Searching for a cheap PO box sounds simple, but once you start comparing prices, reading real user experiences, and understanding the limitations of traditional PO boxes, you quickly realize there’s much more to consider than the monthly fee.
Whether you’re trying to protect packages from theft, looking for a private mailing address, running a small business, or traveling frequently,here is everything you need to know:
It is advisable to understand all sides of “cheap PO box” before making a decision.
Read this if you are thinking of renting a “PO Box near me”.
USPS is still the most commonly searched “cheap PO box” provider. But the price depends heavily on location and availability.
Typical USPS PO Box pricing (2025 estimates)
Other things to know:
Many users on forums express frustration when they discover the “cheap” PO box advertised online ends up costing much more in their specific area.
When you read Reddit threads, USPS forums, and review sites, a pattern becomes clear: getting a cheap PO box doesn’t always fix the real problem the customer has.
1. Only USPS delivers to PO boxes
This is the biggest shock for first-time users.
Reddit threads are full of frustrated customers who rented a PO box to prevent package theft, only to find out:
“FedEx and UPS keep marking my packages undeliverable. I didn’t know a PO box only accepts USPS!”
If you shop online frequently, this limitation becomes painful fast.
2. Complaints about missing or delayed mail
Across delivery forums, users often report:
One user shared a story about an important DMV renewal that was scanned but never arrived. That’s a major trust issue.
3. Restricted hours and long lines
Unless your location offers 24/7 lobby access (many don’t), you’re stuck with:
Forum posts often mention people rushing before closing time or waiting 20-40 minutes for a clerk to retrieve a package.
4. Overflow issues
Even small PO boxes can’t hold:
If your box fills up, USPS can:
Definitely not ideal for frequent online shoppers.
Most people aren’t looking for a PO box just to save a few dollars, they’re looking for a solution to a real issue:
Package theft is exploding
National surveys show a major spike in porch piracy in recent years, with millions of packages stolen annually. That’s why people search for PO boxes in the first place.
Apartment package rooms are overwhelmed
Many users on forums complain about:
A PO box sounds like a fix… until you learn about carrier limitations and USPS only acceptance.
This is where alternatives like Stowfly start appearing in search results and recommendation lists.
Stowfly isn’t a mailbox, it’s a package receiving service consisting of a network of local businesses (salons, convenience stores, cafes, etc.) where you can have packages delivered securely.
Have your online orders delivered to a secure Stowfly package receiving site to avoid issues like package theft and missed deliveries. First month free!
The Key Advantages Stowfly Offers Over PO Boxes
Accepts ALL carriers
USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon, everything. No more dealing with Amazon missing packages, USPS missing packages, UPS lost packages, and FedEx stolen packages.
(This alone solves the biggest complaint about PO boxes.)
Real package storage location:
Works for:
Flexible pickup hours
Locations often stay open:
No overflowing mailbox issues
Packages are held securely. You can receive packages as large as 2 ft × 2 ft × 2 ft, as long as they weigh under 50 lbs.
Pricing is predictable
Typical subscription plans:
These prices are very similar to a cheap PO box, but with far fewer limitations.
On Stowfly review pages, you’ll find direct comparisons from users who previously used PO boxes.
A frequent traveler wrote:
“Stowfly has been superior to a post office box because it’s less expensive, more flexible, and I’m not limited to post office hours.”
Another user mentioned that their apartment packages were always getting stolen, and:
“A PO box didn’t help because half my packages were UPS or FedEx. Stowfly fixed that instantly.”
Many reviewers also highlight:
With thousands of online reviews and high ratings, the feedback trend is clear: Stowfly solves problems PO boxes cannot.
Choose a USPS PO box IF:
Choose Stowfly or similar services IF:
The cheapest PO box might save a few dollars, but many users eventually realize it doesn’t solve the root problem: getting packages delivered safely, reliably, and conveniently.
For online shoppers, renters, digital nomads, business owners, and frequent travelers, a service like Stowfly often ends up being the more effective and frustration-free solution, and several users say it’s better than a PO box for real-world use.
More details about what you should know about package delivery stores near you are in this blog