Top 10 Best Portable File Box 2021: Comprehensive Review & Ultimate Buying Guide

Introduction

Storing and organizing documents has always been a hassle. And, you never know when you’ll need to take them with you. So, instead of stacking up papers on cabinets, the best way to organize your files is to have a handy portable file box with you. When you have your documents in file boxes, you can easily carry them places whenever you need them. But, that’s not all. Most file boxes come with unique features that make them the best portable choice for your documents.

Check out these 10 best portable file boxes and pick one that would give the best portability and safety for your paperwork.

Overview Comparison Table of Top 10 best portable file boxes

S.N.	Portable File Boxes	Image	Features	Ratings	Product link
1.	AmazonBasics Expanding Organizer File Folder		• Expanding file folder • Super-durable poly material • Holds up to 900 sheets
2.	SentrySafe Fireproof Box with Key Lock		• Fire safe box is ETL Verified to protect CDs, DVDs, and USBs from fire damage • Flat key lock • Document safe accommodates letter-size hanging files
3.	Pendaflex Portable Desktop File		• Grab and go functionality • Side handles • Perfect for tight spaces
4.	Pendaflex Portable File Box		• Create the perfect portable file system for on-the-go organization • Built-in handle and secure latch closure keep documents secure • Black file box includes 3 blue reinforced hanging folders with tabs and inserts • Holds approximately 12 letter-size hanging folders
5.	Iris Desktop file box		• Holds letter size hanging files • Dimensions: 7.88"L x 13.38"W x 9.81"H • Built-in handles for portability and stand on end to store binders and books
6.	Vaultz Locking mobile file chest		• Combination locks for key-less convenience • sturdy wheels and handles • organize important document letters or legal hanging files
7.	STERILITE Portable File Box		• Heavy duty buckle latch • Designed for letter sized hanging file folders • Fits regular sized filles
8.	Iris Portable Letter Size File Box with Organizer Lid		Holds letter size hanging files Comfortable handle for portability. BPA free, acid free, PVC free, lignin free, and recycle Sturdy buckle keeps lid secure
9.	Smead Portable Expanding File Box		19 pockets with divider tabs. Each pocket expands 7/8".Includes preprinted alphabetic (A-Z) and subject heading labels for easy file customization. Holds both letter and legal size documents Handle and latch closure for safe storage and transport
10.	Bankers Box Heavy Duty Portable Plastic File Box with Hanging Rails		Portable file box provides organized, secure storage and transport of letter size files Durable plastic construction with reinforced corners for added strength Modular design offers easy stack ability.

Review of Top 10 Best Portable File Boxes

#10. Bankers Box Portable Plastic File Box

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The Bankers plastic file box is a box measuring 10.75 x 6.75 x 11.75 inches on the inside. It is made to hold letter-sized documents. This box can help organize your documents, and securely store or transport them whenever needed.

This file box is designed to contain hangable files. So, there are in-built hanging rails in this. You can include quite a few folders inside. These hanging folders would make classification easier. Best of all, they are very accessible as well. So, this box would work for any daily task that requires the storage of documents such as sorting and storing your mail.

Do you regularly visit client’s houses with several documents? Then this plastic box has an added functionality to make your life easier. The top lid of this portable filing cabinet comes with a handy organizer compartment. So, you can easily take your pens, business cards, and more along with all your documents.

The Bankers file box also includes a handle. Grab this handle and transport the documents wherever you want. The handle is easy and comfortable to hold and would not bother you at all. The attached lid locks with a secure, heavy-duty latch that would not break even when the box is full.

If you are buying several of these boxes, you’d be happy to know that they are stackable as well. So, it wouldn’t take as much space to store several Bankers file boxes. And, because of the small design, it can easily be mounted on your desktop or kept on a shelf.

This box is made entirely out of heavy-duty plastic. While this plastic build is great and extremely affordable, if you are planning to carry this around a lot, you need to be careful. Plastic may break if you happen to drop it. But, despite that little concern, this box is a great way to organize your documents.

