The Best Locking Mailboxes of 2020

If mail theft is a problem where you live, then investing in a secure locking mailbox is a worthwhile purchase. A locking mailbox will provide a secure safe haven for your incoming letters and parcels until you can safely retrieve them.

Unlike traditional unlocked mailboxes, lockable mailboxes are designed to be accessible by your mail carrier, but only you with a key can unlock the mail-removal door and retrieve your mail or packages. Secure locking mailboxes are a little more expensive than traditional unlocked mailboxes, but you get peace of mind and mail safety.

Don’t become the next victim of crime! It’s time to invest in one of the best locking mailboxes for your home. Our guide is everything you need before making a purchase.

Best Locking Mailboxes at a Glance

  • Best All-Round: Mail Boss 7506 Mail Manager Curbside Locking Mailbox“This is the best choice for people who want a quality secure mailbox that is still affordable. The Mail Manager by Mail Boss is USPS approved locking mailbox for residential use and will accept high volumes of mail and small packages.”
  • Runner Up: Oasis 360 Curbside Locking Mailbox“If you’re looking for a secure locking mailbox that is both functional and decorative, this is a perfect choice. This mailbox will look great at your curb and will hold mail bundles, small parcels and padded envelopes in a securely locked compartment.”
  • Best Post Mount Mailbox for Packages: Mail Boss Package Master – “This extra-large locking mailbox is the largest curbside residential mailbox from Mail Boss. This is a great parcel mailbox which is ideal for bulk mail deliveries and packages up to 4.5” H x 4.5” W x 10.5” L.
  • Best Wall Mount Mailbox: Mailsafe by Gibraltar Mailboxes“The Mailsafe features a crisp and clean design and will add an attractive look to your home exterior. This wall mount locked mailbox is ideal for mail deliveries and will protect you against identity theft.”
  • Best Mailbox with Post Set: Hemingway Locking Mailbox and Post Combo“This locking mailbox & post kit from Gibraltar Mailboxes comes with everything you need in one package so you don’t have to spend time finding a separate mailbox and post that match.”
  • Best Parcel Mailbox: Elephantrunk Parcel Drop Box“Elephantrunk parcel drop box is the best solution for parcel deliveries. This locking drop box can receive multiple packages. It features a rotating drum design that accepts multiple parcels as large as 11.5” x 7.3” x 9.3”.”

Why You Should Invest In a Secure Locking Mailbox

The locking mailbox prevents identity theft

Did you know that identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the US? In fact, in 2017 nearly 16.7 million people had their identities stolen by thieves who unlawfully access their personal and financial information.

Identity thieves target mailboxes because they often include bill payments with account information and checks which they can wash and reuse fraudulently. Once your personal information is in the hands of a scammer, you could lose your money, your good credit rating, and your overall financial health.

In fact, most of us don’t realize we have been victimized. But the risk is real – According to 2018 Identity Fraud: Fraud Enters a New Era of Complexity from Javelin Strategy & Research, in 2017, there were 16.7 million victims of identity fraud, a record high that followed a previous record the year before. Criminals are engaging in complex identity fraud schemes that are leaving record numbers of victims in their wake. The amount stolen hit $16.8 billion as 30 percent of U.S. consumers were notified exposure to a data breach last year, an increase of 12 percent from 2016. For the first time, more Social Security numbers were exposed than credit card numbers.”

At first, you may not notice some of your mail is missing. But if your utility bills stop coming in or you stop receiving packages, you should start to worry.

Replacing your old unlocked mailbox by a locking mailbox is the best solution to keep someone from stealing your private letters. With a locking mailbox, you will have complete control over your private mail and you’ll also deter the thieves. Today’s best locking mailboxes are made of very durable steels that are not easy to be destroyed.

The locking mailbox keeps your packages safe

Ordering from Amazon, Walmart, HomeDepot, and many other online stores is a modern convenience that many of us couldn’t live without. When you’re ordering online, you know the worry that comes when your delivered packages are left vulnerable on your doorstep.

And these worries are well-founded. According to a 2017 survey from InsuranceQuotes.com, almost 26 million Americans (or about 8% of the US population) say they’ve had a package stolen from a porch or doorstep during the holidays.

