Best flower delivery online 2022

Best Flower Delivery Online 2022
(Image credit: The Bouqs)

With the best flower delivery online, it’s easy to show someone you care. From a stunning bouquet to a more affordable selection of flowers, there are lots of options to suit all occasions. But which is the best flower delivery online for you?

We've taken the work out of it for you by reviewing a wide variety of online flower delivery services and narrowing down this list to just the very best companies. We’ve taken into account where the flowers are sourced from, how fast the delivery service is, and what other gifts and accessories beyond flowers are available to bundle into your order.

So from a quick last-minute delivery of flowers, because you forgot a special occasion, to a well thought out floral bouquet to suit an annual event or season (think birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas), there’s something for everyone here. Some florists even offer bouquets with chocolates to make your delivery even more special.

For other types of gifting, check out our guide to the best gift baskets, or the best personalized photo book services for a very special gift. For flowers though, you're in the right place, so read on to find the best flower delivery online for you.


1. 1-800-Flowers: Best flower delivery online overall

Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

1-800 Flowers is our top pick

1-800 Flowers is our top pick (Image credit: Future)
The overall best flower delivery online service, with fair pricing and loads of flowers to choose from.

Specifications

Same-day or next-day delivery: For select arrangements
National delivery: Yes
International delivery: Select
Gifts available: Yes
Customer support: Chat, email, phone
Price range: $24.99 - $200+

Reasons to buy

+
Varied selection of flowers and plants
+
Fair prices
+
International delivery available

Reasons to avoid

-
Arrangements are more classic and less modern
-
No care instructions

1-800 Flowers secures a spot at the top for the best flower delivery online overall. It’s a great option if you’ve never ordered flowers before, as there’s a wonderful selection of flowers and plants. 1-800 Flowers wants its customers to be satisfied, so if there’s a problem with your order, the company will help make it right. If you’re on a budget, there are some wonderful options here, too, with some more expensive options if you’re willing to shell out more cash - just take into account the variable service fees and taxes. 

The delivery we had arrived on time, and in good condition, especially when compared to others we tested. 1-800 Flowers is a very safe pair of hands, although one of our few complaints is that there are no care instructions included with each delivery, which we think should be standard for all bouquets.


2. ProFlowers: Most affordable flowers

ProFlowers - a great budget pick

ProFlowers - a great budget pick (Image credit: Facebook / ProFlowers)
ProFlowers is the most affordable option, meaning that you can still get a quality bouquet for a relatively low price.

Specifications

Same-day or next-day delivery: : For few arrangements
National delivery: Yes
International delivery: Select
Gifts available: Yes
Customer support: Chat, email, phone
Price range: $30 - $195

Reasons to buy

+
Very affordable options
+
Plenty to choose from on site
+
Does International delivery

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most original arrangements
-
Bouquet may not arrive as advertised

ProFlowers may not be everyone’s first choice, but where it fails in bouquet design, it makes up for in affordability. ProFlowers has the most beautiful options for under $40, which is a less-than-average cost for fresh-cut flowers. If you’re on a tighter budget, we think ProFlowers is the smart pick - your bouquet will likely still be fresh and beautiful and relatively fuller than arrangements from other services that are similarly valued. There’s a decent variety of flowers on the website too, which means there are plenty to pick from, and the gifting options are more than enough for most occasions.


3. FTD: Best flower quality

FTD flowers - the bouquet we had from FTD was lovely

FTD flowers - the bouquet we had from FTD was lovely (Image credit: FTD)
The bouquet from FTD was the most beautifully presented out of all the flowers we received.

Specifications

Same-day or next-day delivery: For most arrangements
National delivery: Yes
International delivery: Select
Gifts available: Yes
Customer support: Email, phone

Reasons to buy

+
Plenty of gifts available
+
We loved the bouquet we ordered, and it arrived in good condition
+
International delivery, as well as national

Reasons to avoid

-
Average-looking bouquets on the site
-
Not the most original arrangements

Although the bouquets on the FTD aren’t as original as ones we’ve seen from other services, we thought that the end product was the best we’ve seen - and ultimately, it’s the result that matters the most. Our arrangement arrived in great condition and was very close to what was advertised, unlike many of the other bouquets we received. The website is easy to use, and the choice of flowers is good too. While not as good value as some others, nor as varied or original, FTD is a very solid choice for anyone who just wants good quality flowers delivered.


4. UrbanStems: Most eco-friendly flowers

UrbanStems - these have serious green credentials

UrbanStems - these have serious green credentials (Image credit: UrbanStems)
UrbanStems sources its flowers from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

Specifications

Same-day or next-day delivery: For some arrangements
National delivery: Yes
International delivery: No
Gifts available: No
Customer support: Email, phone, direct message

Reasons to buy

+
Eco-friendly company
+
Affordable options
+
Modern and trendy aesthetic

Reasons to avoid

-
Lean-looking bouquets if you opt for lower cost arrangements
-
No gifts available
-
No international delivery

UrbanStems is one of the newer services in the flower delivery space, and although it still has some way to go, it still makes our list of the best flower delivery services. Its bouquets have a more modern and bohemian aesthetic, so it’s perhaps better suited for a younger recipient rather than an older one. UrbanStems is also your go-to if eco-friendly practices matter to you or your recipient: the company values ecological responsibility and supports its farmers and their local industries. While the bouquet we received from UrbanStems wasn’t the best we tested (nor the worst), it was still lovely and fresh, and the fact it’s eco-friendly goes a long way. The site is also easy to navigate, and has a good variety of options for all budgets.


