USPS Mail Classes Explained 2025
A complete guide to USPS shipping services. Compare Priority Mail, Ground Advantage, First-Class, Media Mail, and more to find the best option for your shipping needs.
USPS Mail Classes Quick Comparison
Compare all USPS shipping services at a glance:
What's the Difference Between USPS Mail Classes?
USPS mail classes differ by speed, price, and features. Priority Mail delivers in 1-3 days with insurance included. Ground Advantage takes 2-5 days at lower cost. First-Class Mail is for lightweight items under 13 oz. Media Mail offers the cheapest rates for books and educational materials but takes 2-8 days.
Each USPS mail class is designed for specific shipping needs. The key differences are delivery speed, weight limits, tracking availability, and included insurance. Use our comparison table above or explore each service in detail below.
Priority Mail Express
Fastest USPS service with overnight to 2-day delivery and money-back guarantee
Urgent, time-sensitive shipments
Budget-conscious shipping
Key Features:
- Money-back guarantee
- Free package pickup
- Flat rate options
- 365-day delivery
Priority Mail
Fast, reliable delivery in 1-3 business days with tracking included
Fast shipping with insurance needed
Very budget-sensitive shipments
Key Features:
- Free package pickup
- Flat rate options
- Free boxes and envelopes
- Tracking included
USPS Ground Advantage
Affordable ground shipping in 2-5 business days for packages up to 70 lbs
Cost-effective package shipping
Time-sensitive deliveries
Key Features:
- Affordable rates
- Full tracking
- Up to 70 lbs
- Insurance available
First-Class Mail
Economical option for lightweight letters and cards in 1-5 business days
Letters, cards, and lightweight items
Packages over 13 oz
Key Features:
- Most affordable
- Letters and cards
- No tracking on letters
- Forever stamps accepted
Media Mail
Cost-effective option for books, CDs, DVDs, and educational materials
Books, CDs, DVDs, educational materials
General merchandise or time-sensitive items
Key Features:
- Lowest cost
- Books and media only
- No tracking
- Subject to inspection
Which USPS Service Is Cheapest?
Media Mail is the cheapest USPS service, starting around $3-4 for books and educational materials. For general packages, Ground Advantage offers the best value at $4-5 for small items. First-Class Mail is most economical for lightweight items under 13 oz. Flat Rate boxes provide predictable pricing regardless of weight.
Cheapest for Books/Media
Media Mail
Starting ~$3-4 (2-8 days)
Cheapest for Packages
Ground Advantage
Starting ~$4-5 (2-5 days)
Cheapest for Letters
First-Class Mail
$0.73 stamp (1-5 days)
Best Value for Heavy Items
Flat Rate Boxes
Fixed price any weight
How to Choose the Right USPS Service
Choose Priority Mail Express if...
You need guaranteed delivery in 1-2 days and are willing to pay premium rates. Ideal for legal documents, urgent business shipments, or last-minute gifts.
Choose Priority Mail if...
You want fast 1-3 day delivery with tracking and insurance included. Best for e-commerce, gifts, and anything that needs to arrive quickly.
Choose Ground Advantage if...
You want the best value for non-urgent packages. Great for regular e-commerce shipments, returns, and when 2-5 days is acceptable.
Choose First-Class Mail if...
You're sending letters, cards, or lightweight items under 13 oz. The most economical option for everyday correspondence.
Choose Media Mail if...
You're shipping books, CDs, DVDs, or educational materials and don't mind waiting 2-8 days. By far the cheapest option for qualifying items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Priority Mail and Ground Advantage?
Priority Mail delivers in 1-3 days and costs more, while Ground Advantage takes 2-5 days at a lower price. Both include tracking and insurance. Choose Priority Mail for speed, Ground Advantage for savings.
Which USPS service is cheapest?
Media Mail is the cheapest for books and media. For packages, Ground Advantage offers the best value. For letters, First-Class Mail with Forever stamps is most economical.
What is USPS Ground Advantage?
Ground Advantage is USPS's standard ground shipping service launched in 2023. It replaced Retail Ground and First-Class Package Service, offering 2-5 day delivery with tracking and $100 insurance.
Does Priority Mail have a guarantee?
Standard Priority Mail does not have a delivery guarantee. Only Priority Mail Express offers a money-back guarantee if the delivery date is missed.