The Best Mailboxes for 2022
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Best Mailbox
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The humble mailbox is a small but essential part of everyday life. The most recent innovation in the world of mailboxes has been the addition of security components such as locks and anti-pry measures. So whether you are waiting for a special card or an essential delivery, these ubiquitous curbside features will do the job. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best mailboxes currently available.
UPDATED: April 26, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Mail Boss 7506 because it features a secure anti-pry locking solution and is made from durable galvanized steel. I even installed it at my own house.
Here are some features to look out for when selecting a new mailbox:
Installation
If you are replacing an old mailbox check to make sure that the post is in good condition. If it is a wooden post, it can rot over time and will need to be replaced. If you have a post that is in good condition then you will only need to purchase the actual mailbox itself. Just check that the mounting points will work, most have a standard mount so this isn’t usually an issue.
If you are completely replacing the mailbox and post you will obviously need to purchase both. Some models are designed as a one-piece system and for others, the post will need to be purchased separately. You can also go the DIY route and simply get a 4” x 4” post from the hardware store and mount the mailbox on top.
Location
For a mailbox in the United States, the USPS has specific guidelines for locating it on your property. This is to enable the mail carrier quick and easy access along the route.
Two key dimensions are the height of the mailbox and the distance from the curb. It should be mounted 41″ to 45″ from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry and 6″ to 8″ back from the curb.
For more information, the USPS provides a helpful guide: How to Install a Mailbox.
Approval
Check to make sure that the mailbox is approved by the Postmaster General (PMG), meaning that it meets the required size and construction standards. The manufacturer should list this within the product information and may be listed as “USPS Approved“ or “Postmaster General Approved”.
Materials
Since mailboxes spend their entire lives outside they need to be able to endure a range of weather conditions over many years. As a result, most mailboxes today are made of either steel or plastic. The steel models are typically either galvanized or powder-coated to resist rusting and corrosion. Plastic models are typically more affordable but for security, steel construction is preferred.
Size
Take note of the interior dimensions of the mailbox you are interested in. If you regularly receive medium to large packages through the mail you may want to consider a large capacity option. This can increase the security of the packages as opposed to have them simply left at the front door.
Locking
Locking mailboxes help to reduce the risk of ID theft since criminals steal mail to access personal information. If you have a residential curbside mailbox, you can replace it with a USPS-approved locking mailbox.
Mail is delivered via an incoming mail slot or door which does not require a key. For reference, this is similar to how the door on a blue USPS collection box works. Then you can retrieve the mail or package with a key via a locking access door. For outgoing mail there typically a clip to hold the mail on the inside of the door so the mailperson can easily retrieve it. As someone who has a locking mailbox, I do like the peace of mind, however my only complaint is that it is kind of a pain to always have to find the key to check it.
What is included?
Check to see what is included with the mailbox as you may need to purchase additional accessories. The main thing to look for is if the mounting hardware (if required) is included.
Does it come with the house numbers? If not these will need to be purchased separately and are typically raised numbers or a sheet with adhesive backing. These will include several of each number but if you have a particularly unusual number combination, such as 7777, you may need to get more than one set.
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Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the top models available from well-known manufacturers including Mail Boss, Gibraltar, and more. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Mailboxes for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Mail Boss 7506 Mailbox
The Mail Boss 7506 uses an incoming mail door so the mail carrier does not need a key. This is the mailbox I have installed at my own house.
Includes a patented anti-pry latch locking mechanism to prevent leveraged entry.
Features a large design that accepts mail bundles and small packages up to 3.5" x 3.5" x 10".
Includes high-security 12-disc wafer lock with three laser-cut keys.
Made of heavy-gauge galvanized steel.
USPS Approved for residential use.
Runner-up: Gibraltar ST200B00 Extra-Large Capacity Steel Mailbox
The Gibraltar ST200B00 features an extra-Large capacity that fits multiple packages, boxes, and padded envelopes.
Features a ribbed body design that adds strength and rigidity.
Equipped with a door latch can be adjusted for a tighter or looser grip.
Constructed from heavy-duty galvanized steel for long-lasting durability.
