Payment Mode Comparison
| Mode | Best for | Strengths | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managed wallet | operator workflows | easiest repeated paid-call flow | less explicit than raw x402 |
| Raw x402 | protocol-level integrations | maximum control over payment proofs | more implementation work |
| Free routes | public access or demos | no payment flow needed | no payment enforcement |
Managed wallet
Use when:- the operator is working from the dashboard
- repeated paid calls matter more than protocol-level control
- you want fast setup with less payment plumbing
Raw x402
Use when:- you want direct payer control
- you need to prove the 402 -> proof -> retry loop explicitly
- you are integrating outside the managed wallet tooling
Free routes
Use when:- the endpoint is intentionally public
- you are running a zero-friction demo route
- payment is not part of that operation