 

#9. Smead Portable Expanding File Box

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Using a Smead file box is the best way to keep your documents organized at home, at work, or while on the road. This expandable file box can hold more than 1400 sheets of paper at one time. And because of its large size that measures 5.25 x 15 x 10 inches, this file box is also capable of carrying legal sized documents. So, for all your documents, this file box will prove a dependable portable file folder.

The unique feature that makes this box different from other portable file boxes is its expandability. This one compact box can expand into 19 separate pockets with divider tabs. So, you can classify all your documents. And, each of these pockets can expand about 7 to 8 inches.

These file folders also include preprinted Alphabetical (A to Z) and subject heading labels. So, you can easily customize these folders. Smead portable expanding file box is the best file organizer in the market due to this reason.

This portable file box offers a reliable handle to improve portability. And, this box also contains a secure latch that allows you to properly close it. The twist style latch flap closure is an extremely reliable locking system.

However, there is one flaw in the lid of this file box. When the box is fully open, the lid will keep falling forward, making it a little hard to use. But, other than that, the lid is fully capable of holding everything in.

This portable file box with handle will be of great use to you. You can pack up your documents neatly and take it anywhere you want. So, if you are looking for a compact portable file that can carry a lot, this file box is perfect for you.

 

#8. Iris Portable File Box with Lid

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This plastic filing box is one of the best portable file boxes for the most affordable price. Its dimensions are 13.82 x 10.16 x 11.71 inches. So, it has plenty of space for letter-sized documents. And, you can also store this in a small and convenient space like your car trunk or on your desk.  

This Iris file box is made to contain hanging folders. It can hold quite a few folders and more than 400 papers. Despite being made of plastic, this box is incredible for taking your documents with you wherever you go. The top lid is designed to give more space for your documents. So, you’ll get to protect your documents from potential damage to edges. This feature easily makes this box one of the best for all your portable filing.

In the lid, there is a built-in organizer box. If you frequently carry stationery or other such items such as business cards and filing essentials, this organizer box will definitely be a good addition for you. Simply pop in your items and close the organizer box and you’ll get an incredible two-in-one file organizer box.

The lid also closes securely with a sturdy buckle. Worried about the buckle opening and spilling out all your document? This buckle is designed to prevent that. It includes a handle as well. This handle is easy and comfortable to hold. So, you may carry your file box wherever you want.

This portable file tote is made entirely out of BPA free, acid-free, PVC free, lignin free plastic. Additionally, when you stop using this box, this can be easily recycled as well. However, this box comes with a huge disadvantage because of its plastic body. It is so easy to accidentally break this box. But this box is also available for a very affordable price. So, you won’t be incurring a huge loss if you break it.

This file box is a really good, cheap option for anyone who wants to carry around files. Whether you are an office worker going for client meetings, or an at-home worker wanting to organize some documents, this box is made for everything.

 

#7. STERILITE Portable File Box

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This is another great portable file storage container in the market. This file box measures 15 x 10.88 x 11.5 inches and is built from a plastic material. Build to hold letter-sized documents, this box is a sturdy plastic file holder.

The interior is built to hold hanging files. However, this file box doesn’t come with any file folders. So, you’ll have to buy your own. It includes an attached top lid and comes with a secure latch for better security. This latch is a heavy-duty buckle latch and will not open while you are carrying this box. When you want to open it, you can do so easily by sliding the latch.

The only complaint we have about the lid of this portable file holder is that it only opens 90 degrees. It would not budge any further than that. Thankfully, this shouldn’t worry you too much. This STERILITE file box is not that annoying. Once the lid is up, it will stay up until you close the box.

This portable file box does not have enough space for legal documents. Plus, if you buy a few of these, you will find that they are not stackable as well. There is no lock available for added protection. However, if you really need to lock your documents in, you can buy a lock and add it to the holes available in the file box.

A great thing about this file box is that it includes a handle. It is located at the top and you can easily grab it and go whenever you want to carry your file box. The whole body including the hinges of this box is made out of plastic. So, it will not be as sturdy and durable as other options. However, this is an incredibly cheap option to buy and will serve you well for a considerable time.

