Anytime Mailbox vs Traveling Mailbox | Best Virtual Mailbox?

You’re doing your research on virtual mailbox providers and it seems that you’ve narrowed it down to Anytime Mailbox or Traveling Mailbox – both great options. I’ve personally have addresses with both companies and I have experience using each of them as a virtual mail solution. Before you make your final decision, here is what you need to know to compare the two.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for better features and more address options, it’s clear that Anytime Mailbox is the way to go.

Below we’re going to compare both companies across a number of different categories. You can use the following links to jump to a specific comparison, or simply scroll down to read more:

• Comparing Virtual Mailbox Locations
• Comparing Online Mailbox Features
• Initial Setup & Form 1583
• Mail Forwarding Options
• Additional Features Compared
• Pricing Comparison

Let’s dive into each comparison.

Virtual Mailbox Locations

The availability of location addresses is one of the most significant differences between Anytime Mailbox and Traveling Mailbox.

• Anytime Mailbox offers an astounding 2,510 address locations worldwide. This global coverage includes addresses across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and other regions, making it an excellent choice for individuals and businesses needing options for either international or local virtual addresses. You can choose from regular street addresses or prestigious business locations, giving you the flexibility to project the right image for personal or business use. The wide selection also means you’re more likely to find an address in your desired area.

• Traveling Mailbox, on the other hand, provides 52 U.S.-based addresses. They offer one “Primary” address in North Carolina (headquarters for the company) and 51 additional addresses marked as “Premium.” Premium addresses are located in more desirable cities or business districts but come with additional costs, which may not fit every budget. For users who don’t require international options, Traveling Mailbox still provides a reasonable selection within the U.S.

Key Consideration: If international or diverse location options are essential for you, Anytime Mailbox’s extensive network makes it the clear winner. However, if you only need a U.S. address, Traveling Mailbox’s curated selection might suffice.

Do your own research! Check out the available locations with each service:

• Anytime Mailbox locations
• Traveling Mailbox locations

Comparing Mailbox Features

Both Anytime Mailbox and Traveling Mailbox include features that simplify mail management, but the range and flexibility differ between the two services.

• Anytime Mailbox provides a customizable experience, with features varying by location. You can expect services like mail scanning, storage, shredding, forwarding, and package receiving. Some locations even offer additional perks like in-person mail pickup, making it convenient if you live near the selected address. Anytime Mailbox also allows you to choose features based on your needs, offering basic plans for light users and more comprehensive options for businesses.

• Traveling Mailbox delivers a consistent set of features across all plans, including mail scanning, shredding, and forwarding. Higher-tier plans include unlimited mail scanning, which is ideal for users who receive a lot of correspondence. Additionally, they provide check deposit services, making them a strong choice for individuals or businesses that handle financial transactions via mail.

Key Consideration: Anytime Mailbox wins for its flexibility and location-specific add-ons, while Traveling Mailbox is ideal for users seeking uniformity and unlimited scanning.

Comparing Initial Setup

How long does it take to setup an account and start using a virtual address for Anytime Mailbox vs Traveling Mailbox? Part of this is the onboarding process, but another important piece that some people forget about is the legal forms.

Setting up a virtual mailbox requires completing Form 1583, a USPS authorization form that allows the service provider to handle your mail legally. Ease of setup can make a big difference in your overall experience.

• Anytime Mailbox simplifies the setup process with an online system that walks you through every step. Since pricing and features vary by location, you’ll need to spend some time reviewing different options before making your choice. Many users appreciate the flexibility this provides, but it may take a bit longer to finalize your setup.
• Traveling Mailbox offers a more streamlined process, thanks to its standardized plans and pricing. Once you select your preferred address, completing Form 1583 and getting started is straightforward. However, the limited address selection means you won’t spend as much time deliberating over options.

Key Consideration: Anytime Mailbox offers more customization during setup, while Traveling Mailbox is faster to set up due to its simpler structure.

