One 2024 study found one in six U.S. adults had a package stolen after delivery. What’s more, package theft usually gets worse around the holidays, when eight out of 10 Americans have a delivery stolen.
If you work from home like I do, you can usually stay on top of deliveries and get them inside before passerby spot them. But for those who are away from home more frequently, an outdoor lockbox could be the answer. Here’s everything you need to know about buying a package lockbox in 2025.
Budget cameras and porch lights used to be enough, but today’s porch pirates don’t care about these security measures. Enter the modern package lockbox, an old-school idea updated with smart home tech that hides your deliveries and keeps them locked away. Some models even let you monitor deliveries from your phone.
How does a package lockbox work?
They’re dedicated cabinets or chests, usually the size of a trash bin, that sit by your door. They have receptacles for larger packages that don’t fit in traditional mailboxes. Styles range from discreet “blends into your porch” bins to statement pieces; some even double as benches or planters.
Delivery people secure packages in the box and they stay safe until you can retrieve them. Package lockboxes have been used for centuries. Some connect to Alexa or Google Home, send alerts when a package arrives, and let you assign delivery codes.
Can porch pirates get in?
Nope! These boxes are secured with a code and accessible only to you, and delivery drivers usually deposit your package into a deposit tray that opens into a larger compartment once the lid is shut.
Do delivery drivers actually use them?
Most delivery drivers will comply if you ask them to use a lockbox. Certain boxes work with Amazon Key, FedEx Delivery Manager, and UPS MyChoice, so couriers know exactly how to drop off safely.
How much do they cost?
Expect $200–$300 for a solid lockbox; smart models with keypads or Wi-Fi can run closer to $400.
Porch lockbox alternatives
Sometimes alternatives like smart garage access or an Amazon Key In-Garage make more sense. If you live in an apartment, using Amazon Hub or a UPS Access Point might be your best bet. Use your best judgment to figure out the solution that’s right for you.
