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We analyzed more than 100 quotes and 7,000 customer reviews to pick PODS as a better moving container company than U-Haul U-Box.
Our pick
4.6
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Low final prices
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Top-notch containers
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📞 866-229-4120
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Best availability
3.9
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Low initial prices
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20,000 locations
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📞 877-848-3857
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By Kurt Manwaring
May 10, 2024
5 min read
Our top pick: We give PODS the nod over U-Haul U-Box. While U-Haul has more locations, PODS has much better container quality, customer satisfaction scores, and is slightly cheaper when you apply discounts.
PODS vs. U-Box pricing
When it comes to comparing prices of U-Box vs. PODS, the two have close final costs. While U-Box has lower initial quotes, PODS has a 10% discount for Move.org readers that levels the playing field. We compared 48 quotes across four home sizes and six distances ranging from local moves to cross-country trips. The result? The average post-discount price for a typical move with PODS is around $3,500, and U-Box is approximately $3,700 (the industry average is $3,870).
PODS vs. U-Box price comparison
| PODS (after discount) | U-Box | |
| Average cost | $3500 | $3700 |
| Discounts |
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| Taxes included in quote |
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Data as of May 2024. Offers and availability may vary and are subject to change. Average cost calculated by comparing moving costs for four home sizes across four distances.
Move.org is serious about research. The more work we do behind the scenes, the more benefit you get when researching your move. We asked PODS and U-Box for nearly 50 moving quotes. Each company gave us estimates for four home sizes and six distances (neither company includes taxes). As a result, we’re able to make specific recommendations for a wide variety of moves.
Save 10% on your moving container
Get your online PODS discount for Move.org readers—or call 866-229-4120 and ask for promo code "MOVEORG."
PODS vs. U-Box price comparison by distance
PODS has two moving container discounts that can save you hundreds of dollars (U-Box doesn’t have any deals):
- Move.org readers: PODS gives a discount for Move.org readers. That adds up to around $400 in savings for a cross-country move and wipes out U-Box’s overall price advantage.
- Long-term storage: PODS offers free delivery and pickup with the purchase of three months of storage. Depending on how much stuff you have, that adds up to hundreds of dollars you can use for other moving expenses like packing supplies, hourly labor, or a housewarming party.
When you apply PODS’s 10% discount for Move.org readers, the average cost for a moving container is around $3,500, which is $200 less than U-Box's average price.
Winner: PODS
Self-storage vs. portable storage
Self-storage is when you keep your belongings in a storage unit. Portable storage means you can store your belongings in a moving container at your home or the warehouse of a company like PODS or U-Box.
PODS vs. U-Box availability
It’s way easier to find a U-Box than a PODS moving container. While PODS has 184 facilities spread throughout most of the country, U-Box boasts 20,000 locations in all 50 states (U-Box is a U-Haul product—a moving company that seems like it’s on almost every street corner).
PODS vs. U-Box locations
Locations | PODS | U-Box |
| # of states | 46 | 50 |
|---|---|---|
| # of locations | 184 | 20,000 |
Data as of April 2024.
There’s no question which company has the advantage here. U-Box has more locations in a single state than PODS has in the entire country.
Winner: U-Box
PODS vs. U-Box customer experience
PODS and U-Box are polar opposites when it comes to customer experience. PODS has the highest customer rating of our top moving container companies (4.6 out of 5 stars), while U-Box has the lowest score of any company we’ve seen (2.3 stars).
Why such a big difference? It’s not diplomatic, but U-Box customer service is shoddy. Company reps often give incorrect answers to basic questions and are skittish about explaining hidden fees (like a pricey $99-per-container delivery charge). Waiting for a supervisor can take upwards of an hour. And you’re never sure how much your move will cost. When it’s all over, you’re often confused and frustrated.
By contrast, it’s easy to get straight answers from PODS reps. These folks are some of the best in the business. They’re quick to provide answers to your questions, and the company shies away from U-Box-like hidden fees. Not to mention PODS customers rave about the company’s on-time delivery and professional drivers.
Would you rather have friendly customer service reps who give you straightforward answers—or confusing voices on the phone that treat basic questions (like final prices) as if they’re the toughest categories in the history of Jeopardy? We’ll take “Easy Answers” for $100, Alex.
Winner: PODS
What to expect when moving with pods
We paid a family to move using PODS in exchange for their candid feedback, and found customers love the fact that PODS doesn’t have hidden fees.
PODS vs. U-Box container quality
Customers looking for sturdy container quality will like what PODS has to offer. PODS uses steel construction (much stronger than U-Box’s plywood) and even provides impact-resistant wall paneling for extra protection. On the other hand, the U-Box container uses the flimsiest construction materials on the market. Although its plastic cover offers surprisingly good protection in a rainstorm, PODS has better quality to begin with.
