Virtual mailbox services provide users with a real street address where they can receive mail. They also offer a variety of other services geared to small businesses. They are popular with digital nomads who may lack a fixed address, or self-employed individuals who work from home and would rather not use a P.O. Box or home address for business purposes.
We explore 8 of the best virtual mailbox services in the U.S, including their key features, pricing, and pros and cons.
| Best For | Learn More | |
|---|---|---|
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Physical address anywhere | Learn More |
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Unlimited incoming mail | Learn More |
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Mail forwarding | Learn More |
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Registered agent and LLC formation | Learn More |
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Unlimited scans | Learn More |
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Unlimited mail recipients | Learn More |
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Travelers and expatriates | Learn More |
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Free Virtual Mailbox | Learn More |
iPostal1
Best For: Physical addresses anywhere
- Starting Price: $9.99 monthly
- Number of Locations: 3,000+
- Business Address: Yes
- Virtual Office: Yes
iPostal1 is an excellent option for digital nomads as it offers physical addresses in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and several countries. Personal mail scanning plans start at $9.99 monthly, including free handling of up to 30 mail items. Up to 30 days of storage is complimentary.
You can also purchase virtual office plans that include a local or toll-free number and 250 free voicemail minutes monthly. These plans allow you to add the names of up to six recipients while paying a flat monthly fee.
Businesses can add their company name, too.
Several cities have multiple locations, such as mail centers, workspaces, or office buildings. If that’s the case for your desired city, it’s worth comparing prices as high-end spaces with more services may charge a higher monthly fee, such as $39.99 per month instead of $9.99 with locations a few miles apart.
For more information, check out our iPostal1 review.
Pros
- Street addresses nationwide
- Digital mail and virtual office services
- Up to six recipients free of charge
- Up to 30 days of free mail storage
Cons
- Entry-level plans may have low monthly limits
- The starting price varies by location
- Business plans cost slightly more than personal plans
- Strict 30-day refund period
Anytime Mailbox
Best For: Unlimited incoming mail
- Starting Price: $5.99 monthly
- Number of Locations: 2,000+
- Business Address: Yes
- Virtual Office: Yes
Get Started With Anytime Mailbox
Anytime Mailbox has over 2,000 locations in the United States and 47 foreign destinations. Most locations offer an “Unlimited” plan offering unlimited incoming mail with up to 30- days of free storage, 100 pages of Open & Scan, plus unlimited shredding and recycling.
You can opt for a bronze, silver, and gold plan with preset incoming mail limits starting at $5 monthly with unlimited online storage. Still, plan pricing and the number of mailbox recipients differ by location. There are no non-mail ancillary services like phone, fax, and website bundles to speak of that competitors may offer.
Pros
- Locations worldwide
- Has an unlimited incoming mail plan
- Affordable plans starting at $5.99/month
- Up to 30 days of free storage
Cons
- Prices vary by location
- Not available in Rhode Island or Vermont
- Complimentary recipient limits differ by plan and location
- Check deposit services at limited locations
Get Started With Anytime Mailbox
PostScan Mail
Best For: Mail forwarding
- Starting Price: $10 monthly
- Number of Locations: 800+
- Business Address: Yes
- Virtual Office: Yes
PostScan Mail offers budget-friendly mail forwarding services starting at $2 for the first item, then $0.50 per additional piece plus shipping. In comparison, others may charge a bundle fee—such as $5 per bundle and shipping—which can become pricey with small batches.
The virtual mailbox offers fixed-rate pricing of either $10, $20, or $30 for each plan tier across the United States and the District of Columbia. This price transparency means you won’t have to spend time comparing packages from various locations. New customers can also enjoy a charitable 30-day guarantee period to try out PostScan Mail and receive a full refund due to dissatisfaction.
Unfortunately, the highest plan tier only offers up to 120 of free incoming letters or packages and up to seven days of package stores (30 days for letters similar to the competitors). Further, the entry-level Starter plan doesn’t have an open and scan allowance, which can result in a frustrating open-ended cost if you urgently need to see several mailers’ interior contents.
Pros
- Flat pricing across all locations
- Bundles forwarded mail for cheaper rates
- Up to 10 free open & scan pages per item
- Flexible 30-day moneyback guarantee
Cons
- No unlimited incoming mail plan
- Short free storage limit for parcels
- Not available in Nebraska
- Fewer locations than some competitors
Northwest Registered Agent
Best For: Registered agent and LLC formation
- Starting Price: $20/month for mail forwarding (add-on)
- Number of Locations: All 50 states
- Business Address: Yes
- Virtual Office: Yes
Get Started With Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent can double as your registered agent to receive official documents. This double feature is helpful when you want all business correspondence to go to the same address.
All registered agent plans cost $125 annually and include free limited mail forwarding of up to five free documents annually. Unlimited forwarding is available in select states, costing $20 monthly. Additionally, this plan automatically scans all documents received at no extra cost, and the service owns its buildings instead of contracting with third parties for more peace of mind.
