But even when a seaside vacation to Maine seems so out of reach, you can still have your lobster year-round. Thanks to several lobster delivery companies, fresh lobsters can be shipped from dock to door in a snap. Whether you’re a claw or tail lover, or a hot or cold lobster roll person—(and we’re not judging!)—enjoy the ease and convenience of savoring a taste of New England in the comfort of your home.  Grab your plastic bib and get your lobster shell crackers ready because we rounded up the best lobster delivery services. Read on to explore our recommendations—because now you can have your lobster and eat it, too.

Best Lobster Delivery Services of 2022

Best Overall: Luke’s Lobster Best Value: LobsterAnywhere Best for Live Lobsters: The Lobster Guy Best for Dinner Packages: Lobsters Online Best Subscription: Get Maine Lobster Best for Gift Giving: Lobster Gram

Why You Should Try It: If you haven’t had the pleasure of dining at one of the famed Luke’s Lobster shacks, you can still enjoy their award-winning lobster delivered right to your front door. ProsAssortment of lobster and seafood optionsCarbon-neutral shipping Free shipping Promos and discounts ConsSome customers complain of thawing issues OverviewThanks to an online market, Luke’s Lobster fans can get their crustacean fix overnight.   Build an à la carte box or select from a curated assortment, such as lobster mac and cheese, lobster and crab appetizer pack, or lobster rolls and whoopie pies. For live lobsters, select two, four, six, eight, or 12 lobsters ranging from 1¼ to 1½ pounds. Luke’s Lobster has frozen packaged items available for sale in grocery stores nationwide as well. This third-generation, family-run company practices sustainable sourcing and carbon-neutral shipping, so you can feel extra good about enjoying your dock-to-plate lobster and other seafood delights. Pricing and PlansLive lobsters start at $105Lobster roll kits start at $125Lobster tails start at $115 Why You Should Try It: For a lobster delivery service that won’t break the bank, LobsterAnywhere sources fresh and frozen seafood to meet a variety of budgets. Plus, many items ship for free. ProsGood price pointFree shipping on select itemsReward programCustomers rave about the shipping processResourceful blog ConsEarly ordering time frames to qualify for overnight shipping
OverviewLobsterAnywhere has been sourcing coastal seafood for over 20 years. Build a custom shipment featuring an assortment of live lobsters, fresh and frozen lobster meat, lobster rolls, lobster dinners, Cape Cod clam bakes, bisques, seafood, and more. For live lobsters, order as many lobsters as you like, from 1¼ to six pounds. Earn rewards for every purchase and redeem them for product discounts. And don’t forget to check out the “free shipping” page, featuring complimentary shipping on items such as lobster tails and surf and turf. For recipe inspiration and resourceful seafood history facts, you can turn to the informative “Lobster University” blog. Pricing and PlansLive lobsters start at $38Lobster dinners start at $139Lobster rolls from $179 Why You Should Try It: The Lobster Guy is a real-life lobsterman working the New England seas and docks. Curious about what’s in today’s catch? Call The Lobster Guy toll-free to find out the daily haul before placing your order. ProsVariety of lobster weight sizesBig jumbo selectionCan order up to 24 lobsters Steamed lobsters available Boutique operationConsShipments may be delayed due to weather Overview Looking to put a face and a name to your locally sourced lobsters? You may recognize Captain Tim Handrigan, aka the Lobster Guy, from the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, Lobstermen. This famed lobsterman sources fresh lobsters ranging from one pound up to a jumbo 12 pounds. Buy individual lobsters or a large shipment of up to 24 lobsters from this boutique operation. The Lobster Guy also offers steamed lobsters, lobster dinners, seafood fillets, surf and turf, appetizers, and gear, such as gaiters, bibs, and pick sets. Pricing and PlansLive lobsters start at $17.99Live lobster dinners for two start at $152.99Lobster meat starts at $69.99 Why You Should Try It: Looking to create a fuss-free, memorable dinner? Lobsters Online provides all of the fixings, so you can enjoy a lobster and seafood extravaganza without leaving your home. ProsDinner packagesJumbo lobster sizes are availableRange of price pointsHelpful resources, blog, and recipesConsShipping costs vary due to location OverviewFor 25 years, Lobsters Online has been sourcing guaranteed fresh and live lobsters. Customers may order lobster by the pound from one pound all the way up to a whopping six pounds. Additionally, there are lobster tails, lobster meat, and other seafood items, such as mollusks and shrimp, and even bisques and chowders. If you’re looking to host a show-stopping dinner, Lobster Online creates lobster dinners for two, four, and six people, featuring live lobsters, New England clam chowder, Cape Cod oysters, and bacon-wrapped scallops. Pricing and PlansLive lobsters start at $16.99Lobster tails start at $45Dinners for two start at $148.75 Why You Should Try It: With several lobster subscription boxes available, including a mystery box for the adventurous seafood eater, Get Maine Lobster makes it easy to get your Maine lobster fix each month. Subscription customers also have access to unique content, such as virtual cooking demos, private sales, and more.  ProsSubscription boxes available Recipe suggestionsRotating weekly favoritesOrder up to 20 lobstersConsPriceySome shipping time restrictions OverviewBased in Portland, Maine, Get Maine Lobster follows sustainable and traceability standards for their lobster catching, which includes live Maine lobsters, lobster meat, lobster tails, and even lobster roll kits. Quantities for live lobsters include two, four, six, eight, 10, 12, and 20, and lobster weight ranges from one to 1½ pounds. Customers can also order tuna, diver scallops, halibut, wild-caught swordfish, and more, all hailing from local waters.  For crustacean lovers, subscribe to one of four subscription delivery boxes, including a mystery box featuring a curated selection of lobster and other gourmet indulgences. Subscriptions are offered on a monthly or bimonthly basis, or as a one-time order.   Pricing and PlansLive lobsters start at $139.99Lobster tails start at $124.99Lobster roll kits start at $199.99Lobster subscription box starts at $124.49 Why You Should Try It: Lobster Gram is our idea of a dream telegram, delivering live, fresh lobsters as gifts. Not only can you select your shipping date, but each order arrives with a complimentary cooking guide and an insulated cooler.  ProsVariety of seafood, meats, and moreVarious servings and weight options Flexible shipping datesComplimentary cooking guideGift certificatesConsCost can add up quicklyNo substitutions OverviewLobster Gram makes gift-giving a cinch with an assortment of gift baskets, gift certificates, and “create-your-own-gram” customization gift options. Over the years, the operation has expanded beyond lobster to include an array of scallops, shellfish, and other seafood, as well as steak, sides, and dessert. For live lobsters (which are wild-caught and hard-shelled), select from two, four, six, eight, and even 10 lobsters with a weight of one to two pounds. Lobsters are shipped overnight and arrive with unsalted butter, lemon, a cooler, and a handy cooking guide. If lobster tails are your jam, select from six varieties, including Maine, South African, and West Australian.  Pricing and PlansLive Maine lobsters start at $80Lobster dinners start at $105Maine lobster tails start at $35“Create-a-gram” starts at $200