5. Teleflora: Easiest ordering options

Teleflora - a great shopping experience

Teleflora - a great shopping experience (Image credit: Teleflora)
For classic arrangements with a twist and easy ordering, look no further than Teleflora.

Specifications

Same-day or next-day delivery: For most arrangements
National delivery: Yes
International delivery: Select
Gifts available: Yes
Customer support: Message

Reasons to buy

+
Average prices
+
Beautiful arrangements as advertised
+
Easy ordering

Reasons to avoid

-
Not very varied selection 
-
Many customer complaints

Despite many negative customer reviews, we were pleased with our Teleflora arrangement. With fair prices, gifts you can add to your order, and the ease of ordering, Teleflora is a good choice if you’re ordering flowers for the first time, or if you aren’t well-versed in purchasing flowers online. Teleflora also has very informative product pages that can help you make the best choice for your recipient and your wallet. If you are new to ordering flowers, or only do it very occasionally, we’ve got our own guide to flower meanings to help you make a more informed pick.


6. The Bouqs: Most original arrangements

The Bouqs - offers modern, stylish flowers

The Bouqs - offers modern, stylish flowers (Image credit: The Bouqs Company)
The Bouqs has the most original arrangements, with bouquets that include plantable succulents.

Specifications

Same-day or next-day delivery: Limited
National delivery: Yes
International delivery: No
Gifts available: No
Customer support: Message

Reasons to buy

+
Original bouquet designs
+
Easy sorting and ordering
+
Large variety of plants and flowers used in the bouquets

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited same-day or next-day delivery
-
Mixed results with what you actually get

We absolutely love the way The Bouqs arrangements look online: with such a large variety of flowers, plants, and stems used throughout the selection, it was a delight to browse the site. As a newer player in the market, it markets itself to a younger demographic with a more bohemian aesthetic and gentle pastel hues. If you’re looking for same-day or next-day delivery, The Bouqs probably isn’t for you - but if your recipient would appreciate a plantable succulent that can last for far longer than the fresh-cut flowers it came with, order early. The reality of the flowers that showed up for testing in our offices didn’t match the beauty of the ones on site, which was disappointing, but there’s always an element of this with flowers.


7. Venus et Fleur: Best for roses

Venus et Fleur - great if you like treated roses

Venus et Fleur - great if you like treated roses (Image credit: Venus et Fleur)
Venus et Fleur is known for its long-lasting roses, which are chemically treated so that they can last up to a year.

Specifications

Same-day or next-day delivery: Limited
National delivery: Yes
International delivery: Limited
Gifts available: Limited
Customer support: Email, phone

Reasons to buy

+
Roses last a long time
+
Great delivery options

Reasons to avoid

-
Flowers are chemically treated
-
Quite expensive

Venus et Fleur isn’t your average flower delivery company. If you’re willing to pay a pretty steep price, you can order the service’s signature Eternity Roses, which can last a year with appropriate (yet minimal) care. Treated with chemicals to preserve them and dyed to give them a striking color - that can be anything from red to rainbow - you won’t have to replace them for about 12 months. Presented in a lovely box, and with a really distinct smell that lasts for several weeks, these roses are a gift your recipient won’t forget - but they’re not for everyone. 


8. Amazon flowers: A great variety of bouquets

Amazon flowers - a trusty, cheaper option

Amazon flowers - a trusty, cheaper option (Image credit: Amazon)
It may not be your first choice, but Amazon does a good selection of fresh-cut flowers.

Specifications

Same-day or next-day delivery: Dependent on vendor
National delivery: Yes
International delivery: Dependent on vendor
Gifts available: Dependent on vendor
Customer support: Limited chat and call schedule

Reasons to buy

+
A good range of choices
+
Often one of the cheaper options
+
Amazon is a familiar site

Reasons to avoid

-
Quality of service depends on the vendor
-
Limited customer service

Surprisingly, for fresh-cut flowers, Amazon is a very credible option. The delivery giant may not have the most beautiful arrangements, and may not be the most reliable, but you can still get a quality product for a low price if you pick wisely. Remember that the quality of your bouquet is only as good as the quality of the vendor you pick, so you need to be familiar with how Amazon works, and be confident in picking third-party sellers. For the best results, read the arrangement reviews carefully, and make sure that there are enough to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck. The bouquet we received was in good condition, and was one of the better value picks from this round of testing.


