The 7 Best Virtual Mailbox Services (2023 Update)
Unlock the secret features of the top virtual mailbox services to find your ideal mailing solution.
Growing up, we take mail for granted. We see letters and bills arrive, we celebrate when grandma’s birthday packages appear, and we cringe at the taste of stamps. It’s simple!
But for many of us adults in 2023, the simple pleasures of mail days gone by are gone for good. Chances are, if you’re reading this piece and looking for a virtual mailbox service, the traditional mail life simply isn’t working for you.
Perhaps you’re an RVer who can’t seem to pin down the USPS. Or a small business owner trying to manage personal and business mail from a home office. Or a world traveler who wants to stop worrying about missing bills.
Whatever circumstances brought you here, welcome! We hope that by the end of this piece, you’ll have a thorough understanding of what you need in a virtual mailbox service, as well as the confidence to choose which virtual mailbox company will best fit those needs.
In this article:
What is a virtual mailbox service?
What does a virtual mailbox service do?
What are the benefits of virtual mailboxes?
What are the must-have features of a virtual mailbox service?
The best virtual mailbox services for 2023:
- Traveling Mailbox
- PostScan Mail
- IPostal1
- Anytime Mailbox
- Business Anywhere
- US Global Mail
- Earth Class Mail
What is a virtual mailbox service?
A virtual mailbox service is a digital subscription service that gives you the power to receive, view, and manage all of your mail online without a physical mailbox! This modern innovation helps anyone without a permanent mailing address receive and organize their mail in a timely manner.
Virtual mailbox services begin by providing you with an alternative physical mailing address to which all your mail will be sent. That new physical address is a high-security mailing facility that scans, uploads, and forwards your mail at your request. So no matter where you are in the world, you can access your mail via an online portal or app with zero lag time.
In other words, a virtual mailbox service is your type-A mail assistant: always organized, always ready, and always there to make your life a little easier.
What does a virtual mailbox service do?
Virtual mailbox services act as both your mailbox and your mail sorter. Traditionally, when the USPS delivers your mail, you receive a bundle of anything with your address on it—or at least one hopes.
When you use a virtual mailbox service, that daily bundle gets sent to your new virtual mailbox address at a secure mailbox facility.
Once your mailbox service receives your mail, the outside of each piece gets scanned and uploaded to your personal, password-protected online account. From there, it’s all in your hands! You can digitally sort through your mail and then choose what to open, what to shred, and what to forward. Depending on your mailbox service, you can also request check deposits, package forwarding, or mail consolidation. It’s like having your own post office without the lines, frustration, or hefty prices.
Whether you’re a traveler, a student, a small business, or an expat, a virtual mailbox gives you the power of mail management without being tied to a physical location.
What are the benefits of virtual mailboxes?
Most people opt for a virtual mailbox for convenience. But there are plenty of other benefits and advantages when using a virtual mailbox and mail forwarding service. Let’s take a look at just a few.
Virtual Mailboxes Help Small Businesses
Any registered business needs a physical address to operate legally. (1) However, entrepreneurs just starting out often find themselves using their personal home address to register their business. This can cause major security issues—not to mention the time-sucking prospect of sorting through both your personal and business mail every day. Virtual mailboxes give startups and small businesses a safe and convenient alternative.
With a virtual mailbox, small businesses can manage shipments, check supplier inventories, send tax forms, and even deposit checks—all while keeping huge amounts of client and advertising mail out of their homes and offices.
Virtual Mailboxes Help Protect your Privacy
Identity theft claims a new victim every 22 seconds. (2) While there are plenty of ways to fall victim to these thieves, one of the primary sources of identity theft remains hard-copy mail. Mail thieves raid open mailboxes, steal legal documents, and can make your life miserable.
Virtual mailboxes can help prevent identity theft. Not only do you have more awareness of your mail with a virtual mailbox, but your mail also stays in a high-security building. Virtual mailbox physical locations sport 24/7 security cameras and monitors. They also background check their workers and shred your mail once it’s been processed. With those additional security measures, identity thieves don’t stand a chance.
Virtual Mailboxes Keep You Organized
If you’re a person who receives tons of mail, you know that keeping it organized can be a nightmare. Virtual mailboxes help tame the chaos! With folders for organization and simple ways to assign next steps for each item, the virtual mailbox portal lets you toss junk mail while keeping bills, personal letters, and important account information sorted. Plus, with the right integrations, your mail syncs right up with the rest of your digital life.
Virtual Mailboxes Give You Global Access
One of the top reasons people turn to virtual mailboxes is travel. Whether you’re a full-time expat or a regular globetrotter, receiving mail around the world can be a nightmare. Virtual mailboxes make it easy for you to read your mail on the go and forward the necessities. Plus, you don’t have to put your mail on hold or bug a friend to keep tabs on your mailbox. It’s a win for everyone.
