Best Places to Buy Beer Online

The Original Craft Beer Club is our favorite place to buy beer online

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Close-Up of a variety of Beer Bottles
Photo:

Patrick Palej / EyeEm / Getty Images

Beer is arguably one of the most versatile beverages on the market. Between St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, all of summer’s boat parties and barbecues, up to the first kick off of college football and beyond, there always seems to be an upcoming occasion that calls for an ice-cold beer. 

With that said, the beer market is a very saturated one, and finding that perfect beer for the occasion is much easier said than done. (How are you supposed to tell the difference between every selection in that tedious list of craft beers or IPAs, anyway?) That’s why we put together this roundup of the best places to buy beer online, sorted by your preferences (you’re welcome). Whether you’re looking for a new monthly beer club to expand your horizons or are looking to make a bulk order of an old reliable, we’ve got you covered.

Best Places to Buy Beer Online

01 of 09

Best Overall: The Original Craft Beer Club

The Original Craft Beer Club

The Original Craft Beer Club

Key Specs

  • Starting Price: $45.45 per month
  • Free Shipping? Yes
  • Products per Delivery: 12 or 24

Why You Should Try It

If you’re looking for a partner to help you find the best craft beer on the market, then The Original Craft Beer Club is for you.

Pros and Cons 

Pros
  • Delivers up to 24 bottles per month

  • Free shipping

  • Gifting options available

Cons
  • Cannot customize shipments

  • Beers not available à la carte

Overview

The Original Craft Beer Club does all the legwork in terms of sourcing and shipping the best craft beer around to you. As far as subscriptions go, it really doesn’t get any easier than signing up for a monthly membership and letting the company’s team of experts do what they do best. All beers are sourced from independent craft breweries, and best of all, they’re shipped right to your door free of charge. 

For better or for worse, however, you don’t have a lot of options to customize your shipment for the month. If the club features a beer you don’t enjoy or don’t feel like trying, you will then skip that month rather than getting the option to swap it for something else.

Pricing and Plans

  • Craft Beer Club (12 bottles): $47.95 per month ($45.45 each shipment when you pre-pay for 12 months)
  • Craft Beer Club (24 bottles): $95.90 per month ($90.90 each shipment when you pre-pay for 12 months)
02 of 09

Best for Quick Delivery: Drizly

Drizly

Drizly

Key Specs

  • Starting Price: Varies by selection
  • Free Shipping? No
  • Products per Delivery: Varies

Why You Should Try It

Drizly carries nearly every type of alcohol under the sun, and they can deliver it to your door in under an hour.

Pros and Cons 

Pros
  • Massive selection of beer, wine, and liquor

  • Delivery in under an hour

  • Flat-rate delivery fee

Cons
  • Only operates in 31 states

  • Inventory limited to what is available locally

Overview

Drizly offers the convenience of your local liquor store without you having to make the trip yourself. The company aims to make deliveries in under an hour, and there’s a wide selection of drinks on Drizly’s website, meaning all you have to do is place the order and keep yourself busy for the hour it takes to show up. 

Unfortunately, Drizly does charge both a delivery fee and a service fee — but if they can get a case of beer to your tailgate in under an hour, we’d say that’s worth it. Also, keep in mind that Drizly only offers what is available locally and only operates in 31 states

Pricing and Plans

Prices vary depending on your local selection. (Some areas place limits on the amount of alcohol you can order at once.) Orders incur a $5 delivery fee, as well as a service fee that will vary based on the size of the order.

03 of 09

Best for Gifting: The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club

The Microbrewed Beer of the Month logo

The Microbrewed Beer of the Month

Key Specs

  • Starting Price: $35.95 per month
  • Free Shipping? No
  • Products per Delivery: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 12

Why You Should Try It

With countless clubs and gifting options to choose from, The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club secured our pick for Best for Gifting.

Pros and Cons 

Pros
  • Can pick when you pay and receive beer

  • Five different club options

  • Option to send club memberships as a gift

Cons
  • Shipping not included

Overview

The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club’s incredible selection of hand-crafted brews makes it a standout service when it comes to beer gifting. All beers come from microbreweries both in the U.S. and abroad, and there are five different club memberships to choose from — all with the option to send as a gift. 

To add an even nicer touch to your gift, the company even lets you send a personalized note along with it. Best of all, most of the clubs are below $50 per month, so you’ll never be breaking the bank with any of these memberships.

Pricing and Plans

  • The U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club: $35.95/month
  • The U.S. and International Variety Beer Club: $40.95/month
  • The Hop-Heads Beer Club: $39.95/month
  • The International Beer Club: $43.95/month
  • The Rare Beer Club: Starts at $41.95/month
04 of 09

Best for Budget: Beer Drop

Beer Drop Logo

Beer Drop 

Key Specs

  • Starting Price: $33 per month
  • Free Shipping? No
  • Products per Delivery: 6, 8, and 10

Why You Should Try It

Starting at only $33 per month, Beer Drop offers a fun and affordable way to try only the beers that you want. 

