Top 7 Best Coffee Subscription Options of 2024: Our Shortlist
Quick summary
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Atlas Coffee Subscription A lot of whole bean and ground options with brewing tips, taste notes, and postcard included with each batch 
best overall
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Trade Coffee Subscription A mix of single-origin beans and blends by US-based roasters (1,2,4 weeks between orders)
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Lifeboost Coffee Subscription Review Flexible subscription options with decaf and three roast levels available
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Why waste your time and money looking for new coffee beans to try when you can get them delivered to your doorstep every month? You can now subscribe to anything, and coffee is no exception. Today we invite you on a tour of seven options worthy of your attention among hundreds of offers. We’ll go over the technicalities, personal impressions, pros and cons of each one to give you the full picture before committing to a six-month plan.
The Best Coffee Subscription Service in 2021: Everything You Need to Know
What Is the Greatest Value of Coffee Subscriptions?
A coffee subscription is exactly what it sounds like. You pay for the beans to be shipped to you every month or so instead of shopping for them every time. Convenience is the biggest benefit of setting up a coffee subscription. The initial selection and setup can take some time, considering the number of available options. But once that’s out of the way, you will never have to worry about running out of brain juice or rushing to the grocery store for an energy booster.
Anticipation and surprise are also major points in favor of a subscription if you go with a curated option. Instead of settling for the same beans every month, you can go on a globe-trotting adventure across the most prolific coffee-growing countries. And you don’t have to do any homework to find the best beans; professional curators will take care of the selection for you.
Combine convenience with adventure, and you fulfill every coffee lover’s ultimate dream.
Coffee of the Month Club as a Perfect Gift
In the spirit of collecting memories and experiences rather than things, a coffee subscription is a perfect gift for a java lover in your circle. If you know their preferences, you can set up the subscription and specify the desired duration. Or you could leave the initial setup to the giftee. Look for services like Trade that help narrow the selection, and your gift will be truly appreciated.
Don’t worry about your credit card bills and automatic subscription renewals. Most companies have the option to provide a subscription as a gift, so you won’t be charged once coffee subscription gifts lapse.
Single Roaster Coffee Subscription
This option is basically auto-shipping from your favorite roaster on your schedule. But it doesn’t mean you have to stick to one blend, as most reputable roasters have a wide variety of beans to keep things exciting for you. The only thing to remain the same month-to-month will be the roasting quality.
Multiple Roaster Coffee Subscription
If you want to experiment with micro-roasters as well as beans, this option will be right up your alley. Based on your preferences, the subscription service will deliver a selection of beans from different roasters for your enjoyment. This way, you can get your hands on truly unique blends you wouldn’t find otherwise.
Subscriptions come with their fair share of pros and cons, and you should be aware of them if you want to sign up. When choosing the best coffee subscription, pay attention to:
- Curated or personalized offers. The former are hand-picked by professional tasters, so the quality is always superb, though the flavor profile might not be tailored to your taste. It’s the best option if you’re ready to experiment and want to discover as many new flavors as possible. The latter lets you select the taste palette or specific beans you want to replenish in your pantry. It’s an ideal solution if you know exactly what you like and don’t want to take any chances with your morning cuppa. Some companies let you combine these two options, which is the ultimate solution for all your coffee needs.
- Bean origin. You can stumble across both single-origin beans and blends when researching the subscriptions and go with what you prefer. Single-origin coffee is usually more bold, with vivid flavor and aroma notes. Blends combine the best qualities of two or more beans, making for a balanced, complex flavor.
- Roast settings. Some subscriptions have no qualms sending the same roast to all customers regardless of their preferences. The best subscription boxes for coffee are run by roasters who can tailor the roasting to your taste and brewing method. Finally, some companies partner with dozens of roasters and let you sample their craftsmanship every month.
- Shipping frequency and pricing. Free shipping is standard for reputable coffee membership clubs when you sign up for a few months. Frequency differs from once every month to a biweekly and weekly schedule. However, the beans do not change as frequently, so in most cases, you’ll get the same variety four times in one month if you settle on a weekly delivery schedule. But the beans will be freshly roasted and flavorful.
- Decaf availability. While many companies acknowledge your need to give up caffeine, some do not have access to the decaffeinated beans, so they only offer regular coffee.
