Which is actually cheaper?
There isn't one answer because usage matters. Here are two simple examples using the providers' current published or generic rates. Postage is excluded because it depends on destination, weight and carrier.
Scenario 1: Very light mail use
10 incoming items, no content scans, no forwarding, one recipient.
Anytime: about $9.99/mo*
Traveling Mailbox: $15/month.
In this scenario, Anytime Mailbox's lower base price matters.
Scenario 2: You actually scan your mail
25 incoming items, 20 scanned pages, one forwarded bundle per month, one recipient.
Traveling Mailbox: about $17/mo + postage
Basic plan covers the mail and scans; add $2 forwarding handling.
Generic Anytime example: about $22.49/mo + postage* — $9.99 plan + 15 extra scan pages ($7.50) + $5 forwarding handling.
Illustrative examples only. Anytime Mailbox pricing varies by location, and either provider can change pricing or fees. Use these examples to understand the cost structure, then check your exact address and usage.
Mail scanning: the biggest difference
If the whole reason you're buying a virtual mailbox is to read your physical mail online, this category matters more than the $5 difference in advertised starting price.
Traveling Mailbox Basic currently includes 35 scanned pages per month. Anytime Mailbox's current generic offer includes 5 open-and-scan pages, with additional pages priced at $0.50 each.
Both list $0.50 for additional scan pages, but Traveling Mailbox gives you 30 more pages before overages begin.
Practical takeaway: scan a lot → Traveling Mailbox deserves serious consideration. Rarely open mail → Anytime Mailbox's lower base price becomes more compelling.
Locations and local pickup
This is where Anytime Mailbox has its clearest advantage.
Anytime Mailbox currently advertises 2,500+ real street addresses worldwide. Because the network is built around local mailbox operators, many users can select a very specific city or neighborhood and pick up physical mail locally.
Traveling Mailbox offers a smaller network and uses a more centralized operating model. Its base plan starts at $15, while premium city addresses cost more.
If getting an address in a particular city is your first priority, browse Anytime Mailbox locations before making your decision.
Mail forwarding
Traveling Mailbox's published forwarding handling fee is postage + $2 per shipment, not per individual piece of mail.
Anytime Mailbox's current generic offer lists $5 per shipping bundle plus shipping, although location-specific pricing may differ.
Either way, consolidation matters. If you have several envelopes waiting, forwarding them together usually costs less than requesting individual shipments throughout the month.
For frequent forwarding: Traveling Mailbox's $2 published handling charge gives it an advantage over the current $5 generic Anytime offer before postage is considered.
Check deposits
Traveling Mailbox offers check deposit on all plans for $4.95 per check + postage.
Anytime Mailbox supports check deposit at select locations, so availability and fees depend on the mailbox operator you choose.
If you receive paper checks regularly, verify this feature before selecting an Anytime address. With Traveling Mailbox, the nationwide plan structure is easier to evaluate in advance.
For small businesses and LLCs
Both services can receive routine business mail and help keep a home address more private.
Traveling Mailbox Basic includes three recipients, which can work well for an individual plus a business name or a small household. Anytime Mailbox's generic offer includes one recipient and lists additional recipients at $10 each, though location terms vary.
Anytime Mailbox's much larger address network can be a major advantage if the city or local presence matters to your business.
Neither mailbox should automatically be assumed valid for every legal purpose. Banks, state registrations, licensing agencies, Google Business Profile, insurance companies and registered-agent requirements can each have their own address rules.
Read our Best Virtual Mailbox for Small LLCs guide →
Our practical takeaway
Don't choose based on the $9.99 vs $15 headline alone
If you receive very little mail, Anytime Mailbox can absolutely be the less expensive option. But if you're buying a virtual mailbox because you intend to open, scan and periodically forward real mail, Traveling Mailbox's larger included scan allowance and lower published forwarding handling fee can make the extra $5 up front disappear quickly.