Pitney Bowes vs FP Franking Machines 2026: Compared
Pitney Bowes and FP are two of the three manufacturers you will meet when shopping for a franking machine in the UK. Both sell Mailmark machines from small desk top models up to busy mailroom kit, and both are sold directly and through independent dealers.
So how do you choose? This comparison sets out where they differ and where they are basically the same. We are supplier neutral, and everything here was checked October 2026.
The two companies at a glance
| Pitney Bowes | FP | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Pitney Bowes | Francotyp Postalia |
| Home country | United States | Germany |
| Headquarters | Stamford, Connecticut | Berlin |
| Founded | 1920 | Origins in 1923 |
| UK range name | SendPro | PostBase |
| UK sales | Direct and through dealers | Direct and through dealers |
Pitney Bowes is one of the oldest names in mailing equipment. FP is a German company whose UK business is based in Dartford, Kent. Both are authorised by Royal Mail, which says it does not recommend one manufacturer over another.
The ranges compared
Small offices
Pitney Bowes offers the SendPro Mailstation as its entry model and the SendPro C range as a step up for small offices that want a little more.
FP offers the PostBase Mini at the entry level, alongside the PostBase One and the PostBase Vision range.
Both brands cover the low volume end well. For an office sending up to around 50 items a day, either will do the job, and the decision usually comes down to the contract.
Medium volumes
Pitney Bowes has the SendPro C Auto and its larger siblings, which add automatic feeding and sealing.
FP has the PostBase Fusion family, from the semi automatic model up to the Advanced and A120.
Both brands offer automatic feeding, sealing and department accounting at this level. Ask for a demonstration with your own envelopes, as feed reliability with your particular mix matters more than the brochure speed.
High volumes
Pitney Bowes has the SendPro P series for busy mailrooms.
FP extends its Fusion and Vision ranges into higher volumes.
At this end, service response times and reporting become the deciding factors. Both brands can supply machines for high volume use, so focus on what the support contract promises.
Where they differ
Range breadth
Pitney Bowes has a long and wide product range, including shipping software and other mailroom equipment beyond franking. If you want one supplier for several mailroom needs, that breadth can be useful.
FP's UK range is more focused on franking itself, with the PostBase name running from the smallest model to the largest. Some buyers find that simpler to navigate.
Look and feel
This is subjective. FP's PostBase machines are known for their compact design. Pitney Bowes' SendPro machines lean on touchscreen software. Try both if you can, ideally with the person who will use the machine every day, since their opinion matters more than anyone else's. Small things like screen size, how the scale sits and where the ink cartridge goes all make a difference over a five year lease.
Contracts
Neither brand has one fixed contract. Terms depend on who you lease from: the manufacturer directly or a dealer. That is why two quotes for the same machine can look very different. Always compare the full term cost, including ink and service.
Where they are the same
- Mailmark. Every machine either brand sells for UK use prints Mailmark impressions, which Royal Mail has required since 1 January 2023.
- Postage prices. You pay the same Royal Mail franked prices whichever machine you use. A 1st Class letter up to 100g is £1.77 franked on either.
- Rate updates. Both send price updates to machines when Royal Mail changes its tariff.
- Licence. Your franking licence comes through your supplier, whichever brand you choose.
- Ink. Both use their own branded cartridges, so ink will not swap between them.
Running costs
The biggest ongoing costs are the lease and ink. Postage is the same whichever brand you pick.
When comparing quotes, use this formula:
Total cost = (monthly lease + monthly ink) × months in term + one off fees
Ask each supplier how many impressions a cartridge typically gives and what it costs. A cheaper lease with dearer ink can cost more over five years.
For typical monthly costs by machine size, see our franking machine prices guide.
Support
Support depends on who your contract is with. If you lease directly from Pitney Bowes or FP, they provide the service. If you lease through a dealer, the dealer usually does. Ask:
- What is the engineer response time?
- Is a replacement machine provided if yours cannot be fixed quickly?
- Are software and rate updates included?
- Is there a charge for phone support?
What to test in a demonstration
Brochures make every machine sound fast and easy. A demonstration with your own post tells you much more. Bring along:
- A stack of your thickest envelopes, to see whether they feed without jamming.
- A large letter close to the 25mm thickness limit.
- A small parcel, to try the label printing.
- A mixed pile of sizes, if you plan to use automatic feeding.
While you are there, try the day to day jobs yourself. Change the class, switch department accounts, check the postage balance and top it up. If the menus feel awkward in a ten minute demo, they will feel worse on a busy Friday afternoon.
Second hand and refurbished machines
Both brands' machines turn up on the second hand market. A used machine can be cheap, but check three things before buying:
- It must print Mailmark impressions, or it cannot be used for UK post.
- Someone must be willing to supply postage, rate updates and service for it.
- Ink must still be available at a sensible price.
Our guide to used and second hand franking machines covers the risks in more detail.
Which should you pick?
There is no universal winner. A rough guide:
| If you... | Consider |
|---|---|
| Want one supplier for franking plus shipping software | Pitney Bowes |
| Want a simple, compact range | FP |
| Have a dealer you already trust | Whichever brand they service best |
| Are price driven | Get quotes from both and compare total cost |
The strongest advice is to get quotes from both, on the same spec, and compare them line by line.
Don't forget the third option
Quadient is the third manufacturer in the UK market, and now looks after former Frama customers too. If you are getting quotes from Pitney Bowes and FP, it is worth adding a Quadient quote for comparison. Our Quadient vs FP guide covers that matchup.
Before you sign
- Count your post for two weeks, split by letters, large letters and parcels.
- Get at least three quotes on the same spec.
- Compare total cost over the full term.
- Check the automatic renewal clause and notice period.
- Ask about early termination costs.
You can use the quote form on this page to hear from several suppliers at once. For more on each brand, read our full guides to Pitney Bowes and FP, or see every model side by side on our compare franking machines page.
Facts checked October 2026, from the manufacturers' own websites, Royal Mail's franking pages and its Mailmark franking tariff of 7 April 2026.