Virtual Mailboxes Give You Storage
If you’ve ever been filing your taxes and panicked because you couldn’t find that one slippery work receipt, this one’s for you. With a virtual mailbox, you can use cloud storage to keep important documents forever. We’ve all lost a crucial paper or two to a disorganized desk. With your virtual mailbox portal, you can sort important documents, label them, and reference back to them wherever you need!
What are the must-have features of a virtual mailbox service?
Not all virtual mailbox services are created equal or designed for the same users. However, there are some features you should never live without. Here are a few of the must-have features of a virtual mailbox service:
- Mail forwarding services: All virtual mailboxes should offer the ability to forward your physical mail to you—wherever you may be! There will always be some mail that you need to have physically delivered, be it a new credit card or passport. Your virtual mailbox provider needs to be able to get those items to you promptly.
- Shredding and junk services: Any virtual mailbox worth its salt offers shredding services and junk mail sorting. One of the most convenient perks of using a virtual mailbox is never having to deal with junk mail. If a company doesn’t offer shredding services at a reasonable price, move to the next one.
- Open and scanning services: All virtual mailboxes should offer to open and scan any mail you receive. This service is usually a given, but you always want to make sure all your boxes get checked when you’re making an investment.
- Notifications: All virtual mailboxes should offer notifications for when you receive new mail and when requested tasks are done. When you’re on the go, you don’t always have the time to remember to check your mail or refresh your bank account to see if a check has been deposited. Notifications help keep you up to date and on the move.
If you’re looking at signing up with a particular virtual mailbox service and you can’t check these four boxes, it’s time to move on. However, once these four boxes get checked, you still have other amazing features to look for—depending on your needs, of course.
Additional Virtual Mailbox Features
These extra virtual mailbox features aren’t just add-ons; they’re game changers. As you read through, think hard about what you need from your virtual mailbox. Are any of these features necessities for your virtual mailbox usage?
- Unlimited Cloud Storage: When using a virtual mailbox, you should be able to keep important mail safe in the virtual world for as long as you want. But does your virtual mailbox service set a limit on your data usage? Select companies allow you to use unlimited Cloud storage to reference years worth of bills and accounts. Others will start charging once you reach a certain number of GB.
- Shipping discounts: A great virtual mailbox service knows you’re already frustrated with the shipping industry—so you don’t need hefty shipping fees on top of your other troubles. That’s why your ideal virtual mailbox service offers bulk shipping discounts through partnerships with major carriers.
- Mobile app: You deserve your mail anywhere. Virtual mailbox providers with mobile apps know you use a virtual mailbox because you’re on the go. A virtual mailbox app with an intuitive user interface can make all the difference. No headaches, easy access.
- Round-the-clock customer service: A huge number of virtual mailbox users invest in a virtual mailbox because they’re running around the globe. That means they need customer service in their time zone. A great virtual mailbox service offers 24/7 customer service for clients on every continent.
- Unlimited Cloud Storage: When using a virtual mailbox, you should be able to keep important mail safe in the virtual world for as long as you want. But does your virtual mailbox service set a limit on your data usage? Select companies allow you to use unlimited Cloud storage to reference years worth of bills and accounts. Others will start charging once you reach a certain number of GB.
- Check depositing services: If you’ve waited weeks for a check via snail mail, you definitely don’t want to waste another week waiting to deposit it. A business-savvy virtual mailbox helps you get your money in your hands as quickly as possible by offering fast and simple check depositing services with no extra fees.
- Integrations: We usually think of software integrations when we look at Office programming, but the truth is, integrations are a part of everyday life. Every time you open your Google calendar or a Dropbox link, you’re using key integrations that make your life easier. A modern virtual mailbox understands how interconnected our services are and works to include your mail in that family.
- Rigorous security measures: If you’re trusting your credit card information, your medical bills, and your tax papers to a company, you need to know your information is safe and secure! Virtual mailbox services should ideally go above and beyond to ensure your mail stays confidential. If they don’t, they might not be worth trusting.
The Best Virtual Mailbox Services for 2023
Ready to start your search for your ideal virtual mailbox? Let’s take a deeper dive into the top seven virtual mailbox and mail forwarding services for 2023. Keep in mind that while all of these services bring a lot to the table, some will be better suited to your needs than others.
As you search for your ideal product, here’s a chart of a few key features we think you should keep in mind.
