Lob vs SmartyStreets: What are the differences?

Introduction

Lob and SmartyStreets are two popular address verification and mailing solution providers. While both offer similar services, there are key differences between the two platforms that make them distinct in their own ways. The following are the six major differences between Lob and SmartyStreets.

1. Pricing Model: Lob offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, allowing users to pay for the specific services they use, such as address verification, postcard printing, and mailing. SmartyStreets, on the other hand, utilizes a subscription-based pricing model where users pay a monthly fee for unlimited access to their services.

2. International Address Verification: Lob provides extensive international address verification capabilities, supporting addresses in countries across the world. SmartyStreets focuses primarily on address verification within the United States and may not have the same level of coverage for international addresses.

3. Integration Capabilities: Lob offers robust integration capabilities, allowing developers to easily incorporate their services into their own applications using APIs and SDKs. SmartyStreets also provides integration options but may not have the same level of flexibility and ease of use as Lob for developers.

4. Mailing Automation: Lob specializes in automating the process of sending mailings, such as postcards, letters, and checks. They offer features like batch processing and variable data printing, making it easier for businesses to send personalized mailings at scale. SmartyStreets focuses primarily on address verification and does not offer the same level of mailing automation features as Lob.

5. Address Cleansing: SmartyStreets provides advanced address cleansing capabilities, which includes standardizing and formatting addresses to meet postal guidelines. This ensures that the addresses are accurate and properly formatted. Lob also offers address cleansing, but SmartyStreets may have more sophisticated algorithms and tools for improving address quality.

6. Additional Services: While both platforms offer address verification, Lob offers additional services, such as check printing and scalable mailings, making it a comprehensive mailing solution. SmartyStreets focuses exclusively on address verification and related services and may not have the same range of features and options as Lob.

In Summary, Lob provides a pay-as-you-go pricing model, extensive international address verification, robust integration capabilities, mailing automation features, and additional services like check printing. SmartyStreets, on the other hand, offers a subscription-based pricing model, focuses primarily on US address verification, has less extensive integration capabilities, provides advanced address cleansing features, and specializes in address verification without additional mailing services.