A Package Drop Box Can Protect Your Parcels from Porch Pirates
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When your traditional mailbox can’t handle your constant deliveries, before you go signing up for P.O. storage, you may want to consider investing in a package delivery box instead. It’s a great complement to a video doorbell or outdoor security camera you might already own.
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Built from tough weather-resistant materials, package delivery boxes will typically feature a locking mechanism of some kind that your family, friends and neighborhood couriers will be able to interact with. A number of them even include front and rear storage compartments, so you can position it any way you want.
And while package delivery boxes can be a hefty investment upfront, if your household receives a lot of parcels, they’re well worth the cost.
What Is a Package Drop Box?
A package drop box sits outside your front door or garage. Delivery people — whether it’s UPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon, a meal kit service, or another courier — can put your items inside for safekeeping until you can retrieve them.
Items are safely stored inside because the box itself can withstand the elements (like rain, snow or heat). And if you get a box with a locking feature, you can protect your deliveries from package thieves who can easily walk away with parcels left outside your door.
The most sophisticated package drop boxes feature an electronic smart lock, which lets you remotely monitor deliveries. This is still a relatively new product category (at least in the residential market), but there are a growing number of options available.
The Benefits of a Package Drop Box
Not sure if you need a package lock box for your home? Here’s why you should invest in drop boxes in the event you’re not home to answer the door:
Protection from package thieves
Privacy from nosy neighbors
Protection from weather, pests and sun exposure
Keep groceries and meal kits fresh
BEST OVERALL
Danby Parcel Guard Security Box
$373 at Home Depot
$399 at danby
Why we chose it: With its integrated voice assistant controls, built-in camera, and smart monitoring capabilities, the Danby Parcel Guard Security Mailbox is easily the best in the business.
Read More: The Best Password Managers
Key Specs:
Top Compartment Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 8 inches
Bottom Compartment Dimensions:: 17 x 13 x 15
Compatible w/ Alexa and Google Assistant
Danby Parcel Guard app available for iOS and Android devices
Requires web connection for smart features
Don’t let the “mailbox” in this product’s name fool you. It’s large enough to hold big packages, in addition to just mail. With Parcel Guard, you’ll be notified when you get a delivery. You can also lock and unlock the box from anywhere. An anti-theft slot lets delivery people drop off packages, at which point a camera will sense motion and record both video and sound. An alarm — and the fact that the box is bolted to the ground — also prevents theft.
We’re betting you’re looking at the price and wondering if it’s worth it though. We get it, but consider the value: For around $400, you’re getting a package delivery box with tons of web-connected features, excellent real estate, the option for battery backup, and even an interior light for late-night parcel grabs. It may not be cheap, but we guarantee you’ll never need to buy another one.
Pros
Armored to the teeth
Danby Parcel Guard app unlocks an entire world of smart features
Can be integrated w/ Alexa and Google Assistant
Built-in camera and alarm
Includes two-way audio
Cons
Expensive
Eufy SmartDrop Delivery Box
MOST INNOVATIVE
eufy SmartDrop Delivery Box
Buy Now On Amazon
$399 at newegg
Why we chose it: A solid runner-up to the Danby Parcel Guard, the eufy SmartDrop features plenty of storage space, surveillance capabilities, and a handy app for controlling and customizing your package delivery box.
Read More: Eufy vs. Wyze
Key specs:
Interior Dimensions: 25 x 18.3 x 17.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions: 27.5 x 21.6 x 21.6 inches
IP Rating: IP65
Made from cold-rolled carbon steel
This eufy delivery box is both high-tech and easy to use. In addition to getting notified by app when you get packages, you can also watch the HD camera from your phone in real-time to see what’s going on (it’s triggered by motion and also records audio). A two-way audio feature lets you talk to delivery people upon arrival, but SmartDrop will also greet them by illuminating buttons to guide them through the drop process.
We trust eufy smart devices, and this is one of the largest package lock boxes available to homeowners, but the good news is that it’s not overbearing when it comes to bulk. The lock box itself weighs 44 pounds but it’s actually fairly simple to move around. That being said, if you don’t want to risk it being swiped from your property, it can also be bolted to the ground for added security.
SPY’s Tech Editor, John Velasco, was most astounded by its weight. Through photos and rendered images of it, most people would suspect that the cold-rolled carbon steel frame would cause it to be dense, but that was far from the case. In fact, he found it incredibly light in person at about 44 pounds.
Pros
Plenty of storage space
1080p surveillance camera
Two-way chat for guests and couriers
Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
Expensive
Doesn’t automatically shut
BEST FOR FOOD
DeliverySafe Secure Package Delivery Box
Buy Now On Amazon
Why we chose it: For the HelloFresh subscribers of our readership, the DeliverySafe Secure Package Delivery Box is well-insulated and weatherproof to ensure your next grub drop-off doesn’t spoil in the summer heat.
Key specs:
Interior Dimensions: 22.5 x 32 x 19 inches
Exterior Dimensions: 27.5 x 21.6 x 21.6 inches
Weighs 61 pounds
Stainless steel
Shaped a lot like a chest freezer, this lockable food box is perfect for perishables, groceries and meal kits. An insulated interior cooler will keep the temperature at an optimal level so nothing spoils. It’s built to withstand the elements (like the sun, wind, rain and snow) and locks securely with a keypad, so you can provide delivery people a numerical code just for them.
