Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lob - API-powered platform for automating the printing, addressing, and mailing of letters, postcards, and checks.
- 2#2: Postalytics - Direct mail automation software with campaign tracking, personalization, and CRM integrations for targeted mailings.
- 3#3: PostGrid - Print and mail API that enables automated direct mail from apps with features like address verification and tracking.
- 4#4: Sendoso - Sales engagement platform including direct mail for sending personalized gifts, cards, and handwritten notes.
- 5#5: PFL Direct Mail Platform - Enterprise direct mail automation with data-driven personalization, triggering, and multi-channel campaign management.
- 6#6: Click2Mail - Online service for printing and mailing letters, postcards, and parcels with easy design upload and USPS integration.
- 7#7: Taradel - Direct mail marketing platform for designing, targeting, and mailing postcards with list management and analytics.
- 8#8: Ballpoint Marketing - Automated direct mail system for real estate and small businesses with postcards, letters, and trigger-based campaigns.
- 9#9: LettrLabs - Robotic handwriting service for creating authentic-looking handwritten direct mail letters and notes at scale.
- 10#10: Handwrytten - Robotic handwriting platform that sends personalized handwritten cards and letters for marketing and gifting.
These tools were selected based on key metrics, including robust feature sets (such as automation, data-driven personalization, and integrations), user-friendly design, technical reliability, and value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of users from small businesses to large enterprises.
Comparison Table
Direct mail software simplifies crafting, distributing, and analyzing physical mail campaigns, blending digital precision with tangible outreach. This comparison table compares leading tools such as Lob, Postalytics, PostGrid, Sendoso, and the PFL Direct Mail Platform, outlining features, pricing, and usability to help you identify the ideal solution for your marketing needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lob API-powered platform for automating the printing, addressing, and mailing of letters, postcards, and checks. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Postalytics Direct mail automation software with campaign tracking, personalization, and CRM integrations for targeted mailings. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | PostGrid Print and mail API that enables automated direct mail from apps with features like address verification and tracking. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Sendoso Sales engagement platform including direct mail for sending personalized gifts, cards, and handwritten notes. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | PFL Direct Mail Platform Enterprise direct mail automation with data-driven personalization, triggering, and multi-channel campaign management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Click2Mail Online service for printing and mailing letters, postcards, and parcels with easy design upload and USPS integration. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Taradel Direct mail marketing platform for designing, targeting, and mailing postcards with list management and analytics. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Ballpoint Marketing Automated direct mail system for real estate and small businesses with postcards, letters, and trigger-based campaigns. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | LettrLabs Robotic handwriting service for creating authentic-looking handwritten direct mail letters and notes at scale. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Handwrytten Robotic handwriting platform that sends personalized handwritten cards and letters for marketing and gifting. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
API-powered platform for automating the printing, addressing, and mailing of letters, postcards, and checks.
Direct mail automation software with campaign tracking, personalization, and CRM integrations for targeted mailings.
Print and mail API that enables automated direct mail from apps with features like address verification and tracking.
Sales engagement platform including direct mail for sending personalized gifts, cards, and handwritten notes.
Enterprise direct mail automation with data-driven personalization, triggering, and multi-channel campaign management.
Online service for printing and mailing letters, postcards, and parcels with easy design upload and USPS integration.
Direct mail marketing platform for designing, targeting, and mailing postcards with list management and analytics.
Automated direct mail system for real estate and small businesses with postcards, letters, and trigger-based campaigns.
Robotic handwriting service for creating authentic-looking handwritten direct mail letters and notes at scale.
Robotic handwriting platform that sends personalized handwritten cards and letters for marketing and gifting.
Lob
specializedAPI-powered platform for automating the printing, addressing, and mailing of letters, postcards, and checks.
Seamless API integration that makes direct mail fully programmable and automatable like any digital service.