Pros and Cons 

Pros
  • Plans start at just $4.50 per bottle

  • You choose the styles of beer you want

  • Beers are available à la carte on Beer Drop’s online store

Cons
  • Shipping not included

  • Site does not disclose delivery area

Overview

If you’re looking for where to buy cheap beer online without sacrificing quality, then Beer Drop is just the place. Not only does Beer Drop let you sample beer from thousands of breweries across the country starting at just $4.50 per bottle, but it also allows you to choose the styles of beer you want to try, so you only get what you want. 

If you find a bottle that you really love, make sure to check for it on Beer Drop’s online store. Just double-check with the customer service team to make sure Beer Drop delivers to your state since the delivery area isn’t specified on the website. 

Pricing and Plans

  • 6 beers: $33 per shipment
  • 8 beers: $40 per shipment
  • 10 beers: $44 per shipment
05 of 09

Best for Craft Beer: Craft Beer Kings

Craft Beer Kings

Craft Beer Kings

Key Specs

  • Starting Price: $49.99 per month
  • Free Shipping? No
  • Products per Delivery: 6 or 12

Why You Should Try It

The name of the site says it all. If a craft beer subscription box is what you’re after, then Craft Beer Kings is the site for you. 

Pros and Cons 

Pros
  • Nine different beer subscriptions to choose from

  • Delivers to nearly every state

  • Several premium offerings available for individual purchase

Cons
  • Shipping in not included

  • Limited international offerings

Overview

There is no shortage of incredible craft beers available on Craft Beer Kings. Not only can you browse the company’s impressive selection on its online store, which features some of the best brews from across the country, but you can also sign up for one of several monthly subscriptions. Choose from nine different boxes which feature IPAs, stouts, dark beers, and more. Then, each month, you can enjoy the pleasant surprise of having Craft Beer Kings’ experts’ selections shipped right to you. 

Shopping for a friend or loved one? No worries, as Craft Beer Kings also offers a variety of gifting options, including gift cards and beer boxes. 

Pricing and Plans

  • Beer subscriptions (all boxes): $49.99 per delivery
06 of 09

Best for Discovering New Beer: Brewvana’s Brews Less Traveled Beer Club

Brewvana logo

Brewvana

Key Specs

  • Starting Price: $66.67 per month
  • Free Shipping? Yes
  • Products per Delivery: 8 or 16

Why You Should Try It

Brewvana’s Brews Less Traveled Club’s mission is to broaden your horizons on a virtual beer road trip through the U.S.

Pros and Cons 

Pros
  • Highlights brewing scene in lesser-known cities in the U.S.

  • Virtual beer tasting sessions available

  • Shipping included

Cons
  • Only available in 37 states

  • No international offerings

Overview

Many beer fans know about the big brewing powerhouses like Milwaukee, Chicago, and San Diego, but have you ever had a delicious craft beer from San Antonio? How about Raleigh or Houston? If you haven’t, you may think it’s because these cities don’t have much to offer in terms of beer — and that’s where Brewvana seeks to prove you wrong. 

While Brewvana does a terrific job of highlighting some of the best under-the-radar beers from across the country, you won’t find your new favorite imported beer here. Additionally, not everyone in the country will have the privilege of going on the virtual beer adventure with Brewvana, as they only ship to 37 states. 

Pricing and Plans

  • Brews Less Traveled Club (8 beers): $79.99 per month ($66.67 per month when you pre-pay for a year)
  • Brews Less Traveled Club (16 beers): $99.99 per month ($83.33 per month when you pre-pay for a year)
07 of 09

Best for Irish Beer: CraftShack

CraftShack Hazy Beer Club

CraftShack Hazy Beer Club

Key Specs

  • Starting Price: $121.99 per month
  • Free Shipping? Yes
  • Products per Delivery: 12

Why You Should Try It

If you’re looking for something Irish (for St. Patrick’s Day, perhaps), how about a Murphy’s stout or Sullivan’s Irish Ale from CraftShack?

Pros and Cons 

Pros
  • Nearly 1,000 different products on their online store

  • Gifting options available

  • Plenty of liquors and other beverages for sale too

Cons
  • A bit pricier than other subscriptions

Overview

Some people swear that San Diego is the craft beer capital of the United States, and CraftShack brings some of the city’s local favorites right to your door. Try CraftShack’s Hazy Beer Club, which offers a different beer selection each month so you never get the same can twice. 

Not feeling like signing up for a subscription? No worries! The site has over 1,500 à la carte options for you to choose from, including some top-of-the-line Irish beers and whiskies for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Pricing and Plans

  • Hazy Beer Club: $121.99
  • Hazy Beer Club (Three Months): $365.99
08 of 09

Best for German Beer: Half Time Beverage

Half Time Beverage

Half Time Beverage

Key Specs

  • Starting Price: $52.50 per month
  • Free Shipping? Yes
  • Products per Delivery: 12

Why You Should Try It

Don’t know where to buy imported beer online? Check out Half Time Beverage, especially if you’re in the market for something German.

