By Timothy Dale | Updated Sep 10, 2021 11:46 AM
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A regular mailbox can’t deter a nosey neighbor or parcel thief, but a locking mailbox can. Mailboxes that lock typically have a slot that’s large enough to insert letters or parcels, and a locked portion that can be accessed for mail retrieval using a key. When deliveries are locked inside, the security of your packages is strengthened.
Locking mailboxes can be mounted on a wall at the front door or they can be mounted on a post in the yard. You may want a locking mailbox designed to accept packages, letters, or both.
A locking mailbox for larger packages can be pricey, but they offer the ability to secure a larger variety of packages and deliver added peace of mind.
Keep reading for tips on figuring out which is the best locking mailbox for your home and explore some of the best models by category below.
Before choosing the first locking mailbox that seems appealing, there are various features and product factors that can be worth considering. Features that can impact the quality, durability, and overall security of these products include the type, security features, weather resistance, installation procedures, and aesthetics.
Taking some time to think about the type, size, and quantity of mail that you typically receive also can help narrow the options to the best locking mailbox for your home.
Locking mailboxes are typically one of the three different types. Differentiated by the installation location, they include wall-mounted mailboxes, curbside locking mailboxes, and tower-style drop boxes.
The main point of having a locking mailbox is to keep mail and packages secure after they have been delivered by the mail carrier, so it makes sense to look for a locking mailbox with high-quality security features that can help deter would-be thieves.
Consider the size of the mail slot opening, whether a key lock is better than a combination lock, and if premium security features, like anti-pry latches, baffle doors, anti-drill locks, and anti-pick locks are necessary for your neighborhood.
Given that the purpose of a locking mailbox is to keep the mail secure, it’s necessary to consider the type of mail that is typically received and the quantity of mail that may be delivered before the mailbox is emptied.
Otherwise, the mail carrier may be forced to leave mail and packages outside the mailbox where they are vulnerable to porch pirates and other mail thieves.
Look for a locking mailbox with a substantial storage compartment to accommodate the usual volume of mail and consider whether a mailbox that is equipped with an oversize mail slot is needed in order to securely receive small packages.
Mailboxes are installed outdoors so that the mail carrier has access in order to deliver mail and other packages. However, this also means that the mailbox is exposed to wind, rain, snow, and sleet, so it’s necessary to look for a product that has substantial weather resistance to survive for more than a few years outside a home.
Plastic and aluminum locking mailboxes have the highest level of weather resistance. While there’s no need to worry about rusting and corrosion, these materials are relatively fragile, so a determined thief could break them apart to access the mail.
Stainless steel and galvanized steel are much more difficult to break into, but they are more vulnerable to rusting and corrosion.
It’s advised to look for a high-quality stainless steel or a galvanized steel locking mailbox for the best protection against thieves and weather conditions. A metal post is also a better option than a wooden post when it comes to longevity and security, though these posts have a higher cost.
Improve the appearance of the home by choosing a locking mailbox with an outstanding aesthetic appearance that does not take away from the exterior design of the home. The mailbox aesthetic can range from a design that is intended to mimic official government mailboxes to creative designs that look more like lawn ornaments than a mailbox.
Mailboxes don’t need to be outlandish or official to have curb appeal. There are also classic aesthetic styles that have a vintage Victorian, postmodern, or contemporary look.
While aesthetics aren’t usually the most important factor in choosing a locking mailbox, it’s important to be happy with how a new mailbox looks. Take some time to figure out what style is the most appealing based on your personal preferences and home’s exterior design.
The type of mailbox typically dictates the difficulty of the installation, though there is some variety among curbside locking mailboxes because of the differences among wooden posts, metal posts, and brick pillars.
A locking mailbox usually comes with the necessary mounting brackets, screws, and bolts. Always check the included installation instructions before proceeding.
Searching for the right locking mailbox for a home can take some time, especially since there are many good options on the market.
To help narrow the field of potential picks, this guide showcases some of the best locking mailbox options in a variety of sizes, shapes, and mounting styles. One of the following may be what you need for your home.
This USPS-approved locking mailbox is designed to keep mail and small packages safe while users are away, and it comes with all required installation hardware. Users can install it on a post as soon as it arrives.
The Mail Boss 7506 has a solid, durable construction made of galvanized welded steel to prevent it from being dented, damaged, or otherwise destroyed. The doors operate with stainless steel hinges, which are naturally resistant to the elements. Users won’t have to worry about the hinges rusting.