This is one of the best plastic file cabinets that offer a simple and lightweight design. Given its affordable price, this will be an invaluable choice for office and home use.

 

#6. Vaultz Portable Metal File Box with Lock

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This file holder box is a secure way to transfer your files. It locks and has a sturdy overall build, ensuring the safety of the files inside. It measures 15 x 17.25 x 14.25 inches. So, you can fit legal documents as well as regular letter-sized documents in here. The Vaultz portable file box is also HIPAA compliant for legal privacy protection. So, if you frequently travel with sensitive information, this box is a perfect way to keep the documents out of prying eyes.

The specialty of this file box is the keyless locking system. The double combination locks of this container keep everything inside safe. And, the lack of a key makes unlocking very convenient. As for the build, this file box is made of premium quality chromed steel corners and aluminum trim. These materials provide sturdy safety for your documents.

Portability is another plus about this file box. While this box tends to get really heavy, it also comes with tough wheels and a telescoping handle. So, you can transport your files quickly and easily over any surface whether it’s gravel or a tiled floor. However, because the wheels are quite tough, you may hear a sound while rolling it over smooth surfaces. The telescoping handle provides a convenient pivoting point for you to comfortably drag your portable metal file box.

This rolling file box is just the right size for a car trunk. So, you can load it up and travel with ease. The box has two metal handles on either side for easy lifting and carrying in case you want to lift it or put it in your car trunk. However, these handles are likely to feel uncomfortable due to the edges.

Overall, this portable file cabinet is one of the best file storage containers that give you both safety and portability. If you frequently travel to clients’ houses or want to store your valuables for traveling purposes, this file box is the best. Because this vault can carry legal-sized folders as well, you are at an advantage.

 

#5. Iris Desktop File Box

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When it comes to file storage boxes, minimalism is best. This Iris desktop file box is a very simple and minimalistic option. You can easily store your documents or stationery and take them out whenever you need them.

The Iris desktop file box is made for holding letter-sized documents. The exact measurements of this file box are 7.88 x 13.38 x 9.81 inches. So, it may not be a suitable option to hold legal documents. However, this small size is a perfect fit for bookshelves and desktops. You can place an Iris file box and organize your folders in the order you want. There is space for several hanging folders in this box for easy organizing.

The Iris plastic file cabinet is built using a very sturdy material. Despite its flimsy look, it would hold your documents for a very long time. And, the box comes with two in-built handles for better portability. However, these handles do not have rolled edges. So, carrying would be a bit uncomfortable. And, this flexible box will bend inwards near the handles when you are carrying it. But the box is sturdy enough to last a few years.

These Iris plastic file boxes are the best option for a minimalistic storage box. There’s only one downside we see with this file box. And that is the lack of a lid. Although it will make your documents more accessible to you, this is not a good fit for storing sensitive documents.

Are you looking for an affordable plastic file box to clear the clutter of your office or home? Then, this file box will work wonders to keep your space well-organized.

 

#4. Pendaflex Portable Plastic File Box

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This portable file box is one of the smallest file boxes in the market. Its dimensions are 11 x 14 x 6-1/2 inches. As you can guess, the interior is very small. This size will comfortably carry 11 inch or letter-sized documents. It would not be able to carry any legal sized documents.

If you are looking for a storage container for your letter-sized documents, this file folder box is the best. This box even allows you to organize your files into neat folders. This box includes 3 hangable folders. If you want more folders to organize your documents, you can easily add a few as well. This file box will approximately hold up to 12 hangable file folders. The folders are reinforced for better durability. You will also get clear tabs and inserts to organize your documents neatly.

Portability is a very important aspect of a file box. And, you can carry this Pendaflex file box effortlessly because there is an easy-to-use handle at the top of the box. You can also secure the lid of this file box after you put your documents in. The latch closure will keep your documents safely inside while you go about your day.

