If you're a small office or business owner sending out just a few letters or flat-rate envelopes each day, you've likely crossed paths with Pitney Bowes—a dominant force in the postage meter world. But while their machines are reliable and widely used, they're also known for long-term contracts, steep rental fees, and hidden charges.

You're not alone. In this guide, we'll explore the best alternatives to Pitney Bowes for printing stamps and shipping labels, designed specifically for small businesses that ship or mail modest volumes (think: 3–10 items a day).

Why Look for a Pitney Bowes Alternative?

Pitney Bowes systems are robust—but they're often overkill for businesses that don't need to send hundreds of letters per day.

Here are some common frustrations:

• 🧾 Monthly rental fees that add up over time
• 📃 Leases with confusing contracts
• 💸 Extra costs for ink, labels, and support
• 🐌 Clunky interface and outdated hardware
• 🔒 Locked into proprietary systems

For many small offices, startups, or home-based businesses, all you really need is a way to print postage from your desktop, with flexibility and cost-efficiency.

What to Look for in a Pitney Bowes Alternative

When choosing a replacement for your postage meter, consider:

Let's dive into your top options.

1. Stamps.com – The Most Popular Alternative

Overview:

Stamps.com is probably the most well-known and direct competitor to Pitney Bowes. It's ideal for small businesses and home offices that want to print USPS postage from a regular printer or label printer.

Key Features:

• Print first-class, flat-rate, and international mail
• Use any standard printer or DYMO thermal label printer
• Supports custom letters, flats, and packages
• Address verification and delivery tracking
• Integrates with USPS and other carriers
• Weigh packages with optional scale

Pros:

• ✅ No equipment rental required
• ✅ Easy to use for daily mail and packages
• ✅ Discounted postage rates
• ✅ Works with Excel imports for bulk mailing
• ✅ DYMO integration

Cons:

• ❌ Monthly subscription (~$17.99/month)
• ❌ Interface isn't the most modern
• ❌ DYMO-branded stamps can be expensive

Best For: Small offices with consistent low-volume mail (under 30 pieces/day) who want a simple, cost-effective platform.

2. Endicia – A Robust Stamps.com Alternative

Overview:

Endicia is a long-standing USPS partner (now under the same parent company as Stamps.com) but often considered more flexible for businesses shipping a mix of letters and parcels.

Key Features:

• Print postage directly from desktop or via plugins
• Free address book and batch processing tools
• Works with DYMO, Zebra, Rollo, and more
• Supports USPS rate shopping and automation
• No long-term hardware leases

Pros:

• ✅ Reliable software with enterprise-level uptime
• ✅ Volume-based discounts
• ✅ Great for growing businesses with evolving needs

Cons:

• ❌ Slightly steeper learning curve
• ❌ Subscription cost varies by features

3. Pirate Ship – 100% Free Postage Platform

Overview:

Pirate Ship has exploded in popularity as a completely free way to access commercial USPS rates with no monthly fees. Originally built for eCommerce, it also works beautifully for letter mail and flat-rate envelopes.

Key Features:

• Free USPS label printing
• Commercial Base Pricing by default
• Import addresses via CSV or type manually
• Buy and print first-class or flat-rate postage
• Works with any printer
• Integrates with Etsy, Shopify, eBay, etc.

Pros:

• ✅ Completely free to use
• ✅ Simple, modern UI
• ✅ Supports 4x6 thermal and desktop printing
• ✅ Excellent USPS rates

Cons:

• ❌ Not ideal for high-volume mail merges
• ❌ No certified mail support (yet)

Best For: Small business owners or freelancers who want to ditch subscriptions and use their own printer to generate postage.

4. SendPro Online (by Pitney Bowes) – Ironically, a Simpler Pitney Solution

If you're frustrated by Pitney Bowes hardware but still like their USPS integration, check out SendPro Online.

Key Features:

• No meter or lease required
• Web-based interface
• Postage printing from any printer
• Discounted rates with USPS, UPS, FedEx
• Optional scale integration

Pros:

• ✅ Keep your PB account (if needed)
• ✅ Affordable plans ($4.99/month for base)
• ✅ Digital address book

Cons:

• ❌ Still part of Pitney Bowes
• ❌ More complex than competitors like Pirate Ship

5. Neopost (Now Quadient) – Pitney's Closest Competitor for Postage Meters

If you're looking for a direct 1-to-1 replacement with a physical meter, Neopost (now Quadient) offers similar machines without the same long-term contract traps (depending on your vendor).

If you absolutely need a meter, compare local equipment vendors and negotiate terms aggressively.

Bonus: Look for Local Office Supply Equipment Providers

One overlooked tip from small business owners:

These vendors often:

• Offer flexible leases
• Service equipment faster
• Bundle label printers, scales, and training

DYMO Label Printers for Postage

If you're mailing 3–4 items a day and want minimal setup, pairing DYMO printers with a software service like Stamps.com or Endicia is a great middle ground.

Top DYMO models:

• DYMO LabelWriter 4XL – Great for 4x6 shipping labels
• DYMO LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo – Print stamps and return address labels without switching rolls
• DYMO 5XL – Works with Etsy and eCommerce

Cost Comparison Breakdown

Final Verdict: What's the Best Pitney Bowes Alternative?

For most small offices sending fewer than 10 letters or flats per day, you don't need a leased postage meter.

Best Overall:

• 🏆 Pirate Ship (free, easy, fast)

Best for Traditional Offices:

• 📠 Stamps.com (balance of flexibility and structure)

Best for Higher Volume:

• 📦 Endicia or SendPro Online

Best if You Love Your DYMO:

• Stick with DYMO + Stamps.com

Worst Choice for Low Volume:

• Staying on a Pitney Bowes lease at $50/month to send 4 letters/day.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓Can I print real USPS stamps from home?

Yes, using services like Stamps.com or Endicia. You can print stamps, flats, and tracking-enabled labels right from your desk.

❓Do I need a scale?

A scale is highly recommended for accurate pricing and saving postage. Many services offer one free with signup.

❓Can I cancel Pitney Bowes?

Yes, but be sure to read your lease. Early termination often involves penalties.

❓Can I use Pirate Ship for letters and flats?

Yes, you can print postage for envelopes and flats, though it's best for packages.

Your Next Step: Cut the Cord and Simplify

Don't let legacy systems eat into your margins. If you're sending a few pieces of mail per day, there's simply no reason to be paying $50–$80/month on a leased meter.

You can:

• Sign up for a free Pirate Ship account in minutes
• Use your home printer and Avery labels
• Print stamps, flats, and Priority labels instantly

Or—invest in a DYMO, use it with Stamps.com, and enjoy simple click-and-print postage.

Let us know if you need help setting up your system or want a free migration guide from Pitney Bowes to a modern, leaner mailing workflow.