To prevent your delivered packages from being stolen, you can take security measures to keep your delivered goodies safe even when you’re not at home, such as installing outdoor security cameras, driveway alarms, adding a smart doorbell, or tracking your packages.

The US Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, and Amazon all have systems to track your packages from the retailer to your doorstep. All three use tracking numbers that can be used to figure out where the item is and when it should be delivered to your home.

However, the best way to ensure that a package won’t be taken from your porch is to make sure it isn’t left out in the open. Having a locked mailbox or secure package drop box can prevent any theft of small holiday gifts, cards with cheques or gift cards inside, or anything you’ve ordered online.

There are many packages locking mailboxes available on the market. The best locking mailboxes for parcels are typically more spacious than usual. If you receive packages delivered by the United States Postal Service (USPS), be sure the mailbox you install is a USPS approved locking mailbox, such as the Package Master Curbside Mailbox from Mail Boss.

However, if you frequently have large packages delivered, you may want to consider a larger parcel mailbox with a lot more space, such as the Elephantrunk Parcel Drop Box.

How Do Locking Mailboxes Work?

How does a locking mailbox work? Will the mail carrier need a key to leave your packages or letters? The answer is NO.

Most locking mailboxes work in the same basic way as an unlocked curbside residential mailbox. The postal officer deposits your mail through an incoming mail door or slot. This door is not locked, and is usually big enough to accept all your mail and parcels, but should not be large enough to allow a fishing hand to reach in.

There are 2 doors, one is locked and one is unlocked

When the postal officer opens the door to drop mail or packages in, the back of the door closes off so someone cannot reach in to take your mail or packages. Once the door is closed it allows the mail to drop down into the secure locking mail area. Once your letters and parcels are in the secure cavaty, they are protected from any uninvited guests with sticky fingers.

Locking mailboxes are designed to against fishing hand

Locking mailboxes are designed to deter fishing by hand

How to Choose A Locking Mailbox

By investing in a secure locking mailbox you won’t have to worry about lost or stolen your incoming letters and parcels again. Locking mailboxes are available in many different sizes, styles, and materials. To pick the right locking residential mailbox, here are a few things you’ll want to consider.

Choosing the Right Size

Before you buy a locking mailbox, it’s important to consider the type and size of the mail you receive.

For example, if you mainly receive envelopes or magazines, you’ll NOT need a locking mailbox with large incoming mail slot. A small curbside locking mailbox like the Oasis 360 Locking Mailbox, or a wall mount locking mailbox like the Gibraltar Mailsafe wall-mount mailbox will likely fit your needs.

If you receive a lot of mail and sometimes small packages or gifts, you’ll need a standard-size locking mailbox, such as the Mail Boss 7506 Mail Manager Curbside Locking Mailbox. This locking mailbox is designed to accept envelopes, magazines, and small packages.

If you have small to medium packages delivered, such as portable Bluetooth speakers, clothes, shoebox, you may want to consider one of these large locking mailboxes: Mail Boss Package Master, or the Architectural Mailboxes’s Oasis Classic Parcel Mailbox.

However, if you want a heavy-duty secure locking mailbox that comes with a slot big enough for all of your envelopes, mail, and most of your Amazon packages, then you will want something called “Parcel Drop Box”, for example the Elephantrunk Parcel Drop Box from Architectural Mailboxes, or the AdirOffice Secured Parcel Drop Box. When it comes to parcel deliveries, a parcel drop box is the best solution.

Choosing the Right Type

Locking mailboxes come in three basic types: Curbside Mailboxes, Wall Mount Mailboxes, and Parcel Drop Boxes.

A curbside locking mailbox sits on a post or column at your curbside. This is the best locking mailbox option if your mail is delivered at the curb. It’s very easy for the mail carrier to access your mailbox and drops the mail into the secure cavity. Because curbside locking mailboxes are so popular, you have plenty of choices in terms of styles, materials, sizes and colors.

