Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lob - API-powered platform for automating the printing, addressing, and USPS mailing of personalized letters and postcards.
- 2#2: Postalytics - Automates direct mail campaigns with personalization, triggers from CRMs, QR codes, and real-time tracking.
- 3#3: PostGrid - Print and mail API with advanced address verification, verification, and integration for scalable direct mail.
- 4#4: Inkit - Developer-friendly API for generating and sending personalized direct mail pieces seamlessly.
- 5#5: PFL - Direct mail platform with marketing automation integrations for personalized print campaigns and analytics.
- 6#6: Sendoso - Multi-channel sending platform including direct mail, gifts, and eGifts with CRM integrations.
- 7#7: Click2Mail - Online service for easy design, printing, and mailing of letters, postcards, and self-mailers worldwide.
- 8#8: LetterStream - Secure web-to-print and mailing service for letters, postcards, and checks with API access.
- 9#9: Quadient - Enterprise-grade direct mail production, inserters, and software for high-volume marketing campaigns.
- 10#10: Pitney Bowes - Comprehensive mailing systems, postage meters, and software for efficient direct mail operations.
We ranked these tools based on a blend of core features (including personalization, CRM integration, and automation), reliability (such as USPS compliance and deliverability), ease of use (intuitive design tools and seamless onboarding), and value (pricing flexibility and ROI potential), ensuring they cater to diverse business needs.
Comparison Table
Direct mail remains a vital component of integrated marketing, with the right software driving campaign success. This comparison table evaluates key tools like Lob, Postalytics, PostGrid, Inkit, PFL, and more, exploring features, ease of use, and performance. Readers will discover actionable insights to choose the software that aligns with their business goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lob API-powered platform for automating the printing, addressing, and USPS mailing of personalized letters and postcards. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Postalytics Automates direct mail campaigns with personalization, triggers from CRMs, QR codes, and real-time tracking. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | PostGrid Print and mail API with advanced address verification, verification, and integration for scalable direct mail. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Inkit Developer-friendly API for generating and sending personalized direct mail pieces seamlessly. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | PFL Direct mail platform with marketing automation integrations for personalized print campaigns and analytics. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Sendoso Multi-channel sending platform including direct mail, gifts, and eGifts with CRM integrations. | other | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Click2Mail Online service for easy design, printing, and mailing of letters, postcards, and self-mailers worldwide. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | LetterStream Secure web-to-print and mailing service for letters, postcards, and checks with API access. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | Quadient Enterprise-grade direct mail production, inserters, and software for high-volume marketing campaigns. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Pitney Bowes Comprehensive mailing systems, postage meters, and software for efficient direct mail operations. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
API-powered platform for automating the printing, addressing, and USPS mailing of personalized letters and postcards.
Automates direct mail campaigns with personalization, triggers from CRMs, QR codes, and real-time tracking.
Print and mail API with advanced address verification, verification, and integration for scalable direct mail.
Developer-friendly API for generating and sending personalized direct mail pieces seamlessly.
Direct mail platform with marketing automation integrations for personalized print campaigns and analytics.
Multi-channel sending platform including direct mail, gifts, and eGifts with CRM integrations.
Online service for easy design, printing, and mailing of letters, postcards, and self-mailers worldwide.
Secure web-to-print and mailing service for letters, postcards, and checks with API access.
Enterprise-grade direct mail production, inserters, and software for high-volume marketing campaigns.
Comprehensive mailing systems, postage meters, and software for efficient direct mail operations.
Lob
specializedAPI-powered platform for automating the printing, addressing, and USPS mailing of personalized letters and postcards.
Fully programmable API that triggers direct mail based on real-time customer data and events
Lob is an API-first platform that automates direct mail marketing, allowing businesses to programmatically send personalized postcards, letters, checks, and self-mailers. It handles printing, USPS postage, and delivery with high-quality results and fast turnaround times. Key features include real-time tracking via QR codes and pURLs, A/B testing, and seamless integration with CRMs and marketing tools for data-driven campaigns.
Pros
- Seamless API integration for automation and scalability
- Advanced tracking, personalization, and analytics
- High-quality printing with quick turnaround (1-3 days)
Cons
- Requires developer knowledge for full setup
- Per-piece pricing can be expensive at low volumes
- Limited built-in design tools for non-technical users
Best For
Tech-savvy marketers and developers automating personalized direct mail campaigns at scale.
Pricing
Pay-per-use starting at $0.59/postcard or $1.05/letter (includes printing and postage); volume discounts apply, no monthly subscription.
Postalytics
specializedAutomates direct mail campaigns with personalization, triggers from CRMs, QR codes, and real-time tracking.
Event-triggered direct mail automation that launches physical campaigns instantly from online behaviors or CRM data
Postalytics is a direct mail automation platform that allows marketers to trigger personalized postcards, letters, and gifts based on digital events like form submissions or CRM updates. It integrates deeply with tools such as HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zapier, enabling seamless omnichannel campaigns that blend physical mail with digital marketing. The software provides robust tracking via QR codes, smart pixels, and response analytics to measure campaign effectiveness.
