Here Are the Best Mailboxes for Security and Convenience (2024)

Our Top Picks

If we could only recommend one mailbox, we'd have to go with the Oasis 360 from Architectural Mailboxes. Backed by a lifetime structural warranty and built for serious longevity, this timelessly-designed mailbox is made of powder-coated galvanized steel, an exceptionally durable metal alloy with excellent resistance to rust and corrosion in just about any outdoor environment. You can pick from four neutral hues to complement your home, and we like the classic red flag for outgoing mail as a nice touch and added pop of color.

This sizable mailbox is big enough to fit packages up to 9.5 inches wide and 12.6 inches long. In terms of security, it's lockable and comes with four keys. The front opening has a smooth magnetic closure, while an additional door on the back allows you to get your mail safely without stepping into the street.

Like many mailboxes, the Oasis 360 doesn't come with a post. It's pre-drilled for easy installation and works with most in-ground posts. However, note that if you buy one from a brand other than Architectural Mailboxes, you might need to purchase a mounting bracket separately.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 11.5 x 11.3 inches | Material: Powder-coated galvanized steel | Color: Black, pewter, bronze, white | Security Features: Lock, front/rear doors}

The Gibraltar Grayson Mailbox is a solid choice if you are on a budget. Sleek, simple, and versatile thanks to its neutral gray hue, we love the details on this classic choice, from the weather-resistant finish across the ribbed exterior to the embossed eagle on the door. Plus, it's made of highly durable, rust-resistant galvanized steel and features a powder-coated finish for extra protection from the elements.

Though it's the smallest on our list, the mid-size capacity of this mailbox can easily fit small boxes, letters, padded envelopes, and magazines, and you can flip up the flag for outgoing mail. It doesn't lock, and you'll need to buy a post and mounting hardware separately, but it's still a stellar deal for the price.

_{Dimensions: 20.3 x 9.5 x 7 inches | Material: Powder-coated galvanized steel | Color: Gray | Security Features: None}

Need a bigger mailbox with plenty of capacity for packages and envelopes? We like the Gibraltar Stanley Mailbox. Measuring 24.8 x 15 x 11.7 inches, the large-capacity design can fit small to medium-large boxes, multiple padded envelopes, magazines, and thick stacks of letters.

This mailbox is made of powder-coated galvanized steel (just like the smaller and similarly styled Gibraltar Mailboxes Grayson Mailbox, our best budget pick) for optimal strength and resistance to rust. It comes pre-assembled, though you'll need to get your own post. And while it doesn't lock, we think the price is more than reasonable for the size and capacity.

_{Dimensions: 24.8 x 15 x 11.7 inches | Material: Powder-coated galvanized steel | Color: Black, gray | Security Features: None}

If you're open to splurging on a high-end design, the Whitewall Premium Mailbox is a solid choice. Available in sleek black, French bronze, stark white, or forest green, it's made of powder-coated aluminum for rust resistance in any weather. You can even customize it with your address number and street name, for a personal touch, although it does cost extra.

This mailbox is 20 percent bigger than average, which means it can easily hold thick stacks of letters and mid-size parcels. While it's not lockable, a common drawback with mailboxes, we like that it comes with its own post featuring the same powder-coated finish. The inclusion of a post makes it extra easy to install, with no extra equipment required (and no additional purchases.)

_{Dimensions: 20.38 x 13 x 9.63 inches, 54-inch post | Material: Powder-coated aluminum | Color: Black, bronze, green, white | Security Features: None}

If you get a lot of boxes in the mail, go with the ​​Mail Boss Package Master. The large-capacity design can fit multiple small and mid-size parcels, plus a stack of letters and magazines. The heavy-gauge steel exterior offers strength, while the bin-style opening paired with a patented mail shield ensures no one can stick their hands inside to snag letters or packages.

It's made of powder-coated galvanized steel, so you won't have to worry about rust, corrosion, or daily wear and tear. We also like that this mailbox is extra secure; it's lockable and features an anti-pry latch to ensure would-be package thieves can't get inside. While we love all of the extra layers of security built into this package-ready option, it's worth noting you may want two people on hand for installation. The 53-pound weight makes this one of the heaviest mailboxes on our list, and it can be tricky to get onto a post while working solo.

_{Dimensions: 21.5 x 16.5 x 12 inches | Material: Powder-coated galvanized steel | Color: Black, granite, bronze, off-white | Security Features: Lock, anti-pry latch}

For those who frequently send outgoing mail, we recommend the TedStuff RetroBox. It has a handy letter slot and a little red flag you can pull out to signal that you need a pickup.

This mailbox is customizable with laser-cut address numbers on the sides—customization is included with purchase—and you can even upgrade it with a light kit, a lock, and a complementing post. But depending on where you buy it from, you might not be able to return a custom order.

We love that this mid-century modern design is available in 16 unique colorways; it's a mailbox that'll make a statement and infuse some style. As Danny Lipford of Today's Homeowner, a home improvement expert, notes about your mailbox style, this "sets the tone for what visitors can expect to see when they enter your home."

_{Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 10 inches | Material: Anodized aluminum, powder-coated stainless steel | Color: 16 colorways | Security Features: Lock (sold separately)}

If you are looking for a mailbox and post combo, we recommend the Gibraltar Stratford. This all-in-one product comes with a powder-coated thermoplastic mailbox and a matching composite post, plus all the necessary mounting hardware that you need to set them up. Since it's made out of lightweight plastic, this mailbox and slip-on post cover are among the lightest on our list (the TedStuff RetroBox Mailbox, our best for outgoing mail pick, is just 1 pound lighter.) We also love that the material is made durable for both inclement and sunny weather, thanks to an ultraviolet inhibitor.