Our Top 8 Picks for Coffee Bean Subscription
What is the best coffee subscription? We have eight recommendations for you. But please remember that surprise is in the nature of coffee subscriptions. While you might love the September beans, you might end up hating the October batch. Don’t go adventuring if you’re not into trying new things and can’t handle a bit of disappointment. Start by supplementing your usual java with a subscription before you go replacing it. And if you feel like we’ve missed the best subscription ever, let us know. We’re always in for a new coffee discovery.
Atlas Coffee Subscription Review
- Micro-lot single-origin beans
- Whole bean and ground options
- Light to medium and medium to dark roasting
- Two- or four-week shipping frequency
- Brewing tips, taste notes, and postcard included with each batch
- No decaf options
Want to fly to Uganda for a morning pick-me-up? No problem! With this coffee of the month club, you’ll zig-zag across the equator and visit over 50 countries that grow the brightest of the beans. Each month, you’ll discover a new single-origin bean, sustainably grown on micro-lot farms, lovingly and artisanally roasted to perfection. It’s a perfect choice for a true caffeine adventurer looking to broaden their horizons and discover the flavors of the world.
As you might have gathered, you can’t choose the bean of the month, but there are still plenty of customization options available to you. For one, you can get one, two, or three 12 oz bags with each shipment that’ll get to your door every two or four weeks (note that the coffee changes once a month, not twice). Ground or whole bean, light or dark roasted - it’s up to you to find the perfect combination for your subscription.
When your java of the month arrives, it will come in a beautiful bag with plenty of goodies. For one, you’ll receive the tasting notes and brewing recommendations for that exact batch. We’ve made a game of decoding the flavor profile before looking at the cheat sheet. The postcard from the country of coffee origin is also a nice touch that lets you connect to the foreign culture without leaving your kitchen, which is especially valuable in the times of travel restrictions and social distancing.
You will love the Atlas subscription if you’re willing to go on a coffee journey with a reliable guide. But if you want to find your perfect java and stick with it for the rest of your life, this might not be the best option.
Trade Coffee Review
- US-based roasters
- A mix of single-origin beans and blends
- One, two, or three weeks between orders
- Regular and decaf options
- Multiple grind options
- Setting up initial preferences takes a few minutes
The polar opposite of Atlas, Trade focuses on local java talent to deliver the best experience to your doorstep. The company partners with talented roasters across the US and a variety of single-origin beans and blends to hit your sweet spot when it comes to go-go drink every time.
You don’t have to decipher product descriptions and hope for the best. Instead, you can take a quick Trade coffee quiz to let the company know how you prefer your java. The questions are simple and to the point, and the whole thing won’t take longer than a couple of minutes. Once you’re done, you’ll get your recommendation and a chance to set up your subscription preferences, including shipping frequency and grind setting. You can even select among several options on offer if you have any particular cravings.
Every time you’ll get a new bean and roaster that fits your tastes yet allows you to enjoy the morning cuppa afresh. You’ve got your choice of grind settings from espresso to AeroPress and automatic drip. And the packages will arrive every one, two, or three weeks with no shipping costs. The first match guarantee is also a nice touch which means you get a second order for free if you don’t like the first batch you get.
You will love the Trade subscription if you enjoy discovering the local roasting talent and like to experiment with everything from blends to grind settings and decaf options. It does take a bit of time to set up your preferences, so be patient on your first go.
Lifeboost Coffee Review
- 100% single-origin Nicaraguan Arabica
- Hand-washed and sun-dried with zero mycotoxins
- Low acidity prevents digestive issues
- Flexible subscription options
- Decaf and three roast levels available
- On-demand whole-bean or ground coffee
- Sole bean option
The biggest problem with most coffee brands (including some on this list) is their indiscriminate use of blends from across the globe. You can never know what goes into your cuppa: perfectly roasted high-end java or stale batches from last year’s harvest. Worse still, there’s the risk of introducing mycotoxin-contaminated coffee into your diet and developing inflammation, chronic fatigue syndrome, or even kidney disorders. Luckily, Lifeboost is here to treat us to the world’s cleanest and safest coffee.
Originating in the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve in the heart of Nicaragua, every bag of Lifeboost Coffee is full of 100% single-origin Arabica that’s shade-grown, free of pesticides, herbicides, GMOs, and synthetic fertilizers. The cherries are hand-picked at ideal ripeness, hand-washed, and sun-dried at 5,700 feet above sea level until they achieve a perfect 11.5% internal humidity level. After that, every bag is tested for mycotoxins and other contaminants before reaching your doorstep.
