Here’s Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Mailbox Security Cameras

When I first encountered a client, who wanted me to consult on mailbox security cameras, I thought he was crazy. I mean, who wants to put surveillance on their mailbox when so many other vital areas of the house need proper security?

However, I was soon proved wrong. As I looked deeper into the matter, I realized the importance of installing effective mailbox security cameras to protect your important letters, documents, and packages. However, what truly changed my mind was an incident that occurred soon after. 

It so happened that a few months ago, my mailbox was vandalized. To date, I still fail to understand why anyone would have any interest in my letters or packages. However, it did happen, and then, as destiny would have it, I got requests from multiple clients about securing their mailboxes. And you wouldn’t believe that USPS also posted about it.

So in this post, I will cover all the aspects related to mailbox security in great depth and will talk about the legalities of putting up a camera on or near your mailbox. Let’s get started with the legal aspect first.

Can I Put a Camera in My Mailbox?

The short answer to the question: “Can you put a camera on your mailbox?” is a clear Yes. 

However, there is a very thin line between what you can do and can’t. And if you side up with what you can’t, then it has legal ramifications.

If your mailbox is a postal service property, then installing any camera inside the box is an offense. 

However, if it belongs to you, you can put any camera anywhere, provided it doesn’t infringe on the privacy of your neighbors. 

And in my 30 years of experience, most people still fail to realize what invades their neighbors’ privacy. 

You need to position all your outdoor surveillance cameras such that they do not look upon any part of your neighbors’ property, as otherwise, you will end up violating their right to privacy. 

Therefore, you need to be extra cautious while installing cameras in or around your house. 

Another thing that I would suggest is to check up with your postal office before installing any cameras. It’s always better to get permission from the enforcement agencies in such matters. 

Now, since we have got legalities out of our way, let’s move on to setting the expectations straight to select the right mailbox security camera.

How to Select the Right Mailbox Surveillance Camera?

I have seen that people tend to get carried away whenever selecting the right surveillance device for their homes.

They either drop all their money on a costly item with fancy features that they don’t even need or buy something completely useless that doesn’t serve their intended purpose. 

So I have compiled a list of the factors that will help you make a sensible decision that saves both time and money:

Fits the Purpose

Ideally, I shouldn’t have to explain that the device or camera you buy should fit your intended purpose. 

However, as my recent experience with a client has shown, some people need to have everything spelled out for them.  

The client, a middle-aged gentleman, was so psyched at the thought of getting a mailbox camera that he was willing to splurge a huge amount of money to secure his mailbox. However, the device he had selected was way too expensive and unfit for the task as it was an indoor camera without infrared night vision. 

It took a considerable amount of convincing to make him understand that the purpose of a mailbox camera is to deter any episode of vandalism and or at least capture footage of the act to help identify the culprit. 

Once he finally understood what I had been trying to tell him all along, he ended up getting a suitable device and also saved money into the bargain.

High-Resolution Footage with Night Vision

The most crucial factor to consider when buying a mailbox security camera is the resolution or quality of the security footage and whether it can effectively capture images or video at night. 

It’s a fact that most acts of vandalism occur during the dark, and if the camera is not equipped to function during nighttime, then there is absolutely no point installing it in the first place.  

I would recommend that you at least get a 4MP camera with infrared night vision to enjoy a good night’s sleep without worrying about your mailbox or outdoor security.

Weather-Resistance

Needless to say that the camera that you choose should be able to withstand any harsh weather conditions, be it snow, cyclone, humidity, or heat. 

Therefore, always check for the temperature range your mailbox security camera can withstand while providing the best output.

Since most mailboxes are located in yards with sprinklers or are exposed to other forms of moisture like rainfall and dew, make sure to check whether your camera is waterproof as well. 

Size Matters

Do you want to advertise your mailbox camera to miscreants, or do you want it to be discreet? I think you get the drift. 

My advice is to go for small-sized cameras that are easy to hide. Here’s some perspective; mailboxes are generally around 6.25 – 11 inches wide, 6-15 inches high, and 18 – 22 inches long. Any camera you buy to secure your mailbox should be able to fit within these dimensions.

Another reason you should keep your security camera hidden is that the presence of a camera may actually end up attracting miscreants to your mailbox.

Once they see the camera, they may feel that your mailbox has some valuable packages, or they may simply damage your camera and mailbox out of sheer perversity.

Distance from Home

While this factor is losing its significance with every passing day as the world slowly becomes wireless, some people still prefer to set up things the old-fashioned way.

For those who still prefer connecting their camera via cables, the distance between your house and the camera installation spot can pose power and voltage fluctuations problems. 

Additionally, these wires have to be concealed properly, lest they turn your yard into an eyesore. You also need to secure them against damage from external elements like extreme temperatures and moisture, with wear and tear.

