Anytime Mailbox vs Earth Class Mail (aka Legal Zoom Mail)

So you’re researching virtual mailbox providers and it seems that you’ve narrowed it down to Anytime Mailbox or Legal Zoom Mail (formerly Earth Class Mail) – both great options. On the surface it may seem like all virtual address providers are the same, but they’re not. Before you commit to a virtual mailbox (which is hard to change!), here is what you need to know to compare the two providers and manage your mail with just a few clicks.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for international addresses and a budget-friendly option, Anytime Mailbox is the way to go.

Throughout the rest of this article, we’re going to compare both companies across a number of important categories. Use the navigational links to jump to a specific section, or simply scroll to read more:

• Comparing Virtual Mailbox Locations
• Comparing Online Mailbox Features
• Initial Setup & Form 1583
• Mail Forwarding Options
• Additional Features Compared
• Pricing Comparison

Let’s dive into a comparison of the two.

Comparing Virtual Mailbox Locations

The availability of location addresses, including international locations, is one of the most significant differences between Anytime Mailbox and Legal Zoom, especially for those who need to find a virtual mailbox in a country outside the United States.

• Anytime Mailbox offers an astounding 2,510 address locations worldwide. This global coverage includes addresses across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and other regions, making it an excellent choice for individuals and businesses needing international or local addresses. The examples below are limited to US addresses and as you can see in the photo, can include prestigious business addresses in major locations such as New York City.

• LegalZoom Virtual Mail (formerly Earth Class Mail) provides a more limited selection, focusing primarily on U.S.-based addresses. Their service emphasizes quality over quantity, offering reliable addresses in key business hubs. While international users may find this restrictive, the available addresses are well-suited for businesses needing a professional U.S. presence.

Key Consideration: Anytime Mailbox wins for sheer volume and geographic diversity. LegalZoom Mail is better for users who need high-quality U.S. business addresses.

Do your own research! Check out the available locations with each service:

• Anytime Mailbox locations
• Legal Zoom locations

Comparing Mailbox Features

Features are a key part of what makes a virtual mailbox service valuable. Both Anytime Mailbox and LegalZoom Mail offer strong feature sets, but with different focuses. Both services offer a digital mailbox that allows users to manage their mail online.

• Anytime Mailbox allows you to customize your service based on location, offering features like mail scanning, forwarding, shredding, package forwarding, and package receiving. Many locations also provide unique add-ons like check deposit services or in-person mail pickup, making it a versatile option for both individuals and businesses.

• LegalZoom Mail specializes in business-focused features, including robust mail scanning and document storage solutions. One standout offering is the integration with cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive, which can streamline document management for businesses. They also offer check deposits as a core feature, making them ideal for businesses that receive payments by mail. However, some features like mail shredding and additional storage may require an additional fee.

Key Consideration: Anytime Mailbox is better for users seeking flexibility, while LegalZoom Mail stands out for its business-centric features and seamless integrations.

Worth Noting: Legal Zoom Mail introduced a lot of unnecessary confusion with a co-branded offering. For example, if you’re logging in on your web browser, you’re going to your Legal Zoom dashboard. However, if you’re going to use a mobile app (described in detail below), then you’ll need to download the Earth Class Mail app.

Comparing Initial Setup

How long does it take to set up an account and start using a virtual address for Anytime Mailbox vs Legal Zoom Mail? With just a few clicks, you can complete the onboarding process and start managing your mail. Part of this is the onboarding process, but another important piece that some people forget about is the legal forms.

• Anytime Mailbox makes the setup process simple and user-friendly, with clear instructions and an online system for completing the required Form 1583. Since pricing and features vary by location, users can browse and choose the address that best suits their needs, although this can take some time.

• Legal Zoom Mail offers a streamlined setup process aimed at business users. The platform provides detailed guides to help you complete Form 1583 and get started quickly. Their standardization across all addresses simplifies the decision-making process, making it a faster setup overall.

Key Consideration: Anytime Mailbox offers more customization during setup, while LegalZoom Mail is faster to set up due to its simpler structure.

Comparing Mail Forwarding Options

Both services offer comprehensive forwarding services, but the differences in shipping options and cost vary significantly both between services and even among the different locations you can choose within each company.

• Anytime Mailbox partners with local providers, allowing users to choose from multiple shipping carriers such as USPS, FedEx, and DHL. The specific options depend on the location you select, giving you the ability to customize shipping based on cost or urgency. This flexibility is ideal for both domestic and international forwarding needs.

• LegalZoom Mail provides reliable forwarding through USPS and other carriers but does not offer as much flexibility in terms of shipping options. Their service is optimized for U.S.-based users, and international forwarding can sometimes involve additional delays or costs. It’s also worth noting that each location partners with different carriers, so it’s important to know which is important to you as you pick the location.

Key Consideration: Anytime Mailbox offers more flexibility and customization for forwarding services, especially for international users.

Comparing Additional Features

Virtual mailbox providers often include additional features that can significantly enhance their value.

• Anytime Mailbox locations frequently offer check deposit services, shredding, registered agent services, and other features that enhance their value. Additionally, many locations offer package storage options, providing flexibility for users who receive a high volume of mail and packages. Features vary by location, so you can tailor the service to your specific needs.
• LegalZoom Mail is designed with businesses in mind, offering cloud storage integration and automatic document sharing with team members. Their check deposit service is included in every plan, ensuring seamless handling of financial mail. LegalZoom Mail also offers unlimited scans, making it ideal for businesses that need extensive mail management. Strangely, LegalZoom Mail seems to separate out virtual mail services and registered agent services. Although any address can be used for registered agent services, LegalZoom seems to push you to pay an additional $250/year for this “additional service.”