Pros and Cons 

Pros
  • One of the best international selections on the market

  • Plenty of nonalcoholic beers available

  • Frequently adds new beer selections to their site

Cons
  • Only 34 states in delivery area

Overview

German beer is famous the world over and for good reason. Many of the oldest breweries in the world are located in Bavaria, and some of the most famous ones — like Hofbräu and Weihenstephan — have been using the same brewing techniques for hundreds of years. So, what better way to dive into the world of German beer than to explore the ones that Half Time Beverage has to offer? 

Many of Half Time’s German beers are available individually, but we recommend going with either the German Beer of the Month Club or buying the Best of Germany Beer Gift Box. Both of these feature some of the best pilsners, doppelbocks, and hefeweizens on the market. Prost!

Pricing and Plans

  • German Beer of the Month Club: $57.50 per shipment
  • Variety Beer of the Month Club: $57.50 per shipment
  • Around the World Beer of the Month Club: $52.50 per shipment
  • Cider of the Month Club: $60 per shipment
  • IPA of the Month Club: $80 per shipment
09 of 09

Best for Variety: Tavour

Tavour Logo

COURTESY OF TAVOUR

Key Specs

  • Starting Price: $44 per month
  • Free Shipping? Yes
  • Products per Delivery: 6 or 12

Why You Should Try It

With over 600 breweries from 47 different states featured in its beer selection, you will never get bored with the variety Tavour has to offer.

Pros and Cons 

Pros
  • Over 600 breweries featured

  • Shipping included

  • Delivers to almost every state

Cons
  • Limit on the amount of beer you can buy

  • Site is not very customer friendly

Overview

There is no shortage of variety when it comes to Tavour. This app-based beer delivery service features hundreds of high-quality beers from all over the country. Not only that, but Tavour’s team has sampled over 10,000 beers and only sells their favorites, so you know you are only getting the best of the best. Talk about a great combination of quality and quantity!

One of the main drawbacks to Tavour, however, is the website’s lack of usability. The site serves mainly to drive traffic to the Tavour app, and you can’t actually place orders on the website. All orders must be placed through the app, which is only available for iPhone. (So, if you’re an Android user, you’ll have to borrow a friend’s phone to place your order.)

Pricing and Plans

  • Subscriptions start at $44 per month

Final Verdict

While each of these vendors and subscriptions offers something special in their own right, we gave The Original Craft Beer Club the title of best overall. Not only does this service deliver the most beer per shipment out of every company we included on this list, but its boxes are specifically designed by experts in the industry. With The Original Craft Beer Club, you get the best of the best every month at a very affordable price.

Compare the Best Places to Buy Beer Online

Company Starting Price Free Shipping? Products per Delivery  Delivery Area Gift Option?
The Original Craft Beer Club Best Overall $45.45 per month Yes 12 or 24 44 states Yes
Drizly Best for Quick Delivery Varies by selection No Varies 31 states Yes
The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club Best for Gifting $35.95 per month No 1, 2, 3, 4, or 12 43 states Yes
Beer Drop Best for Budget $33 per month No 6, 8, or 10 Not specified Yes
Craft Beer Kings Best for Craft Beer $49.99 per month No 6 or 12 48 states Yes
Brewvana’s Brews Less Traveled Beer Club Best for Discovering New Beer $66.67 per month Yes 8 or 16 37 states Yes
CraftShack Best for Irish Beer $121.99 per month Yes 10–12 48 states Yes
Half Time Beverage Best for German Beer $52.50 per month Yes 12 34 states Yes
Tavour Best Variety $44 per month Yes 6 or 12 47 states Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can You Order Beer Online in the U.S.?

    The short answer is yes, you can absolutely buy beer online in the U.S. As you can see from this list, there are countless vendors that cater to various beer tastes and preferences. The more complicated answer, however, is that it depends on which state you live in. Some states, like Alabama and Utah, have strict laws against shipping alcohol — so make sure the service you want to use is willing to ship to your address.

  • Where Can I Buy Schlitz Beer Online?

    Schlitz, as they say, “the beer that made Milwaukee famous,” is one of the most recognizable labels in all of brewing. While the old brewery sadly went defunct in 1981, the Pabst Brewing Company in Los Angeles continues to produce that famous red label. You can buy it from many major retailers as well as on Drizly.

  • Can I Ship Beer to Friends and Family?

    You can ship beer to friends and family, and many sites actually have specific gifting options. As we addressed above, however, you’ll need to do your homework to make sure that whichever service you plan on using will deliver to the state your friends and family live in.

Methodology

In order to create our list of the best places to buy beer online, we evaluated dozens of different sites and vendors on an extensive list of criteria. These include, but are not limited to, customer reviews, inventory, price, variety of memberships, and availability of imported beers. After an extensive review, we compiled this roundup in order to make your beer-buying journey that much easier.

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