A wall mounted locking mailbox means you do not have your mailbox near your curb or street. In other words, you live in a neighborhood where your postal carrier walks from house to house and drops your mail in a box or drop slot attached to your home. Wall mount locking mailboxes are typically easy to install and can be mounted to any surface including siding, brick, stucco, etc.

Wall mount locking mailboxes are becoming less common due to U.S. Postal Service regulations.

A locking parcel drop box is usually bigger than a wall mount locking mailbox and a curbside locking mailbox, therefore, it can hold larger sized packages at a greater quantity. The range of drop opening sizes may be small enough to only accept a standard envelope or large enough to accept a parcel the size of a shoe box or even a mini microwave.

Generally, choosing the best locking mailbox means you must decide which type will work best for you.  If you already have a mailbox on a post near your curb then it is best to simply replace it with a curbside locking mailbox.

The U.S. Postal Service has specific requirements regarding the placement of residential mailboxes. Be sure to follow their published guidelines so that your mail carrier can deliver your letters and parcels safely.

The Material of The Locking Mailbox

The last thing you want to consider when buying a security locking mailbox is the material of the mailbox. The material that the mailbox and mailbox lock are made of will be telling of how strong the structure will be as well as its longevity.

The best material to use in residential locking mailboxes heavy-duty powder-coated steel. Locking mailboxes that are made of powder-coated steel deliver outstanding durability, resist damage and provide years of low-maintenance service. They are also very hard to be destroyed in a short period of time.

Aluminum locking mailboxes resist corrosion, won’t rust and retain their appearance for years. But they aren’t as strong as heavy-duty powder-coated steel mailboxes.

Whatever model you choose, below are our top pick of the best locking mailboxes that will do the job right.

The Best Locking Mailboxes to Buy

1. Best All-Round: Mail Boss 7506 Mail Manager Curbside Locking Security Mailbox

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Based on many buyer’s reviews and sale statistics, the Mail Boss 7506 Mail Manager Locking Mailbox is our pick as the best locking mailbox for most people. This locking mailbox is so popular as it offers a very good overall quality, durable construction and innovative design, but it’s still affordable. This standard-sized mailbox accepts high volumes of mail and small packages (up to 3.5″ x 3.5″ x 10″).

The Mail Boss 7506 Mail Manager is USPS approved locking mailbox for residential use, and will protect against mail thieves and mailbox vandals. Its innovative design accepts small packages yet deters fishing, and includes an exclusive patented locking system to prevent prying and leveraged entry.

The mailbox is made of 14- and 16-gauge galvanized steel, and features the same patented anti-pry latch locking mechanism as its larger counterparts, just in a smaller size. Durable powder-coated finish to withstand weather, impact, and vandalism.

Overall, if you generally receive envelopes, bundled mail, magazines, and small boxes, the Mail Boss 7506 Mail Manage locked mailbox will likely fit your needs the most. This is the best choice for people who want a true security mailbox without breaking the bank. However, if you frequently receive high volumes of mail or larger packages, Mail Boss offers some other curbside models with greater storage capacity – for example, the Mail Boss 7106 Locking Mailbox.

Video: Mail Boss offers some of the best locking security mailboxes on the market.

2. Runner Up: Oasis 360 Locking Parcel Mailbox

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The Oasis 360 Locking Mailbox is the best locking mailbox to buy if you’re looking for a curbside mailbox that is both functional and decorative. Constructed of heavy-gauge galvanized steel and fully powder coated for corrosion resistance, and a beautiful pewter finish, it puts a nice spin on the more traditional options available.

The 360° parcel locking mailbox is designed with two retrieval doors for both front and rear access. The large rear door allows the homeowner to retrieve the mail without having to stand in the road or street. It’s very easy to install. You just need to put the mailbox on the existing in-ground post, open the large rear door, and mount it with screws. For security, the heads of the screws should be on the inside of the mailbox.

The Oasis 360 Locking Mailbox is a great choice for a curbside mailbox. This mailbox accepts mail bundles, magazines, and small packages 9.5″ W x 12.6″ L x 1.5″ H to 9.5″ W x 3.5″ L x 2.5″ H.