Lob is an API-first platform that enables developers and businesses to automate direct mail campaigns, including personalized letters, postcards, checks, and self-mailers. It handles printing, addressing, postage, and delivery through simple API calls, with built-in address verification and real-time tracking. Ideal for scaling direct mail without physical infrastructure, it integrates seamlessly with CRMs, marketing tools, and custom apps.
Pros
- Powerful, reliable API for high-volume automation
- USPS-compliant address verification and tracking
- High-quality prints with fast turnaround (1-3 days)
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-developers
- Usage-based pricing can be costly at low volumes
- Limited no-code design tools compared to visual platforms
Best For
Developers and tech-savvy marketing teams integrating automated, scalable direct mail into apps or workflows.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go with no subscriptions; postcards from $0.69 + postage (~$1.35 total), letters from $1.95 + postage, volume discounts apply.
Postalytics
specializedDirect mail automation software with campaign tracking, personalization, and CRM integrations for targeted mailings.
CRM event-triggered automation for hands-off, personalized direct mail campaigns
Postalytics is a direct mail automation platform that enables businesses to send personalized postcards, letters, and gift cards automatically based on triggers from CRMs, email platforms, and other marketing tools. It integrates seamlessly with over 50 apps like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zapier, allowing for multichannel campaigns with real-time tracking via QR codes, smart pixels, and USPS Intelligent Mail barcodes. The software supports A/B testing, dynamic personalization, and detailed analytics to measure ROI on physical mail efforts.
Pros
- Deep integrations with CRMs and marketing tools for seamless automation
- Advanced tracking and analytics including QR codes and open rates
- Trigger-based campaigns for personalized, event-driven direct mail
Cons
- Higher costs for low-volume senders due to subscription model
- Design templates and customization options are somewhat limited
- Initial setup requires familiarity with integrations and workflows
Best For
Marketing and sales teams using CRMs like HubSpot or Salesforce who need automated, trackable direct mail integrated into digital workflows.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go mailing starts at ~$0.50/postcard plus subscription plans from $99/month (Starter) up to $999+/month (Enterprise) with volume discounts.
PostGrid
specializedPrint and mail API that enables automated direct mail from apps with features like address verification and tracking.
Automated print-and-mail API that verifies, prints, and posts personalized mailpieces in one API call
PostGrid is an API-first direct mail automation platform that streamlines the process of verifying addresses, printing personalized postcards and letters, and handling mailing logistics. It integrates with over 100 apps like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zapier, enabling scalable, data-driven direct mail campaigns. Businesses use it to automate outbound marketing without managing printers or postage manually.
Pros
- Powerful API for seamless automation and integrations
- 99.9% address verification accuracy with USPS CASS certification
- Real-time tracking and analytics for campaigns
- Scalable for high-volume mailing with volume discounts
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-developers due to API focus
- Limited built-in templates and design tools
- No free tier; costs accumulate for low-volume users
Best For
Tech-savvy marketing teams and developers at mid-sized businesses seeking to automate personalized direct mail at scale.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go model starting at $0.19 per postcard or $0.49 per letter, with tiered volume discounts and custom enterprise pricing.
Sendoso
specializedSales engagement platform including direct mail for sending personalized gifts, cards, and handwritten notes.
CRM-triggered automation that sends personalized physical gifts or direct mail directly from sales workflows with real-time engagement tracking
Sendoso is a comprehensive sending platform specializing in automated direct mail, personalized gifts, e-gifts, and swag to supercharge sales and marketing outreach. It integrates seamlessly with CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot, enabling users to trigger sends based on deal stages, personalize messages, and track delivery and engagement metrics. The tool excels in B2B scenarios by combining physical touchpoints with digital analytics to improve response rates and pipeline velocity.
