Paddle vs FastSpring
side by side.
How Paddle and FastSpring compare on model, pricing, tax coverage and who each one is really for.
Paddle is transparent self-serve pricing for modern software; FastSpring is an enterprise-grade MoR with custom quotes that also takes games. Both are strong for software, neither for human services.
Pick Paddle if
- ✓You want published, self-serve pricing at 5% + 50¢
- ✓You're a modern SaaS team that wants to start without a sales call
- ✓You value a cleaner, developer-friendly setup
Pick FastSpring if
- ✓You want an enterprise MoR and a negotiated, all-in rate
- ✓You sell video games or a broad international digital catalog
- ✓You need heavier currency and payment-method coverage
How they actually differ
Grounded in each provider's documented model, pricing and tax coverage. Verify the details for your exact offer before signing.
Self-serve versus enterprise
Paddle publishes its rate and lets you start on your own; FastSpring puts you through a quote. That's the headline split. Both cover EU VAT, UK VAT and US sales tax as the seller of record, but FastSpring is older and enterprise-shaped, with a custom all-in fee usually in the 5–9% range depending on your mix.
One concrete difference: FastSpring accepts video games, which Paddle's catalog doesn't center on. If you sell games or want a negotiated enterprise deal with broad currency support, FastSpring is built for that. If you want to sign up today at a known price, Paddle is the simpler road.
Paddle
Merchant of Record built for software, SaaS, and AI tools. Handles global tax, billing and chargebacks under Paddle's name.
- Best for
- SaaS, Downloadable software, AI tools, B2B subscriptions
- Avoid if
- 1:1 coaching, Consulting, Services with human delivery
- Pricing
- 5% + 50¢ on most transactions
FastSpring
Enterprise-grade MoR for software, SaaS, video games and digital goods with global tax and currency support.
- Best for
- SaaS, Downloadable software, Games, International digital goods
- Avoid if
- Coaching, Consulting, Human services
- Pricing
- Custom quote, typically 5–9% all-in
Product eligibility
| Product | Paddle | FastSpring |
|---|---|---|
| SaaS | Accepted | Accepted |
| Downloadable software | Accepted | Accepted |
| Online courses | Unclear | Unclear |
| 1:1 coaching | Likely refused | Likely refused |
| Consulting | Refused | Likely refused |
| Communities | Unclear | Unclear |
| Digital downloads | Likely accepted | Accepted |
| Templates | Likely accepted | Likely accepted |
| AI tools | Accepted | Likely accepted |
Tax coverage
Paddle
- EU VAT
- Yes
- UK VAT
- Yes
- US sales tax
- Yes
- Canada GST/HST
- Yes
- Australia GST
- Yes
FastSpring
- EU VAT
- Yes
- UK VAT
- Yes
- US sales tax
- Yes
- Canada GST/HST
- Yes
- Australia GST
- Yes