Software · head to head
Apple Pay vs Google Pay
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Apple Pay apple Pay works only in countries and regions that support contactless payments and is not available in all markets; Google Pay limited to Android devices and Chrome browser; lacks native support for iOS devices
- They diverge on capability: Apple Pay covers Secure payments, Google Pay covers Contactless payments.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Apple Pay and Google Pay actually diverge.
| Attribute | Apple Pay | Google Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | IOS, WatchOS, MacOS | Android, Chrome browser |
| Founded | 2014 | 2015 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Apple Pay
- Secure payments
- Contactless transactions
- WatchOS support
- MacOS support
Only in Google Pay
- Contactless payments
- Online shopping
- Android support
Both cover
- Digital wallet
- P2P money transfers
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Bank accounts
- IOS support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Apple Pay
- Contactless in store payment from iPhone and Apple Watchnot Google Pay
- Paying in apps and on the web without entering card detailsnot Google Pay
- Sending money between Apple users with Apple Cash and Tap to Cashnot Google Pay
Google Pay
- Android users making contactless payments at supported retailersnot Apple Pay
- Chrome browser users utilising payment autofill at checkoutnot Apple Pay
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Apple Pay
- Apple Pay works only in countries and regions that support contactless payments and is not available in all markets
- Apple Cash is available only in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
- Apple Cash Family accounts and Tap to Cash transactions are each capped at 2000 USD within a rolling seven day period
- Mac support requires a Touch ID equipped model
- A card works only if the issuing bank supports Apple Pay, and banks may charge their own overseas usage fees
Google Pay
- Limited to Android devices and Chrome browser; lacks native support for iOS devices
- International money transfer through third-party provider (Wise Inc.) with limited details on coverage
Pricing, plan by plan
Apple Pay
Free- FreeFree
- Secure payments
- P2P transfers
- Transit passes
Google Pay
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Google Pay review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Apple Pay if
- You need secure payments.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on IOS, WatchOS, MacOS.
- You also want contactless transactions.
Choose Google Pay if
- You need contactless payments.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Android, Chrome browser.
- You also want online shopping.
Questions people ask
- Is Apple Pay or Google Pay better?
- Neither clearly leads. Apple Pay starts at Free and Google Pay at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Apple Pay or Google Pay?
- Apple Pay starts at Free and Google Pay at Free.
- Does Apple Pay or Google Pay run on more platforms?
- Apple Pay runs on IOS, WatchOS, MacOS. Google Pay runs on Android, Chrome browser.
- Can I use Apple Pay for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Apple Pay best used for?
- Apple Pay is most often used for contactless in store payment from iphone and apple watch, paying in apps and on the web without entering card details, sending money between apple users with apple cash and tap to cash. Of those, contactless in store payment from iphone and apple watch and paying in apps and on the web without entering card details are not what Google Pay is typically brought in for.
- What can Apple Pay do that Google Pay cannot?
- Apple Pay covers Secure payments, Contactless transactions, WatchOS support, MacOS support. Google Pay covers Contactless payments, Online shopping, Android support. Both handle Digital wallet, P2P money transfers, Credit cards, Debit cards.