Pros
- Vast catalog of customizable gifts, swag, and direct mail options from multiple vendors
- Seamless CRM integrations for automated, trigger-based sending
- Advanced tracking of delivery, opens, and ROI analytics
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for high-volume or small teams due to per-send costs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced personalization and campaign setup
- Less focus on traditional bulk direct mail compared to pure postcard vendors
Best For
B2B sales and marketing teams seeking to personalize high-touch outreach with gifts and direct mail integrated into CRM workflows.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $300-$1,000+/month for subscriptions plus $10-$100+ per send based on item and volume.
PFL Direct Mail Platform
enterpriseEnterprise direct mail automation with data-driven personalization, triggering, and multi-channel campaign management.
Real-time trigger-based automation that launches personalized direct mail instantly from digital events in CRMs
PFL Direct Mail Platform is an automation tool that enables businesses to trigger personalized direct mail campaigns seamlessly from CRM and marketing automation platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Marketo. It handles the full lifecycle, including design customization, printing, intelligent fulfillment, USPS Intelligent Mail tracking, and response analytics. The platform excels in multichannel marketing by bridging digital triggers with physical mail pieces such as postcards, letters, and gifts.
Pros
- Deep integrations with 50+ CRMs and MAPs for effortless automation
- Advanced personalization and variable data printing at scale
- Robust tracking, analytics, and ROI measurement tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for low-volume or small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for non-enterprise users
- Design templates may require customization for unique branding
Best For
Mid-to-large marketing teams using Salesforce or HubSpot who want to automate personalized direct mail in multichannel campaigns.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing with platform subscription fees starting around $500/month plus pay-per-piece mailing costs (e.g., $1-2 per postcard).
Click2Mail
specializedOnline service for printing and mailing letters, postcards, and parcels with easy design upload and USPS integration.
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) support for saturating entire carrier routes cost-effectively without lists.
Click2Mail is an online platform that allows users to upload digital files like PDFs for printing and mailing postcards, letters, brochures, and booklets directly through the USPS. It streamlines direct mail campaigns by handling printing, addressing, postage, and even Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) options without requiring in-house equipment. Businesses can import mailing lists from CSV or integrations, verify addresses, and track deliveries efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive upload and mailing process with fast 1-3 day turnaround
- No minimum order quantities for flexibility
- Address verification and USPS discounts for cost savings
Cons
- Limited built-in design tools; best for pre-designed files
- Per-piece pricing escalates for high volumes compared to bulk printers
- Occasional reports of customer support delays
Best For
Small businesses and marketers needing quick, occasional direct mail without printing infrastructure.
Pricing
Pay-per-piece model starting at $0.49 for postcards, $1.19 for #10 letters, with volume discounts and EDDM from $0.198 per piece.
Taradel
specializedDirect mail marketing platform for designing, targeting, and mailing postcards with list management and analytics.
Interactive mapping tool for EDDM that visualizes carrier routes and demographics on a map for precise, cost-effective neighborhood targeting.
Taradel is an all-in-one direct mail platform designed for businesses to create, target, and send postcard campaigns effortlessly. It features an intuitive drag-and-drop designer with customizable templates, interactive mapping for precise geographic and demographic targeting including Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), and full-service printing and USPS mailing. Users can track delivery and response rates, making it a streamlined solution for offline marketing without needing external vendors.
Pros
- User-friendly drag-and-drop postcard designer with professional templates
- Advanced mapping tools for hyper-local EDDM and demographic targeting
- End-to-end service handling design, printing, mailing, and tracking
Cons
- Primarily focused on postcards, limited options for letters or other formats
- Costs can accumulate for high-volume campaigns without bulk discounts for all users
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to more enterprise-oriented competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and local marketers needing simple, targeted direct mail campaigns without design or printing expertise.
Pricing
Pay-per-mailer model starting at around $0.25-$0.60 per postcard (depending on size, quantity, and targeting), with no subscription fees but minimum order requirements.
Ballpoint Marketing
specializedAutomated direct mail system for real estate and small businesses with postcards, letters, and trigger-based campaigns.
