The Ultimate Postage Meter Guide for Your Business
Here’s your how-to guide to streamlining your business operations with a postage meter. Here’s your how-to
Top 4 U.S. Postage Meters Compared
Looking to level up your mailing capabilities? Make sure you check out our mailing meter comparison before making your decision.
Did you know that you can save $0.05 per package sent if you use a postage meter instead of a traditional stamp? This may seem like a tiny amount, but if you send hundreds of pieces of mail per day, these savings will soon add up.
Even though there are only four licensed postage meter suppliers in the country, making a decision on which is best for you can still be a challenge. Luckily, we’ve made that decision just a little bit easier with our definitive comparison.
What is a Postage Meter?
A postage meter is a postage printing machine that prints directly onto your mail or meter tape that is attached to your mail. They can be used for both professional and personal use for all mail services except periodicals.
All machines must come from one of four authorized providers that have been approved by the USPS and require a permit in the city of mailing by completing PS Form 3615, USPS Mailing Permit.
These meters are used instead of stamps and must contain the actual date of mailing for them to be valid. Metered mail does not require a postmark, as the following postmark information is provided within the meter strip:
- City
- State
- ZIP Code
- Date
What are the Benefits of Using a Postage Meter?
Save Time & Boost Productivity
Don’t waste any of your valuable time waiting around or standing in line at the post office anymore. In less than 20 seconds, you can weigh your item, calculate the correct postage, and print it directly onto your envelope or label. If you send mail in bulk, then a mail meter can help you reclaim valuable time in your day, allowing you to focus on what really matters: growing your business.
Cost Savings & Discounts
By using a mailing system, you’ll instantly unlock access to commercial postage rates, saving you 5% on every First-Class letter and up to 47% on Priority Mail shipments. Unlike stamps, postage meters ensure that you only ever pay for exactly what is needed. If you send a lot of mail, then those savings will quickly become more noticeable.
Efficient Mail Processing
Postage machines are designed to simplify and speed up mail handling. They’re easy to use and make it a breeze to process large batches of mail in record time. With features like integrated weighing, automatic postage calculation, and streamlined label printing, you can say goodbye to guesswork and manual errors.
Flexible Shipping Options
With a postage meter, you’re not tied to one-size-fits-all mailing options. Whether you want to send a last-minute Priority package, Regular service for monthly recurring shipments, or send something overseas, you can. With the flexibility to select the best postage class based on delivery speed, budget, and package type, you can stay agile and responsive during peak seasons or as your shipping needs evolve.
Track & Monitor with Ease
Tracking your post has never been easier. Many modern systems will directly integrate with online shipping platforms, providing you and the receiver with real-time visibility into each shipment. This not only helps to improve your internal efficiency, but your customer satisfaction levels will also go through the roof, especially when quick resolutions are needed for lost or delayed items.
Professional Branding
With a postage meter, every envelope can feature your logo, a clear return address, and personalized messages. This adds a layer of professionalism and also doubles as a cost-effective form of marketing, as these messages can contain upcoming offers or other promotions. Whether you’re sending invoices, marketing materials, or important legal documents, your mail will reflect your brand’s identity and attention to detail.
Accurate Accounting & Expense Management
Nobody will thank you more than your accounting department if you get a mailing meter. With built-in reporting features, you can track every dollar spent on postage, categorize by department or project, and prevent overspending. This is essential for budgeting, auditing, cost-cutting, and understanding how your business uses mail as a communication and delivery tool.
Top U.S. Postage Meter Providers Compared: Our Verdict
Just before we get to our comparison, we need to clear something up. This won’t be a ranking table to see who comes out on top. Instead, think of it more as a comparison to see which is best suited to meet your needs so you can make an informed decision when it comes to decision time.
| Provider | Best For | Mail Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Pitney Bowes | Businesses seeking ease of use and a wide range of machines | Low to Mid |
| Quadient | Businesses prioritizing service and customizability | High |
| FP Mailing | SMBs looking for reliable, user-friendly, and affordable systems | Mid to High |
| Data-Pac | High-volume businesses needing advanced batch processing | High |
Pitney Bowes
Best for businesses that want ease of use and a wide range of machine options.
Kicking things off today, we have one of the leading names when it comes to mailing solutions, Pitney Bowes. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, they have over 55 offices strategically placed across the U.S. and supply their products to over 90% of Fortune 500 companies. From small operations to large enterprises and government agencies, whatever your business looks like, Pitney Bowes has something for you.
Pitney Bowes System Highlight: SendPro® C Lite
The SendPro® C Lite is perfect for anyone looking for a compact system that fits perfectly in small offices, without ever sacrificing quality.
