Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

PayPal vs Klarna

PayPal 4.8★ · Free to download 60
Winner Klarna
Klarna 4.9★ · Free to download 80

Klarna is generally preferred for its user-friendly interface and flexible payment options, while PayPal, despite its long-standing presence, struggles with app functionality and customer support.

Full reviews: PayPal · Klarna

Klarna offers a smoother user experience with its 'buy now, pay later' plans and responsive customer service, making it ideal for managing purchases. PayPal, while widely accepted, faces consistent complaints regarding app glitches, slow transactions, and ineffective support, despite its broad utility for various financial needs.

Head to head

Features and Functionality edge: KlarnaR6R10R11R15
PayPal PayPal users appreciate its utility for receiving paychecks and saving money, as well as its 'Pay in 4' option for breaking down payments R11R43. However, many report significant issues with the app's functionality, including inability to move money, slow cashback points, and problems sending money between accounts R6. The app is also criticized for lacking full website functionality, such as recovering chat history R15, and for being stuck in portrait mode on iPads R10. Some users also report issues with specific features like PayPal Credit payments not working and missing discount options for invoices .
Klarna Klarna is highly praised for its 'Pay in 3' or 'Pay in 4' options, making shopping more affordable and managing payments easier R69R74R80R98. Users find the app user-friendly and intuitive R74. It's also seen as helpful for consolidating cards in one place . However, some users experience issues with large purchases, where the app freezes , and express confusion over changing available balances and frequent credit checks . There are also complaints about forced updates that disrupt usage at critical moments .
Ease of Use edge: KlarnaR1R9R12R30
PayPal PayPal users report difficulties with basic functions like signing in R9R12 and adding money to accounts . The app's interface can be clumsy and slow R30, and some users find it hard to manage their default addresses, which can lead to incorrect information being used for purchases R1. The verification process for new accounts or password resets is also described as a "massive waste of time" with multiple failed attempts .
Klarna Klarna is widely regarded as user-friendly and easy to navigate, making the checkout process simple R74. Many appreciate how it helps spread out payments and provides helpful reminders R74. However, some find the app "too complicated" and experience issues with identity verification, especially if their appearance has changed since their ID photo . There are also reports of infinite sign-in glitches .
Reliability and Performance tieR12R19R24R25
PayPal PayPal users frequently report issues with the app not opening R12, payments not proceeding , and cards not being accepted . Money can be held for weeks or even months, causing significant frustration R24R25R35. There are also complaints about accounts being suspended or disabled without clear reasons and hidden currency conversion charges . Some users also experience problems with notifications, as the app continues to send promotional alerts even when settings are turned off R19R28R31R34.
Klarna Klarna generally performs well for smaller purchases, but some users report the app freezing during large purchases . There are instances where payment plans don't work as selected, leading to the full amount being charged instead of a down payment . Users also report issues with payments being attempted before the due date and problems with refunds, which are described as confusing to collect R87. Approval for purchases can be inconsistent, even with good payment history .
Customer Support tieR3R7R15R35
PayPal PayPal's customer support is a major point of contention, with users describing it as "unhelpful" R3, "pathetic" R56, and "sucked" R58. Many report having to call for issues because chatbots and online agents are ineffective R7R15. Users complain about long hold times R58 and support not being able to resolve issues, especially when money is held or accounts are suspended R35.
Klarna Klarna receives praise for its customer service, with some users calling it "fantastic" and noting that Klarna looks out for buyers in disputes . However, there are significant complaints about Klarna's customer service being "non existent" and "horrible" . Users report being charged for services not received with no resolution , issues with promised benefits not being delivered , and difficulty getting refunds or resolving billing discrepancies .
Price/Value edge: KlarnaR17R19R24R25
PayPal PayPal is free to download and offers cash back offers R17. However, users report fees for international currency transfers R24 and issues with credit cards where money is held, potentially to accrue interest R25. Some users also complain about the app pushing ads via push notifications, even when turned off R19R28R31R34.
Klarna Klarna is free to download and offers flexible payment plans like 'Pay in 3' or 'Pay in 4' which users find valuable for making purchases more affordable R69R74R80R98. However, some users report being charged for unwanted memberships or services they didn't receive . There are also complaints about receiving extremely low loan amounts initially and issues with credit checks affecting credit scores .
Pick PayPal if

you need a widely accepted payment platform for various transactions, including receiving paychecks and saving money R11, and can tolerate potential app glitches and customer service challenges.