One thing to note is that the post is supposed to slide over a 4 x 4 wood post, which you'll have to buy separately. This mailbox and post combo doesn't lock, but it's certainly durable with an elegant aesthetic that adds curb appeal.

_{Dimensions: 20.75 x 11.75 x 10.17 inches, 62.75-inch post | Material: Powder-coated thermoplastic, composite | Color: Black | Security Features: None}

"A lockable mailbox eliminates the need to keep an eye on the mailman and empty your mailbox as soon as mail is delivered," says Henry Bagdasarian, founder of Identity Management Institute. Our favorite lockable option is the Roadside Mailbox from Salsbury, because it has front and rear doors, both of which lock, and comes with two keys per door.

Available in four sleek colors, it's made of powder-coated aluminum for durability and rust resistance. This mailbox is pre-assembled for easy installation, and you have multiple mounting options. You can use a post or mount it on the outside of your home. It'll work on columns, masonry, and walls of all kinds. It is a bit bulky thanks to its larger size and protective overhang at the front, but no matter where you install this mailbox, it'll be able to handle wear and tear without worry.

_{Dimensions: 18.25 x 13.625 x 12.5 inches | Material: Powder-coated aluminum | Color: Black, green, silver, white | Security Features: Lock, front/rear doors}

If aesthetics are a top priority, you'll appreciate the Vsons Anthony Mailbox. With clean lines, a contrasting door, and custom address numbers for a bright pop of color, this is definitely one of the coolest mailboxes we've come across. We love the modern styling, which looks sleek in front of any home. We also love how durable this mailbox is for every climate, thanks to a powder-coated aluminum frame that's both sturdy and waterproof.

The Anthony closes with a magnetic latch, and you can opt for a lockable design if you'd like more theft prevention. Its interior is quite small, with room for letters, magazines, and small packages; it's just an inch wider and an inch shorter than the Gibraltar Mailboxes Grayson Mailbox, our best budget pick. However, considering the quality and unique style, we think it's worth the investment.

_{Dimensions: 20.5 x 8.5 x 8.25 inches | Material: Powder-coated aluminum | Color: Black, white | Security Features: Optional lock}

Looking for something you can attach to the side of your house and customize in a few different ways? This wall-mounted mailbox from Whitewall Products comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and stays securely in place even when stuffed full. The large-capacity design is 20 percent bigger than average, just like our best splurge pick, the Whitewall Products Premium Mailbox & Post—meaning it should effortlessly fit parcels, magazines, and letters.

Backed by a lifetime warranty, it's made of powder-coated aluminum for year-round rust resistance. We also love that you can choose from a few different customizations, including three colors, a custom plaque with your address numbers, and an optional, removable locking flap. While there's no flag for outgoing mail, this is a very minor detail we don't think many homeowners will miss.

_{Dimensions: 15 x 14.5 x 8 inches | Material: Powder-coated aluminum | Color: Black, white, bronze | Security Features: Lock}

The 4Ever Amelia Mailbox is made of galvanized steel and commercial-grade vinyl. It comes in a chic black-and-white contrasting colorway or a striking all-white design. What sets this mailbox apart, though, is you can customize it with your street name and address numbers on a white metal label that hangs from the mailbox post so it's easy to spot. Even with customization, the entire mailbox, post, and label setup is water-resistant and ready for any weather.

Plus, this mailbox comes with its own post for a cohesive, tasteful look that's simple yet classic, allowing it to blend into any aesthetic. It's also easy to install, either staked into the ground or set into concrete. But if you're not up for handling the setup yourself, consider buying the Amelia from Wayfair and adding expert installation to your order.

_{Dimensions: 78x4x28 (including post) | Material: Galvanized steel, vinyl | Color: Black/white, white | Security Features: None}

Final Verdict

Our top choice is the best overall Architectural Mailboxes Oasis 360 Locking Parcel Mailbox. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the comprehensive design has dual-access lockable doors and promises year-round rust resistance in any weather. But if you're interested in something more affordable, the best budget Gibraltar Mailboxes Grayson Post Mount Mailbox is a solid choice and is also weather-resistant. For those looking for a mailbox and post combo, we recommend the stylish and durable best with post Gibraltar Mailboxes Stratford All-in-One Mailbox.

FAQ

• Which is better, a plastic or metal mailbox?

  Though plastic is generally waterproof, metal tends to be a slightly better choice for mailboxes. The most durable designs are typically made of galvanized steel or powder-coated aluminum, both of which are resistant to rust and corrosion, holding up exceptionally well in various climates.

• Do aluminum mailboxes rust?

  Aluminum is a rust-resistant material, making it a top choice for residential mailboxes. But if you're concerned about weather damage, a powder-coated model can offer extra protection from the elements.

• Should a mailbox post be set in concrete?

  Mailboxes don't have to be set in concrete. However, doing so will give yours a highly stable foundation—arguably more stable than simply burying or hammering the post into the ground. Most importantly, Bagdasarian says, "A lockable mailbox must be unbreakable and unremovable."

• What size mailbox should I get?

  The standard size for curbside mailboxes is roughly 13 inches wide, 7 inches tall, and 16 inches deep. Community lockboxes and mounted models are often smaller. A more compact design might not fit parcels, in which case your mail carrier will typically place them on your doorstep. To ensure that your packages are secure within your mailbox, go with a large-capacity lockable design.