Pros
Insulated to keep food fresh
Weatherproof
Easy to use numeric keyboard
Lots of storage space
Cons
Very expensive
No smart features or voice assistant compatibility
MOST DECORATIVE
Yale Smart Delivery Lock Box
Buy Now On Amazon
$280 at wellbots
Why we chose it: Yale is one of our favorite smart home brands, and the incredible Smart Delivery Lock Box looks great for modern home exteriors and is backed by plenty of intuitive smart features.
Read More: The Best Smart Locks
Key Specs:
Interior Dimensions: 16 x 22 x 13 inches
Exterior Dimensions: 28 x 24.63 x 19 inches
Weighs 33.6 pounds
Constructed out of plastic
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled, the Yale Smart Delivery Box with Wi-Fi and Smart Keypad is accessed using an app. Through it, you can remotely lock, unlock, share access, view delivery history and receive notifications from anywhere. Additionally, we love that the keypad provides access right on the box, but you can also use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri to communicate your needs. If you want to use it for grocery and meal kit deliveries, you can upgrade your box with a cooler insert, too.
Unfortunately, this package drop box isn’t designed to be bolted to the ground, which is a definite drawback. On the plus size, it’s large enough to accommodate most deliveries and does feature a smart lock.
Pros
Sleek and modern look
Yale Access app allows for realtime monitoring and notifications
Compatible w/ Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri
Fits most packages
Cons
Expensive
Can’t be bolted to the ground
BEST BUDGET
Cosco BoxGuard Package Delivery Box
Buy Now On Amazon
$78 at walmart
Why we chose it: For those of us with less funds to spare, the Cosco BoxGuard is a simple package delivery box that won’t break the bank.
Read More: The Best Outdoor Cameras
Key Specs:
Interior Dimensions: 18 x 19.5 x 31 inches
Exterior Dimensions: 22 x 20.5 x 33.3 inches
Weighs 13.35 pounds
Plastic
Who said practical and plain had to be bad? Made from tough weather-resistant plastic and touting 45 gallons of storage space, we think the Cosco BoxGuard is the perfect budget-buy for anyone looking for a package delivery box. In fact, one of the only drawbacks is that you’ll need to outfit it with your own padlock (we recommend going for a smart one).
You can also use the BoxGuard to store seasonal outdoor items, and the “Delivery” branding on the front is a clear signal to couriers as to where to place your shipments.
Pros
Inexpensive
Minimalist design
45 gallons of storage space
Also available in black/grey (plastic) and aluminum
Cons
Doesn’t come with a padlock
Can’t be bolted to the ground
MOST OFFICIAL
Penn Elcom
$484 Penn elcom
Why we chose it: Built like Fort Knox, the Penn Elcom includes front and rear compartments, tough weather-shielding, and enough storage space for households and businesses.
Read More: The Best Motion Detectors
Key Specs:
Interior Dimensions: 16.53 x 9.44 x 14.17 inches
Exterior Dimensions: 20.31 x 40.20 x 17.55 inches
Weighs 75 pounds
Made of high-quality steel
Operating like FedEx and UPS drop-off boxes you may have used, this package lock box comes with an access door in the rear. Delivery people simply swing open a hatch at the top of the box to load the parcel. Once the handle is released, your stuff is safely stored inside until you retrieve it using a key.
There will be some installation involved, but nothing too complicated. Keep in mind that while the lock box is made to withstand the elements, it’s not insulated, so it can’t hold perishables for too long. In addition, it’s lacking any electronic or smart features.
Pros
Lots of storage space
Tough construction
Front and rear access
Comes with two keys
Cons
Expensive
No smart features
BEST SMARD PADLOCK
BoxLock Smart Lock
Buy Now On Amazon
$156 at sears
Why we chose it: With the BoxLock Smart Lock, you’ll be able to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to bring extra peace-of-mind to your traditional package delivery box.
Read More: The Best Places To Install Home Security Cameras
Key Specs:
2 x 2.5 x 6.7 inches
Weighs 1.85 pounds
Supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
Lasts up to 6 months on a single charge
Works with iOS, Android and Vera
We understand that not everyone can afford a full-on delivery box replacement, which is why the BoxLock Smart Lock is such a unique alternative. Made of tough alloy steel, the BoxLock looks and feels like a traditional padlock, but it’s far from plain. After you download the BoxLock app (for iOS and Android devices), you’ll be greeted to a dashboard of BoxLock controls and customizations.
You’ll be able to assign singular or recurring lock codes to friends and family, keep an eye on how many locks/unlocks the BoxLock has gone through, monitor battery status, and more. Our own tech editor John Velasco can testify to how good the BoxLock is: “It’s the simplest way to take any outdoor box you might already own and transform it into a proper smart package delivery box.
Pros
Turns any package delivery box into a smart one
Works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and BLE
Up to 6 months of battery life
Shareable access codes
Made of tough alloy steel
Cons
Kind of expensive
Not all couriers are going to use it
What to Look for in a Package Delivery Box
One of the most important factors in choosing a package lock box is size. It will need to hold a day’s worth of packages (or more, depending on how often you’re away) and accommodate the size of packages you typically get. If you’re ordering furniture — sorry, that’s just not going to work for a storage box.
Another important factor in a package delivery box is a lock — assuming you don’t want anyone to steal your deliveries. You’ll want one that can actually secure your items either with a key, digital keypad or an app.
Get meal kits often? If you mainly want to keep perishables intact by the time you get home, then an insulated package lock box would be your best bet.
Some modern lock boxes are actually quite innovative with lights, cameras, two-way speakers for communicating with delivery people, motion sensors and more advanced features. Below, we’ve gathered a selection of the best package lock boxes for sale in 2023.
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