Earth Class Mail and In Out Parcel both offer real US street addresses, scan your mail to PDF, and forward packages worldwide. The core capabilities overlap more than you’d expect. Where they diverge — and where your actual cost changes — is how they charge you and what kind of user they’re built for.
Earth Class Mail runs on monthly subscription plans with a strong focus on digital mail management and enterprise-grade features like OCR, automated workflows, and check deposit. In Out Parcel charges no monthly fee at all — you get the full virtual mailbox toolkit and pay only when something actually arrives, with the option to pick up packages in person 24/7 if you’re near the BC border. Here’s the honest breakdown so you can pick the model that fits.
The Quick Comparison
| In Out Parcel | Earth Class Mail | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $0 — pay per item | Subscription (varies by location, often ~$19–30/mo) |
| What you pay | $4.25 per package or letter received | Monthly plan + per-scan and forwarding add-ons |
| Locations | One: Point Roberts, WA | Multiple US locations |
| Mail scanning | Yes — scanned to PDF, included | Yes — advanced OCR, automated workflows |
| Forwarding | Yes — worldwide | Yes — forwarding fees apply |
| Check deposit | No | Yes — mobile deposit to your bank |
| Shred / dispose unwanted mail | Yes | Yes |
| Use it without ever visiting | Yes — scan + forward from anywhere | Yes — fully digital experience |
| In-person pickup | Optional: 24/7 self-serve automated lockers | Not typically offered |
| Track record | Serving the border since 2014 · 4.9★ from 700+ Google reviews | Established brand, owned by Anytime Mailbox parent |
| Best for | Anyone who wants a full US mailbox with no monthly fee — or 24/7 physical pickup near the BC border | Digital-first businesses that need OCR, check deposit, and enterprise workflows |
Where Earth Class Mail Shines
Earth Class Mail’s real advantage is its digital mail management platform. It’s built for users who want more than just a scanned PDF — you get OCR (optical character recognition) that makes your mail text-searchable, automated workflows to route mail by sender or type, and mobile check deposit so you can deposit checks directly to your bank account without ever touching the paper.
If you’re running a business that receives a lot of mail and needs automated sorting, searchable archives, and integrations with your existing systems, Earth Class Mail’s enterprise-focused feature set is a genuine edge. The platform is designed to replace physical mail handling entirely, with a digital-first experience that goes beyond what most virtual mailboxes offer.
For users who need advanced mail processing and value a fully digital, hands-off approach, that’s a real strength.
Where In Out Parcel Shines
In Out Parcel does everything a subscription virtual mailbox does — receive mail and packages, scan them to PDF, forward them anywhere in the world, or shred what you don’t want — and charges no monthly fee for any of it. The full toolkit is free to keep; you pay $4.25 per package or letter received and $0 in the months nothing arrives. Credit never expires.
That pricing model isn’t a stripped-down “free tier” — it’s how the entire service works. A few things set it apart:
- No monthly fee is the whole point. You don’t pay to keep the address alive. For occasional, seasonal, or unpredictable mail volume, that costs dramatically less than a subscription you pay year-round — even the lowest-tier plan. See the full no-monthly-fee breakdown.
- Full service, not lite. Scan your letters to PDF, forward packages worldwide, hold or shred — all from the online portal, without ever visiting. Same capabilities; different price model.
- Or pick up yourself, 24/7. If you’re near the BC border, grab your packages from 2,000+ secure automated lockers any time of day — no postage, no counter wait, just a 6-digit PIN. The Point Roberts / Tsawwassen crossing is typically shorter than the Peace Arch or Pacific Highway lineups. (How pickup works.)
- Proven at scale. In Out Parcel has been serving the border since 2014 and holds a 4.9★ rating from 700+ Google reviews — one of the highest-rated virtual mailbox operations anywhere.
The Cost Difference, Concretely
With Earth Class Mail, you’re paying a monthly plan plus per-scan and forwarding fees on top. With In Out Parcel, there’s no base fee — just the per-item receiving charge.
Example — 5 items in a year:
- In Out Parcel: 5 × $4.25 = $21.25 for the year.
- A subscription at ~$20/mo: roughly $240 for the year, whether you received anything or not — plus any scanning or forwarding add-ons.
The subscription model only pulls ahead if you’re receiving a heavy, steady volume every single month and you’re actively using the advanced features like OCR and check deposit. For most Canadians who use a US address for occasional online shopping, seasonal deals, or keeping a bank statement address, pay-per-use costs a fraction of a year-round plan. Full pricing details are on our rates page.
What About Switching?
Already on Earth Class Mail? Switching is straightforward:
- Register with In Out Parcel — free, takes a few minutes. You’ll get a real US street address (145 Tyee Dr, #your Customer ID, Point Roberts, WA 98281) immediately.
- Update your shipping addresses at your retailers, banks, and subscriptions to the new address.
- Keep your old mailbox active for a month or two to catch stragglers, then cancel the subscription.
There’s no commitment and no monthly fee ticking while you decide — your In Out Parcel address stays ready whether you use it this month or not.
So Which Should You Choose?
- Choose In Out Parcel if you want a US mailbox with no monthly fee — whether you have everything scanned and forwarded or you pick up 24/7 near the border. Best for occasional or seasonal use, and for Canadians who want physical pickup as an option.
- Choose Earth Class Mail if you need advanced digital mail management — OCR, automated workflows, check deposit — and you’re running a business that receives enough mail every month to justify the subscription cost.
For head-to-head comparisons with other subscription providers, see iPostal1 vs In Out Parcel and Anytime Mailbox vs In Out Parcel.
Same full service, no monthly fee. If you’re paying a subscription just to keep a US address alive, get your free US address — receive, scan, forward, or shred, and pay only when something actually arrives.