This comes down to a company with Superman-like containers (PODS) vs. a company that makes containers out of cheap materials (U-Box). It’s not hard to pick the champion.
Winner: PODS
PODS vs. U-Box container sizes
PODS has three container sizes to choose from, while U-Box has only one. Container options matter because not every home size is the same. If you need to move a large home, PODS can get the job done with two large containers (U-Box needs seven of its standard-sized containers).
PODS container sizes compared to U-Box
Container size | PODS | U-Box |
| Small | 8 ft. x 7 ft. x 8 ft. | 7 ft. 11 in. x 4 ft. 8 in. x 6 ft. 11 in. |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | 12 ft. x 8 ft. x 8 ft. | NA |
| Large | 16 ft. x 8 ft. x 8 ft. | NA |
Data as of April 2024. Container sizes are estimates. Customers are responsible for assessing the container capacity for their belongings.
The U-Box container has its advantages, though. For example, if you’re moving a modest one-room apartment, the small and poorly-constructed U-Box container can save you money. But if you’re looking for flexibility, PODS gives you options. U-Box doesn’t.
Winner: PODS
PODS vs. U-Box services
PODS and U-Box offer mostly similar services. Both companies transport moving containers and provide portable storage at your home or a company facility. You can also purchase insurance coverage through each of them (PODS has more options, but U-Box is cheaper).
PODS vs. U-Box services comparison
| Service | PODS | U-Box |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage name | Contents Protection | Safestor Mobile |
| Warehouse storage coverage |
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| At-home storage coverage |
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| Protection coverage range | $5,000 – $300,000 | $1,000 – $20,000 |
| Monthly cost range | $34.95 – $469.95 | $12.00 – $40.00 |
| Deductible | $100 | $100 |
Data as of 10/20/20. Prices and availability may vary and are subject to change. Individuals should review their rental contract—including addendums—for a complete description of the policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions.
There are pros and cons in the comparison of Uhaul U-Box vs. PODS. Ultimately, Uhaul pods cost less, but PODS has more options—and more coverage. That alone is enough to make it a better option, but PODS is also the only of the two companies to provide coverage if you store your moving container at your home. And if you purchase insurance coverage, you kind of want your stuff to be . . . covered.
Winner: PODS
Our pick: PODS
In the comparison of PODS vs. U-Box, PODS is better than U-Box in nearly every way. If you’re looking at containers, PODS has three steel construction sizes, while Uhaul pods have a single plywood option. If you care about insurance, PODS is the only company with at-home storage coverage. PODS also has the highest customer reviews in the industry, while U-Box has the lowest
The only drawback is that PODS has fewer locations. If you can’t find a nearby PODS facility, U-Box is a solid alternative—or you can check with one of our best moving container companies.
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Other moving container picks
PODS is better than U-Box—but it’s not your only option:
- U-Pack Review
- 1-800-PACK-RAT Review
- Zippy Shell Review
- SMARTBOX Review
Moving container FAQ
Can you use a moving container as a storage container?
Yes, you can use a moving container as a storage container. Companies like PODS and U-Box have a portable storage option that lets you store your moving container at your home or in one of their storage facilities. The PODS storage container has steel construction while the U-Box container uses plywood.
Is PODS a good moving company?
Yes, PODS is a good moving company—in fact, it's our favorite moving container company. It specializes in moving containers and has some of the highest-quality containers on the market. It also has low final prices thanks to a special discount for Move.org readers. If you are still on the fence, check out our best moving company recommendations.
Does PODS offer long-distance moves?
Yes, PODS offers long-distance moves. PODS charges approximately $4,690 for long-distance moves of over 1,750 miles.
What is the best container company?
The best container company is PODS, according to Move.org. It has low prices, three container sizes made with high quality, and great customer reviews.
Does U-Box have a moving truck option?
Yes, U-Box has a moving truck option. U-Box is a U-Haul product, so you can also purchase one of its many rental trucks for a local move or a long-distance move.
What is the best storage unit company?
The best storage unit company is Extra Space Storage, according to Move.org. Extra Space Storage has excellent customer service, nationwide availability, and top-notch security.
Written by
Kurt Manwaring
Kurt Manwaring brings nearly a decade’s worth of research experience as a business consultant to the Move.org team. He specializes in taking complicated issues (like moving) and presenting them in a way that everyone can understand. His writing has been featured in hundreds of publications, including USA Today, Martha Stewart Living, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Heavy, Slate, and Yahoo! Lifestyle. He brings a BS in sociology and an MPA (masters of public administration) to the Move team. He would love to hear about your moving experiences and questions at kurt@move.org.
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