Cheapest Way to Send a Parcel in the UK (2026)

Quick Summary

The cheapest way to send a parcel depends on what you're shipping. For small light items (under 750g), Royal Mail Large Letter is hard to beat. For 1-2kg, Evri is usually the cheapest. For tracked, insured, or next-day delivery, DPD often has better rates than Royal Mail. For speed and reliability, Royal Mail 1st Class and DPD are generally comparable in price.

Prices change regularly and vary slightly depending on whether you book online or in person. These are approximate UK standard rates as of 2026, but always check the courier's website for current pricing before committing to a shipment.

Price Comparison Table by Weight

Note: These are approximate prices for standard UK deliveries to a standard address. Prices vary by postcode area and service. Special Delivery Guaranteed by 9am from Royal Mail is around £9-13. Check each courier's website for exact pricing.

Best Option for Small Light Items (Under 750g)

Royal Mail Large Letter at around £1.50 is your cheapest option if your item fits within the Large Letter size limit (up to 45cm x 35cm x 16cm). This works brilliantly for things like documents, greeting cards, vinyl records, or clothing items. It's also untracked, but it has reasonable delivery times (1-3 days typically).

If you need tracking, Royal Mail 1st Class Special or 2nd Class with tracking is the next best option at around £3-4, still cheaper than most competitors.

Best Option for 1-2kg Parcels

Evri is usually the cheapest in this weight range at around £2.80-£3.50 for standard delivery. It's reliable for everyday items and takes 1-3 working days. If you need it faster, DPD's next-day service might still be competitive with Evri's standard rate, depending on your exact location.

Best for Speed (Next-Day Delivery)

DPD Next Day (£6.50 for up to 1kg) is generally cheaper than Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 9am (£12+), though Royal Mail has better geographic coverage. For next-day delivery, compare both to see which is available and cheapest for your postcode.

Best for Tracked and Insured

Evri's tracked service is reasonably priced. DPD includes tracking as standard on most services, which is helpful. Royal Mail 1st Class Special Delivery includes insurance up to £46, which can add value if you're shipping something valuable and don't want to pay extra for insurance separately.

Getting Discounted Rates

If you ship regularly (more than 5-10 parcels per week), you might qualify for business rates with couriers directly. However, for smaller operations, services like Pirate Ship (for US/international shipping) or account-based discounts through sales platforms like eBay and Etsy can save you money without needing to commit to a business contract.

When You Genuinely Don't Need Paid Software

Most small sellers don't need fancy shipping software. If you're sending under 50 parcels a month, you can happily use the free options built into eBay, Etsy, or Shopify, or just buy labels directly from Royal Mail Click & Drop. Software becomes useful when you're shipping 100+ parcels a day and need batch label printing, multi-carrier comparison, or automation. For everything else, keep it simple.

The Honest Takeaway

There's no single cheapest courier because it depends on weight, destination, speed, and whether you need tracking. For most small senders shipping light items, Royal Mail is unbeatable for price. For slightly heavier parcels, Evri usually wins. If you need speed or tracking, compare DPD and Royal Mail's premium services. The difference between cheapest and second-cheapest is often just a few pence, so pick whichever courier integrates best with your sales platform or gives you the best customer service experience.