Square vs Authorize.net
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of The 11 Best Payment Gateways. Last verified June 9, 2026.
The short answer
Square ranks higher on Top 11 (#4 vs #6) for Businesses accepting online payments. The top choice for businesses needing a single, simple solution for both online and in-person sales.
At a glance
| Square | Authorize.net | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #4 / The 11 Best Payment Gateways | #6 / The 11 Best Payment Gateways |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.6 | 8.1 |
| Best for | Integrated online and offline payments | Reliable gateway for existing merchant accounts |
| Pricing | $$ (Pay-as-you-go) | $ (Gateway-only) |
| HQ | San Francisco, USA | American Fork, USA |
| Founded | 2009 | 1996 |
Square
The top choice for businesses needing a single, simple solution for both online and in-person sales.
squareup.comAuthorize.net
A trusted, reliable, and widely integrated gateway, especially for those bringing their own merchant account.
www.authorize.netMethodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.