This mailbox is 21 by 12 by 10.6 inches, giving ample space for mail and small parcel delivery. Once parcels and letters go in, they can only get out using one of three included keys.
A baffle door on the inside prevents fishing and Mail Boss’s patented anti-pry latch deters leveraged entry with a screwdriver or pry bar. The high security, 12-disc wafer lock on this mailbox is rated as both an anti-drill and anti-pick mechanism by USPS, so users know their mail is safe.
This bargain locking mailbox doesn’t have the most advanced locking mechanism on the market, but the simple concealed camlock, hidden under the top flap, is more than enough to deter most mail thieves.
Its rust-resistant, galvanized steel build is durable enough to protect the mail and packages against wind, rain, sleet, and snow. The powder-coated finish helps to extend the life of the mailbox as well. It comes with a set of two keys.
The plain, black exterior of this mailbox is suitable for almost any exterior decor and blends into the background, so it doesn’t attract unwanted attention to the mail. A few downsides with this mailbox: Some assembly is required, and it doesn’t come with mounting hardware. This mailbox measures 4.1 by 10.1 by 8.6 inches.
This Mail Boss unit is a premium addition to a home but has a strong, durable design that makes it worth the higher price. The stainless steel hinges are resistant to the elements and the electro-galvanized welded steel body prevents brute force break-ins.
The anti-pry latch keeps out thieves who may try to pry the mailbox open, while the 12-disc wafer lock is rated for anti-pick and anti-drill security, and it’s made with flame-hardened steel. The locking mailbox has a large package slot that accepts items up to 10.5 by 4.5 by 4.5 inches (total dimensions: 21.5 by 16.5 by 12 inches).
A larger slot size can encourage fishing because the opening appears wider and easier to access, but the mail shield mechanism within this mailbox prevents this type of theft. Setting up the mailbox is easy, thanks to Mail Boss’ patented Fast-Track mounting plate for quick installation.
If walking to retrieve mail from a post-mount mailbox by the curb isn’t preferable, or a current wall-mounted mailbox needs to be replaced by a new mailbox, this thoughtfully designed model is a solid option.
Located under the top lid is a concealed second lid with an open slot for the mail carrier. This second lid has a camlock that can only be opened with one of the two included keys. The galvanized steel construction is naturally rust-resistant and has a powder-coated finish for long-lasting protection against the elements.
This model has a mail compartment measuring 4.2 by 12.6 by 9.7 inches, but isn’t large enough for packages. Its total dimensions are 9.7 by 4.4 by 12.6 inches. Mounting hardware does not come with the mailbox, so users will need to acquire the appropriate fasteners.
If users aren’t comfortable with a mail carrier coming up to the door every day, or if they just prefer the functionality and aesthetics of a post-mounted mailbox, this pick is a worthy option.
The 14- and 16-gauge galvanized steel is an excellent deterrent against vandalism and the stainless steel hinges are resistant to the elements, ensuring the mailbox can last a long time. A dual-locking design lets users access their mail with one of the three included keys from the back of the box.
The mailbox is secured with two 12-disc wafer locks with anti-pick and anti-drill ratings. The mail is further protected by an interior baffle door to prevent fishing and an anti-pry latch so the mailbox cannot be forced open with a prying tool, like a screwdriver. Its total dimensions are 21.5 by 11.1 by 10.8 inches.
If the goal is to replace an old wall-mount mailbox with a new locking mailbox, but a bland, forgettable design isn’t appealing, then take a look at the various color and style options offered with the Mail Boss 7412. Each model has a different powder-coated finish that users can match with the outside of their home and their personal tastes. Plus, this mailbox comes with steel hinges for ease of use and durability.
The locking mailbox measures 4.7 by 11.2 by 16.2 inches and comes with three laser cut keys for the household. The sturdy 16-gauge galvanized steel body, patented anti-pry latch, and the chrome-alloy tempered steel hook cam are all great vandalism deterrents. The mailbox comes with mounting screws and drill bits so users have everything necessary to install it as soon as it arrives.
The Tooluck locking mailbox is an ideal choice for those who like the classic wall-mounted style but want some added protection. This model is made with aluminum and galvanized steel that easily protects mail from the elements. The antique exterior is an elegant upgrade for front lawns, gates, or doorsteps to add a little class to the front of the house.
The locking mailbox comes with two keys and enough space to hold oversized envelopes, magazines, letters, and small parcels. This vintage-style mailbox comes in 3 colorways and has all of the hardware for mounting.