Features a black powder-coated finish that is rust-resistant to withstand the elements.
Made in the USA.
Installs easily onto a variety of Gibraltar posts including the BP000B01:
Best Large Capacity: Architectural Mailboxes 6200B-10 Oasis Classic Mailbox
The Architectural Mailboxes 6200B-10 Oasis allows for the delivery of mail bundles and small parcels.
Constructed of heavy gauge galvanized steel with powder coating for durability and long life.
Includes rubber seals on the door to keep mail within the box clean and dry.
Equipped with stainless steel hardware to resist corrosion and rust.
Designed to be installed on a pilaster or column.
Features a one-piece outer shroud that is designed to resist weather conditions.
Postmaster General Approved.
Overal dimensions: 18” x 14” h x 11.5”.
Best Wall Mount: Gibraltar Woodlands Mailbox
The Gibraltar Woodlands mailbox features a wall mount design.
Features a heavy-duty galvanized steel design for long-lasting durability.
Features a design that mounts flush to an exterior wall or any vertical surface.
Available in a black or white powder-coated finish.
Note: this model comes fully assembled but does not include the mounting hardware.
Best Minimal Design: Architectural Mailboxes 6300B-10 Oasis 360 Mailbox
The Architectural Mailboxes 6300B-10 Oasis 360 features both front and rear doors for easy and quick access.
Includes a powder coat on all surfaces for corrosion and rust resistance.
Features a concealed outgoing mail clip to keep outgoing mail out of obvious view.
Includes a galvanized steel flag for outgoing mail.
Includes pre-drilled mounting holes measure for an easy installation.
Best Classic Design: Gibraltar BM16BSN1 Galvanized Steel Mailbox
The Gibraltar BM16BSN1 is engineered with heavy-duty galvanized steel for long-lasting durability.
Features a large capacity that is capable of receiving small to medium size parcels, padded envelopes, and magazines along with daily mail.
Equipped with a powder-coated finish to resist rust to further longevity.
Includes a magnetic closure that keeps the door secured when not in use.
Features satin nickel finished accents.
Comes fully assembled for convenient installation.
Installs easily onto a variety of posts.
Best All-In-One: Step2 541200 Mailbox
The Step2 541200 features a unique all-in-one design with durable weather and vandal-resistant construction.
Features front and rear magnetic doors, carrier pickup flag, and spacious interiors.
Includes built-in newspaper delivery compartment.
Equipped with a back flap that keeps the paper from falling through, but lifts to remove items.
Includes self-adhesive white numbers to add the house number.
Available in black, walnut, spruce, and stone gray.
Approved by the U.S. Postal Service.
Note: mounting hardware is included but the mounting post is not.
Best Value: Gibraltar GMB515B01 Large Capacity Plastic Mailbox
The Gibraltar GMB515B01 is constructed from sturdy, rust-proof plastic.
Features a weather and impact-resistant design for longevity against the elements.
Offers the ability to hold multiple deliveries including padded envelopes and small boxes.
Includes blank spaces on the door and side to add customized letters or numbers.
Features standard red outgoing mail flag.
Includes a received mail indicator flag to alert you that mail has been delivered.
Best Budget Option: Gibraltar E1100W00 Medium Capacity Steel Mailbox
The Gibraltar E1100W00 fits small boxes, magazines, and padded envelopes.
Constructed from rust-resistant galvanized steel for strength and stability.
Features a powder-coated finish to reduce the incidence of corrosion.
Features an approximate mail opening size is 7.2" by 5.8".
Comes fully assembled and ready to install.
Note: the mounting hardware is sold separately.
Made in the USA.
Installs easily onto a variety of Gibraltar posts including the BP000B01:
Best Premium Option: Polar Aurora Barcelona Mailbox
The Polar Aurora Barcelona is constructed from cast aluminum for long-lasting durability.
Note: I was not able to verify if this mailbox is approved by the Postmaster General.
Features black, powder-coated surfaces to prevent rust and corrosion.
Equipped with an address plaque above the box to mount the address numbers (not included).
Does NOT come with the hardware to mount the post to the ground.
I hope this list of the best mailboxes was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
