If you’re living the dream as a globetrotting independent professional or remote worker, you’ve likely encountered the challenge of handling and receiving postal mail.
A virtual mailbox allows you to manage your postal mail online. Virtual mailbox services can include scanning incoming mail, mail and package forwarding, and even sending checks to your bank for deposit. Some virtual mailboxes also function as registered agents, providing a physical address for your business, complete with a lease, which you can use for incorporation legal documents.
Best virtual mailboxes
Anytime Mailbox
Anytime Mailbox is one of the largest digital mailbox services, with 1,961 staffed locations globally. It offers virtual mailing addresses in major U.S. cities and worldwide.
The intuitive mobile app allows users to scan, shred, recycle, forward mail, and deposit checks. It can also receive packages from FedEx, UPS, and DHL.
Pros:
Unlimited online storage with all plans
Addresses available internationally and in major U.S. cities
Modern and convenient mobile app and online user interface
Cons:
Limited address availability in some areas
Prices vary by location
Some services not available in all locations
Price: Starting at $5.99+ per month, depending on location and package.
Best for: Digital nomads and independent professionals managing mail globally.
PostScan Mail
PostScan Mail offers virtual mailbox services with features like mail scanning, mail and package forwarding, physical mail storage, and local pickup. The service is accessible via a user-friendly app for iOS and Android, making mail management easy. PostScan Mail provides unlimited cloud storage for scanned mail and has physical locations both in and outside the U.S.
Pros:
Allows forwarded mail and items to be held and combined
Supports multiple users and recipients at one address
Automatic filters for scanning and archiving incoming mail
Cons:
No check deposit services
Packages can only be held for seven days
Additional fees for exceeding plan limits (up to 10 pages, then $0.25 per additional page)
Price: $10 to $30 per month
Best for: Traveling professionals and digital nomads who don’t receive many checks or need extensive mail forwarding.
Earth Class Mail
Earth Class Mail offers virtual mailbox solutions for individuals and businesses, featuring mail scanning, shredding, forwarding, and check deposit. Premium and Business plan users can select from over 80 addresses nationwide. They provide 30 days of free mail storage and 10 days for packages, with 100% recycling of customer junk mail.
Pros:
80+ address options in most U.S. states
Integrations with Quickbooks, Dropbox, Google, Xero, and Bill.com
Mobile app for iOS and Android
Cons:
Only 5 mail items/month for individual plans
High over-quota fees
Some addresses are P.O. boxes and can’t receive packages
Price: $29 to $79 per month
Best for: Individuals and businesses seeking a digital mail solution to replace a P.O. box, without needing to receive packages.
iPostal1
iPostal1 offers physical addresses in every U.S. state and major cities globally. Their virtual address options include prestigious locations like Lexington Avenue or 5th Avenue in New York, adding prestige to your business at a low cost. They also provide virtual office services such as phone and fax forwarding.
Pros:
BBB A+ accreditation
More prestigious address options than many competitors
Real-time U.S. shipping prices on the website for budget-friendly choices
Cons:
Somewhat confusing user interface
Additional fees for extra services or overages ($0.35 per item)
Limited availability in some major international cities
Price: Starts at $9.99 for a digital mailbox and up to $69.99 for a virtual office
Best for: Midsize businesses seeking geographic expansion and small companies needing phone forwarding services.
PhysicalAddresses.com
PhysicalAddress.com provides a competitively priced digital mailbox service with a user-friendly mobile app and an interface similar to popular email services like Google and Yahoo Mail. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all packages.
Pros:
Affordable pricing
Support available seven days a week
Free in-person pickup and 90 days of storage
Cons:
Limited to locations in California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Nevada, New York (Wall Street), and Texas
Only one address per state, but suite numbers can be customized
No package deliveries from UPS or FedEx
Price: Ranges from $7.98 to $29.98 per month, depending on location
Best for: Individuals who prefer not to have their mail outsourced to third-party centers or forwarded elsewhere.
USA2Me
USA2Me offers mail and package forwarding from a single physical address in Houston, Texas. Their web-based Mail Manager allows you to manage your mail online, with options to scan, discard, or forward contents.
