for your Bubble.io app, even though you'll pay a higher percentage on each transaction.
Integration Complexity: Simplicity vs Flexibility
While Stripe offers incredible flexibility through its extensive API, this comes with significant complexity. Even seemingly simple tasks like managing subscription plan IDs in Bubble can become challenging due to Stripe's comprehensive but complex documentation.
Lemon Squeezy's API documentation reveals a more streamlined approach. The platform offers essential features like product management, shopping carts, variants, and subscriptions without the overwhelming complexity that comes with Stripe's extensive feature set.
Geographic and Tax Considerations
One area where Lemon Squeezy particularly shines is tax handling across different jurisdictions. For Bubble.io app builders operating internationally, managing sales tax across different states in America or various countries can be a nightmare with traditional payment processors.
Lemon Squeezy appears to handle much of this complexity in their base package, potentially saving you significant time and money on tax compliance. Additionally, Lemon Squeezy may be available in countries where Stripe isn't supported, opening up new markets for your no-code app.
The Bubble.io Integration Advantage
While Stripe has an official Bubble plugin developed by the Bubble team, the integration process can still be complex due to Stripe's extensive feature set. The hosted checkout is optimized for conversions, but implementing it properly requires understanding Stripe's comprehensive API.
Lemon Squeezy's simpler approach might actually make it faster to integrate with your Bubble app than Stripe, despite not having an official plugin. The streamlined API and clearer documentation can lead to quicker implementation times.
Making the Right Choice for Your No-Code App
The decision between Lemon Squeezy and Stripe for your Bubble.io app ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you need maximum flexibility and don't mind the complexity, Stripe remains a solid choice. However, if you value simplicity, predictable pricing, and easier tax handling, Lemon Squeezy might be the better option.
For no-code builders who want to focus on building their app rather than wrestling with payment gateway complexities, Lemon Squeezy's approach of trading some flexibility for simplicity could be exactly what you need to get your Bubble app to market faster.