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.
Home deliveries have increased by 300% in the last 12 months
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:
- discrete enough to deter porch pirates (to prevent package theft) and;
- 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!
Don't be this dog. You'll have no idea what to do with all your parcels.
1. Qualarc WF-PB019
Our Rating: 4.5/5
"sturdy and weather resistant"
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"
This wall mounted secure parcel box will hold both medium sized and small packages. Perfect if you need an outdoor box for Amazon deliveries. Made from aluminium and stainless steel, 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 Porch Locker
Our Rating: 4.4/5
"spacious for larger volumes"
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 or expect heavy packages. It will hold multiple parcels, so there's no need for you to be in all day.
The plastic shell looks 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"
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 box, 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"
This is a large version outdoor mailbox that is wall mountable and is good for residential or commerical use. It's sufficient for large amounts of actual deliveries and will hold enough mail if you go away on holiday for a week!
- 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 drop box 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 hardware 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.
Should I Inform my Regular Postman of the Changes?
Yes, you should inform your regular postman. It is a phone call that can be made in a few minutes and without too much fuss. Just call them and let them know that you'd like large packages posted into the new shiny black box to the front (or side) of your house.
Again, this might take half an afternoon of making calls or emailing, but once done, your life will be easier and stress-free.
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?
To give a more rouned answer, a better question would be: where do you live and do you have the space? If you're living in an apartment block or a family home with no front yard, then most of the suggestions on this page aren't going to work. 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, as long as you live in a house with a front yard and you have enough space to park your car on the street, then go ahead and buy one of our recommendations. Once the item arrives, it only takes and an afternoon and some basic DIY tools to set up the parcel box.
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.
Copyright © 2021 Alarms4Life