Pros:
BBB-accredited with an A+ rating
Free junk mail removal
Shipping costs included in monthly fees for Premium and Ultimate accounts
Cons:
Only one mailing address available (Houston, Texas)
No mobile app for Mail Manager, web interface only
Setup fee required for all accounts
Price: Ranges from $10 to $60 per month, with a “free” Basic plan available where you only pay for what you use
Best for: International businesses seeking a physical address in the U.S.
Incfile
Incfile provides virtual mailbox services with addresses in 47 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C. For a fixed monthly cost of $29, you get unlimited mail scanning and email notifications for new mail. Incfile also offers registered agent services to handle legal documentation for your business. While there’s no smartphone app, you can access your mail scans via a web browser.
Pros:
Unlimited mail scanning included
Fixed monthly cost
Virtual business addresses in all states except Arkansas, Illinois, and Oregon
Cons:
No package receiving, letters and large mail only
Higher starting price compared to some other providers
No mobile app, web browser access only
Price: $29 per month regardless of mail volume
Best for: Young entrepreneurs needing a business address for incorporation in the available service areas.
US Global Mail
US Global Mail US Global Mail is a prominent virtual mail service provider, offering "real" addresses in 23 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Residents near Concord, California, or Houston, Texas, can opt for mail pickup from their warehouse.
The service includes free check deposit services with all plans, ideal for nomads frequently paid by physical checks. All plans feature unlimited external scans of incoming mail, with fees for internal scans.
Pros:
Bundle letters with up to 80% off shipping on forwarded mail and packages
Free check deposit services across all plans
Unlimited external mail scans
Cons:
Limited to addresses in 23 states and Washington, D.C.
Internal scans cost $3 plus $0.50 per page
Limited digital mail storage time of 180 days
Price: $9.95 to $29.95 per month
Best for: Independent professionals, digital nomads, or expats who move frequently, receive low-priority mail, need check deposit services, and do not require a mobile app.
Alliance Virtual Office
Alliance Virtual Offices Offices specializes in virtual addresses within prestigious office buildings, such as Wall Street in New York City. They provide mail receipt and forwarding, and their addresses are suitable for licensing and entity formation. Additional services include live receptionists, virtual phone numbers, phone systems, and access to meeting rooms, offices, and co-working spaces globally.
Pros:
Real office locations for in-person pickup
Addresses available in most U.S. states and over 1,400 international locations
Suitable for business licensing, entity formation, and other business needs
Cons:
Mail forwarding not included with base plan (starts at $10 plus postage or courier fees)
No scanning of incoming mail, only forwarding and pickup
Can be costly for those who only need a virtual mailbox
Price: Starts at $40 per month, with additional costs for mail forwarding
Best for: Businesses without a physical office that can benefit from comprehensive virtual office services beyond just a mailbox.
Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox provides real street addresses across the U.S., receiving mail and packages from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Their mobile app for iOS and Android lets you manage your mail by shredding, forwarding, opening and scanning, or depositing checks.
You can tag junk mail so it doesn't count against your scan limits and set up email notifications for new mail.
Pros:
Roll over unused monthly scans
User-friendly mobile app
Mail forwarding to any location
Annual sign-up offers two months frees free
Cons:
No free trial
Limited U.S. address availability
Premium addresses cost an additional $4.95 per month
No international addresses
Price: $15 to $55 per month
Best for: Digital nomads who receive a lot of junk mail or need frequent content scans
Sasquatch Mail
Sasquatch Mail offers virtual addresses in California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, and Wyoming. Their services include mail scanning, forwarding, and virtual office options. Packages can be forwarded anywhere without a postage deposit, and they provide free shredding and recycling.
Pros:
Virtual office services, including a lease for incorporation
Unlimited recipients for your address
Low-cost entry point for those needing fewer scans
Cons:
Addresses only in six states
No international addresses
A la carte pricing can add up quickly
Price: Starts at $9.99 for the address, plus $2 per scan and $2 plus postage for forwarding
Best for: Businesses, expats, and nomads needing a low-volume forwarding solution without the need for a comprehensive virtual mailbox.
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent specializes in helping you start a limited liability company (LLC) at a low cost. They provide a physical address, same-day filing, and free legal forms for company registration. They can serve as your registered agent, ensuring compliance with regulations in any U.S. state, including Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. Additionally, they offer virtual office services for $29 a month.
Pros:
Establish a legal business entity in any U.S. state, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.