Pros
- Seamless event-triggered automation for direct mail
- Extensive integrations with CRMs and marketing tools
- Advanced personalization, A/B testing, and real-time tracking
Cons
- Higher costs for high-volume campaigns due to per-piece fees
- Steeper learning curve for complex automations
- Limited in-house design templates compared to full creative suites
Best For
Mid-sized marketing teams automating personalized direct mail as part of digital-first campaigns.
Pricing
Subscription plans start at $99/month (Starter) up to enterprise custom pricing, plus pay-per-use printing (~$0.50-$2 per piece) and postage.
PostGrid
specializedPrint and mail API with advanced address verification, verification, and integration for scalable direct mail.
Developer-centric Print & Mail API for instant, code-triggered direct mail campaigns
PostGrid is an API-first direct mail automation platform that enables businesses to programmatically print, address, and mail personalized postcards, letters, and checks at scale. It features USPS CASS-certified address verification for 99% accuracy, real-time campaign tracking, and seamless integrations with CRMs like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zapier. Designed for developers and marketing teams, it eliminates manual printing and postage hassles, supporting omnichannel campaigns combining digital and physical mail.
Pros
- Powerful API for seamless programmatic mail automation
- High-accuracy address verification and validation
- Robust tracking, analytics, and CRM integrations
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Usage-based pricing can escalate with high volume
- Limited built-in design tools and templates
Best For
Marketing teams and developers at scaling businesses needing automated, personalized direct mail integrated into existing tech stacks.
Pricing
Usage-based pay-as-you-go starting at $0.59/postcard and $1.49/letter (volume discounts apply); custom Enterprise plans available.
Inkit
specializedDeveloper-friendly API for generating and sending personalized direct mail pieces seamlessly.
API-first automation that triggers direct mail from any app event, like abandoned cart or lead status change
Inkit is a direct mail automation platform that simplifies sending personalized postcards, letters, and gifts through seamless integrations with CRMs like HubSpot, Salesforce, and e-commerce tools. It automates the entire process from data syncing and design to printing, postage, and USPS delivery with real-time tracking. Users can trigger campaigns based on customer events, track responses via QR codes or pURLs, and measure ROI with analytics dashboards.
Pros
- Powerful API and native integrations for automated workflows
- Real-time campaign tracking and response analytics
- High-quality printing with personalization at scale
Cons
- Volume-based pricing can become expensive for very high-volume senders
- Design customization options are somewhat limited compared to full graphic tools
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users without integrations
Best For
Marketing teams and e-commerce businesses seeking automated, data-driven direct mail integrated with existing CRM and marketing stacks.
Pricing
Pay-per-use model starting at $1.19 per standard postcard (4x6), with tiered discounts for higher volumes (e.g., $0.89 at 5,000+); no base subscription required, enterprise plans available.
PFL
specializedDirect mail platform with marketing automation integrations for personalized print campaigns and analytics.
Triggered direct mail automation that sends personalized physical mail in real-time based on CRM events and customer journeys
PFL (pfl.com) is a comprehensive direct mail marketing platform that automates the design, printing, personalization, and fulfillment of physical mail campaigns like postcards and letters. It excels in integrating with marketing automation tools such as Marketo, Pardot, HubSpot, and Salesforce, enabling triggered sends based on customer data and behaviors. The software provides robust tracking via USPS Intelligent Mail, QR codes, and analytics for measuring ROI, making it ideal for blending digital and physical marketing.
Pros
- Deep integrations with major CRMs and marketing automation platforms
- Advanced personalization and variable data printing for high-impact campaigns
- End-to-end tracking and analytics including response rates and ROI metrics
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and integrations
- Premium pricing that may not suit small businesses or low-volume users
- Limited built-in design tools, relying on templates or external designers
Best For
Mid-market to enterprise B2B marketers seeking automated, data-driven direct mail integrated into existing digital workflows.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing with pay-per-piece model (typically $1.50-$3 per mailer) plus monthly platform fees starting at $500+ based on volume and features.
Sendoso
otherMulti-channel sending platform including direct mail, gifts, and eGifts with CRM integrations.
CRM-triggered automation for multi-touch gifting campaigns with end-to-end tracking
Sendoso is a comprehensive platform specializing in automated direct mail, personalized gifting, and eGifting for sales and marketing teams. It enables users to send physical items, handwritten notes, and swag directly from CRM integrations like Salesforce and HubSpot, with real-time tracking and analytics. The tool streamlines multi-channel outreach by combining tangible mail with digital touchpoints for higher engagement rates.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major CRMs for automated sending
- Extensive catalog of customizable gifts and direct mail items
- Robust tracking, analytics, and ROI reporting
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for high-volume campaigns
- Limited flexibility outside their vendor marketplace
- Steeper learning curve for complex personalization setups
Best For
Sales and marketing teams seeking to boost prospect engagement through personalized physical gifting and direct mail automation.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on volume; monthly platform fees start at $99, plus per-item costs ($5-$50+ depending on product).