It can also help you form an LLC, corporation, or non-profit when you’re ready to make the leap from sole proprietorship. Enjoy one year of free registered agent service when you start your business using Northwest.
Additional services include a virtual office, phone number, business identity packages (website and email), and trademark applications.
For more details, check out our Northwest Registered Agent review.
Pros
- Offers LLC formation services
- Affordable registered agent services
- Locations in all 50 states
- Virtual office services available
Cons
- Virtual mailbox is not its primary service (add-on)
- Mail forwarding is not available in all states
- Fewer physical locations than other providers
Get Started With Northwest Registered Agent
BusinessAnywhere
Best For: Unlimited scans
- Starting Price: $20 monthly
- Number of Locations: 12 states
- Business Address: Yes
- Virtual Office: Yes
Get Started With Business Anywhere
Consider BusinessAnwhere to receive unlimited document scans to view your letters within two business days. It doesn’t have hidden fees regarding excess incoming mail, page scans, or storage. The local concierge team can also forward mail and packages domestically or internationally for a nominal fee.
All plans include unlimited mail scans and identical features. The distinguishing difference is the number of recipients. The per-month costs are $20 for two recipients, $30 for five, and $65 for 20 recipients.
Pros
- All plans include unlimited mail, packages, and scans
- Multiple virtual business tools
- Can add up to 20 recipients
Cons
- Only has offices in 12 states
- No telephone customer support
- Must create an account to see extra fees
Get Started With Business Anywhere
PhysicalAddress.com
Best For: Unlimited mail recipients
- Starting Price: $7.98 monthly
- Number of Locations: 8
- Business Address: Yes
- Virtual Office: No
Get Started With PhysicalAddress.com
PhysicalAddress.com can be an excellent choice for startups and companies with multiple users as the platform offers unlimited mail recipients. Monthly plans start as low as $7.98 for 30 incoming pieces. However, the same plan can run as high as $29.98 for a Wall Street mailing address in the heart of the nation’s financial district.
Four monthly plans are available and the highest tier provides 200 envelope scans and 100 contact scans each month.
Other unique perks include a free registered agent and check deposits. Unlike most virtual mailboxes, PhysicalAddress.com manages its own properties and doesn’t contract third-party employees. This policy makes providing hands-on service and data protection easier, although mail centers are only in eight major metros.
Pros
- Unlimited mail recipients with every plan
- Up to three months of free non-parcel storage
- Doesn’t have third parties manage properties
Cons
- Only operates eight locations nationwide
- Pricing varies by location
- Doesn’t offer unlimited scans or incoming mail
Get Started With PhysicalAddress.com
VirtualPostMail
Best For: Travelers and expatriates
- Starting Price: $20 monthly
- Number of Locations: 5 states (for virtual mailbox service)
- Business Address: Yes
- Virtual Office: No
Get Started With VirtualPostMail
VirtualPostMail (VPM) goes beyond the traditional virtual mailbox experience for businesses by offering a luxury U.S. home address. This Las Vegas residential address can make it easier to prove residency status and obtain necessary legal documents. A TruLease business address is also available for digital companies needing proof of a lease agreement and utility bill.
Business addresses are available in five states and cost $20 to $90 monthly. All but the entry-level plan (25 free exterior scans) support unlimited mail envelope scans. The mail content scanning limit is from 10 to 150 per month with a 10-page allowance (then $0.25 per excess page and $1 per excess scan).
Another notable feature is 60 days of free physical storage, in contrast to the industry standard of 30 days. Finally, all mailbox plans include free registered agent access. This service is currently available in California, Delaware, Florida, and Nevada.
Pros
- Several personal and commercial address options
- 60 days of physical mail storage
- Free registered agent with all mailbox plans
Cons
- Only located in a handful of states
- Excess fee applies after the first 10 pages per scan
- Started plan only offers 25 free incoming items per month
Get Started With VirtualPostMail
USA2Me
Best For: Free virtual mailbox
- Starting Price: Free (Pay-As-You-Go)
- Number of Locations: 1 (Houston, TX)
- Business Address: Yes
- Virtual Office: Yes
USA2Me offers one free and three paid digital mailboxes that include various perks. The free Basic plan is good for infrequent users who prefer a pay-as-you-go method instead of paying a plan fee. You pay a one-time $23 setup fee plus add-on fees for page scans, mail forwarding, and junk mail discarding. This option includes 30 days of free storage.
The paid plans charge a one-time $15 setup fee and a monthly fee of either $10, $35, or $60. Depending on your plan, you receive up to one free shipment of up to $60 per month and from 45 to 90 days of free storage.
Pros
- Free digital mailbox plan
- Up to 90 days of free storage
- Unlimited incoming items with all paid plans
Cons
- One-time setup fee for all plans
- Free plan charges for discarding, forwarding, and document scanning
- Only location is in Houston, TX
What Is a Virtual Mailbox?
