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Mailmark Franking Machines: Every Compliant Model For 2026
If you're buying a franking machine in 2026, it has to be Mailmark compliant. There's no grey area here. Royal Mail decertified the older style of franking machine, and since 1 January 2023 any franked mail that doesn't carry a Mailmark barcode is returned to the sender (Royal Mail Business Price Guide, checked October 2026).
So the real question isn't whether you need Mailmark. It's which Mailmark machine suits you, and how to avoid being sold one that isn't.
What Mailmark means
Mailmark is Royal Mail's barcode system for franked mail. Each Mailmark frank includes a 2D barcode that Royal Mail's sorting equipment reads. It carries information about the item and the sender, and it lets Royal Mail track the mail through its network.
For you, it means three things:
- Your machine must print a Mailmark barcode. Older machines that print a traditional frank can't be used.
- Your machine needs to connect online, so it can report usage and download rates.
- You get Mailmark franking prices, which are lower than stamp prices. From 7 April 2026, a franked 1st Class letter costs £1.77 against £1.80 with a stamp, and a 1st Class large letter up to 100g is £2.86 against £3.30 (Royal Mail, checked October 2026).
Our Mailmark explainer goes deeper on how the system works.
Compliant models
Every machine currently sold new by the main manufacturers is Mailmark compliant. Below are the models you're most likely to be offered. Specs are from manufacturer and dealer spec sheets, checked October 2026.
| Brand | Model | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quadient | iX-1 | About 18 letters a minute | Entry level, app based set up |
| Quadient | iX-3 | About 45 letters a minute | Platforms up to 35kg available |
| Quadient | iX-5 | 75 hand fed, about 110 auto | Differential scale option |
| Quadient | iX-7 | Up to 175 letters a minute | Dynamic weighing, mailroom use |
| FP | PostBase Vision 3S | About 30 letters a minute | 2kg scale |
| FP | PostBase Vision 5S | About 50 letters a minute | 5kg scale, auto labels |
| FP | PostBase Vision 7A | About 75 letters a minute | Differential weighing |
| FP | PostBase Vision 9A | Up to 120 letters a minute | Dynamic weighing, stacker |
| Pitney Bowes | SendPro C | Up to 50 letters a minute | 5kg scale standard |
| Pitney Bowes | DM50 | Low volume | Check the specific unit is Mailmark enabled |
This isn't an exhaustive list. Manufacturers add and retire models, and Frama also supplies Mailmark machines. Always ask the supplier to confirm in writing that the exact machine you're getting is Mailmark enabled.
The old machine switch off
Before Mailmark, franking machines printed a traditional impression without a barcode. Royal Mail gave businesses several years' notice of the change, and from 1 January 2023 stopped accepting that older style of franked mail.
What this means in practice:
- Old machines are useless for franking. Even if they still power on and print, Royal Mail will return the mail.
- Second hand bargains can be traps. If someone's selling a cheap franking machine, check the model. Many older units on the second hand market aren't Mailmark capable.
- Some older models were upgraded. A few machines could be made Mailmark ready with a software or hardware update. Others couldn't. Only the manufacturer can confirm.
If you've found an old machine in a cupboard, see our guides on selling your machine and second hand franking machines.
Prices
Machine prices depend on the model, the contract and the options, and manufacturers don't publish fixed lease prices. What's identical across every compliant machine is the postage: Royal Mail sets one franked tariff for all Mailmark machines.
| Item | Stamp | Mailmark franked |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Class letter | £1.80 | £1.77 |
| 2nd Class letter | 91p | 88p |
| 1st Class large letter up to 100g | £3.30 | £2.86 |
| 2nd Class large letter up to 100g | £1.55 | £1.52 |
Source: Royal Mail stamp prices and Business Price Guide from 7 April 2026, checked October 2026.
For lease costs, see our franking machine prices guide. For connected features beyond Mailmark, see smart franking machines.
Choosing between compliant machines
Since every new machine is compliant, Mailmark itself won't help you choose. What will is the same set of questions you'd ask about any machine:
Volume. Low volume machines like the iX-1 and Vision 3S suit offices posting up to about 50 to 100 items a day. Mid volume machines like the iX-3, SendPro C, Vision 5S and Vision 7A suit a few hundred a day. Over that, look at the iX-5 with auto feed, Vision 9A or iX-7.
Mail mix. Lots of mixed weights means you'll value differential or dynamic weighing. Lots of parcels means a bigger scale or external platform.
Software. If you need to split costs between departments or clients, compare the reporting each brand offers.
Contract. The machine matters less than the agreement. Compare full term costs, renewal clauses and service terms.
Our best franking machines guide ranks the main models, and franking machine sizes helps match volume to machine.
Mailmark and price changes
Because Mailmark machines connect online, they download new Royal Mail tariffs automatically. Royal Mail still advises businesses to check their machine is ready before each price change, and to contact their supplier if not. It did exactly that ahead of the 7 April 2026 changes (Royal Mail, checked October 2026).
How to check a machine is compliant
- Ask the supplier directly and get the answer in writing.
- Check the model against the manufacturer's current product list.
- Look for a Mailmark barcode on a test impression.
- Make sure the machine connects online and downloads rates.
- For second hand machines, confirm the manufacturer will register it to you.
Buying second hand safely
If you're tempted by a used Mailmark machine, go in with your eyes open. The machine needs to be registered to your business by the manufacturer, which may involve fees, and you'll still need a postage account and usually a software subscription. Ink and parts need to be available for the model. And if it's an older model that was upgraded to Mailmark, check it's still supported. Sometimes a new low volume machine on a short lease ends up cheaper and much less hassle than a second hand bargain.
In short: every new machine is compliant, so spend your energy on getting the right size and the right contract rather than worrying about Mailmark itself. Just never buy an unverified old machine.
FAQs
Can I still use a non Mailmark franking machine?
No. Royal Mail returns franked mail without a Mailmark barcode.
Does Mailmark cost extra?
No. Mailmark franked prices are lower than stamp prices.
Do Mailmark machines need the internet?
Yes. They connect to report usage and download postage and rate updates.
Looking for a deal?
Compare compliant machines from approved suppliers. Compare franking machine prices.