Corporate guide services for annual filings
More affordable than hiring a lawyer
Cons:
Virtual office available in only 10 states
Primarily geared toward new businesses needing establishment
Charges for some tasks that could be done for free or at a lower cost by the business owner
Price: Starts around $100, varies by state, entity type, and state filing fees
Best for: Startups and small business owners who can benefit from virtual office services.
Key Features to Look for in a Virtual Mailbox Service
Virtual mailbox services come with a variety of features. Here are some important aspects to consider when choosing the right one for your needs:
1. Multiple Address Options
The location of your mailbox can add prestige to your business. Some providers offer addresses in prime locations like 5th Avenue or Wall Street in New York City. While these "vanity" addresses may cost more, they can enhance your business image. Other providers might offer fewer address options, often resulting in similar addresses for all their clients with different suite numbers.
2. Mobile App Access
A mobile app can significantly enhance the convenience of your virtual mailbox service. With an app, you can receive notifications, forward mail, shred mail, and even scan documents directly from your phone. If you frequently manage your business on the go, a service with a robust mobile app is essential.
3. Check Deposit Services
Some virtual mailbox providers can deposit checks directly into your bank account. This service typically takes one or two business days, and while you may need to cover postage costs, some providers allow you to consolidate multiple checks to save money.
4. Security Measures
Security is a major concern for many when considering a virtual mailbox service. Look for providers that offer high levels of digital encryption and 24/7 monitoring of their mail handling facilities. This ensures that your sensitive documents, such as tax forms and checks, remain secure.
5. Mail and Package Storage
Virtual mailbox companies usually hold your mail for a specific period at no charge, with additional fees for extended storage. Typically, mail is held for 30 days for free, but packages, which require more space, might be stored for a shorter duration without charge. Be mindful of these terms to avoid extra fees.
6. Integration with Other Services
If you receive a large volume of mail, integration with cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox can be very beneficial. This allows you to store and manage your mail digitally, ensuring important documents are easily accessible and secure.
7. Overage Fees
Be aware of overage fees that may apply if you exceed your plan’s mail limits. Some services have low-cost entry plans but charge high fees for additional mail. Knowing your average mail volume can help you choose the right plan and avoid unexpected costs.
8. Pricing
Virtual mailbox services generally cost between $10 and $30 per month, depending on the volume of mail and additional services like vanity addresses or registered agent services. Consider all costs, including potential overage fees, when selecting a service.
Benefits of Using a Virtual Mailbox
Virtual mailboxes offer numerous advantages, especially for those with a remote or nomadic lifestyle:
Remote Access: Manage your mail from anywhere via a secure online platform or mobile app.
Security: Enhanced mail security reduces the risk of theft or loss.
Professional Image: A virtual address can boost your business’s credibility.
Mail Forwarding: Easily forward your mail to any location worldwide.
Mail Scanning: View the contents of your mail digitally.
Cost Savings: Save time and money on mail handling.
Environmental Benefits: Reduce paper waste with digital mail storage.
When to Consider a Virtual Mailbox
Certain life situations make a virtual mailbox especially useful:
Frequent Relocation: A stable address during moves.
Extended Travel: Manage mail while traveling for work or leisure.
Living Abroad: Keep a U.S. address for mail that can’t be sent overseas.
Remote Work: Reliable mail management for digital nomads.
Small Businesses: A professional mailing address for businesses without physical locations.
Enhanced Privacy: Added security and privacy for sensitive mail.
Mail Consolidation: Streamlined handling of mail from multiple sources.
Choosing the Right Virtual Mailbox Service
To select the best virtual mailbox service:
Assess Your Needs: Determine the volume of mail, required features, and additional services you need.
Research Providers: Compare features, pricing, and user reviews.
Verify Security: Ensure the provider has robust security measures in place.
Consider Integrations: Look for services that integrate with tools you already use.
Check Locations: Ensure the provider offers mailbox locations that meet your needs.
Unlock Convenience with a Virtual Mailbox
For digital nomads, small business owners, or remote workers, a virtual mailbox is an invaluable tool that simplifies mail management. By choosing the right service, you can ensure seamless access to your mail, maintain a professional image, and enjoy enhanced convenience and security.
Note: Always review the specific terms and conditions of each service to ensure it meets your needs. Prices and features may vary, so thorough research is recommended.
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