Service | Lowest | Mail Forwarding | Mobile App | Check Deposits | Integrations | Shipping Discounts |
Traveling Mailbox | $15/month | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
PostScan Mail | $10/month | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | ✓ |
IPostal1 | $9.99/ month | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Anytime Mailbox | Location-based | ✓ | ✓ | ✓/X | X | X |
Business Anywhere | $20/month | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ |
US Global Mail | $9.95/ month | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Earth Class Mail | $19/month | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
1. Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox is a state-of-the-art virtual mailbox and mail forwarding service designed to make your mail accessible from anywhere. With reliable service and rich features, Traveling Mailbox gives users quick and easy access to their mail from anywhere in the world on any device.
At Traveling Mailbox, it’s all about the user. Check depositing services, virtual office organization, document scanning, unlimited storage, and high-speed mobile apps make Traveling Mailbox the ideal, comprehensive virtual mail service. Additionally, Traveling Mailbox prides itself on fast turnarounds and delivery times. All mail received at a facility gets scanned and uploaded within 24 hours, and every package and check is forwarded within 24 hours of a user request.
One particularly convenient feature that sets Traveling Mailbox apart from its competitors is the inclusion of USPS Form 1583 services. The United States Postal Service requires you to file this “Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent” form (USPS Form 1583 (3)) when using a virtual mailbox service. Most virtual mailboxes require you to get this form notarized on your own time. However, Traveling Mailbox is the only company that can verify your two forms of ID and electronically sign your form with you over a video call. This is a massive time saver, especially for users who live overseas.
With affordable rates, shipping discounts, third-party integrations, and exemplary customer service, Traveling Mailbox offers all the features any demographic might need from a modern, comprehensive virtual mailbox service.
Features:
- Mail opening and scanning
- Mail and package forwarding
- Multiple integrations
- Email and push notifications
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Shipping discounts
- Mobile app
- Check depositing
- Virtual office
- Document scanning
- Junk shredding
- 24/7 customer service
- High-tech security measures
Price breakdown: 10% military discount available for all plan levels
- Basic Plan: $15/month
- Extended Plan: $25/month
- Small Business Plan: $55/month
- Enterprise Tier 1: $99/month
- Enterprise Tier 2: $1/piece
Ideal user(s):
- Expats
- Travelers
- RVers
- Military
- Small Businesses
- College Students
- Truckers
- Digital nomads
2. PostScan Mail
PostScan Mail is a well-known virtual mailbox and mail forwarding service with a strong focus on package forwarding and affordable shipping rates. With hundreds of facilities both inside and outside of the USA, PostScan Mail also offers the convenience of nearby package pickup if you happen to be in the area. Because PostScan Mail has a long history in this industry, they do what they do extremely well.
However, they don’t do everything.
While PostScan Mail offers quality services, they don’t offer some of the more modern conveniences like check deposits. Additionally, their facilities have a seven-day holding policy for all packages, which can make traveling a bit of a hindrance.
Features:
- Mail opening and scanning
- Mail and package forwarding
- Email and push notifications
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Shipping discounts
- Mobile app
- Document scanning
- Junk shredding
- High-tech security measures
- Package pickup
Price breakdown:
- Starter: $10/month or $100/year
- Standard: $20/month or $200/year
- Premium: $30/month or $300/year
Ideal user(s):
- Travelers
- RVers
- Military
- College Students
- Truckers
- Digital nomads
3. iPostal1
IPostal1 is a business-oriented virtual mailbox and mail forwarding service designed to help businesses scale and manage their mail throughout the process. With over 2,500 physical locations in the US, IPostal1 lets businesses create prestige with a high-end virtual address, a BBB A+ accreditation rating, and easy access to packages and mail.
Additionally, IPostal1’s pricing tiers make them accessible to businesses of all sizes from start-ups to enterprise behemoths. You can upgrade your plan as you grow.
That said, while IPostal1 comes with fantastic features for businesses, it’s not always the best choice for individuals or families. Additionally, anyone who isn’t tech-savvy might find the IPostal1 interface a little out of their league. That said, if you’re a business looking for a comprehensive virtual mailbox package, IPostal1 could be a great option.
Features:
- Mail opening and scanning
- Mail and package forwarding
- Email and push notifications
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Shipping discounts
- Mobile app
- Check depositing
- Document scanning
- Junk shredding
- 24/7 customer service
- High-tech security measures
Price breakdown:
- Green: $9.99/month or $99/year
- Blue: $14.99/month or $149/year
- Silver: $24.99/month or $249/year
- Gold: $39.99/month or $399/year
Ideal user(s):
- Midsized businesses
- Startups
- Entrepreneurs
- Expats
4. Anytime Mailbox
Anytime Mailbox is a global virtual mailbox and mail forwarding service focused on international shipping and high-tech security. With multiple addresses in 6 out of 7 continents, Anytime Mailbox is a great option for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. A straightforward signup process and simple, user-friendly interface also make this service appealing for many users.
That said, Anytime Mailbox’s pricing is not quite as simple.