3. Best Curbside Mailbox for Packages: Mail Boss Package Master

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If you want a locking mailbox that can handle several small packages at once and store weeks of mail, then Mail Boss Package Master is for you. This extra-large locking mailbox is the largest curbside residential mailbox from Mail Boss brand, which is ideal for bulk mail deliveries and packages up to 4.5” H x 4.5” W x 10.5” L. This mailbox is perfect for those who need to receive small packages such as prescriptions by mail.

The Package Master locking mailbox is USPS Approved and is made of welded 12- and 14-gauge electro-galvanized steel and features the same patented anti-pry latch locking mechanism as its smaller counterparts.

Patented anti-pry latch locking mechanism featuring a chrome-alloy tempered steel hook cam. “Mail Shield” technology prevents fishing. Locking access door with commercial grade high security 12 disc wafer lock deters drilling and picking. Patented Fast-Trak mounting plate for quick installation.

4. Best Wall Mount Locking Mailbox: Mailsafe Wall Mount Locking Mailbox

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The Mailsafe Wall Mount Locking Mailbox by Gibraltar Mailboxes is made from sturdy steel and plastic materials for a durable impact and rust-resistant construction. It has a medium-capacity, providing plenty of space to hold all mail including large envelopes and small books.

This is the best locking mailbox for those who only use their mailboxes for mail and book deliveries or replacing the existing unlocked wall mount unit. It looks sturdy yet beautifully. A crisp and clean design will add an attractive look to your home exterior.

The unit includes a large brushed aluminum access door for easy delivery, aluminum outgoing mail indicator flag and 2 lock keys.

5. Best Locking Mailbox with Post: Hemingway Locking Mailbox & Post Combo

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If you’re replacing both your mailbox and post, this locking mailbox & post kit from Gibraltar Mailboxes is an excellent option, as it comes with everything you need in one package so you don’t have to spend time finding a separate mailbox and post that match.

The Hemingway mailbox and post combo is constructed from heavy-duty cast aluminum and is treated with a powder-coated finish that make it look very sturdy and heavy. Most potential thieves will give up before they even try when they see this such a sturdy security mailbox installed at the curb.

6. Best Locking Mailbox for Packages: Elephantrunk Parcel Drop Box

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Elephantrunk parcel drop box by Architectural Mailboxes is the best solution for parcel deliveries. This locking drop box can receive multiple packages. It features a rotating drum design that accepts multiple parcels as large as 11.5” x 7.3” x 9.3”.

It even has an outgoing partition which allows for return parcels to be picked up by carrier. And a bright yellow “No Deliveries” indicator to suspend deliveries when you are away. These are extremely convenient features that many online shoppers are looking for.

The Elephantrunk locking parcel drop box is made from cast aluminum and heavy gauge steel powder coated in four colors – black, red, white and oil rubbed bronze.

Please note that the Elephantrunk Parcel Drop is not a USPS approved mailbox, it’s designed to accept UPS, FedEx, or Amazon packages. Your mail carrier might use it but he can refuse because it’s not approved.

Locking Mailbox Installation

Before you buy your security locking mailbox, follow tips for installing and placing a new mailbox at your home.

The U.S. Postal Service has specific requirements regarding the placement of residential mailboxes. Be sure to follow their published guidelines so that your mail carrier can deliver your letters and parcels safely.

Where to Place the curbside locking mailbox

As a general rule, curbside mailboxes should be installed at a height of 41-45 inches from the road’s surface and set back 6-8 inches from the street curb. Put your house or apartment number on the mailbox, if your mailbox is on a different street from your house or apartment, put your full street address on the box.

The best locking mailbox supports are stable but bend or fall away if a car hits them. The Federal Highway Administration recommends a 4″ x 4″ wooden support or a 2″-diameter standard steel or aluminum pipe. Avoid unyielding and potentially dangerous supports, like heavy metal pipes, concrete posts, and farm equipment.

Where to place the wall mount locking mailbox

To replace your residential curbside mailbox with a wall-mounted locking mailbox, you must get your local postmaster’s permission. Likewise if you replace your wall mount mailbox with a curbside locking mailbox, you will need postal approval to make a change to a curbside location.

You should place your wall mount mailbox near the main entrance so your mail carrier can easily see it.

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