Comparing Mail Forwarding Options

Both services offer mail forwarding, but the differences in shipping options and cost can be significant.

• Anytime Mailbox allows locations to set their own forwarding policies, which often include a wide variety of shipping carriers like USPS, FedEx, and DHL. You can choose expedited shipping, international forwarding, or hold options depending on your needs. The flexibility ensures that users can control costs and delivery times.

• Traveling Mailbox also provides robust mail forwarding options, working with carriers like USPS and FedEx. Their pricing structure for forwarding is transparent, and they provide tracking for shipments. However, additional fees may apply for premium addresses, which can drive up costs over time.

Key Consideration: Anytime Mailbox wins for variety and global reach (which is understandable considering their international locations), while Traveling Mailbox’s standardized options are understandably geared toward domestic and not international users.

Comparing Additional Features

Both services include extra features that can add value, especially for business users.

• Anytime Mailbox stands out for its registered agent services, available at select locations, which are essential for businesses needing a legal representative in certain states. Additionally, some locations offer check deposit services and in-person mail pickup, giving users even more ways to manage their mail.
• Traveling Mailbox includes unlimited shredding in higher-tier plans, ensuring sensitive documents are disposed of securely. Their check deposit services are also widely praised for their reliability. The locations can be used for registered agent services, although that is not clearly spelled out on the website.

Key Consideration: Anytime Mailbox takes the lead with a broader range of business-friendly features.

Mobile App Comparison

A well-designed mobile app can make managing your mailbox on the go much easier.

• Anytime Mailbox’s app is user-friendly and allows you to view mail scans, request forwarding, or shred documents with just a few taps. The app is regularly updated, ensuring a seamless experience for users on iOS and Android.

• Traveling Mailbox’s app for both phones and tablets is very similar and includes basic features like mail viewing, forwarding and shred requests.

Key Consideration: Both Anytime Mailbox and Traveling Mailbox offer similar app experiences that allow you to do most basic mail operations. In my experience, however, for any advanced actions (i.e. downloading mail, forwarding mail, depositing checks, etc.), I find it most helpful to log into the web dashboard.

Comparing Pricing Plans

Pricing is a crucial factor for most users, and the two services take very different approaches, which is important to understand as you compare location offerings for each compamy.

• Anytime Mailbox lets each location set its own pricing, leading to a wide range of options. Some locations start as low as $5/month, while others charge significantly more for premium services. This variability means you can find affordable options, but comparing locations can be time-consuming. In the example below, you can see two different locations in Texas that are priced quite differently. Plans within each location also vary wildly.

• Traveling Mailbox offers standardized pricing, starting at $15/month for basic plans. However, premium addresses are charged based on location and isn’t clearly stated until you actually choose the location you want. Usually the extra fee is $5-$10 per month. Additional features like extra mail scans or storage also incur extra fees. Over time, the total cost can exceed what you’d pay with Anytime Mailbox.

Key Consideration: Anytime Mailbox is more cost-effective if you’re willing to shop around, while Traveling Mailbox provides predictable pricing.

Final Summary: Anytime Mailbox vs Traveling Mailbox

When comparing Anytime Mailbox and Traveling Mailbox, Anytime Mailbox comes out on top for most users. Its global address network, flexible pricing, and wide range of features make it an excellent choice for both individuals and businesses. Traveling Mailbox, while more limited in scope, still offers reliable service with standout features like unlimited mail shredding and consistent scanning quality.

If you’re looking for maximum flexibility and global options, Anytime Mailbox is the clear winner. However, if you only need a U.S.-based address and prefer standardized pricing, Traveling Mailbox might be a better fit.

Choose the service that aligns best with your unique needs, and enjoy the convenience of managing your mail from anywhere!

Josh Summers

Josh Summers is a writer and entrepreneur who has been using a virtual mailbox for both personal and business use while living in Asia for the past 10 years. In addition to using multiple services, he has actually visited a number of virtual address locations to better understand how the industry works and what’s most important to consider.