Pick Klarna if

you prioritize flexible 'buy now, pay later' options to manage purchases R69R74R80, value a user-friendly interface, and need a service that can advocate for you in buyer disputes .

Evidence note: Both apps are free to download, so the free-vs-paid asymmetry rule is not applicable. Reviews for both apps show a mix of positive and negative experiences, with recent negative reviews for PayPal often highlighting app functionality and customer support issues, while Klarna's recent negative reviews frequently concern payment processing and customer service inconsistencies.

Frequently asked

Does PayPal offer 'buy now, pay later' options?
Yes, PayPal offers a 'Pay in 4' option which users appreciate for breaking down payments and managing stress R43.
Are there issues with PayPal's customer support?
Yes, many PayPal users report significant issues with customer support, describing it as unhelpful, pathetic, and difficult to reach, often requiring phone calls because online agents and chatbots are ineffective R3R7R56R58.
Can Klarna help with spreading out payments?
Yes, Klarna is highly praised for its 'Pay in 3' or 'Pay in 4' agreements, which make shopping easier and help make paying for things more affordable R69R74R80R98.
Does Klarna have problems with refunds?
Yes, some Klarna users report that refunds are offered but are very confusing to collect, requiring photos and other evidence to be taken off the balance R87.
Does PayPal send unwanted notifications?
Yes, PayPal has been criticized for sending push notification ads and promotional content, even when users have turned off marketing notifications or all notifications within the app and phone settings R19R28R31R34.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R6] PayPal 3/5 · US Issues since last update: Never had a problem with this app until the latest update. Now I’m rarely able to move money around and it takes forever to get my Cash back points. The app won’t let my husband and I send money to each other and I still have points pending from almost a month ago. I hope this gets fixed soon 😕
  2. [R10] PayPal 1/5 · US STUCK IN PORTRAIT??: This app stays stuck in portrait mode on my iPad. It is 2026, what kind of nonsense is this???
  3. [R11] PayPal 5/5 · US Great: I use this get my pay Check and to save money
  4. [R15] PayPal 3/5 · US Lacks full functionality: The app lacks the functionality of the website. I can’t use the app to recover a chat with customer service. Must use the website. I have one huge beef that’s with PayPal rather than the app: For “security” PayPal randomly automatically unlinks bank accounts from a PayPal account without notice if the bank account was initially connected a long time ago. This is done by t
  5. [R1] PayPal 2/5 · US “Default”: Wish there was a way to make your “default” name and address the default. This purchase, current business name and street address from 20 years ago. Different purchase 5 mins later, actual name, address from 10yrs ago. Next purchase, old business name, current address.
  6. [R9] PayPal 3/5 · US Cool: It’s fine, but it won’t let me sign in. It’s says 4+ and it says I’m to young.
  7. [R12] PayPal 3/5 · US app: since last week i loved my pay pal now everytime i go to open my app it will not open i’ve done everything. I close the account like the account of my Facebook off my phone reinstall it shut my phone off to Noeville PayPal. I cannot get into anymore so I don’t like them.
  8. [R30] PayPal 3/5 · GB Ok: Works but everything is slow and clumsy by today’s standards. Often hard to know where your money actually is, as it can disappear for several days. Klarna for example feels streets ahead and safer.
  9. [R19] PayPal 1/5 · US Ad push notifications: Started sending push notification ads today after years of trusting it for financial urgency. Turned off now.
  10. [R24] PayPal 3/5 · US It’s good: PayPal is great but sometimes they put my money on hold which is very annoying. I get it’s for security purposes but at times it’s annoying because they keep my money for weeks. And also, I use euro and my friend uses usd and when I send I get a fee but when see sends she doesn’t. But overall the app is good