Check for Compatibility

Though this is not a make-or-break factor for me, some people insist that their mailbox security surveillance cameras are compatible with smart home platforms like Samsung SmartThings and Apple HomeKit.

I personally believe that it is not a necessary criterion and mostly turns into a nuisance. Nonetheless, it’s mentioned on the list for the sake of all the tech-savvy homeowners out there. 

Now that we have listed all the factors that you should consider before buying a security camera for your mailbox; let’s move on to the actual list of the best mailbox spy cameras.

My Top 2 Picks For The Best Mailbox Security Cameras

I combined my experience as a home security expert and the knowledge I accumulated over 30 years of consultations and crime scene examinations with my recent foray into mailbox security to bring you this list of the best mailbox surveillance cameras.

Arlo Pro 4

Around 6 months ago, I installed the Arlo Pro 4 for one of my regular clients. Her main concern was securing the garage doors. 

However, when I visited her place, I soon realized that a single camera could cover the garage and the mailbox. And we zeroed down on the Arlo Pro 4 for her. 

The main reason for choosing Arlo Pro 4 was its superior video quality and compatibility with the Apple Homekit, an added advantage for the client. 

So let’s take a look at the specs first, and then I will let you know what I liked and disliked about the product.

Key Features:	Details
Connectivity	Wi-Fi: Yup! It’s a wireless mailbox camera.
Power	Rechargeable Batteries: One charge lasts for 6 months!
Video Modes	720p, 1080p and 2k
Night Vision	Yes
Operating Temperature	-20 to 45 degree celsius
Compatibility	SmartThings, Apple Homekit, IFTTT, Alexa
Camera Coverage	160 degrees

What I Like About the Arlo Pro 4:

When I went back to my client to check if everything was working fine, she showed me the picture quality. I have to admit I was pretty impressed. Moreover, the picture didn’t pixelate when she zoomed in. So a big thumbs up for that.

Another thing I do like about it is the broad coverage range of the camera.

What I Don’t Like About the Arlo Pro 4:

It is on the higher side of the price range. Also, the video history is available under a special subscription plan, for which you need to pay more.  

If you are still interested in learning more about this camera, might I suggest checking it out on Amazon? 

It’s a good option in the wireless category and can be easily managed or controlled via syncing with your smart home devices, such as SmartThings or HomeKit.

Reolink Argus 2

Over the last decade or so, Reolink has genuinely bowled me over with its product range. Not only is their performance better than most of their competitors, but their product design is also a level above the rest. 

Though it’s a different matter, I value function more than form. Yet, if form comes along with function, you know you have a winner on hand.

I have also installed the Argus 2 camera outside my house to keep an eye on my garage and mailbox. Since it has a wide-angle, one camera is enough to cover both.

You can find the specs listed down below:

Key Features:	Details
Connectivity	Wi-Fi: It’s time to get rid of all the cables that are destroying your yard’s appearance.
Power	Rechargeable batteries: All your power issues are solved.
Camera	1080p Full HD: For better clarity
Night Vision	Yes: Ability to capture till 33 feet
Weather Resistance	IP65 Certified: Can withstand the elements.
Compatibility	Google Assistant and Alexa: You can control your mailbox security using simple voice commands.

What I Like About Argus 2:

There are a couple of things that I like about the product. 

1. Superior Weather Resistance: The camera’s ability to withstand harsh weather conditions is genuinely impressive. I installed it around a year back at my house, and its performance has not deteriorated even though we had experienced heavy snow this fall. 

2. Easy Installation: The printed instructions were clear enough for my thick-skulled son to install the device.

What I don’t like about Argus 2:

I found a lag in the motion detector, and the video is a bit choppier as the maximum video speed is only 15 frames per second.

I have read online that a similar problem is there in their 2-way audio system, but I cannot comment on it as I don’t use that feature much.

Points to Note:

1. SD card for storage (if you want) doesn’t come with the camera.
2. The camera is solar-powered, but the panels need to be purchased separately.

I will recommend checking out this camera and its best features on Amazon, too.

Final Verdict On Mailbox Security Cameras

I don’t believe in listing down many products as I think it makes life more complicated. That’s why I have listed down the 2 best wireless mailbox cameras for you. 

My recommendation is to go for Arlo Pro 4 if your budget allows it, as it is a superior product with top-of-the-line features. 

However, if you are on a budget and cannot afford to splurge, then go for Reolink Argus 4. As mentioned earlier, I have installed Reolink at my house, but then my primary purpose was entirely different. 

Therefore, I would say that make your choice judiciously. Take all the time you need and be diligent in your research. 

Also, do let me know if I should try out any other product on the market or if you would like me to discuss any other aspect of your home’s outdoor security.