When deciding between BusinessAnywhere and Traveling Mailbox, your choice depends on whether you need a platform for starting and managing a U.S. business or a robust virtual mail service. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- BusinessAnywhere: Best for entrepreneurs establishing a U.S. business. Offers LLC formation ($0 + state fees), registered agent services, unlimited mail scanning, and compliance tools. Plans start at $20/month.
- Traveling Mailbox: Ideal for mail management. Provides 52 U.S. address options, check deposit services, and cloud integrations. Plans start at $15/month.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | BusinessAnywhere | Traveling Mailbox |
|---|---|---|
| Business Formation | Yes, LLC, Corporation, PLLC | No |
| Registered Agent | Yes ($147/year after first year) | Not offered |
| Mail Scanning | Unlimited | Limited by plan (40–200 scans) |
| Pricing | $20–$65/month | $15–$25/month |
| Address Options | 16 U.S. locations | 52 U.S. locations |
Choose BusinessAnywhere for all-in-one business setup and management. Opt for Traveling Mailbox if you need mail handling with more address options.
BusinessAnywhere Overview
BusinessAnywhere is a comprehensive platform tailored for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and remote business owners looking to establish and maintain a legitimate U.S. business presence. It combines business formation, compliance support, and virtual mailbox services into one seamless solution, making it easier to manage every stage of the business lifecycle – from initial setup to ongoing compliance. This is especially helpful for international entrepreneurs and remote professionals who want U.S. business legitimacy without needing a physical office. Designed with a remote-first mindset, BusinessAnywhere allows users to manage their U.S. business operations from anywhere in the world.
Here’s a closer look at the platform’s key features and how they tackle challenges faced by remote business owners.
BusinessAnywhere Key Features
BusinessAnywhere offers a range of tools designed for remote entrepreneurs. Its virtual mailbox service doesn’t just handle mail – it provides a full digital mail management system. Users benefit from unlimited scanning, with mail processed and available online within two business days via a secure portal.
The platform also provides professional business addresses in states like Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming. These addresses meet banking and state registration requirements while boosting business credibility. To streamline mail handling, the service includes automatic junk mail filtering, saving time and reducing digital clutter. For those who frequently travel or relocate, global forwarding ensures uninterrupted business operations. Regular mail and packages are handled efficiently.
BusinessAnywhere also simplifies compliance by offering registered agent services, a requirement for LLCs and corporations in the U.S. This service ensures legal compliance while keeping personal information private. Additional compliance tools include automated reminders for annual renewals and filings, reducing the risk of missed deadlines. Other services include EIN application filing, S-Corp tax election assistance, and beneficial ownership reporting to meet federal regulations.
The platform’s reliability is highlighted by customer reviews. Rachel Haldims, an ecommerce entrepreneur, shared her experience, rating the service 4.9/5 stars and stating:
Perfect solution and service. I really needed an address for banking and business reasons.
Author Mariel Senry, after two years of using BusinessAnywhere, gave a perfect 5/5 rating, saying:
Your reliability is a huge plus.
BusinessAnywhere Pricing
BusinessAnywhere’s pricing model is straightforward and designed to be accessible. Business registration starts at $0 plus state fees, eliminating large upfront costs. The virtual mailbox service is offered in three tiers based on the number of mail recipients:
- Basic Plan: $20/month for up to 2 recipients
- Premium Plan: $30/month for up to 5 recipients
- Advanced Plan: $65/month for up to 20 recipients
All plans include unlimited mail and package handling, unlimited scanning, and global forwarding, with annual billing to simplify budgeting.
Registered agent services are free for the first year when bundled with business registration packages and cost $147 annually thereafter. Other services are available on a pay-as-you-go basis: EIN applications cost $97, S-Corp tax election filing is $97, and beneficial ownership reporting is $37. This à la carte pricing allows businesses to add services as needed, avoiding unnecessary upfront costs.
For those seeking a more comprehensive package, BusinessAnywhere offers discounted Digital Nomad Kits. U.S. citizens pay approximately $3,070 (discounted from $4,668), while non-U.S. individuals pay around $3,200 (discounted from $4,833). These packages include LLC registration, EIN filing, registered agent services, virtual mailbox access, compliance tools, and banking setup assistance.
The platform maintains a no-hidden-fee policy for its virtual mailbox services. Transparent pricing covers all aspects of mail handling, including scanning, storage, and document management. This approach ensures businesses can accurately plan their operational costs without unexpected charges.
Traveling Mailbox Overview
Since 2011, Traveling Mailbox has been a go-to solution for virtual mail management, catering to digital nomads, remote entrepreneurs, and frequent travelers. With a 3.2-star rating from 88 Google Reviews, it has built a weak reputation for reliability and well-known for their customer support issues.
Unlike services that rely on PO Boxes, Traveling Mailbox provides users with a real street address – ideal for banking and official registrations. This makes it a practical choice for those needing efficient virtual mail services. Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, it’s perfect for people constantly on the move. Its features are tailored to meet the needs of mobile professionals.
As a Certified Commercial Mail Receiving Agency with the USPS, Traveling Mailbox offers more than just convenience. Its street address option ensures compliance with official requirements, a critical detail for many users.
Customer feedback underscores its value. Lori Carruthers, who frequently relocates for work, shared:
Love the service and timely response to questions. Working overseas and switching locations and organizations — having a local address and the ability to review scanned mail timely has been essential.
Traveling Mailbox Key Features
Traveling Mailbox provides a range of features to simplify digital mail management. Users can view their postal mail online in PDF format, and the service includes mail scanning, digital storage, shredding, and package forwarding.
The mail scanning feature ensures incoming mail is processed and made available digitally, so users can review their correspondence without needing physical access. Importantly, the service only opens mail when users specifically request it, maintaining privacy and security.
Another standout feature is its remote check deposit service, allowing users to deposit checks without visiting a bank. Longtime customer Michael James Simon commented:
Traveling Mailbox is a great provider and platform. We have been using the service for several years and we’re very happy customers. All of our mail and packages are processed quickly and available on their user-friendly online platform. Scan requests, forwards and even bank deposits (a great service!) are easy, efficient and the entire offering is reasonably priced.
Additional features include global package forwarding, 24/7 customer support via phone, live chat, and email, and advanced security measures like 24/7 video surveillance, 256-bit SSL encryption, and Two-Factor Authentication to protect sensitive data. Users can also sync scanned mail with cloud storage platforms such as OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box.com. These tools make Traveling Mailbox a comprehensive option for managing mail on the go.
Traveling Mailbox Pricing
Traveling Mailbox offers tiered pricing based on mail scanning needs, with plans ranging from $15 to $159 per month.
- Basic Plan: $15/month, includes 40 envelope scans and 35 page scans – ideal for individuals with moderate mail needs.
- Extended Plan: $25/month, provides 100 envelope scans and 80 page scans.
- Small Business Plan: $55/month, includes 200 envelope scans and 150 page scans.
For users managing mail for multiple people, additional recipients can be added for $5 per month each.
This pricing structure is simple and designed for flexibility. Matt Krems, a satisfied customer, shared:
I have found the Traveling Mailbox service to be fantastic over the several years I have used it. It is super easy to set up and use and the scans are fast and high quality. I have recommended it to several of my traveling friends and would recommend it to anyone who finds themselves traveling often.
The service also offers a "cool-down" period after cancellation, ensuring users receive any remaining mail during the transition.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
When deciding between BusinessAnywhere and Traveling Mailbox, understanding their key differences can help you make an informed choice. BusinessAnywhere is tailored for entrepreneurs seeking business formation and management services, while Traveling Mailbox is designed for professionals needing robust virtual mail solutions.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | BusinessAnywhere | Traveling Mailbox |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Business Formation | Full LLC, Corporation, and PLLC formation services | Not available |
| Registered Agent Service | Available in all 50 states ($147/year after free first year) | Not clearly offered |
| Virtual Mailbox Locations | 16 locations – (expanding monthly) | 52 U.S.-based addresses (1 primary in NC, 51 premium locations) |
| Mail Scanning Limits | Unlimited scans included in all plans | Limited scans per plan (40–200 envelope scans depending on tier) |
| Pricing Range | Virtual mailbox: $20–$65/month | Virtual mailbox: $15–$55/month |
| Business Registration Support | $0 business formation + state fees | Not available |
| Check Deposit Service | Not mentioned | Available |
| Customer Support | 24/7 phone, live chat, and email | 24/7 phone, live chat, and email |
| International Accessibility | Open to everyone | Available worldwide |
| Online Notary Services | $37 per notarization | Not available |
| Package Forwarding | Unlimited global forwarding included | Global package forwarding available |
This table highlights the core features of each platform, offering a clear side-by-side comparison to help you assess their suitability for your needs.
Platform Strengths Summary
Taking a closer look at their strengths, each platform brings unique benefits to the table, catering to different types of users.
BusinessAnywhere is ideal for entrepreneurs who require more than just mail services. Its standout feature is the $0 LLC formation (state fees apply), making it a valuable option for those starting a business in the U.S.. The platform also provides registered agent services in 16 states, which is crucial for compliance. Additionally, it offers unlimited mail scanning for all plans, ensuring users never have to worry about exceeding limits.
Beyond mail services, BusinessAnywhere includes tools like online notarization, EIN applications, and compliance support. This makes it particularly appealing to digital nomads and international entrepreneurs looking to establish a legitimate U.S. business presence.
On the other hand, Traveling Mailbox shines as a dedicated virtual mail management solution. With 52 U.S.-based addresses, it offers more geographic flexibility compared to BusinessAnywhere’s limited locations. All mail is processed through a central headquarters, ensuring consistent quality and reliability. The platform also includes features like check deposit services, integration with popular cloud storage platforms, and 24/7 customer support. For users with varying mail volumes, the ability to roll over unused scans adds extra value.
It’s worth noting that the $15/month basic plan for Traveling Mailbox is only available for its Sanford, NC location. Other locations range from $19.95 to $24.95 per month, which can increase costs by up to 66%.
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Best Fit for Different User Types
User Types and Requirements
Selecting the right platform depends on your specific business needs and priorities. Both BusinessAnywhere and Traveling Mailbox cater to distinct user profiles, offering tailored features to meet diverse requirements.
Remote entrepreneurs starting new businesses often lean toward BusinessAnywhere because it combines business formation services with virtual mailbox solutions. Its $0 LLC formation option (excluding state fees) simplifies the process of establishing a U.S. business presence. This all-in-one service is particularly appealing for those looking to handle both company registration and mail management in one place.
Digital nomads benefit differently from each platform. BusinessAnywhere provides unlimited mail scanning without extra charges, making it ideal for users who deal with fluctuating mail volumes and prefer predictable costs. On the other hand, Traveling Mailbox offers greater geographic flexibility, boasting a wider selection of U.S.-based addresses compared to BusinessAnywhere’s focus on Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
International founders setting up U.S. businesses are drawn to BusinessAnywhere for its streamlined approach. Its Digital Nomad Kit simplifies the entire process by offering services like forming a Wyoming-based LLC, providing a U.S. virtual address, appointing a registered agent, obtaining an EIN, and offering video consultations for tax and residency advice.
Established businesses with high mail volumes might prefer Traveling Mailbox. Its Extended Plan includes a rollover scan feature, allowing unused scans to carry over to the next month. Additionally, its integration with tools like Evernote, Bill.com, Google Drive, and Dropbox makes it easier to incorporate mail management into existing workflows.
Security-conscious users should note that both platforms prioritize safety with measures like 24/7 surveillance and background-checked staff. However, it’s important to consider that some banks may not accept CMRA addresses as a primary address, which could affect businesses looking to open accounts or establish credit relationships.
Below are real-world examples that showcase how these platforms address various operational needs.
Real-World Use Cases
To better understand how each platform meets user demands, let’s look at some practical scenarios:
A freelance consultant traveling between Europe and Asia might find BusinessAnywhere’s unlimited scanning feature invaluable, especially if they also need to establish a U.S. LLC for tax purposes. The platform’s junk mail filtering ensures that only important correspondence is highlighted, while global forwarding guarantees timely delivery of critical documents.
An e-commerce entrepreneur managing multiple online stores could benefit from Traveling Mailbox’s check deposit service and cloud storage integrations. The ability to deposit checks remotely and sync documents with platforms like Google Drive streamlines financial operations. Plus, 24/7 customer support ensures quick assistance for urgent matters.
A tech startup founder incorporating in Delaware but operating internationally might rely on BusinessAnywhere’s registered agent services, available in all 50 states. Compliance alerts help avoid missed filing deadlines, and the online notary service, priced at $37 per notarization, makes remote document authentication straightforward.
Military personnel and their families may find Traveling Mailbox appealing due to its military discounts and policies, such as excluding minors from recipient limits. These features make it a cost-effective and practical solution for families frequently on the move.
Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you need a full-service platform that combines business formation, compliance, and mail management (BusinessAnywhere) or a focused, efficient mail management solution (Traveling Mailbox).
Conclusion
For comprehensive business formation, compliance services, and efficient mail management BusinessAnywhere is the better choice.
BusinessAnywhere simplifies U.S. business formation with standout features like $0 LLC setup (state fees not included), nationwide registered agent services, unlimited mail scanning, and a Digital Nomad Kit valued at approximately $3,070 for U.S. citizens. On the other hand, Traveling Mailbox specializes in mail management, offering a variety of U.S. address options and flexible pricing plans starting at $15 per month.
If you’re launching a new venture and need tools like LLC setup, registered agent support, and compliance assistance, BusinessAnywhere provides an all-in-one solution. However, for those with an established business seeking cost-effective mail handling and a range of address options, Traveling Mailbox is a practical choice.
Both platforms excel in their respective areas – business formation and mail management – helping remote entrepreneurs maintain a professional U.S. business presence. Consider your specific needs to determine the service that best supports your remote business journey.
FAQs
What services make BusinessAnywhere unique compared to Traveling Mailbox?
BusinessAnywhere offers transparent pricing starting at $20 per month, along with perks like unlimited mail scanning and registered agent support. It’s a great option for entrepreneurs looking to streamline business compliance.
In contrast, Traveling Mailbox specializes in digital mail management, providing services like mail forwarding and storage – a perfect fit for digital nomads and frequent travelers.
The main distinction? BusinessAnywhere focuses on simple, business-specific solutions, while Traveling Mailbox prioritizes flexible mail handling for people constantly on the go.
How does BusinessAnywhere help international entrepreneurs start a U.S. business?
BusinessAnywhere streamlines the process of launching a U.S. business for international entrepreneurs by offering business registration services across all 50 states. They provide tailored support, including help with securing an EIN (Employer Identification Number), ensuring that global clients have the resources they need.
Focusing on remote convenience, BusinessAnywhere enables entrepreneurs to establish and manage an LLC or other business entity while staying compliant with U.S. regulations. Their services allow business owners from around the world to lay the groundwork for a U.S.-based company without needing to set foot in the country.
What should I consider when deciding if BusinessAnywhere is right for my virtual mail needs?
When considering BusinessAnywhere for your virtual mail needs, it’s important to look at a few key factors: address credibility, mail handling capabilities, and pricing. Check if the service offers a professional street address that fits your business image and meets requirements for banking or compliance purposes.
You’ll also want to evaluate the ease of setup, storage options, and how dependable the platform is overall. Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into user satisfaction, helping you decide if this service aligns with the needs of remote entrepreneurs, digital nomads, or small business owners like yourself.
