Alexandra Ramirez
That was our top criteria for selecting the best mailbox.
If you want to cut to the chase and get those letters mailed, Mail Manager Security Mail box by Mail Boss scored high above the others that we researched in every category and is our top pick.
1. Mail Boss
Best Overall Mailbox
5/5 Product Rating
Features of this study and strong mailbox include an innovative baffle door that accepts small packages and deters anyone from rooting around in your mailbox. The patented latch is anti-pry and prevents leveraged entry as well.
The outgoing mail clip is concealed for added protection on outgoing mail as well as incoming. There is a 12 disc wafer lock, 3 keys and all of the hardware you need for your mailbox installation. This mailbox is USPS approved as a full service, residential locking mailbox.
You won’t have to worry about anyone sorting through your mail or taking anything of importance with this 14 and 16 gauge electro galvanized welded steel construction that defends against vandalism. The Mail Manager deters theft and vandalism better than other models that can be pried apart if you work at it.
The quality of this mailbox is guaranteed with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects. There is an incoming mail door that the mail carrier can deliver your mail through and will not need a key to access it. There is even space for small packages to be placed inside the mail box with little hassle.
– Darius Spieth
2. Step2
Best Freestanding Mailbox
4.9/5 Product Rating
This mailbox has a lot of features including front and rear access to the interior compartments, address numbers, mounting hardware and a post cover as well. It mounts easily to a 4 x 4 post (that you would need to purchase separately).
The heavy duty poly construction is long lasting and durable. The inside of the mailbox has plenty of room for letters, magazines, and smaller packages. There is also a newspaper hold that keeps your paper clean and dry.
There is a little bit of assembled smaller packages. There is also a newspaper hold that keeps your paper clean and dry. There is a little bit of assembly required but nothing overly complicated; the assembly is minimal and can be accomplished in a short amount of time.
– Darius Spieth
3. Gibraltar
Best Budget Mailbox
4.8/5 Product Rating
The Gibraltar High Grove mailbox is constructed of long lasting, heavy duty steel that stands up to the elements for years to come.
The concealed bottom mounting holes make it very easy to attach this box to a 4 x 4 post without the mounting hardware showing giving the mailbox strength and a refined, streamlined look.
The mailbox is fully assembled and all buyers need to do is add the box to whatever base they choose, whether it’s a wooden post or something more elaborate.
The mailbox features front and back frames, a flag and latch feature as well. The anodized aluminum brushed nickel accents add an attractive decorative touch.
– Darius Spieth
Mailbox Buying Guide
About Mailbox
There are several things that you need to consider when you are looking for a mailbox for your home. We have listed the things to think about before you start looking so you know they type and style of mailbox to look at.
- How many people with receive mail to the mailbox?
- Will the mailbox be at the end of a driveway or yard or attached to the house?
- How much mail do you and your family usually receive?
- Do you get a lot of packages?
- Do you need a multi-family box?
- What type of weather conditions will your mailbox be subjected to?
The answers you give to the above questions will help you decide which types and styles of mailbox to research and consider.
Materials Used
There are several types of materials that are used in mailbox construction. These materials each have their advantages and drawbacks. We’ve outlined each type of material below.
- Steel – Steel is an extremely heavy and durable material that is resistant to rust which makes it a good choice for outdoor use. It is a good idea to have a steel mailbox treated for water damage to ensure that it doesn’t get any rust spots on it or other problems.
- Aluminum – This lighter weight metal is rust resistant but not rust proof and without additional water-resistance protection may need to be replaced over time.
- Plastic – If you have extremely hot conditions in your region, a plastic mailbox may not be the best choice for your home, but if the temperatures are moderate, you may find plastic to be a really good choice. It is easy to maintain and very durable as well.
- Brass – If you are looking for a more elegant look, you may like the look of a brass mailbox. It adds a lot of character and a more formal look as well. Brass needs regular and frequent polishing and shining to avoid the common patina, the green colored build up brass gets to avoid it looking unkempt and dirty.
- Wood – Wooden mailboxes are not as common as the other materials but some buyers love the rustic look they give your home. If you want a wooden mailbox to last, make sure it is treated for water-resistance so it can’t battle the effects of long term weather.
