Find the Cheapest Way to Mail Anything: Compare Carriers, Services & Print-On-Demand Postage
When you’re looking to compare postage for your business or personal mailing, understanding how to achieve the cheapest postage rates across carriers and services is key. Whether you’re printing postage for domestic shipping or international mailing, getting accurate postage cost estimates and printing a shipping label or print postage online saves time and money. With Stamps.com you gain access to discounted rates from multiple carriers, tools to calculate postage, and the ability to manage everything in one platform.
Stamps.com Exclusive Discounts
With Stamps.com, you can access multiple shipping carriers, generate shipping labels and compare all shipping rates in one platform, helping you get exclusive discounts, streamline postage and avoid juggling separate carrier portals.
Compare the Cheapest Postage Rates
Stamps.com enables you to print postal and carrier labels online, compare carriers’ mail classes and mailing rates, and access deeply discounted postage and shipping-services. You can review cost estimates based on package weight, package size, destination, and service (first class mail, priority mail, express mail) so you can select the optimal service. For domestic mail this might mean choosing the right First-Class Mail or Priority Mail option; for international mailing you choose between Priority Mail International, First-Class Package International Service, or its Flat Rate equivalent. Stamps.com’s software integrates with USPS® and UPS® and lets you schedule pickups, print postage and shipping labels, and reduce shipping fees through volume discounts.
USPS – First-Class Mail (1 oz)
$0.78 (stamped) or $0.74 if printed via Stamps.com
Small single-piece discount via netstamps
Lightweight letters and invoices
USPS – Priority Mail® Domestic
Varies by weight & zone; Stamps.com savings up to 52% off retail
Lots of discount tiers
Small to medium parcels domestic
USPS – Priority Mail International®
Retail begins ~$42.95 for 1 lb to Canada
Up to ~12% off via Stamps.com
Heavier international parcels
USPS – First-Class Package International Service®
Starts around $17 depending on weight & destination
Up to ~5% off via Stamps.com
Lighter international parcels
UPS – International / Domestic Postage via Stamps.com
Varies widely by weight/zone; up to ~83% off international services
Huge savings on UPS posted labels via Stamps.com
When shipping with UPS and printing postage online
For businesses or individuals who ship regularly, the cheapest postage rates often come from using Stamps.com’s platform that supports services from both the United States Postal Service (USPS) and United Parcel Service (UPS), and in some cases other carriers. By using Stamps.com, you get deep discounts on postage and shipping, you can compare all shipping rates for your parcel based on weight and size, and you can print a shipping label or postage directly without visiting a post office. The key is to enter your package weight, package size, destination and carrier in the platform, and then assess which service (priority, express or standard) gives the best value for your delivery requirements.
“I have a relationship with Stamps.com. I always get a response in 24 hours. With others, I always felt like just another customer.”
—Adriana Hurtado, Procurement Manager, Midwest Vision Partners
Key Considerations in Comparing Postage Rates
Understand Service Class and Destination
When evaluating postage cost, always match service class with your need: First-Class Mail is for light letters up to 3.5 ounces domestic, Priority Mail is for heavier domestic parcels, and for international mailing you use services like First-Class Package International, Priority Mail International or Priority Mail Express International. Stamps.com breaks these down clearly.
Factor in Package Weight and Package Size
Weight and size drive the rate more than you might think. A heavy but compact parcel or a large but light box both affect rates because carriers often use dimensional weight. Entering accurate weight and size ensures your postage or label cost is realistic.
Use Online Tools to Compare Rates
Rather than guessing or using retail counter prices, use Stamps.com tools and carrier calculators to compare postage and mailing prices side by side. You can assess which service gives you the best value for your parcel or mailing.
Look at Bulk Mail and Commercial Rates
If you send many items, consider commercial rates and bulk mail options. Stamps.com commercial pricing and discount tiers allow lower bulk mail cost than at the Post Office counter. For example, Stamps.com mentions “up to 87% compared to Post Office retail pricing” in some cases.
Balance Speed vs Cost
Choosing a premium service (express mail cost or overnight mail) will increase your cost to mail a letter or parcel. Sometimes a lower-speed service is the most cost-efficient. Use mailing rate comparison to decide whether the speed is worth the added price.
Why Print On-Demand Postage Matters
When you choose to print postage online instead of buying at the Post Office, you unlock several advantages. First, you can compare carriers and services ahead of time, giving you better visibility into “postage cost” and “mailing prices” rather than relying on a single option. For example, one-ounce letters via First-Class Mail cost $0.78 at the Post Office, but when you print via Stamps.com you may save about $0.74. Secondly, printing a shipping label or postage from your computer allows you to incorporate barcodes, tracking, and even custom cost codes, all of which support better workflows and minimize shipping fees or “hidden” surcharges. Thirdly, you can input accurate data for package weight and package size (including dimensional weight) so you generate realistic shipping estimates or mailing rate estimates, which supports a true mailing rate comparison across service classes.
How Stamps.com Delivers Value
Unified Platform for Multiple Carriers
Stamps.com lets you work with both the USPS® and UPS® within one interface. You don’t have to log into separate carrier portals or handle multiple accounts. The system supports printing stamps, labels, forms and scheduling pickups.
Discounted Rates and Lower Mailing Prices
By printing postage through Stamps.com you access savings not available at the counter. For example: up to 52% off on domestic Priority Mail®, up to 12% off on Priority Mail International®, and up to 5% off on First-Class Package International Service® when using Stamps.com. These reduced mailing prices mean your cost to mail a letter or parcel is lower than retail.
Accurate Postage Cost & Mailing Rate Calculation
Because the platform prompts you for weight, dimensions (package size), destination and service class, you can calculate postage accurately. This means you’re less likely to be surprised by a high “shipping charge” or extra postage requirement due to mis-measured weight or size. The system supports a true mailing rate comparison and encourages efficiency.
Streamlined Label Printing and Pickup
Print shipping labels and stamps from your computer, attach them to your envelope or parcel, and schedule a free pickup for qualifying shipments. No waiting in line at the Post Office or paying extra pickup fees. With Stamps.com you can generate the shipping label and manage the entire workflow.
Frequently asked questions about cheapest postage rates
How do I compare postage between carriers online?
Use a platform like Stamps.com where you can enter the mailing details — package weight, size, destination, service class and it will show you options for different carriers and mail classes so you can compare carriers and pick the most cost-effective one.
Can I print stamps and shipping labels from my computer?
Yes. Stamps.com allows you to print postage and print shipping labels directly from your computer for USPS or UPS, eliminating trips to the Post Office and helping you save on both time and cost.
What drives the cost of a stamp or mailing price?
Key drivers include the mail class (First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, etc.), package weight, package size, destination zone or country, and any special services like certified mail or express.
What are the cheapest postage options for international mailing?
For international mailing, services like USPS First-Class Package International Service® start at relatively low rates (e.g., around $17 depending on destination) and are eligible for discounts when printed via Stamps.com.
What kind of discounts can I get when printing postage online?
When using Stamps.com you gain access to discounts such as up to 12% off Priority Mail International®, up to 16% off Priority Mail Express®, and up to 52% off domestic Priority Mail® depending on weight and zone.
Is online postage better than going to the Post Office?
Yes. Online postage allows you to print from home or office, compare rates ahead of time, schedule pickups, avoid lines, and benefit from commercial or negotiated rates rather than retail counter pricing.