With its 7-inch color touchscreen, sending mail and selecting different shipping options have never been so simple. Armed with one of these, you’ll easily process up to 50 letters per minute, weigh up to 5 pounds of mail with its built-in integrated scale (or upgrade to weigh up to 70 lbs), and handle mixed mail with differential weighting capabilities. Postal rates are also automatically updated, meaning you will always pay the correct rate.
When using the SendPro® C Lite, you’ll benefit from savings of $0.04 per letter and discounts of up to 88% when using the built-in PitneyShip® shipping labels. Integrated apps allow you to track packages in real time, offering accurate ETAs and improving customer satisfaction.
Pitney Bowes Postage Meter Comparison
| Model | Volume Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SendPro® Mailstation | Low to Mid Volume | $29.99/month |
| SendPro® C Lite | Low to Mid Volume | Starting at $49.99/month |
| SendPro® C/+ | Low to Mid Volume | Request needed |
| SendPro® C Auto | Mid to High Volume | Request needed |
| SendPro® MailCenter | Mid to High Volume | Request needed |
Quadient (formerly Neopost)
Best for businesses that value responsive customer service and customizable features.
Quadient is known for its commitment to best-in-class products, services, and solutions. Taking pride in being at the cutting edge of business mailing needs, their postage meters are some of the best out there. If you’re looking for a provider that has a whole host of certifications and prioritizes meaningful customer connections, then Quadient could be a great fit for you.
Quadient System Highlight: iX-9
If you operate a high-volume, high-paced mail room, then we’d like to introduce you to the absolute beast that is the iX-9 by Quadient.
Engineered for speed and precision, with one of these monsters, you can process up to 300 letters per minute. Automatic sealing, weighing, measuring, and stacking all come as standard, allowing for an uninterrupted mailing run. Its dynamic scale and power conveyor stacker, coupled with an intuitive 5.7″ color touchscreen and customizable presets, make operation effortless for any of the 200 different users who have login credentials.
All mail is fully compliant with USPS IMI and DIM regulations; the iX-9 guarantees secure, accurate, and up-to-date postage processing. You can manage mailing operations, track postage usage, and even print custom slogans or logos for a branded, professional touch. With built-in Wi-Fi, automatic rate updates, and proactive low-ink email alerts, the iX-9 minimizes downtime and keeps your operations moving forward, no matter how busy you are.
Quadient Postage Meter Comparison
| Model | Volume Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| iX‑1 Series | Low to Mid Volume | Up to 10 accounts, logo printing, and internet connectivity |
| iX‑3 Series | Low to Mid Volume | Up to 30 accounts, reporting tools, Neoship & Neostats support |
| iX‑5 Series | Mid Volume | Departmental accounting, differential weighing, LAN connectivity |
| iX‑7 Series | Mid to High Volume | Job presets, stacking options, and large account support |
| iX‑9 Series | High Volume | Seals, weighs, meters, stacks; 100+ accounts; online tracking and alerts |
* Pricing for all machines is available via quote only
FP Mailing Solutions (Francotyp‑Postalia)
Best for small to medium businesses looking for reliable, easy-to-use postage meters with solid support and affordability.
For over 100 years, FP has been providing high-quality mailing solutions to businesses across America. They are driven by their core values that include being obsessed with customer satisfaction and believing that a win for you is a win for them. With a focus on innovation, it’s no wonder that FP maintains its presence as one of the top postage meter providers, not just at home, but on a global level.
FP System Highlight: PostBase® Fusion A120
FP is leading the next generation of postage meters, and nothing displays this better than the PostBase® Fusion A120.
Stacked full of features, this is the ideal choice for growing operations looking to take the next step in their mail processing needs. Its Dynamic Scale technology, combined with a Stack & Go Feeder and Vision360 cloud-based analytics, delivers enterprise-level processing without the need for too much office space.
This system gives you the ability to process up to 90 letters per minute, which seamlessly separates mixed mail, reducing processing time. The 5″ adjustable color touchscreen, Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity, and IMI-compliant USPS® technology mean you’re always operating with speed, accuracy, and full compliance.
Real-time reporting via Vision360, as well as 24/7 postage capabilities, means that no matter how hectic your mail room is, you’re always prepared.