  11. [R25] PayPal 1/5 · US PayPal Mastercard: PayPal Mastercard tries to hold your money ransom if you pay your card off in full. I paid my card off 7/2/26 and called today to see why the available balance hasn’t changed. They said they will release the “hold” 7/17/26 because my account was opened less than 6 months ago. When I paid $80 or so for the payment they released the “hold” after a couple days. They clearly just wa
  12. [R3] PayPal 3/5 · US PayPal: I find PayPal very unhelpful I have moved to another country and need to either change or open a new PayPal account not really sure what to do because no one from PayPal will assist me
  13. [R7] PayPal 1/5 · US Digital company but no online support: Every time I have some issue I have to call as the chatbot and agents from support don’t solve anything. Only in the USA a digital company for online payments still living in the phone age.
  14. [R35] PayPal 5/5 · US VERY DISAPPOINTED: Have been holding my money against me for two months saying ill get it in 120 days they stole 52$ dollars from me and i never seen it again and customer support is no help at all if this is what users deal with I honestly don’t recommend this app at all
  15. [R17] PayPal 4/5 · US Offers expanded?: I like that PayPal gives cash back offers within the app but I feel like they could expand it and provide more in store offers. I feel like that would make me as a consumer that likes to go into stores more than online be able to take advantage of the offers more.
  16. [R43] PayPal 5/5 · US Honest review after 6+ years: Business account. Use it to purchase supplies and stock. I take advantage of the pay in 4 and it has honestly saved me so much trouble and stress with breaking down some payments so I dont get hit all at once.
  17. [R56] PayPal 1/5 · US Worst experience: The customer service is so pathetic, they promise something any they don’t keep their promises, it happened with me 3 times. Very disappointed with PayPal customer service.
  18. [R58] PayPal 1/5 · US Worst App Ever: This app is horrible and customer service sucked was put on hold for over an hour and half and when able to get a hold of a customer service they couldn’t help me at all with adding funds into account. Please just use Venmo or Cashapp as their apps actually work and better customer service.
  19. [R69] Klarna 3/5 · GB Hooray for Klarna: Love using the pay in 3 agreement that Klarna offer. It makes shopping so easy and help make paying for things more affordable. I’m a very happy member. 👍👍👍
  20. [R74] Klarna 5/5 · US Great!: I’ve had a great experience using Klarna. The app is extremely user-friendly, easy to navigate, and makes the checkout process simple. I really like how it helps spread out payments, which makes it much easier to make necessary purchases when my budget is tight. Everything is clearly laid out, payment reminders are helpful, and I’ve found it to be a convenient way to manage my spending wit
  21. [R80] Klarna 5/5 · US Best app: If you don’t want to pay a lot at one time check out this app
  22. [R98] Klarna 5/5 · US Klarna: This has been a wonderful payment option for me I have been able to get the car parts and what not I need and pay as I need it
  23. [R87] Klarna 3/5 · GB Refunds: Offered but very confusing to collect. I still haven’t got mine back despite trying. They want photos and other evidence just to take it off your balance!
  24. [R28] PayPal 1/5 · US Bad Behavior Notifications: PayPal app has badly behaving notifications. Two categories for notifications under ‘You’re receiving…’ that are unchecked, but are still sending notifications. I assume the category is ‘announcements offers and incentives tailored to you’ but it’s just trash promotions.
  25. [R31] PayPal 1/5 · US Sends you junk push notifications: The app sends you advertisements for PayPal garbage. There’s a setting to turn these notifications off, but it ignores that setting.
  26. [R34] PayPal 1/5 · US Spam push notifications: It’s important to get transactional notifications from an app like this, but you should not abuse that by spamming me with credit card offers.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store