The Lifeboost subscription is your chance to set up an automatic healthy java delivery system. You get to choose between regular and decaf beans, light, medium, or dark roasted. Pick and choose among the volume (1, 3, or 6 bags) and delivery schedule (every 1, 2, 4, or 8 weeks) options to find the ideal match for your java needs. You can even get grounds instead of whole-bean coffee if you’re not in the mood for messing with a grinder.
You will love the Lifeboost Inner Circle membership if you treat your body as a temple and want every cuppa to be as healthy and energizing as it gets. The rates may seem a bit intimidating at first, but a monthly coffee bean subscription slashes up to 48% off the retail prices, especially if you share with friends or family.
Purity Coffee Review
- Organic beans free of chemicals and mycotoxins
- Whole bean and pod versions
- Monthly free shipping (for 3+ months subscriptions)
- Regular and decaf available
- No ground options
- One-size-fits-all bean
Coffee is not just an instant brain power booster; it’s also chock-full of antioxidants, vitamins, and other healthy nutrients that can make you feel as good as your cuppa tastes. And that’s what Purity coffee is all about. The company pays special attention to screening the organic beans they source, and only about 1% of the coffee in the world meets its rigid requirements. That translates into zero pesticides, chemicals, mycotoxins, and other nastiness in your cup. Sure, the in-depth screening drives up the cost of the beans, but the subscription lets you save a couple of bucks on the healthiest coffee.
Unlike most subscriptions we’ve checked out, Purity keeps it simple. You have a choice between whole bean and pod options, regular and decaf. The shipping is monthly, but you can choose the number of 12 oz bags you want or go all out with a five-pound package. Sign up for at least three months to get free delivery.
You will love Purity Subscription if you love the health benefits of drinking coffee and are ready to stick to one blend for a few months or longer. But if you’re interested in trying different beans and roasts, consider other options on our list.
Peet’s Coffee Review
- Curated and personalized subscriptions
- Small batch, single-origin beans, and blends
- Whole bean, ground, and pod options
- Regular and decaf available
- Free shipping
- None that we could find
Some subscriptions take you on a coffee discovery journey, others provide you with your favorite blend on schedule, but Peet’s has it all! If you go the curated route, you get your choice among unique, small-batch coffees you won’t find anywhere else, powerful single-origin beans, and smooth blends. Every month you’ll get a surprise combination of flavor and aroma, freshly roasted and ground for your pleasure. It’s up to you to choose the number of bags and the grind setting (there are plenty, including espresso and commercial brewer).
If you know and love one of Peet’s signature beans, you can take the easy way out and set up a regular delivery. The company will simply replenish your coffee before it runs out. And with Peet’s, you’ve got a seemingly endless variety of roasts, origins, blends, and grinding settings. Decaf, half-caf, capsules, K-cup pods are all available for subscription with free shipping and the ability to pause or cancel any time.
You will love the Peet’s Coffee subscription, whether you want to try something new each month or stick with what you enjoy ad nauseam. With so many customization options for every taste and budget, it’s the best subscription coffee for us, so Peet’s is our top recommendation if you’re thinking of treating yourself to a monthly coffee supply.
Driftaway Coffee Review
- Four taste profiles to choose from
- Single-origin beans, freshly roasted
- Compostable packaging
- Whole bean + six grinding settings
- Free shipping every 1, 2, or 4 weeks
- No decaf options
- 11 oz or 16 oz bags only
Sometimes even the most detailed coffee descriptions are useless until you give the beans a try. That’s what we like about Driftaway - they start you off with a tasting kit of four flavor profiles (fruit, classic, balanced, and bold) and use your feedback to match you with the perfect java for the next shipping. Moreover, as you try new monthly offers, your continuous feedback helps the company tailor the beans to your taste even better. Think of it as a discovery journey with a goal of finding the ideal bean instead of randomly hopping across the globe.
Setting up the subscription takes a couple of mouse clicks. You can go with whole beans or select one of the six grinding settings and get them delivered to your doorstep every week, fortnight, or month. The bags are 11oz or 16 oz each, and the beans are freshly roasted every Sunday before shipping.
Another great thing about Driftaway is their dedication to transparency and traceability. Your every coffee bag comes with a story of the farmer growing the beans. While most offers do not come with fair-trade or organic seals, the company is very serious about paying the farmers well above the market price and ensuring you get only the highest quality beans free of harmful chemicals.