Even though the lowest cost for Anytime Mailbox starts at an incredible $4.98, the price varies by each location with limited options for consistent monthly costs and the risk of high fees for overshooting your mail quota. Additionally, certain features are only available in certain locations, including check deposits, no matter what the pricing tier. If Anytime Mailbox seems like the best option for you, make sure you double-check your location for pricing and features before signing up.
Features:
- Mail opening and scanning
- Mail and package forwarding
- Email and push notifications
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Mobile app
- Check depositing (conditional)
- Junk shredding
- 24/7 customer service
- High-tech security measures
Price breakdown:
- All prices are determined by location and tiers. Check individual locations for detailed pricing.
Ideal user(s):
- Digital nomads
- Expats
- Travelers
- Students
5. Business Anywhere
Business Anywhere, much like the name suggests, is a business-oriented virtual mailbox and mail forwarding service focused on simple solutions for startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. While Business Anywhere doesn’t come with a ton of bells and whistles as far as features go, it does provide a highly affordable and straightforward system with additional business services (registered agent, notary, etc).
At the moment, however, Business Anywhere only offers addresses in Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, and Wyoming, so if you’re looking for an address closer to home, you might be out of luck. Additionally, it can take up to three days to scan and upload your mail after arrival, which can be a make-or-break factor for high-paced businesses.
Features:
- Mail opening and scanning
- Mail and package forwarding
- Email and push notifications
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Shipping discounts
- Virtual office
- Document scanning
- Junk shredding
- 24/7 customer service
- High-tech security measures
Price breakdown:
- Package One: $20/month
- Package Two: $30/month
- Package Three: $65/month
Ideal user(s):
- Digital nomads
- Startups
- Businesses
- Entrepreneurs
6. US Global Mail
US Global Mail is a well-established virtual mailbox and mail forwarding service geared towards international shippers and small businesses. With shipping discounts of up to 80%, US Global Mail helps travelers and entrepreneurs manage international shipping without breaking the bank. They also combine cheap prices with fast shipping times for same-day shipping in certain areas as well as quick scanning turnarounds and check deposits.
However, exact services and features vary depending on location—and those differences aren’t reflected in your price. Certain features also require additional fees, such as mail interior scanning, in-person pickups, and extra storage time.
Features:
- Mail opening and scanning
- Mail and package forwarding
- Email and push notifications
- Shipping discounts
- Mobile app
- Check depositing
- Document scanning
- Junk shredding
- 24/7 customer service
- High-tech security measures
Price breakdown:
- Basic: $9.95/month for annual billing, $14.99/month for monthly billing
- Plus: $14.95/month for annual billing, $19.99/month for monthly billing
Ideal user(s):
- Digital nomads
- Travelers
- Entrepreneurs
7. Earth Class Mail
Earth Class Mail is a virtual mailbox and mail forwarding service specifically designed around information security and protection. With multiple checkpoints for users and thoroughly vetted and trained staff, Earth Class Mail prides itself on keeping sensitive information private across cyberspace. In keeping with their high-tech emphasis, they also allow multiple integrations for businesses, including Quickbooks, Dropbox, Google Office, and Xero.
Earth Class Mail brings incredible features, but not always incredible accessibility. As of now, they only list one address option for individual plans and require high fees for going over quota or forwarding packages. Additionally, any mail forwarding at all requires an additional fee on top of postage.
Features:
- Mail opening and scanning
- Mail and package forwarding (conditional)
- Multiple integrations
- Email and push notifications
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Mobile app
- Check depositing
- Document scanning
- Junk shredding
- 24/7 customer service
- High-tech security measures
Price breakdown:
- Personal MailBox: $19/month
- Shared MailBox: $29/month
- Premium MailBox: $79/month
- Startup MailRoom: $139/month
- Business MailRoom: $229/month
Ideal user(s):
- Non-package-dependent users
- Digital nomads
- Startups
Combine the Best Virtual Mailbox Service and Mail Forwarding Service with Traveling Mailbox
If you’re looking for the best virtual mailbox and mail forwarding service, we’ve got you covered. At Traveling Mailbox, we pride ourselves on offering you impeccable service and bountiful features at a wallet-friendly cost!
Whether you’re a small business owner, an expat, an RV traveler, or simply someone who’s looking to escape the traditional mail system, we have a plan for you. Each Traveling Mailbox account comes with a virtual mail portal, free mail screening and shredding, and envelope scans. All you have to do is follow our simple sign-up process:
Step 1: Select your plan
Step 2: Receive your new address
Step 3: Change your address
Step 4: Receive your mail!
It’s that simple!
Try Traveling Mailbox today and see what 2023’s best virtual mailbox service can do for you.
1. LegalZoom, https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/do-you-need-a-physical-address-for-your-business