I've never eaten lobster. Does it taste the same as crab?

Crab meat tends to have a sweeter taste than lobster. Crab is usually flaky, while lobster meat is dense.

How do you prepare lobster?

That depends on if you're cooking a live whole lobster or a precut tail. Most stores that sell lobster will give you instructions for cooking it in several different ways, but most involve putting the live lobster into boiling water, headfirst. (If you prefer a more humane approach, put the live lobster in a freezer for two hours just prior to cooking.)

Does it really "scream" when you cook it?

Yes and no. When you cook a whole lobster, you'll hear a high-pitched sound like a whistle being blown or a scream. That's the sound made as a cooking lobster overheats: it's the air rushing out of the holes in the body. But, that sound happens whether the lobster is alive or dead, so it's not actually screaming.

My lobster looks blue. Why isn't it the red color I was expecting?

That's an easy one: it only turns red after you cook it! Most live Maine lobsters are a black-green color, but other varieties can be yellow, calico, blue and white.

I ordered a live lobster, but I think it's dead. Can I still eat it?

The first question is, "Is it really dead?" It might just be sluggish after being shipped, so try touching its eye and see if it responds (weird, right?). But yes, you can cook lobster within 8 hours of when it likely died. After you prepare it, check the tail meat: if it's firm, you're good to go. If it's watery, mushy or loose, you should probably throw it out (and request a refund!).

How do I eat lobster?

The most traditional way is to dip the meat in melted butter. Other popular options are soups and chowders, pasta (especially ravioli and macaroni), or with steak as a surf-and-turf combo.

Is it safe to buy lobster online?

Absolutely! Many online retailers have been successfully delivering lobster around the nation for decades. They know exactly how to package your lobster so that it arrives in perfect condition - and most of them have rock-solid satisfaction guarantees if anything happens in transit.

Is lobster a good gift-giving idea?

Yes! Some lobster companies specialize in gift-giving options, like surf-and-turf packages or complete dinners with appetizer, main lobster course, and dessert. Almost every online lobster business has gift certificates, so that your lucky recipient can choose their own lobster package and delivery date.

Lobsters Online Review for May 2026

Item: Lobsters Online Review
Rating: 4
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Saturday, May 16th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Lobster Store Reviews

What is the Best Online Lobster Store? If you're craving the sweet, succulent taste of fresh Maine lobster but don't live near the coast, online lobster delivery services can bring the ocean's bounty right to your door.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Lobsters Online

1-pound live lobsters start at $20, with 5-pounders at $100. Boat Run Box offers 15-30 pounds of assorted lobsters ($239 to $479).
50+ years of experience since 1972, with impressive storage capacity of up to 2 million pounds annually
Multiple facilities across Massachusetts, Maine, and Canada for consistent supply
Next-day delivery available Tuesday through Saturday when ordered by 2:30 PM EST
Comprehensive selection beyond lobster including local oysters, scallops, and prepared seafood items
HACCP-approved and federally inspected facility with TSA cargo screening certification
Clear refund policy with 15-day processing for approved claims
Strong customer satisfaction with 4.6-star average rating from over 600 reviews
Optional $11 shipping insurance available for peace of mind
Partnerships with major industry organizations including Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association

VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Lobsters Online website

Founded in 1972 by Logan Clarke, Lobsters Online has grown from a small fish shanty in Cape Cod to a major international seafood distributor - and they proudly ship all around the globe (including China). With headquarters in Massachusetts and additional facilities in Maine and Canada, they maintain an impressive storage capacity of up to 2 million pounds of lobster annually.

Sustainability partnerships, but few specific commitments

While Lobsters Online doesn't make explicit sustainability claims on their website, you can gauge their commitment through their partnerships with major industry organizations like the Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association and adherence to both US and Canadian Lobster Fishery Conservation Codes of Conduct - but beyond that, there's little transparency about their specific environmental practices. (We'd love to see more detailed information about their sustainability initiatives.)

Everything from chix to jumbos at great prices

Want live lobsters? You can choose from modest 1-pounders at $20 all the way up to impressive 5-pound specimens for $100. Among our top-rated lobster stores, Lobsters Online has some of the best prices on live lobsters before shipping fees. If you're planning a lobster feast, consider Lobsters Online's Boat Run Box to make sure there's enough to go around - filled with an assortment of live lobsters up to 3 pounds each, this box is available in sizes ranging from 15 lbs ($239) to 30 lbs ($479).

Pre-prepared options for every occasion

If you prefer your lobster ready to eat, Lobsters Online offers everything from single tails (7-8 oz for $29) to fresh meat by the pound ($93). Their dinner packages scale beautifully - feed two people for $199 or host a feast for six at $429. Looking for something different? Try their lobster roll kit with two pounds of fresh meat for $189.

Beyond lobster: A full seafood selection

Round out your order with their impressive variety of seafood offerings. You'll find local delicacies like Cape Cod oysters, sea scallops from nearby waters, and PEI mussels. Don't forget to check out their prepared items like chowder, stuffed quahogs, and house-smoked fish.