A virtual mailbox provides a personal or business physical street address to receive mail and packages to avoid using your residential mailing address or a P.O. box, which can have shipping restrictions or put your personal identity at risk.
The on-site staff scans the exterior image of each envelope and package, which can be stored free of charge for as long as 30 days. This service is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and many international countries.
Additional fees apply to scan the interior contents, forward items, or extend the storage period. You may receive discounted or limited complimentary amenities when choosing a pricier plan. Some platforms offer non-mail perks, such as a registered agent or LLC formation.
✨ Related: How Much Does A Post Office Box Cost?
How Much Do Virtual Mailboxes Cost?
With most virtual mailbox providers, entry-level plans cost between $5 and $20 per month and include up to 30 incoming letters and parcels. Premium plans range from $25 to $90 but will likely include unlimited incoming mail scans, content scan allowances, and mail forwarding discounts.
Pricing varies by provider, plan level, and mailbox location. Sometimes, a mailbox provider may have several partners in the same town. In this situation, the minimum price for the same plan tier varies by location. While more expensive mail centers may offer more optional services, you should compare costs to find the most affordable base plan fee.
Keep in mind that optional service fees may apply. Some of the most common on-demand services cost the following amount:
- Excess incoming mail: $0.20 to $0.50 per excess letter or package
- Content scans: $0.25 to $0.50 per excess page after the first 10 pages and from $1 to $3 per excess scan.
- Mail forwarding: $2 to $5 per shipment or consolidation plus shipping costs.
- Local pickups: $1 to $3 per visit
- Extended storage time: $1 to $2 per letter or per parcel pound for an extra 30 days
- Check deposit service: Up to $5 per deposit for up to three checks
- Recipients: $2 to $5 monthly per extra recipient
Many services offer an annual discount of 20% off or two months for free when purchasing a 12-month membership. A 30-day refund period is usually available to test out the service.
✨ Related: Best Banks for Digital Nomads
How Do You Choose the Best Virtual Mailbox?
Consider the following factors when choosing a virtual mailbox:
- Incoming mail limits: You will want to choose the plan limit closest to the average amount of letters and packages you receive monthly to avoid excess mail fees.
- Location: You may choose a location that’s convenient to visit for in-person pickups or offers certain add-on services. Compare monthly plan costs when there are multiple locations in the same city.
- Content scans: Most mailboxes offer up to 10 free pages per document scan and then charge a small fee per excess page. Further, many plans offer a preset number of complimentary scans and charge a fee per excess scan.
- Mail forwarding: When you request physical delivery to your address, determine if the service charges a per-item or per-shipment fee. Shipping costs vary based on carrier, weight, and size.
- Mail recipients: Most virtual mailbox plans include two to twenty recipients as part of the monthly cost. An additional fee applies for each excess recipient added to the account.
- Non-mail perks: Some platforms offer a business suite, with registered agent services being the most common. These services might be free to virtual address subscribers. If nothing else, they can also make it easier to complete administrative tasks.
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of a digital mailbox?
Disadvantages of digital mailboxes can include the cost, as well as potential limitations placed on storage by the mailbox provider. It’s important to make sure the services you are paying for are worth the cost, and that the plan you choose will serve your needs
Will my bank accept a virtual mailbox address?
Most banks will accept a virtual mailbox address. However, before opening a business bank account, check with the bank to ensure its policies support a virtual address.
Is it safe to use a virtual mailbox?
Virtual mailbox services like the one’s we’ve covered offer a secure way to scan and review mail. However, when opening an account, it’s essential that you create a secure password, and change it periodically. Also, don’t ignore your mail. Log into your account on a regular basis to action any mail you’ve received.
Summary
If you’re a digital nomad, freelancer, or other small business owner, there are many virtual mailboxes to choose from. And the benefits go far beyond having a business address you can use to receive mail. Many of the providers on our list offer additional services, including virtual offices, phone, email, and fax services, and LLC formation and registered agent services. By taking time to do the proper research, you find the best mailbox for your business, at the right price point.
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About Josh Patoka
After graduating in $50k with student loans in May 2008 from Virginia Military Institute with a B.A. International Studies and Political Science with a minor in Spanish (he studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain for 3 months), Josh decided to sell his soul for seven years by working in the transportation industry to get out of debt ASAP and focus on doing something else with a better work-life balance.
He is a father of three and has been writing about (almost) everything personal finance since 2015. You can also find him at his own blog Money Buffalo where he shares his personal experience of becoming debt-free (twice) and taking a 50%+ pay cut when he changed careers.
Today, Josh relishes the flexibility of being self-employed and debt-free and encourages others to pursue their dreams. Josh enjoys spending his free time reading books and spending time with his wife and three children.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank or financial institution. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
