Head-to-Head Comparison · Updated September 2026

Traveling Mailbox vs PostScan Mail (2026): Which Is Better?

PostScan Mail starts $5 cheaper and offers far more locations. Traveling Mailbox costs a little more up front but includes substantially more scanning, free shredding, multiple recipients, and check deposit. The better value depends on whether you mostly need an address or actually plan to manage and read mail online.

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Strong for frequent scanning

Traveling Mailbox

Basic starts at $15/month with 40 incoming envelopes, 35 page scans, 3 recipients, free shredding, unlimited cloud storage, and check deposit access.

  • 35 page scans included
  • 3 recipients included
  • Free shredding
  • Postage + $2 per forwarded shipment
  • Check deposit available
Strong for address selection

PostScan Mail

Starter starts at $10/month with 30 incoming letters/packages and 1 recipient, but no open-and-scan requests are included.

  • 1,000+ address locations
  • Local pickup included
  • Standardized core plan allowances
  • Annual plans improve scan allowances
  • Business and enterprise plans available

Traveling Mailbox vs PostScan Mail: side by side

FeatureTraveling Mailbox BasicPostScan Mail Starter
Starting price$15/mo$10/mo
Incoming mail40 envelopes/month30 letters/packages/month
Included content scans35 pages/monthNone
Extra incoming item$0.25$0.50
Extra content scan$0.50/page over allowance$2/envelope up to 10 pages, then $0.25/page
Recipients3 included1 included; $5/month extra
ShreddingFree$1/item first 10 pages, then $0.15/page
Forwarding handlingPostage + $2/shipment$2 first item + $0.50 each additional + shipping
Check deposit$4.95/check + postageNot offered
Local pickupNot the main use caseIncluded
LocationsSmaller network1,000+ locations
Free physical mail storage30 days14 days monthly / 30 days annual

The biggest difference: what happens after you receive mail

PostScan Mail wins the headline price at $10 versus $15. But the Starter plan is best thought of as an address and mail-receiving plan, because it includes no open-and-scan requests.

Traveling Mailbox Basic is more expensive up front, but it is already configured for someone who wants to read mail online: 35 page scans are included every month.

Simple rule: if you rarely open mail, PostScan Starter can be genuinely inexpensive. If you routinely request content scans, Traveling Mailbox's extra $5/month can disappear very quickly.

Real-world cost examples

Light user: address mostly

15 incoming items, no content scans, no forwarding, one recipient.

PostScan: $10/mo

Traveling Mailbox: $15/mo.

For very light usage, PostScan's lower starting price matters.

Regular scanner

20 incoming envelopes and 5 open-and-scan requests of 4 pages each.

Traveling Mailbox: $15/mo

All 20 scanned pages fit inside the Basic allowance.

PostScan Starter: about $20/mo before any forwarding — $10 plan + five $2 open-and-scan requests.

Illustrative examples only. Actual PostScan location pricing can vary, and either provider can change fees. Check your exact plan and address before purchasing.

Mail forwarding

Traveling Mailbox charges postage + $2 per shipment, regardless of how many mail pieces are consolidated into that shipment.

PostScan Mail charges $2 for the first item + $0.50 for each additional item, plus shipping.

If you forward five items together, PostScan's handling is $4 before shipping; Traveling Mailbox's published handling remains $2.

Locations & local pickup

PostScan Mail has the clear advantage in address selection, with more than 1,000 advertised locations and free local pickup at the subscribed location.

Traveling Mailbox has a smaller network and is better suited to users prioritizing remote mail management over local pickup.

Check deposits

Traveling Mailbox supports check deposit for $4.95 per check + postage.

PostScan Mail currently states that it does not offer check deposit.

For landlords, consultants, small businesses, or anyone still receiving paper checks, this difference can be decisive.

Shredding & storage

Traveling Mailbox includes shredding free and holds physical envelopes for 30 days at no charge.

PostScan Mail charges for secure shredding and includes 14 days of free mail storage on monthly plans, or 30 days on annual plans.

Which one fits which type of user?

Traveling Mailbox makes more sense if you…

  • Read physical mail online regularly
  • Want scanning bundled into the monthly price
  • Need multiple recipients
  • Forward consolidated mail regularly
  • Need check deposits
  • Want free shredding

PostScan Mail makes more sense if you…

  • Mainly need a professional mailing address
  • Rarely request content scans
  • Want a specific local address
  • Value local pickup
  • Prefer a large 1,000+ location network
  • Are willing to move to Standard/Premium if scanning increases

For RVers & travelers

Traveling Mailbox is especially attractive when most mail will be scanned remotely and only occasional consolidated shipments need to catch up with you.

PostScan can make more sense if you want an address near a route or home base where you can sometimes pick up mail in person.

Best Virtual Mailbox for RVers →

For small businesses

Traveling Mailbox's included recipients, free shredding and check deposit are useful for many small-business workflows.

PostScan offers more location choice and business/enterprise options, which may matter more if local presence is the priority.

Best Virtual Mailbox for Small LLCs →

Practical takeaway

Compare the actions you'll use, not just the monthly price

PostScan Mail's $10 Starter plan is compelling for light users who mainly want an address. Traveling Mailbox's $15 Basic plan becomes much more competitive once content scanning, multiple recipients, shredding, forwarding, or check deposits enter the picture.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Traveling Mailbox or PostScan Mail?

PostScan Mail starts lower at $10/month versus $15 for Traveling Mailbox Basic. However, PostScan Starter includes no content scans, while Traveling Mailbox Basic includes 35 scanned pages, so usage can reverse the price advantage.

Which is better for scanning mail?

Traveling Mailbox offers much more included scanning at the entry level. Its Basic plan includes 35 page scans, while PostScan Starter includes no open-and-scan requests.

Which has more locations?

PostScan Mail. It advertises more than 1,000 mailing addresses, making location choice one of its main strengths.

Which offers check deposit?

Traveling Mailbox does. PostScan Mail currently says it does not offer check deposit service.

Can both forward mail and packages?

Yes. Both support forwarding and consolidation, but their handling-fee structures differ.

Pricing note

Pricing and fees were checked against provider-published information in September 2026.

Traveling Mailbox uses a relatively standardized plan structure. PostScan Mail says its base plan price can vary by location, although its core incoming-mail, open-and-scan and recipient allowances are standardized.

Always confirm current pricing for the exact address you intend to purchase.