5 Best Parcel Drop Boxes for Packages

Most of us spend time away from home, but we're getting more items delivered via online shopping. How do we ensure our orders are delivered securely?

The easiest way to ensure a 100% hit rate, is to buy a parcel drop box. You never have to miss a parcel again or worry about stolen packages. These kind of home additions are growing in popularity, especially since the growth of online shopping has exploded.

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The last five years has seen an increase of homeowners in the USA and UK buying outdoor parcel boxes. It looks like we're all starting to follow the trend.

We've selected the top rated ones followed by the most secure stand-alone type and a budget choice for those wanting a lower-cost option. Check them out first before reading about the remaining two runner-up options.

If you're in my shoes, then you're sick of talking to your grumpy neighbour. I don't look forward to asking him about my missed amazon order or MyHermes delivery.

Do you share the pain? Is your neighbour a miserable individual? You can't bear to look at him in the eyes? You'd rather be found dead in a ditch than have to utter one more word to your neighbour? It's OK. We get it. We share your pain!

So what are you going to do about it? Consider buying a secure parcel box, perhaps? What we're going to do here is outline 5 of the best ones. You can then be confident that all your bulky deliveries are safe from intruders, passers-by and that grumpy old neighbour!

The difficulty we found is finding one that is:

1. discrete enough to deter a porch pirate (to prevent package theft) and;
2. a well designed box that would still look attractive.

We came across a number of parcels that were just too big for most homes.

Additionally, we wanted something that couldn't be taken away easily, so that is why both the winner and runner-up are both wall-mountable.

Sizing wise, we went for the small to mid size options as most people usually only order this type. For the bigger boxes, you'll probably need to arrange with the courier and delivery person as to when you'll be at home to sign for the parcel box to be delivered.

Best Parcel Delivery Box - Reviewed & Ranked!

Now it's time to make up your own mind. We provide 5 in total, including the 2 above. They are dropping in price so our pricing estimation may be somewhat dated by the time you're reading this. Nevertheless, the information provided is still sound, so we feel that you'll have enough information to make up your mind.

Best of luck in avoiding that pesky neighbour from hell!

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1. Qualarc WF-PB019

Our Rating: 4.5/5

"sturdy and weather resistant"

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This top loading parcel mailbox has a soft curved lid on the top. It's constructed from an 0.8mm thin galvanised steel frame and the scratch resistant black outer shell looks very sleek to the eye.

• Manufacturer: Qualarc
• Weight: 10 pounds (4.5kg)
• Size: 9.5 x 13.5 x 20 inches

• Parcel Size Max: 10 x 2.5 x 4 in.
• Material: Stainless steel
• Rust & Weather Proof? Yes

This is a better priced storage drop box; very economical and good value for money. Very much like the Peelco 19", it is fully wall mountable.

It's also proportionally sized and doesn't stand out too much.

A big negative is if a large box is delivered and it causes a block against the next one down i.e. the flaps on the top go down when an items is dropped. If the flaps are unable to point downwards due to a block from below, then the courier is going to struggle to leave it at the property.

Positives

• Lighter than other boxes
• Well priced, economical
• Can be locked

Negatives

• Mounting hardware not included
• Doesn't hold many packages
• Only comes with 2 keys

Qualarc WF-PB019 Conclusion

it's a good buy if you live on a narrow street. It might be a bit overpriced for what it is, but we found it to be probably worth the money if you get lots of shipments sent to you.

2. PEELCO 19"

Our Rating: 4.5/5

"Slim, wall-mountable and solid"

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This wall mounted secure parcel box will hold both small and medium packages. Perfect if you need an outdoor box for Amazon deliveries. It's also rust resistant, meaning it's ready for all types of weather.

• Manufacturer: Peelco
• Weight: 16.25 pounds (7.4kg)
• Size: 14.5 x 5.4 x 13.8 in.

• Parcel Size Max: 10 x 2.5 x 5 in.
• Material: Stainless steel
• Rust & Weather Proof? Yes

This holds envelopes, newspapers and small to medium packages. It's a fairly heavy duty mailbox and comes with a slot big enough for all of your envelopes, mail, and packages.

It has been designed to de durable against the most extreme of weather and handles well against and bumps. It also looks good. The sleek, jet black 0.8mm thick galavanised stainless steel looks the part.

It's most suited to homes that don't really have much space outside, so it's especially suitable for terraced housing or narrow streets. While it is designed to be mounted on to a wall, it can also be affixed to the ground.

It also comes with 4 keys, meaning you can spread out where you store the spare keys in case of loss.