Where Does the Best-Tasting Lobster Come From?

When we daydream about tender, succulent lobsters dipped (or dunked) in butter, we often think of New England. However, lobster can be found in waters all over the world, including the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia, where spiny lobsters are abundant. Many argue that the most tender and sweet lobsters tend to be found in colder waters, where lobsters thrive in rocky, brackish seas. In colder waters, lobsters also tend to grow more slowly, creating more sweet and flavorful meat. Many of the lobsters we consume are sourced from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, and Canada. 

Are Lobsters From Lobster Delivery Services Shipped Live?

How your lobster is delivered depends on the service. Many services ship fresh lobsters straight from the dock to your door, and the lobsters are packaged in eco-friendly gel ice packs. Other services flash-freeze lobster meat, and the contents are protected by insulation, ice packs, and/or dry ice. Most delivery boxes are recyclable, and many services outline recycling and composting instructions on their websites.

Do Bigger Lobsters Taste Better?

Lobsters range in size and weight. While jumbo lobsters can often be jaw-dropping and coveted, experts tend to agree that the smaller sized lobsters are often more sweet and tender. Selecting a 1¼ or 1½ pound lobster is usually a sure bet, as these lobsters tend to have more meat and flavor than the larger varieties.

How Much Do Lobster Delivery Services Cost?

Lobster delivery services vary widely in cost. While lobster tends to be reserved for a special, extravagant treat, you can find a range of prices depending on the type of service you choose.  If you’re looking for a few lobster tails to make a memorable surf and turf, flash-frozen lobster tails tend to cost around $30 and up. If you’re craving live lobsters and wish to recreate a shoreline dinner, smaller-weight lobsters start at $17 and can go upward of $100, depending on the size and quantity. Keep in mind, many lobster delivery companies offer a first-time promotion or rewards and incentive programs, and several services offer free shipping as well.  If possible, cook live lobsters the day you receive them. You can chill and re-warm the meat if you weren’t planning on eating it that day. If lobsters are stored with care, they may be able to survive another 24 hours after delivery—keep them as cold as possible in a box with damp seaweed or newspaper. Never put live lobsters in tap water or on ice. The two most basic ways to cook a live lobster are boiling or steaming it. if you’re unfamiliar with the process, check with the company and it will provide instructions or point you in the right direction. Once they’re cooked, the serving possibilities are endless: You can crack open the shells and simply eat the meat that comes out or make lobster rolls, bisque, casserole, or any number of delicious items. Operations in or near Maine that work directly with lobstermen and emphasize live lobster were our top consideration. Positive customer reviews were another, particularly when they emphasized good service and responsiveness to customer inquiries. We also considered pleasant, easy-to-navigate websites, clear policies on shipping and refunds, and value.

Methodology

Our team of researchers independently reviewed over 30 seafood and lobster delivery services. Researchers looked at myriad factors, including various delivery offerings, product type, preparation times, pricing, sustainability initiatives, shipping fees and timelines, delivery areas, and customer service. After careful review, researchers identified which lobster delivery services were our top picks for a variety of categories.