Apple pay vs Samsung pay vs Google pay: Which is better?
Based on the names, Google Pay is made for Android phones, Apple Pay works with iPhones and iPads, and Samsung Pay is geared for high-end Samsung devices like the Galaxy line.
It’s work using near-field communications (NFC) technology . The Pay systems are compatible with merchant terminals that support NFC. They can also be used for in-app purchases.
Security system
When it comes to authenticating a payment, all of the Pay apps let you use one of your normal phone unlocking methods.
- Apple Pay: You can use your fingerprint, a passcode, or FaceID with the iPhone X.
- Google Pay: Unlocked with a fingerprint, password, PIN, or pattern.
- Samsung Pay: You can authenticate with a finger, PIN, or by using the iris scanner on compatible devices.
Payment support
You’re not only tied to the phone. Here’s how you can also use them:
- Apple Pay: Apple Watch (in stores); on the iPad and Mac (for online purchases).
- Google Pay: on some Android Wear watches.
- Samsung Pay: Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active, Gear Sport, S2 and S3 (but MST support is only available on the Gear S3).
Which Pay system is right for you?
Apple Pay – Best for Apple users
- Compatible with: iOS.
- Payment limits: Up to $3,000 per message and $10,000 in a seven-day period.
- Cost to send money: 3 percent fee for amounts funded by credit card to friends and family.
Google Pay – Best for Android users
- Compatible with: Android and iOS.
- Payment limits: You can send up to $9,999 in one transaction or up to $10,000 in seven days. Floridians are limited to $3,000 every 24 hours.
- Cost to send money: No fees, but doesn’t allow you to use a credit card to send money to friends and family.
Samsung Pay – Best for Samsung devices
- Compatible with: Select Samsung devices.
- Payment limits: None (doesn’t allow person to person transfers).
- Cost to send money: None (doesn’t allow person to person transfers).
Which one wins?
Ultimately, choosing one of these payment systems is tied to your ecosystem and availability in your location. For Apple users, your only choice in the real world is Apple Pay, while Android users must use Google Pay. Samsung owners can choose between Samsung Pay or Google Pay. You can have both on your phone, but you will need to set one as the default and change that setting if you want to use the other.
For the widest range of terminals, Samsung Pay wins because of MST technology. But paying in supported apps and websites is most seamless with Apple Pay, and Google Pay offers the most flexible way to pay friends, regardless of what phone they use.