Patented ballpoint handwriting simulation that looks indistinguishable from human writing
Ballpoint Marketing is a direct mail automation platform that specializes in creating and sending personalized letters mimicking authentic ballpoint pen handwriting to boost response rates. Users can upload contact lists, customize messages with realistic handwriting fonts, and automate the entire printing and mailing process. It's particularly tailored for targeted marketing campaigns in industries like real estate, where standing out from digital noise is key.
Pros
- Highly realistic handwritten font that significantly improves open and response rates
- Simple list upload and campaign automation for quick deployment
- All-in-one service handling design, printing, and USPS mailing
Cons
- Limited to letter formats with less flexibility for postcards or other mailers
- Pricing scales per piece, which can add up for high-volume campaigns
- Fewer advanced integrations compared to broader marketing platforms
Best For
Real estate agents and small businesses seeking high-impact, personalized direct mail without in-house printing capabilities.
Pricing
Pay-per-letter starting at $0.97 including printing, handwriting, envelope, and First-Class postage; volume discounts available.
LettrLabs
specializedRobotic handwriting service for creating authentic-looking handwritten direct mail letters and notes at scale.
Native HubSpot integration for one-click, event-triggered direct mail automation
LettrLabs is a direct mail automation platform designed to simplify sending personalized postcards and letters for businesses, particularly those using CRMs like HubSpot. It automates the entire process from triggering campaigns based on CRM events to printing, mailing, and tracking delivery with QR codes for response measurement. The tool emphasizes ease of integration and high personalization without requiring design expertise.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with HubSpot and other CRMs for automated triggers
- High-quality personalization and QR code tracking for ROI measurement
- User-friendly interface with pre-built templates and no design skills needed
Cons
- Usage-based pricing can become costly at high volumes without deep discounts
- Primarily focused on US mailing, limiting international use
- Fewer advanced design customization options compared to full-service platforms
Best For
Sales and marketing teams at SMBs using HubSpot who need automated, CRM-triggered direct mail campaigns.
Pricing
Pay-per-piece model starting at $0.99-$1.49 per postcard/letter, with volume discounts and no mandatory subscriptions; custom enterprise plans available.
Handwrytten
specializedRobotic handwriting platform that sends personalized handwritten cards and letters for marketing and gifting.
AI-driven robotic handwriting with 42+ authentic styles that recipients consistently mistake for human-written notes
Handwrytten is a direct mail platform that uses robotic pens and AI to produce and send personalized letters and cards mimicking authentic handwriting. Users upload contact lists, customize messages with merge fields, select from dozens of handwriting fonts, and automate via API or CRM integrations like HubSpot and Salesforce. It excels in adding a human touch to marketing campaigns, client follow-ups, and customer appreciation efforts without manual labor.
Pros
- Ultra-realistic robotic handwriting that stands out from printed mail
- Seamless integrations with popular CRMs and easy list uploads
- Quick setup for small to medium campaigns with tracking and analytics
Cons
- Higher per-piece costs compared to standard printed direct mail
- Limited to letters, cards, and postcards—lacks advanced print options like catalogs
- Fulfillment turnaround can take 3-7 days, slower for urgent needs
Best For
Sales teams and small businesses wanting personalized, high-touch direct mail for customer nurturing without in-house handwriting.
Pricing
Pay-per-use starting at $3 per card/letter (includes printing, handwriting, envelope, and postage); volume discounts for 500+ pieces; no subscriptions required.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools demonstrate varied strengths, with Lob emerging as the top choice, excelling in API-driven automation for end-to-end printing, addressing, and mailing. Postalytics follows with strong campaign tracking and CRM integrations, while PostGrid impresses with its print and mail API, prioritizing address verification and app compatibility. Each option caters to distinct needs, ensuring a standout solution for any direct mail goal.
Begin by exploring Lob to unlock streamlined, automated direct mail workflows—its versatility makes it an ideal starting point for maximizing campaign impact.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison