BTCPay Server
BTCPay Server is a self-hosted, open-source cryptocurrency payment processor that allows you to accept Bitcoin and other digital assets directly without fees or third-party intermediaries.
NOWPayments
NOWPayments is a non-custodial cryptocurrency payment gateway that allows you to accept over 300 digital assets as payment for your online store, physical business, or charitable organization effortlessly.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BTCPay Server | NOWPayments |
|---|---|---|
| Website | btcpayserver.org | nowpayments.io |
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2017 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | null | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
Overview
BTCPay Server
BTCPay Server is a powerful, self-hosted payment gateway designed to give you full control over your finances. By eliminating middleman processors, you can accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies directly into your own wallet, ensuring your private keys stay in your hands. You can integrate it into your existing online store, use it as a physical point-of-sale system, or even manage crowdfunding campaigns and tips without paying any processing fees to a third party.
The platform prioritizes your privacy and security by removing the need for KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation typically required by centralized processors. You can run your own instance on a local server or a cloud provider, giving you a censorship-resistant way to handle global transactions. It is an ideal solution for merchants, non-profits, and content creators who want a sovereign, cost-effective way to join the digital economy.
NOWPayments
NOWPayments is a non-custodial crypto payment gateway that lets you accept more than 300 different cryptocurrencies directly into your own wallet. You can integrate payment buttons, hosted payment pages, or full API solutions into your website to offer customers a modern checkout experience. Because it is non-custodial, you maintain full control over your private keys and funds at all times, reducing the risks associated with third-party holding services.
You can also manage complex financial tasks like mass payouts for affiliates or employees and set up recurring billing for subscription-based services. The platform automatically handles currency conversions, allowing you to accept volatile coins while receiving stablecoins to protect your margins. Whether you run a small online shop or a large enterprise, you can start accepting global payments with minimal technical setup and low transaction fees.
Overview
BTCPay Server Features
- Direct Peer-to-Peer Payments Receive payments directly into your own wallet so you never have to worry about third-party custody or account freezes.
- Zero Processing Fees Keep 100% of your revenue because the software is free to use and charges no transaction or subscription fees.
- Built-in Point of Sale Turn any browser-enabled device into a physical checkout terminal for your retail store or event booth.
- Crowdfunding & Tips Launch your own self-hosted fundraising campaigns or add a tip jar to your website without platform censorship.
- Automated Invoicing Generate professional Bitcoin invoices that update exchange rates in real-time and track payment status automatically.
- Lightning Network Support Enable instant, low-cost micro-transactions for your customers by utilizing the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
- Pull Payments & Refunds Manage outgoing payments and process customer refunds directly from your dashboard while maintaining full security.
- Multi-Store Management Create and manage multiple separate stores with different wallets and settings from a single server installation.
NOWPayments Features
- Instant Auto-Conversion. Protect your revenue from market volatility by automatically converting received cryptocurrencies into stablecoins or your preferred digital asset.
- Mass Payouts. Send rebates, rewards, or salaries to multiple addresses simultaneously with a single click to streamline your business operations.
- Point-of-Sale Terminal. Accept crypto payments in your physical store using a simple web-based interface compatible with any mobile device or tablet.
- Recurring Billing. Set up automated subscription payments for your customers so you can generate consistent revenue without manual invoicing.
- Custodial Solutions. Choose to use internal accounts for instant transfers between users within your ecosystem to save on network gas fees.
- E-commerce Plugins. Connect your store instantly with ready-made plugins for WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, and other major shopping cart platforms.
Pricing Comparison
BTCPay Server Pricing
- Unlimited transactions
- Zero processing fees
- Full privacy (no KYC)
- Complete data ownership
- Lightning Network support
- Custom CSS and branding
- Everything in Self-Hosted, plus:
- No server maintenance
- Instant setup
- Shared resource costs
- Community support access
- Note: Host may charge small fee
NOWPayments Pricing
- No monthly subscription fees
- 0.5% transaction fee
- Access to 300+ cryptocurrencies
- Personal account manager
- 24/7 technical support
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Additional 0.5% exchange fee
- Automatic coin conversion
- Fixed rate options available
- Stablecoin settlement
Pros & Cons
BTCPay Server
Pros
- Eliminates all transaction fees and monthly subscriptions
- Provides total financial privacy with no KYC requirements
- Supports both on-chain and Lightning Network payments
- Integrates easily with popular e-commerce platforms
- Active community provides frequent security updates
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge for initial server setup
- You are responsible for your own security
- No centralized customer support for immediate help
NOWPayments
Pros
- Non-custodial setup ensures you keep full control of funds
- Extensive range of supported coins exceeds most competitors
- Simple integration process with popular e-commerce plugins
- Responsive customer support helps resolve technical issues quickly
Cons
- Minimum payment limits apply to certain low-value transactions
- Network congestion can occasionally delay transaction confirmations
- Fiat withdrawal options are limited compared to crypto-to-crypto