Features
There are many different features that will make your mailbox even more functional and stylish. These different features don’t come on all mailboxes but if any of them stand out, you will know to look for those specific features in the models you consider.
- Locking – Locking mailboxes offer a level of security for your mail and packages that a regular mailbox can’t provide. Locking mailboxes will sometimes have a segment that is able to handle small packages as well as the regular mail. The mail server will not have to have a key to your box to put your mail in it thanks to the incoming mail slots that locking mailboxes usually have.
- Rear Access – Some mailboxes have front and rear access which makes retrieving your mail even easier.
- Newspaper Holder – Mailboxes that have an extra compartment or holder for newspapers and even bulky magazines leaves the room in your mailbox for your mail.
- Personalized – There are many ways to have your mailbox personalized. Some mailboxes offer number and/or letters so you can attach them to the side of the box. You can also opt for the more decorative varieties which will set your mailbox apart from the others. Last but not least is having your mailbox personalized by either airbrushing techniques or some other painting of some kind.
Types
There are many different types of mailboxes for consumers to choose from. We have listed the different types below so you can see the differences between them and decide which one or ones appeal to you the most.
- Wall-mounted – This type of mailbox is attached to the side of your home, usually right by the front door. Wall-mounted mailboxes are fairly typical in older sections of town where homes are closer together and the mail carrier walks his route. Checking the mail when you have a wall-mounted mailbox doesn’t get much easier. Just go to the door and there it is just outside of it. Wall mounted mailboxes are usually protected from the elements by the front porch or an awning or overhang of some kind.
- Post- Mounted – Post mounted mailboxes are very common and are usually placed at the end of the driveway or along the edge of the yard. They are common in neighborhoods and rural areas where the mail carrier uses his vehicle to deliver the mail. Post mounted mailboxes can be mounted on 4 x 4 wooden posts, wrought iron posts and numerous other things. Many people get quite creative with what they mount these mailboxes too. Post mounted mailboxes add a lot of character to the yard and there are many colors, materials and styles that the buyer can choose from.
- Column-Mounted – Column mounted mailboxes look very stately and are commonly found at the entrance to estate sized homes. The columns are usually made from rock or stone of some kind. These are very sturdy mailboxes as long as the column is made correctly and will stand up to snowy weather. This choice is much more permanent. Since the mailbox itself is usually installed inside the column, the mailbox itself doesn’t usually wear out.
- Mail Slots – Mail slots were a very common design for a mailbox back in the early 1900s. They lost popularity for a time in the early 70s and doors were not made with slots anymore in the late 70s. They are making a comeback for those who love old fashioned design, with their old-school, traditional charm. This mail “box” design is better for urban areas where the mail carrier is on foot. They are very simple and easy although your mail will be all over your foyer floor, so if you have dogs that like to chew, you may want to reconsider this method.
Placing it properly at the Curb
- Make sure that the mailbox is facing outward and is not difficult for the mail carrier to drive up to.
- The house numbers need to be in numerical form, not word form and should be at least 1” tall. Position them on the front or flag side of the box. You can also put the last name of the residents if you choose.
- Place mailboxes 6-8” from the curb and make sure the mailbox door is 41 to 45 inches from the ground.
Conclusion
You will face numerous options when you start looking for a mailbox. One important thing to make certain of is that whatever mailbox you choose is approved for use by the USPS since they regulate ALL mailboxes, so it is crucial that any mailbox you purchase has been approved,
The right mailbox for your home and needs will depend on the area you live in, rural or urban, and the architectural elements of your home. Many people will want to choose a mailbox that matches the design elements of their home; others won’t care and will just choose from a standpoint of creativity and desire. Others will just grab the easiest thing they can find.
Whichever mailbox you choose, if you take the time to search through some of the different ones, look at the top rated mailboxes we’ve reviewed here and pay attention to what your family’s needs are, you will choose a terrific mailbox that will meet your needs for a long time.
Resources
- Mail Boss – https://www.mailboss.com/
- Step2 – http://www.step2.com/
- Gibraltar – http://www.gibraltarmailboxes.com/
