Recurly vs Stripe Billing

Subscription billing that doesn't make you want to pull your hair out when you need to handle a prorated refund meets the billing api that actually makes you want to charge customers, not dread it. Here's our take.

Recurly

Nice Pick

Subscription billing that doesn't make you want to pull your hair out when you need to handle a prorated refund.

Pros

• Handles complex subscription logic like upgrades, downgrades, and pauses without custom code
• Built-in dunning management to automatically retry failed payments and reduce churn
• Strong API with webhooks for real-time subscription events and easy integration
• Supports multiple currencies and tax compliance (VAT, GST) out of the box

Cons

• Pricing is steep for small startups, with setup fees and percentage-based transaction cuts
• Reporting can feel limited compared to pulling raw data into your own analytics

Stripe Billing

The billing API that actually makes you want to charge customers, not dread it.

Pros

• Handles complex subscription logic (metered billing, trials, prorations) with minimal code
• Seamless integration with Stripe Payments and other Stripe products
• Built-in invoicing, dunning management, and revenue recognition automation
• Developer-friendly API with clear documentation and predictable webhooks

Cons

• Pricing adds up quickly with transaction fees on top of Stripe Payments fees
• Lock-in effect: migrating away is painful once you're deep in Stripe's ecosystem

The Verdict

Use Recurly if: You want handles complex subscription logic like upgrades, downgrades, and pauses without custom code and can live with pricing is steep for small startups, with setup fees and percentage-based transaction cuts.

Use Stripe Billing if: You prioritize handles complex subscription logic (metered billing, trials, prorations) with minimal code over what Recurly offers.

The Bottom Line

Recurly wins

Subscription billing that doesn't make you want to pull your hair out when you need to handle a prorated refund.