The verdict
For a developer-led software team that sells globally, I'd pick Polar. Usage metering, a sandbox, a migration guide from Stripe and an official MCP server that signs in with OAuth suit how those teams work. It also does not carry the ownership question that Lemon Squeezy does.
If you are a creator or small seller who wants licence keys, secure downloads, upsells and email in one product, Lemon Squeezy fits that better. Either way, read the vendor's blog on Stripe and Managed Payments before you build on Lemon Squeezy. Compare fees at your expected volume, since the cheaper option changes as you grow.
Side by side
| 8 points compared | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $20/mo | |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | |
| Dunning & churn recovery | Yes | Yes |
| Hosted self-serve checkout | Yes | Yes |
| Merchant of record | Yes | Yes |
| Usage-based metering | Yes | Yes |
| Links |
Plans and pricing
Lemon Squeezy
- Email MarketingFree
Polar
- StarterFree
- Pro$20/mo
- Growth$100/mo
- Scale$400/mo
Who each is for
Choose Lemon Squeezy if…
Pick Lemon Squeezy if you sell software, downloads or other digital products and want more than checkout. It handles licence keys with deactivation and re-issue, bundles, discount codes, failed payment recovery and an email tool, with a REST API and signed webhooks for your backend.
It fits indie developers and creators who want to start quickly. The risk is the future. The vendor's blog lists Stripe acquiring it and a 2026 post about Stripe Managed Payments. Ask what changes for existing sellers. It is digital goods only, with a fee on each sale.
Choose Polar if…
Pick Polar if you are a developer or small software team selling subscriptions, licences or usage-based services worldwide. Meters, prepaid credits and seat or unit pricing suit pricing by tokens, calls or compute.
After a purchase it can grant benefits such as licence keys, file downloads, GitHub repository access or Discord roles. You can start with a free plan and move up through paid tiers that lower the rate. Because Polar is the seller, it has an acceptable use policy and account reviews, so check that your product and country are covered. Usage billing needs clean events from your product.
Other options worth a look
Handle global subscriptions, payments and tax compliance without managing VAT registration across 300+ markets.
Manages subscription billing, invoicing and revenue recognition for recurring businesses with your own payment gateways.
Send invoices, track expenses, reconcile banks and prepare VAT returns for Dutch small businesses.
Ties agency projects, time, budgets and profitability together in one place for managing client work.
