A cigar subscription box solves two problems. First, it introduces you to cigars you would never pick up on your own, expanding your palate beyond the same three sticks you always buy. Second, it often saves money compared to buying the same cigars individually at retail. The combination of discovery and value makes subscriptions one of the better ways to enjoy the hobby, especially if you smoke a few cigars per week.
Not all subscriptions are equal though.
Some deliver premium, hand-selected cigars from recognized brands. Others fill boxes with house brands and overstocked inventory that nobody was buying anyway. Here is where to put your money.
Cigar of the Month Club (Cigar.com)
Cigar.com runs one of the longest-standing cigar subscription services. Their Cigar of the Month Club delivers 5 cigars monthly, each from a different brand and typically including at least one premium selection that would cost $10 or more at retail.
The curation leans toward well-known, established brands.
You are more likely to receive an Oliva, Perdomo, or Romeo y Julieta than a micro-brand or boutique maker. For beginners and intermediate smokers, that is a strength. You are building a foundation of flavor knowledge with cigars that are consistently well-made.
Each shipment includes tasting notes and pairing suggestions, which adds educational value beyond just the cigars. The packaging is straightforward and cigars arrive in good condition with a Boveda pack for humidity control during transit.
Price is about $30 to $40 per month.
The retail value of the included cigars typically exceeds $50, making the value proposition solid.
Privada Cigar Club
Privada takes a different approach. They partner directly with cigar makers to produce exclusive blends that are only available through the subscription. Every month you receive cigars that cannot be bought in stores, which makes each box a genuine discovery.
The quality is consistently high. Privada works with respected blenders and the cigars are made in well-known factories. The box usually includes 4 to 6 cigars along with detailed information about each blend, the maker, and the tobacco used. The presentation is premium with branded packaging and careful attention to shipping conditions.
The exclusivity model means you cannot easily repurchase a cigar you loved unless Privada restocks it, which they sometimes do for popular selections.
That can be frustrating but also makes each box feel special.
Price is about $50 to $60 per month, placing it in the premium subscription tier. The value is harder to quantify since the cigars are exclusive, but the smoking experience consistently justifies the price.
Small Batch Cigar Subscription
Small Batch Cigar is known for their curated approach to cigar retail, and their subscription service reflects that philosophy.
They offer multiple tiers based on price, from $50 to $100+ per month, and each tier is curated by the owner, Andrew Patel, who is well-regarded in the cigar community for his taste and knowledge.
The selections tend toward boutique and craft cigars from smaller producers. You will encounter brands like RoMa Craft, Warped, Crowned Heads, and Foundation. If you are already familiar with the major brands and want to explore the edges of the cigar world, Small Batch is where to look.
The higher-priced tiers include rare and limited-edition cigars that are difficult to find even at well-stocked retailers.
The $100 tier regularly features cigars that sell out within hours of release at retail.
Shipping is fast and packaging is excellent, with each cigar individually protected.
Thompson Cigar 90+ Rated Subscription
Thompson Cigar is one of the largest online cigar retailers, and their 90+ Rated subscription focuses purely on cigars that have received 90 or higher ratings from major cigar publications.
You get 5 cigars per month, all rated 90+ by Cigar Aficionado, Cigar Journal, or similar outlets.
This is a straightforward, quality-focused offering. There is less emphasis on discovery or exclusivity and more emphasis on guaranteed quality. If you want to smoke well-rated cigars without researching ratings yourself, Thompson does the work for you.
The brands included tend to be mid-tier to premium: Rocky Patel, Montecristo, E.P. Carrillo, and similar. The selection rotates monthly, so you get variety over time even if the brands are familiar.
Price is about $35 to $45 per month.
The retail value typically exceeds $60 based on the individual cigar prices.
Crowned Heads Jericho Hill Monthly Sampler
Crowned Heads is not a subscription service per se, but their monthly sampler program through select retailers functions like one. You get a curated selection of Crowned Heads cigars each month, including limited releases and pre-releases that are not yet available to the general public.
If you already know you like Crowned Heads (and they make some of the best boutique cigars on the market), this is a great way to explore their full range.
The Le Careme, Juarez, and Four Kicks lines are all excellent, and the samplers often include one or two surprises.
Availability varies by retailer. Check with Crowned Heads directly or with major online retailers like Famous Smoke Shop or Small Batch to see current offerings.
Choosing the Right Subscription
If you are new to cigars, start with the Cigar.com Cigar of the Month Club.
The price is accessible, the brands are reliable, and the tasting notes help you learn what you like.
If you are an experienced smoker looking for something new, Privada or Small Batch offer the best discovery experiences. Both push you outside your comfort zone with cigars you would not find on your own.
If you just want reliably good cigars without surprises, the Thompson 90+ Rated subscription delivers exactly what the name promises.
Most services let you skip months or cancel anytime, so there is little risk in trying one for a couple of months to see if it fits your smoking habits and preferences.