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Hello fellow lovers of Mail Boss! We have some fantastic news to share with you all. For four consecutive years, Mail Boss locking security mailboxes have been named the best mailboxes in the industry by the prestigious review team of Bob Vila! 🏆✉️

Bob Vila, known as America’s Handyman since 1979, has been a guiding force in the world of DIY home improvement. Having hosted iconic TV series such as This Old House and Home Again with Bob Vila, he has popularized the concept of doing it yourself with passion and expertise. Over his decades-long career, Bob Vila has empowered millions of people to build, renovate, repair, and live better each day. His tradition of providing expert yet accessible home advice continues through the dedicated team at BobVila.com. These home and garden experts distill need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more.

Check out the full article here: The Best Locking Mailboxes for Security and Protection From the Elements

Mail Boss consistently stands out from the rest because it’s not just about securing your mail; it’s about doing it in style! Our locking security mailboxes have continuously stood out in Bob Vila’s annual selections, and we couldn’t be prouder. So, if you’re looking for style and security, Mail Boss is the way to go!

Meet the Champions:

More excerpts from the article continue below:

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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 it offers the ability to secure a larger variety of packages and deliver added peace of mind.

We interviewed security specialist Jeff Ketelaars, co-founder of Security Guards Only, an online community for security professionals, who provided his expert insight on how to properly deter package pirates. He suggests that “choosing the right locking mailbox for your needs will be effective at preventing mail theft as [it] mainly acts as a deterrent to potential thieves.” He goes on to say, “Although the design may not be 100 percent effective in preventing hacking, someone looking to steal mail will usually skip the locked boxes and try for an easier grab elsewhere.”

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. Each of the top picks was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting.

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How We Chose the Best Locking Mailboxes

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 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.

Our Top Picks

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.

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BEST OVERALL

Mail Boss 7506 Mail Manager Locking Mailbox

UPGRADE PICK

Mail Boss 7207 Package Master Locking Mailbox

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 Mail Boss mailbox has a large package slot that accepts items up to 10.5 inches long by 4.5 inches high by 4.5 inches wide (total dimensions: 16.5 inches high by 12 inches wide by 21.5 inches deep).
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’s patented Fast-Track mounting plate for quick installation.

BEST POST MOUNTED

Mail Boss 7536 Mail Manager Street Safe LATITUDE front and rear access Locking Security Mailbox

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.
This Mail Boss 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 11.25 inches high by 10.75 inches wide by 21 inches deep.

BEST MODERN

Mail Boss 7412 Locking Security Drop Box 

The locking mailbox measures 16.2 inches high by 11.2 inches wide by 4.7 inches deep and comes with three laser-cut keys for the household. The sturdy 16-gauge galvanized steel body, patented anti-pry latch, and 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.

What to Consider When Choosing a Locking Mailbox

Before choosing the first locking mailbox that seems appealing, various features and product factors 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.

Type

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.

Wall mounted mailboxes are secured to a boundary wall or to a house. This style will generally include mounting brackets that can fasten to brick in order to securely attach the mailbox to the gate, garage, or house.

Curbside locking mailboxes are typically installed on wooden or metal posts, though some service curbside locking mailbox models are installed on top of a concrete pillar. These curbside mailboxes are located near the curb, making them convenient for the mail carrier and the user. Due to the location, it reduces the likelihood and need for mail carriers to walk up to your front door.

Tower-style drop boxes are freestanding mailboxes that are made up of a tall, tower-style drop box that sits on a broad, heavy base. For enhanced security and to prevent the entire mailbox from being picked up and loaded into a passing vehicle, it’s advised to use a mounting plate and heavy-duty bolts to attach the mailbox base to the ground.

Security

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.

Mail slots may provide an opening for a hand or a tool to reach into the mailbox and steal the mail, so it’s recommended to look for a product with a small opening or a baffle door, which prevents thieves from reaching into the storage compartment.

Anti-pry latches will also stop thieves from using screwdrivers and pry bars to wrench open the compartment.

Key locks can be equipped with anti-drill and anti-pick mechanisms that help to prevent would-be thieves from breaking into the mailbox. However, if the key is lost, then the mailbox may be vulnerable if it’s found by the wrong person.

Combination locks can only be opened with the correct combination, so there’s no need to worry about keeping track of a key, but a determined thief could sit outside a home while everyone inside is asleep and test every combination until they found the correct code. Both key and combination systems have their benefits and drawbacks, but a key lock tends to be more secure.

Type and Quantity of Mail

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.

Weather Resistance

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.

Aesthetic

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.

Installation

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.

Wall-mounted locking mailboxes typically have one or two mounting brackets, masonry wall plugs, and bolts or screws in order to fasten the mailbox to the wall. Installing this type of mailbox will usually require a drill, screwdriver, and hammer.

Curbside locking mailboxes can be difficult to install because they must be fastened to a mounting plate, then attached to a post or pillar to secure the mailbox and prevent theft. Wooden and metal posts should be installed in the ground with concrete, similar to the installation method used for a fence post. A brick pillar needs to be sturdy enough for at least four mounting screws to be driven through the top. Use masonry plugs and mounting screws/bolts to secure the mailbox to the pillar.

Tower-style drop boxes are the least difficult to install. It’s advised to secure the mailbox to the ground with a mounting plate in order to be sure that the mailbox cannot be picked up and carried away or loaded into a nearby vehicle.

A locking mailbox usually comes with the necessary mounting brackets, screws, and bolts. Always check the included installation instructions before proceeding.

Ketelaars shared an expert tip with us to keep in mind during installation: “Placing the mailbox within sightlines from the front of your house or in line with a security camera can also help you better monitor activity.”

FAQs

Just because you own a locking mailbox doesn’t necessarily mean that you understand exactly how it works. 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.

Q. What is a locking mailbox?

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.

Q. Are locking mailboxes secure?

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.

Q. How does the mail carrier get into a locked 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.

Q. How do I change my mailbox lock?

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.

Drill through the locking mechanism, taking care not to damage the housing. This will allow you to open the lock without a key in order to gain access to the back of the lock.

Remove the clip that is holding the lock in place and take out the interior components of the lock.

Replace the old lock by sliding the new lock through the lock housing and securing the locking clip to prevent the lock from moving or shifting.

Close the mailbox and test the lock with the new key.