You will love the Driftaway subscription if you want to be on a first-name basis with the farmers growing the beans for your morning cuppa while still discovering new options every month. But if you want to simply restock your pantry with your favorite java, other options might suit you better.
Bean Box Review
- Curated by Maryna Gray, a Cup of Excellence juror
- Single-origin micro-lot beans
- Weekly, biweekly, and monthly plans
- Whole bean and ground versions
- A variety of roasting and decaf options
- Sole grinding setting
Who’s better suited to curating the best-value coffee subscription than a Cup of Excellence juror? Bean Box makes most of Maryna Gray’s expertise to take you on a java journey of your dreams through the most exotic micro-lot farms and artisanal roasters. You can get a tasting set of four tiny packages (2 oz each) or a full bag (12 oz) of one delicious variety every month. There are plenty of customization options too! For one, set a weekly, biweekly, or monthly delivery schedule. For another, you get a choice of roast settings, from light to dark or a mix of two or three varieties. Decaf is there too if you want the option to go caffeine-free.
The one thing that’s strange for a coffee subscription of this caliber is the lack of individual grind settings. You can get the whole bean of freshly ground java, but whether it’s suitable for cold brew or espresso machine is up in the air.
You will love the Bean Box subscription if you want to get your hands on new exclusive coffee every month without unnecessary hassle. But look elsewhere if you want more control over your morning cuppa.
Black Oak Coffee Roasters Review
- Curated by national roasting and tasting champions
- Monthly free delivery
- Two 12 oz bags of different single-origin beans every month
- 20% off other Black Oak Coffee offers
- Sole shipping frequency option
- No customization possibilities
What if you’ve tried everything and are now looking for something else? Black Oak aims to please the most adventurous of coffee aficionados with not one, but two distinct single-origin beans every month. The company’s experts taste test over a hundred new varieties each month and select the best to add to your morning ritual. While many of the varieties come from Ethiopia, other outstanding farms based in East Africa, South and Central America make the cut too.
What do you get in the coffee box? Two 12 oz bags of monthly beans are freshly roasted and packaged within 48 hours before shipping (which is free, by the way). Along come the brewing recommendations, origin details, and tasting notes. On the downside, there are virtually no customization options here. No way to get more than two bags every month, no way to get ground beans or decaf. It’s liberating and restricting at the same time, and only you can decide if it’s worth the price. At least, you can pause or cancel your coffee bean delivery subscription service anytime.
You will love the Black Oak Coffee subscription if one new single-origin bean per month isn’t enough for you and if you appreciate Ethiopian java. However, if you crave specific customization options to set the ideal frequency, roasting, and grinding settings, you’d better check out other contenders on this list.
FAQ
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Can I Get a Coffee of the Month Club Gift Subscription?
Sure, most companies on our list offer gift options ranging from three months’ subscription to a full year of coffee discovery. It is a great (and easy) way to please a coffee lover in your life for months to come. Make sure you pay attention to their preferences when it comes to roasting and grinding or go for a subscription that allows for changes to avoid unpleasant surprises. -
Can I Sign up for an Espresso Subscription?
Yes, you can! While none of the options on this list are espresso-exclusive, some offer espresso grinding settings, while others let you choose the beans ideal for adding to your espresso machine. With hundreds of subscriptions out there, you can surely find the one that suits your tastes to a T. -
How Do I Find an Organic Coffee Subscription?
Look for USDA and other organic seals on the bags. Purity is one example of a subscription offering 100% organic coffee. Others on this shortlist cannot guarantee the same, but most source their beans from respectable farms that avoid harmful chemicals.
Verdict. What Is the Best Coffee Bean Subscription in 2021?
All eight of the best coffee subscription boxes we’ve reviewed are outstanding in their own right. But Peet’s Coffee won us over for a couple of reasons. They offer curated and custom plans, for one. You can either get surprised every month or stick with what you know, or combine the two if your household is full of coffee lovers. The customization options blew us away, and the pricing is more than fair. So while we wouldn’t mind experimenting with other subscriptions, Peet’s is the one we’d stick to in the long run. What about you?
Renat Mamatkazin
Founder and owner of Lion Coffee and 3ChampsRoastery, 1st place winner of Ukrainian Barista Championship 2017. Interested in travelling, football and Formula-1 (besides coffee, of course).