Key Consideration: Anytime Mailbox takes the lead with a broader range of business-friendly features, particularly in regard to registered agent services.

Mobile App Comparison

A user-friendly mobile app can make managing your mail more convenient, allowing you to handle tasks with just a few clicks, especially for users who are frequently on the move.

• Anytime Mailbox provides a polished app that lets users view scanned mail, request forwarding, or shred documents directly from their phone. The app is intuitive and frequently updated, ensuring a seamless experience across iOS and Android devices.

• LegalZoom Mail’s app is functional but heavily focused on business users. While it allows you to view and manage mail, its design feels more utilitarian and less user-friendly compared to Anytime Mailbox’s app.

Key Consideration: Anytime Mailbox offers a superior mobile experience for general users, while LegalZoom Mail’s app caters more to business users. Be mindful of the fact that when searching for the app on the app store, you’re actually looking for the “Earth Class Mail” app and not the LegalZoom app, which is quite confusing.

Security and Trust

Security and trust are essential when it comes to virtual mailboxes. Users need to feel confident that their mail is being handled securely and that their personal and business information is protected. Virtual mailbox providers implement robust security measures to ensure that your mail is safe from unauthorized access. From secure mail scanning processes to encrypted digital storage, these services prioritize the confidentiality and integrity of your mail. This peace of mind is crucial for both individuals and businesses who rely on virtual mailboxes for their daily operations.

Business Address and Prestige

Having a virtual mailbox can also provide a level of prestige and professionalism, as users can use a real street address as their business address. This can be especially beneficial for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to establish a professional image.

Both Anytime Mailbox and LegalZoom Mail offer a range of address options, including physical addresses in desirable locations, to help businesses establish a professional presence. Furthermore, many banks accept virtual mailboxes as a valid business address, making it easy to open a business bank account and manage financial transactions. This added credibility can be a significant advantage for businesses looking to build trust with clients and partners.

Comparing Pricing Plans

Pricing structures are a major consideration, especially for users looking to balance cost with features.

• Anytime Mailbox uses a decentralized pricing model, where each location sets its own rates. While this makes researching a bit more difficult, it also means that youc an save a lot of money. Plans can start as low as $5/month, but premium locations or additional features can drive costs higher. See the example below to understand how this disparity can work.

• LegalZoom Mail offers standardized pricing starting at $29/month, with more advanced plans available for businesses. While the pricing is higher than many Anytime Mailbox locations, it includes premium features like cloud storage integration and unlimited mail storage, though some services may incur an additional fee. LegalZoom is banking on the fact that its user base will want to bundle services with a single provider and not do their research into cheaper options.

Key Consideration: Anytime Mailbox is more cost-effective for both individual users and business users, while LegalZoom Mail justifies its higher price by targeting high-spending business users only.

Understanding Virtual Mailboxes

Virtual mailboxes have revolutionized the way individuals and businesses manage their mail. With the rise of remote work and digital communication, the need for a physical mailbox has decreased, but the importance of having a reliable and secure way to receive and manage mail has not. Virtual mailboxes offer a modern solution, allowing users to access their mail from anywhere in the world, at any time. This convenience is particularly beneficial for digital nomads, small business owners, and anyone who values flexibility and efficiency in their mail management.

What is a Virtual Mailbox?

A virtual mailbox is a service that allows users to receive and manage their mail online. It provides a physical address where mail can be sent, and then the mail is scanned and uploaded to a digital platform for the user to access. Virtual mailbox providers, such as Anytime Mailbox and Earth Class Mail, offer a range of services including mail scanning, forwarding, and storage. This makes it easy for users to manage their mail from anywhere in the world. Whether you need a prestigious business address or a convenient way to handle personal mail, virtual mailboxes provide a versatile solution.

Benefits of Virtual Mailboxes

The benefits of virtual mailboxes are numerous. They provide a secure and reliable way to receive and manage mail, eliminating the need for a physical mailbox. Virtual mailboxes also offer flexibility and convenience, allowing users to access their mail from anywhere in the world, at any time. Additionally, virtual mailboxes can help reduce clutter and increase productivity, as users can easily sort and prioritize their mail digitally. Many virtual mailboxes, such as PostScan Mail, also offer features like mail shredding and check depositing, making it easy to manage sensitive documents and financial transactions.

Final Summary: Anytime Mailbox vs LegalZoom Mail

Both Anytime Mailbox and LegalZoom Mail are strong virtual mailbox providers, but they cater to different audiences. Anytime Mailbox is the best choice for users seeking flexibility, affordability, and a global address network. Its customizable features and extensive locations make it an excellent option for individuals and small businesses alike.

LegalZoom Mail, on the other hand, shines as a business-focused solution. With features like cloud storage integration, team sharing, and robust check deposit services, it’s well-suited for businesses that prioritize document management and professional mail handling.

In summary:

• Choose Anytime Mailbox if you need diverse address options, flexible, low-cost pricing, and a user-friendly experience.
• Choose LegalZoom Mail if you’re already a LegalZoom customer who doesn’t mind paying a premium for a product just because it’s part of the same ecosystem they use for their legal services.

Whichever provider you choose, both services can simplify mail management and help you stay organized no matter where you are.

Josh Summers

Josh Summers is a writer and entrepreneur who has been using a virtual mailbox for both personal and business use while living in Asia for the past 10 years. In addition to using multiple services, he has actually visited a number of virtual address locations to better understand how the industry works and what’s most important to consider.