How we tested and found the best flower delivery online services

We thought the best way to find the best flower delivery service would be to order the same thing from each one. So, we ordered bouquets with as consistent elements as possible from all our vendors, and opted for next-day delivery. When they arrived we either left them in their respective vases or unpackaged them from their boxes, noting how they looked and following the instructions that came with each bouquet. 

After letting the bouquets sit overnight, we then took surveys rating the look and smell of each bouquet, as well as whether they appeared to be worth the price, including shipping and handling. The flowers remained in our office in the following days as we kept their water fresh and collected data on how quickly their blooms opened. We also waited for how long it took them to die, which to us was when the majority of the blooms were droopy, falling apart and no longer visually appealing.

When it came to fulfilling our orders, we discovered national flower delivery companies that outsource to local florists often don’t arrive as they look on the website. We lowered scores for companies that sent us arrangements that looked significantly different from the ones shown on site.

Flower varieties - what should you get?

The best flower delivery online services offer a wide range of flowers for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a happy bundle of daisies or a romantic bouquet of roses, you can find them online. One thing to keep in mind, however, is whether an online company sends flowers from its own warehouse or outsources to a local florist. 

Companies that assemble their own bouquets are more likely to match the photo online, so you know exactly what you’re getting. When a local florist is contracted to fill an order, flowers can show up looking a little different because of artistic interpretation of a bouquet or sometimes even a shortage of a certain type of flower.

Home much does flower delivery cost?

The sticker price of any given bouquet from an online flower delivery service can increase considerably with a delivery charge. In our experience, delivery or shipping and handling can cost anywhere between $10 and $20 depending on what you purchase and where you live, so even a cheap flower bouquet’s price can end up almost doubling. 

How to make your flowers last longer

There are several things you can do to keep cut flowers alive for as long as possible. ProFlowers recommends cutting 1 to 2 inches off the stems before putting them in a vase. Cut the stems at an angle to improve water intake, and continue this process every couple of days. Use room temperature water in your vase and change it out every two or three days, along with any flower food that came with the bouquet. It might seem counter-intuitive, but you should keep cut flowers out of direct sunlight and heat. Don't display them near fresh fruit either, as fruit releases gases that can kill your flowers faster.

ProFlowers conducted tests with myriad household items that are supposed to keep your flowers alive longer: vodka, apple cider vinegar, hairspray and even bleach. It found keeping flowers chilled in the fridge rendered the best results, along with adding a little lemon-lime soda to the bouquet's water. The home remedy yielding the worst results was hairspray, so keep the Aqua Net away from your flowers at all cost! We have a full guide on flower care if you need more information.

(Image credit: FTD)

Why are flower arrangements so expensive?

The cost of a bouquet varies by the type of flowers you want and how many. Obviously, the larger and more extravagant the bouquet is, the more expensive it is.

We ordered a dozen roses from the 10 companies we tested and discovered that bouquet cost an average of about $75, including all shipping and handling fees. There are more extravagant bouquets with balloons and chocolates available for around $250, or simpler arrangements for about $30.

Bouquets can be expensive because many flowers are grown on another country or even continent and often harvested by hand. Shipping flowers across the globe and ensuring they’re kept fresh costs a lot.

Feeding your flowers after they’ve been delivered

Most flower delivery services include a small packet of plant food you should mix in with the water in the bouquet vase. Have you ever wondered what that powdery substance actually is? These packets usually contain citric acid, sugar and bleach. This is because a byproduct of photosynthesis is sugars that help the plant grow. Adding a little extra sugar to the water the plant consumes essentially gives the bouquet a little boost. You can make alternative plant food at home with one teaspoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of salt and half a teaspoon of ammonia added to one gallon of water.

Flower delivery for allergy sufferers

You might think that there isn't an option for people who love flowers but can't have them around because they're allergic to them. However, there are a lot of flowers you can get that won't make people sneeze or give them itchy eyes.

The hydrangea plant is ideal because it comes in a lot of different colors but won't bother allergy sufferers. Allergens are usually found in a plant's pollen, so try to avoid flowers that carry a lot of pollen. Geraniums, for example, work well because they have low levels of pollen. Flowers with higher levels you should avoid include daisies, sunflowers and chrysanthemums.

If you know the person you’re buying flowers for is very sensitive and you’re afraid to get anything with a bloom on it, a cactus or succulent is a great alternative. These green plants don’t have any blooms and, therefore, don’t have any pollen, making them perfect for folks with sensitive noses. Note that some breeds of cactus, like the Bunny Ear, do occasionally flower under the right conditions, so do your research before you buy. It’s not as fun as surprising a friend or loved one with a bouquet, but you can always ask what types of flowers and pollen they’re allergic to so that you won’t risk giving them a gift that makes them sneeze.

Sophie Kaemmerle

Sophie is a born and bred New Yorker who, paradoxically, loves being in the great outdoors. Her favorite pastimes include running, baking, and writing. She also spends her time volunteering and leading volunteer projects with the Good+ Foundation and Achilles International when not providing information on the best deals, products, and services on the internet to TopTenReviews readers.