This box has a tight lid that closes firmly, locking in your documents. When you want to take them out, simply open the latch. The lid will stay out of your way while you take out the documents you need. Plus, although this box is plastic, it’s sturdy enough to not look cheap.

Want to carry your documents around easily? This file box fits inside closets and is made with durable plastic material. While it most certainly won’t last a really long time like metal file boxes, it offers incredible portability for its size.

You can easily get tired of taking around large and heavy file boxes with you. But because Pendaflex is relatively smaller, it won’t be too heavy even when it’s full. This small file box is the best file holder for those looking for a smaller option to carry around easily.

 

#3. Pendaflex Portable Desktop File Box

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This is one of the best portable file storage boxes for keeping your documents organized. It can easily be placed in a small space like a desktop or a shelf. So, if you don’t have enough space, this slim filing box which measures 12.25 x 6 x 9.50 inches will be a great option.

The Pendaflex portable file box comes with 5 black Pendaflex hanging folders with clear tabs and inserts. Want to color-code your files? Simply buy different colored folders and insert them in this box. There are also two side handles on this box for easy portability as well. So, you can carry your loose documents while they are organized in the order you want.

This box is also made of a very durable plastic material. So, it would last a few years before it breaks down. Buying this Pendaflex desktop file box is a very convenient way to store and carry your documents. Plus, it will give a clean and ordered look to your desktop.

 

#2. SentrySafe Fireproof Portable File Box

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Worried about the safety of your most important documents in case of a fire? This SentrySafe file box is made to resolve all your worries. It measures 10.4 X 8.5 X 12 inches and can safely hold letter-sized hanging folders.

The best reason why you should buy this safe is that it can protect your documents for ½ hour at 1550°F. So, your documents or any valuables you decide to keep here will be quite safe. This file box also comes with a lock to increase protection. To open, insert the key, push, and turn. If you happen to lose a key, this box comes with two keys. The minus about this lock is that it’s easy to open. So, this box is made to protect your documents from fire rather than thieves.

This portable filing cabinet is one of the best among fireproof file boxes. It’s the best way to protect your documents in the office or at home.

 

#1. AmazonBasics Expanding Organizer File Folder

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This expanding file folder is one of the easiest to carry portable file boxes. Because of its design, you can simply tuck it under your arm when traveling with your paperwork. This box is made to hold letter-sized documents and it does the job exceptionally well.

The AmazonBasics portable file organizer has 13 individual pockets in it. Each pocket can expand about 7 or 8 inches to fit your documents. These folders also include tabs for adding labels. So, it’s easy to customize and you can organize your paperwork easily and efficiently. As for the quantity, this expandable folder can fit about 900 sheets of paper.

The lid is a full-sized flexible flap. This wraps around the top of the folder. And, a cord closure technique is used to close this box. So, your box is safe in transportation and will hold your documents inside. But, because this is a cord, it is not very stretchable. So, you may have trouble closing the box if you have filled it to the maximum amount. To solve this issue, simply use a rubber band or a hair tie to lengthen the cord. Other than that, this cord is quite efficient and will give you a lot of convenience while on the go.

The material used to make this folder is a PVC free, very durable poly material. Because of this, it is waterproof and resistant to tearing. Your AmazonBasics file folder will last a considerable time.

 

Comprehensive Buying Guide of Portable File Box

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Portable file boxes can make it incredibly convenient to carry your paperwork with you. But, to get the best protection for the documents, you need to find the best file box. So, what is the ideal file box for you? It may change according to what you mean to use it for.

If you are not looking to travel frequently, an open desktop file box is perfect. However, if you plan to carry it with you, buy a file box with a lid that can easily fit inside your car trunk. For your ease, we chose the best three products from our top 10 portable file boxes list.

• Best desktop file box – Pendaflex Portable Desktop File Box
• Best file folder with lock – Vaultz Portable Metal File Box with Lock
• Best overall portable file box – AmazonBasics Expanding Organizer File Folder

Looking to buy the AmazonBasics Expanding Organizer File Folder? Check prices on Amazon.

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