FP Postage Meter Comparison
| Model | Volume Type | Speed (Letters/min) |
|---|---|---|
| PostBase Mini | Low Volume (up to ~$150/month) | Up to 17 |
| PostBase Fusion Semi-Auto | Low–Mid Volume (~$250–$750/mo) | Not specified |
| PostBase Fusion Auto | Mid Volume (~$500–$1,500/mo) | Not specified |
| PostBase Fusion Advanced | Mid–High Volume (~$750–$2,000) | Not specified |
| PostBase Fusion A120 | High Volume (~$1,000–$3,500/mo) | Up to 90 |
| PostBase Vision Semi-Auto | Low–Mid Volume (~$250–$750/mo) | Up to 35–50 |
| PostBase Vision Auto | Mid Volume (~$500–$1,500/mo) | Up to 70 |
| PostBase Vision Advanced | Mid–High Volume (~$750–$2,000) | Up to 90 |
| PostBase Vision A120 | High Volume (~$1,000–$3,500/mo) | Up to 90 |
| PostBase Pro | High Volume (~$1,000–$5,000/mo) | Not specified |
| PostBase One | Enterprise / Very High Volume | Not specified |
| PostBase Insight Semi-Auto | Low Volume (up to ~$250/month) | Up to 25 |
| PostBase Insight Auto | Mid Volume (~$500–$1,500/mo) | Up to 85 |
* Pricing for all machines is available via quote only
Data‑Pac Mailing Systems
Best for larger businesses or high-volume mailers who want advanced features, in-depth control, and efficiency in batch processing.
System Highlight: Data Pac
What makes the Advanced Curve by Data-Pac so unique? It’s the first-ever system to integrate OCR readings for USPS discounts directly into its workflow.
This machine truly is one of the best on the market. It can read, verify, correct, and print mailing addresses without presorting at a speed of up to 6,000 pieces per hour and discounts of at least $0.058 per letter (and $0.155 per flat). The savings are so huge that if you handle 775 letters or 675 flats per day, then it covers its own leasing cost.
Jam-packed with essential features, the Advanced Curve offers CASS and MASS certification, weigh-in-motion capabilities, and a built-in 70 lb scale for precise postage calculation. Its 15-inch touchscreen offers complete control over job reporting, international mail forms, and e-certified mailing documentation. What more could you ask for? How about ink costs that are up to 75% lower than competitors for even further savings?
Data-Pac System Comparison
| Model | Feature Highlights |
|---|---|
| Digital Inserter Base (DIB) | • 15‑inch touch screen PC • Rugged, 24/7 dependable design • Uses eSmart‑Mail software • Postage accounting • Data consolidation via eSmart‑Mail Manager • May qualify for commercial rate discounts (up to ~11%) |
| DP‑155A | • High‑end mailing hardware • Has hardware features, software features, printing & reading capabilities • May qualify for commercial rate discounts |
| The Advanced Curve | • OCR camera reading addresses • Built‑in address verification & correction (CASS & MASS certified) • Prints the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) • Bulk Mail / Mixed AADC / Flat mixed AADC discounts • Weigh‑in‑motion and static weighing • 70 lb scale • 15‑inch color touch screen computer |
| The Curve | • Weigh‑in‑motion & static weighing capabilities • Built‑in 70 lb scale • Multi‑level accounting by account, job, class, with sub‑account options • 15‑inch color touch screen PC • Optional built‑in addressing machine • Optional power stacker • Label printer for meter tapes & USPS shipping labels (4×6) • Built‑in sealer • Large feed deck for letters & flats up to 5/8″ • Full USPS discounts & internet postage loading |
| DIB‑200W LPM | • High‑speed envelope printer for use with inserters • In‑line weighing • 15‑inch touch screen PC • Postage accounting & data consolidation with eSmart‑Mail Manager • May qualify for commercial rate discounts |
How to get a Postage Meter
Here at Commercial Experts, we’ve already helped countless American businesses like yours find the best mailing machine for them, and we’d love for you to be next. Whether you’re looking to buy or lease, we’ve got you covered!
All you have to do is tap the button on this page and answer a few quick questions about your business. Then, based on your responses, get a range of postage meter quotes tailored to meet your specific needs.
Don’t like what you see? No problem: this service is 100% no strings attached, so walk away with zero obligation.
So what are you waiting for? Tap the button on this page and get comparing now!
FAQs
What postage meters are IMI compliant?
IMI-compliant postage meters include models from certified manufacturers like Pitney Bowes, Quadient (formerly Neopost), FP Mailing, and Data-Pac. These meters meet USPS Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) standards for enhanced data security, tracking, and reporting capabilities.
What is a postage meter number?
A postage meter number is a unique identification code assigned to a specific postage meter machine. It tracks the meter’s usage and postage transactions, and is required by postal services to verify the legitimacy and origin of printed postage.
What are postage meter strips?
Postage meter strips are adhesive labels printed with postage using a postage meter. They are used when the item is too large or unsuitable for direct imprinting by the meter, allowing postage to be applied separately and visibly.
What does a postage meter do?
To get a postage meter, just tap the button on this page and answer a few quick questions about your business. You’ll then receive tailored quotes based on your specific business needs. All quotes are 100% free of charge with no obligation to commit.