Next-day shipping keeps your lobsters fresh

You can expect your lobsters to arrive fresh at your doorstep with Lobsters Online's overnight shipping service. (If your lobster seems a bit sluggish upon arrival, don't worry - that tail curl when cooking is your signal that all is well.) All retail orders ship next day Tuesday through Saturday (excluding holidays) when placed by 2:30 PM EST. While someone should ideally be home to receive the package, signature requirements have been waived - though the company won't be responsible for unattended deliveries. During holiday seasons, expect possible variations in cutoff times and delivery schedules.

Shipping insurance available

Concerned about shipping mishaps? Lobsters Online offers an $11 "travel insurance" that protects your order from delivery delays, damaged packages, and weather issues. If something goes wrong, you'll get a full refund - though reshipments aren't guaranteed. Standard shipping costs are calculated at checkout, with an $8 surcharge for Saturday delivery where available. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like there's any possibility of free shipping. When we calculated the cost for overnight live lobster delivery, we were looking at a fee of around $65.

Clear-cut refund policies

If there's an issue with your order, you must report it on delivery day with photos and your order details. (But once it's cooked, it's yours. No "the dog ate my lobster" excuses here.) Approved refunds are processed within 15 days, and full refunds are available if you cancel before shipping.

Hundreds of 5-star reviews

Lobsters Online has been reviewed over 600 times by happy customers, earning a 4.6-star average rating. Customer service is described as "terrific", and delivery as timely - whether Lobsters Online's customers live in Idaho or out in the desert, they all receive fresh, live lobster as promised. About the quality of the lobster, one reviewer writes, "Lobster was sweet and easy. Could not have picked out two better lobsters if I was on the dock!"

A reliable choice, but shipping costs eat into the savings

While Lobsters Online offers some of the most competitive prices we've seen for live lobsters, the hefty $65 overnight shipping fee negates much of those savings. Still, you're getting excellent quality lobster from a well-established company with decades of experience. If you're planning a large order or special event, Lobsters Online is worth considering, particularly for their bulk deals and impressive variety of seafood options. However, for smaller orders, you might find better overall value with other vendors who offer free shipping thresholds.

On the Lobsters Online website

Continued from above...

What is the Best Online Lobster Store?

If you're craving the sweet, succulent taste of fresh Maine lobster but don't live near the coast, online lobster delivery services can bring the ocean's bounty right to your door.

Whether you're planning a special dinner, hosting an event, or just craving seafood, online lobster stores offer something for everyone. Beyond just live lobsters, you'll find pre-cooked lobster meat, ready-to-heat tails, gourmet lobster roll kits, and chef-prepared meals like lobster mac & cheese and bisque. Many stores also offer complete dinner packages that include appetizers, sides, and even desserts. These services are especially valuable for inland residents without access to fresh seafood, busy professionals seeking convenience, and restaurants or caterers needing reliable suppliers.

However, not all online lobster retailers are created equal. One subtle distinction lies between corporate operations disguised as small fisheries and genuine small-scale operations. Corporate sellers often prioritize volume and profit margins, potentially compromising on freshness, quality, and customer service. In contrast, authentic small fisheries typically maintain direct relationships with local lobstermen, ensuring fresher products and supporting coastal communities.

For example, some corporate retailers may store lobsters for weeks in holding facilities, while small fisheries often ship lobsters that were in the ocean just days before. Small, family-owned lobster fisheries are also more likely to care about resolving issues with your order if something goes wrong.

With so many options out there, how do you make the best choice? Here are a few things to keep in mind when ordering lobsters online for delivery:

Sourcing transparency. Look for lobster stores who are upfront about their relationships with fishermen and their lobster sourcing practices. The best providers work directly with local lobstermen and maintain sophisticated holding systems for maximum freshness.
Price and value. Compare prices across different providers, but remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Quality lobster retailers typically offer competitive pricing while maintaining high standards for freshness and service. Also be aware that high shipping costs can negate what you might save on low-priced lobster, so look for a lobster store with free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount.
Shipping practices. Consider how quickly the lobster store can deliver to your location and what measures they take to ensure lobsters arrive alive and fresh. Overnight shipping is standard for live lobsters, while some providers may take longer for frozen products.
Customer service and guarantees. Look for clear policies regarding delivery issues, returns, and customer satisfaction. The best lobster providers typically offer specific guarantees and responsive customer service to address any concerns.
Product range. Consider whether the retailer offers the specific products you're looking for, whether that's live lobsters, frozen tails, prepared meals, or companion items like seafood tools and seasonings.

Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best lobster delivery services available online. We hope our reviews help you find the perfect lobster provider to satisfy your lobster cravings with confidence.

Lobsters Online Review: Lobster Stores

2026 Lobster Store Reviews

Lobsters Online

What is the Best Online Lobster Store?

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