Note that this mailbox does not have a red flag, so it can only be used for receiving mail, not to mail letters or packages. It is also worth noting that this waterproof mailbox is sized at 16 by 9.5 by 3 inches.
For those who frequently order items online and worry about parcel safety when they aren’t at home, the extra-large capacity and specialized features of this parcel mailbox can help.
The locking mailbox can accept small to medium parcels up to 9.75 by 6.5 by 2 inches. The entire box measures 18.5 by 15 by 11.5 inches, giving users more than enough space for multiple package deliveries and an average volume of mail.
Once delivered, the packages are protected by the heavy-duty 16- and 18-gauge galvanized steel mailbox, an anti-pry latch, an anti-fishing hopper door, and a pick-resistant stainless steel lock that can only be opened using one of the two included keys.
The doors of the locking mailbox have weather-resistant rubber seals to keep the mail dry and stainless steel hardware that is naturally rust-resistant, so users don’t have to worry about the mailbox becoming stuck in the open or closed position.
Some homes can become repeat targets for porch pirates and mail thieves, so it’s necessary to invest in highly secure products to help protect the home, like outdoor security cameras and a locking mailbox, like this product by Architectural Mailboxes.
The body and baffle door are made of 16- and 18-gauge galvanized steel, while the hinges are made of weather-resistant stainless steel to help ensure the integrity of the mailbox over the years.
It’s equipped with an anti-pry latch, anti-fishing baffle door, and an anti-pick, tamper-resistant stainless steel lock, so users can feel comfortable ordering items online, as long as the packages measure under 9.75 by 6.5 by 2 inches.
The entire mailbox is 18.5 by 15 by 11.5 inches giving users space for multiple package deliveries and an average volume of mail. The locking mailbox is also designed with weather-resistant rubber seals to keep the mail safe and dry.
Selected for adequate security, impressive design features, and durable 16-gauge galvanized steel construction, the Mail Boss Locking Mailbox is the top choice. For users who prefer a wall-mounted model, the Solar Locking Mailbox is a well-made and affordable alternative.
Choosing this top selection of locking mailboxes was accomplished through extensive research and a focus on several top factors that impact the security, quality, and functionality of the locking mailbox.
The top consideration when selecting these products was the security of the mailbox, including the style of lock, the construction material, and any security features like baffle doors and anti-pry latches.
The list of top picks includes several mailboxes with varying types, sizes, and shapes in order to provide a range of choices to suit a variety of users. However, some attention was also given to products that stood out with unique aesthetic features, proving that products can look great and function properly.
Owning a locking mailbox doesn’t mean that you understand exactly how they work. Even after reading this guide, you may still have questions about how to access the mailbox and what differentiates a locking mailbox from a standard mailbox. Keep reading for the answers to these questions and additional commonly asked questions about locking mailboxes.
A locking mailbox is a type of mailbox that is equipped with a lock in order to prevent mail theft. They come in several different styles, so the door to unlock the mailbox may be in the front, side, or back of the mailbox. Choose a style that suits your preferences.
Locking mailboxes are made for the purpose of keeping your mail secure by using a locking mechanism that must be opened with a key in order to access the mail. While they can still be broken into with the proper tools and enough effort, locking mailboxes are significantly more secure than a standard mailbox.
The mail carrier doesn’t need access to an individual locking mailbox in order to deliver the mail. They can drop the mail for the address through a mail slot and the mail will sit in the locked compartment out of reach of the mail carrier.
Unfortunately, this means that any outgoing mail is vulnerable to theft while it is waiting to be picked up by the mail carrier. This can be avoided by simply dropping outgoing mail in a nearby postal box instead of your personal mailbox.
For locked community mailboxes, the mail carrier has what is known as an arrow key, which opens the entire bank of mailboxes in order to make deliveries.
In most cases, a locksmith should be hired to properly change the lock on a curbside, freestanding, or wall mounted locking mailbox in order to ensure that the mailbox is secure. However, if you have some experience with changing locks then you can do it yourself.
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series, including This Old House and Bob Vila’s Home Again, he popularized and became synonymous with “do it yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Timothy Dale is a freelance writer, specializing in the home repair and construction niche. He spent his post-secondary years working in the plumbing trade, while completing degrees in English Literature and Psychology, before taking on a Project Management position that ended up lasting 10 years. Mr. Dale has worked in residential plumbing and carpentry over his time as a Project Manager and also spent a year of his career in the commercial and industrial sector.
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