Click2Mail
specializedOnline service for easy design, printing, and mailing of letters, postcards, and self-mailers worldwide.
Instant mail-from-PDF capability, allowing any digital document to be printed and mailed nationwide in 1-2 business days.
Click2Mail is an online direct mail service that enables users to design, print, and mail physical postcards, letters, brochures, and self-mailers directly from digital files without needing printing equipment or postage stamps. It supports personalized mailings by uploading customer lists in CSV format, with options for variable data printing and USPS-compliant addressing. The platform offers fast turnaround times, delivery tracking, and integrations with tools like Google Sheets for streamlined campaign management.
Pros
- Quick 1-2 day printing and mailing turnaround
- User-friendly online design templates and PDF upload
- Reliable USPS delivery with tracking and address verification
Cons
- Pricing per piece can be expensive for very low volumes
- Limited advanced automation or A/B testing features
- No native CRM integrations beyond basic CSV uploads
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking a simple, hands-off solution for occasional direct mail campaigns.
Pricing
Pay-per-piece model starting at ~$1.17 for 100 standard postcards, with volume discounts down to $0.35+ per piece; no subscription required.
LetterStream
specializedSecure web-to-print and mailing service for letters, postcards, and checks with API access.
HTML5 browser-based designer enabling full customization and variable data personalization without external software
LetterStream is a cloud-based direct mail platform that allows users to create, personalize, print, and mail letters, postcards, and self-mailers directly from their browser. It features an HTML5 drag-and-drop designer for custom campaigns, list uploads in CSV or API integrations, and automation triggers for targeted mailings. Ideal for businesses seeking to blend digital marketing with physical mail, it handles USPS-compliant addressing, tracking, and reporting.
Pros
- Intuitive HTML5 designer with real-time previews and personalization
- Affordable pay-per-piece model with no subscriptions required
- Robust API for seamless integrations with CRMs like HubSpot and Zapier
Cons
- Limited built-in analytics and A/B testing capabilities
- Template library is smaller than some competitors
- Support response times can vary for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses or marketers needing simple, automated direct mail without complex setup or high volumes.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go starting at $0.89/postcard, $1.25/letter (1st class), with discounts for volume (e.g., $0.55/postcard at 5,000+ pieces); no monthly fees.
Quadient
enterpriseEnterprise-grade direct mail production, inserters, and software for high-volume marketing campaigns.
Cross-channel campaign orchestration that seamlessly coordinates direct mail with email, SMS, and web for unified customer journeys
Quadient provides a robust suite of direct mail marketing software through its Inspire platform, enabling the design, personalization, production, and distribution of high-volume mailing campaigns. It excels in data-driven personalization, postal optimization, and integration with print production workflows to streamline direct mail operations. The solution also supports omnichannel strategies, blending physical mail with digital communications for comprehensive customer engagement.
Pros
- Advanced personalization and variable data printing capabilities
- Postal optimization tools that reduce costs significantly
- Strong integration with enterprise systems and production hardware
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Enterprise-focused pricing excludes small businesses
- Limited out-of-the-box templates for quick campaigns
Best For
Large enterprises and print service providers managing high-volume, data-intensive direct mail campaigns.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on volume and features; typically starts at several thousand dollars per month for mid-tier implementations.
Pitney Bowes
enterpriseComprehensive mailing systems, postage meters, and software for efficient direct mail operations.
Intelligent Mail presorting engine that maximizes USPS discounts automatically
Pitney Bowes offers robust direct mail marketing software solutions like EngageOne and Marketing Mail Cloud, focusing on end-to-end campaign automation from data hygiene and personalization to presorting and USPS-compliant delivery. These tools help businesses manage large-scale mailing lists, optimize postage costs through intelligent sorting, and track campaign performance. Primarily geared toward enterprise users, it integrates seamlessly with Pitney Bowes' hardware for printing and shipping.
Pros
- Advanced presort optimization for significant postage savings
- Strong USPS integration and compliance tools
- Scalable for high-volume enterprise campaigns
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- Limited creative design capabilities
- High costs unsuitable for small businesses
Best For
Large enterprises with high-volume direct mail needs seeking postage efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; software subscriptions start around $500/month with additional hardware and volume-based fees.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top tools, Lob emerges as the superior choice, excelling in API-powered automation for personalized printing, addressing, and mailing. Postalytics and PostGrid follow closely—Postalytics with CRM triggers and real-time tracking, PostGrid with advanced address verification—each offering unique strengths to suit different operational needs. Together, these platforms demonstrate direct mail’s growing role in modern marketing.
Ready to elevate your campaign? Start with Lob, the leading platform that simplifies and enhances direct mail operations, turning personalized letters and postcards into impactful tools for engagement and success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison