If you work in an office and routinely have to mail out reports, surveys or other printed materials, chances are good that bubble mailers are the lifeblood of your work routine. Bubble mailers protect your company’s important documents as they make their way through the postal system.
There are several options out there for bubble mailers that can best suit your needs. For instance, if you want a mailer that’s durable and simple to use, Duck Brand Bubble Wrap Cushioned Poly Mailers are the ideal choice.
What to know before you buy a bubble mailer
Dimensions
Knowing the dimensions you’ll need for the type of documents or materials you’ll be sending is the first step in determining the best bubble mailer for your office needs. You’ll need a size that is big enough to fit your items, but not too big for them to be sloshing around — plus, the bigger it is, the more you’ll have to pay for shipping. Common sizes are 4-by-8 inches, 6.5-by-10 inches or 8.5-by-12 inches, so be sure to know the dimensions of the paper or product that you’ll be sending before picking a size.
Durability
Mail can take quite a beating as it gets from one destination to the next. Picking out a durable bubble mailer can ensure your documents get where they need to go without getting scuffed up. Poly covers tend to be more durable than paper and thicker bubbles protect the contents of your mail better than thinner ones.
External cover
The outside of a bubble mailer will either consist of poly or kraft paper. Kraft paper is easy to write on with a pen but isn’t waterproof. Poly exteriors, on the other hand, are harder to write on unless you have a marker, but are waterproof and more durable. For more information about the best writing supplies for addressing your mailer, check out the full ink pen buying guide from BestReviews.
Bubble mailer features
Number
Mailers are typically sold in multipacks; if you’re buying in bulk, you can find multipacks most commonly in either 25 or 50 mailers. Few manufacturers let you buy individual mailers, since it’s typically unrealistic to need to buy just one at a time for an office setting.
Color
Kraft paper bubble mailers come with a classic orange-brown exterior, whereas poly exteriors are offered in a wide assortment of colors, which can be especially useful if you’d like to color-code certain types of mail by category or destination.
Space for address
Some bubble mailers include a space on the front, often a series of lines, in which you can write mailing and return addresses. While not strictly necessary, writing neatly between the lines helps maintain a tidy presentation for your mail.
Comes with an adhesive close
Bubble mailers come with an adhesive close. Assembling your package is as simple as peeling off the backing, folding the mailer down and sealing it tightly. The strength of the adhesive will determine whether it actually stays shut for the duration of its journey, but should still be easy to open upon arrival with either a letter opener or a tug at the corner.
Bubble mailer cost
Bubble mailer multipacks cost $10-$30. Individually, this breaks down to anywhere from 50 cents to $1 or more. It all depends on whether the cover is poly or kraft paper, the thickness of the bubbles and the quality of the adhesive seal.
Bubble mailer FAQ
What’s the difference between a padded envelope and a bubble mailer?
A. Padded envelopes are almost always made with kraft paper and are typically padded with cardboard instead of bubbles. Bubble mailers, on the other hand, offer water-resistant or waterproof protection, bubbles for cushioning and options for a poly cover, which is more durable than kraft paper.
Can I mail things other than paper in a bubble mailer?
A. Absolutely. Just be sure to keep in mind that you’ll pay shipping per weight, which will normally be more expensive for non-paper mail. Additionally, you may opt to include inner bubble wrap to further protect delicate items like jewelry or art.
Which bubble mailer should I get?
Best of the best bubble mailer
Duck Brand Bubble Wrap Cushioned Poly Mailers: available at Amazon
Our take: This fan-favorite may cost more than others, but is worth the extra cost for its durability and protection.
What we like: These mailers have it all: extra-large bubbles for added protection, lines on the front for writing in addresses and waterproof poly exteriors. They also come in various size options and are available in packs of 25.
What we dislike: This mailer is on the pricey side. A few users reported issues with the adhesive close, though most reviews were glowing.
Best bang for your buck bubble mailer
HBlife Kraft Bubble Mailers: available at Amazon
Our take: A no-frills option at a great price point, these mailers will get your documents where they need to go safely and effectively.
What we like: These mailers are light and will save money on weight per mailing cost. They come with an adhesive close, kraft paper exterior and various size options. They are offered in packs of 50.
What we dislike: They are a bit thinner than others, which reflects the lower price point.
Honorable mention bubble mailer
Metronic Lined Poly Bubble Mailers: available at Amazon
Our take: These mailers come in all sorts of colors and shapes, making them a great way to visually distinguish different categories of mail.
What we like: These flexible mailers are waterproof, bendable and easy to attach labels to. They’re available in many colors and sizes.
What we dislike: Some users complained that the adhesive strips fell off and that the colored exteriors faded over time.
Micayla Mead is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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