Positives

• Does feel a little light to hold
• Looks sleek, well designed
• It's easy to install

Negatives

• Tight for medium packages
• A bit expensive
• Does feel a little light to hold

Peelco 19" Conclusion

it's a good buy if you live on a narrow street. It might be a bit overpriced for what it is, but we found it to be probably worth the money if you get lots of packages.

3. Step2 Smart

Our Rating: 4.4/5

"spacious for larger packages"

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This has an elegant design that will complement perfectly with any architectural style. It is also a hasped storage container, meaning that  this item works with BoxLock - the first smart delivery padlock.

• Manufacturer: Step2
• Weight: 16 pounds (7.3kg)
• Size: 19.1 x 23.1 x 32.3 in.

• Parcel Size Max: 25 x 15 x 11 in.
• Material: Durable Plastic
• Rust & Weather Proof? Yes

This is a better option for those that have large sizes delivered to them or expect multiple packages. It will hold multiple parcels, so there's no need for you to be in all day.

The plastic is reasonably OK, depending on the colour. We think you should opt for the darker colours as these blend into the background better and also look much more desirable.

It comes with a lockable hasp latch, meaning you can use your own padlock or even better - purchasing a BoxLock which is the world's first smart lock.

It does feel a little lightweight yet cumbersome. Some people have suggested to bolt it down for added home security. We don't think that's absolutely necessary unless the product is completely exposed to passers-by.

Positives

• Stainless steel hinges
• Good for multiple deliveries
• Use with a padlock or BoxLock

Negatives

• Need quite a lot of floor space
• Need to train your couriers
• Plastic can feel a bit cheap

Step2 Conclusion

This item is good if you're able to install a Box Lock and notify your couriers such as Fedex or UPS to leave your orders inside, but we've heard that it's not always easy to do this. Resistance to change is strong 🙂

4. Hardcastle Vertical

Our Rating: 4.3/5

"cheap and cheerful - budget option"

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Available in 2 colours, this item is great for homeowners that are bit more conscience of cost.

• Manufacturer: Hardcastle
• Weight: 5 pounds (2.26kg)
• Size: 4.5 x 11.5 x 16 in.

• Parcel Size Max: 10 x 1.5 x 5 in.
• Material: Galvanised Sheet Metal
• Rust & Weather Proof? Yes

This one is only really suitable for smaller shipments, newspaper and magazines. If you think you're going to order and receive larger packages than the very small ones, then you shouldn't go with this.

The reason it's on this page is due to price. If you're looking for a cheap delivery dropbox, then this is your best bet. Size wise it isn't great though.

It comes with 2 keys in addition to all the screws and wall plugs to fit it to the wall.

Positives

• Resistant to corrosion
• Cheapest dropbox
• Easy to install

Negatives

• Feels a bit lightweight
• Front door a bit flimsy
• Doesn't hold many items

Hardcastle Conclusion

Cheap and cheerful. Does the job for smaller packs, but completely useless for anything bigger than a 'Lord of the Rings' book.

5. Qualarc WF-PB018

Our Rating: 4.2/5

"Big, secure and spacious"

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This is a large version outdoor mailbox that is wall mountable. It's large enough that it'll hold enough mail if you go away on holiday for two weeks!

• Manufacturer: Qualarc
• Weight: 18 pounds (8.2kg)
• Size: 10 x 17 x 20.5 in.

• Parcel Size Max: 14.5 x 7.8 x 4 in.
• Material: Galvanised Steel
• Rust & Weather Proof? Yes

This is a very large unit, so make sure you're aware of that. it does protrude out a significant amount, so if this is important, maybe it's better to order a smaller one.

Made out of scratch resistant steel body, this extra large parcel bin will hold at least a week or two worth of mail (depending on the size). It comes with two slots - one for regular letters and the other for packages.

The thickness of the steel wall is a little lower than desired at 0.8mm. This isn't a deal killer, but it can feel a little flimsy.

Positives

• Powder coated finish
• A bit expensive for what it is
• Can be locked

Negatives

• Screws can be fidgety
• Mounting kit not included
• Only comes with 2 keys

Qualarc WF-PB018 Conclusion
This is a great item if you receive lots of mail and bulkier items. Make sure you have the space for it as it's a bit cumbersome.

Need a Final Push?

A parcel drop box can cost in excess of hundreds, but they are a really sound investment for the long term. I mean, aren't you sick of confirming proof of delivery and aren't you worried about package theft from thieves?

There are other options such as an Amazon mail drop box as discussed previously or even more innovate projects, such as this self-service collection point in Finland. However, if you want something on your doorstep for multiple deliveries, then you should go for one of the ones listed above.

For peace of mind,  a one-time purchase of a galvanised steel and rust-resistant architectural mailbox (or a cheaper, medium sized porch box) will keep your packages safe.

To see other reviews in the security section, please click here.