Which Seed Bank Comes Out on Top? We Compared Five Big Names
- Around-the-Clock Support: Who's Really Got Your Back?
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: Reading the Fine Print
- Global Shipping with Peace of Mind
- Free Seeds & Bonuses: Who Treats You Best?
- Strain Variety: How Many Options Are There?
- Website Usability: Shopping Shouldn’t Be a Puzzle
- Cannabis Seed Bank Comparison
The internet is packed with seed banks, all claiming to be the best. To help you navigate the noise, here’s a focused look at five of the most established names: North Atlantic Seed Co., Pacific Seed Bank, Seedsman, Royal Queen Seeds, and of course, Herbies Seeds. This comparison breaks down what actually matters when choosing among the best cannabis seed banks, from guarantees and strain varieties to website experience and shipping reliability. Let’s dive right in!
Around-the-Clock Support: Who's Really Got Your Back?
Quick, helpful support can make or break your experience when you buy cannabis seeds online, especially when you need answers fast. Here's how five well-known names handle customer service behind the scenes.
Herbies Seeds
Herbies keeps support straightforward – live chat with real people, available 24/7. No bots, no delays. You can reach us by email, contact form, or social media. The team replies quickly around the clock and helps with whatever’s going on, from germination issues to delivery questions. It’s one of the highlights often mentioned in a typical Herbies Seeds review – fast help when it matters most.
North Atlantic Seed Co. (NASC)
NASC keeps it simple: support is email-only and available Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM EST. Customers are encouraged to check the FAQ first and wait up to two business days for a response before following up. Though slower than some, responses are typically from in-house consultants and often include solid, grower-specific advice.
Pacific Seed Bank
Pacific offers support through email, a toll-free phone line, and live chat with real agents, all during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM PST). The team is responsive when active, and it’s one of the few banks where you can easily talk to a real person without jumping through hoops.
Seedsman
Seedsman runs a hybrid setup: a chatbot for quick answers, plus live agents via chat, email, and dedicated phone lines for U.S., EU, and international customers. Support is available during business hours, and emails are usually answered within 24 hours. Their searchable Support Center also helps with things like shipping questions, germination, and tracking orders.
Royal Queen Seeds (RQS)
RQS offers support through a contact form, email, and a phone line. Their hours are Monday to Thursday from 8 AM to 4 PM CET, and Friday until 2 PM. When live agents are offline, their chatbot and detailed FAQ pick up the slack – a setup often noted in Royal Queen Seeds reviews for its structure and ease of use.
Bottom Line
Everyone offers some level of support, but the format and accessibility vary widely. Herbies Seeds is the only one offering true 24/7 live help from real agents – and when it comes to Herbies Seeds vs. Pacific Seed Bank and others, it’s pretty clear who sets the standard for around-the-clock support. Pacific and Seedsman do well during business hours, offering both chat and phone support with actual humans. RQS brings structure and clarity, though their hours are limited to European time zones. Finally, NASC favors slower, detailed email replies, which can be ideal for growers looking for in-depth guidance.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: Reading the Fine Print
A solid germination guarantee reflects a seed bank's confidence in its products. Here’s how five popular seed banks handle things when your seeds don’t sprout, or when something goes wrong along the way.
Herbies Seeds
Herbies offers one of the most transparent and generous guarantees around. All seeds are covered for 90 days from dispatch, while Herbies Seeds, AlphaFem, EGS, and Seedkeepers get a full 1-year guarantee. Even if only one seed was purchased and it failed to germinate, it may still be eligible for replacement, as long as recommended germination methods are followed and photos are provided. Several compensation options are available, allowing customers to choose the most suitable or cost-effective solution.
North Atlantic Seed Co.
NASC offers a 90% germination guarantee valid for 60 days from purchase. If more than 89% of the seeds sprout, no compensation is due. Replacements come only as store credit for future orders; refunds are never issued, and the customer pays the reshipping cost. Several categories – freebies, bulk/white-label, HSC Phenohunter lines, and specific breeders such as Fat Cat Labs – are excluded, and because of state-level restrictions, growers in over 20 U.S. states are not eligible for any replacement at all.
Pacific Seed Bank
Pacific’s “90% Germination Promise” applies for 60 days after purchase, but only when at least two seeds in the order fail. You must follow their prescribed paper-towel method and document the attempt; single duds are not covered. If the success rate drops below 90%, the bank supplies replacement seeds (same strain or breeder), although shipping remains the customer’s responsibility. Pacific will accept returns of unused seeds within seven days of delivery, but refunds are contingent on prior approval and safe arrival of the goods.
Seedsman
Seedsman allows a 14-day “change-of-mind” return window provided the packs remain factory-sealed. For germination issues, customers must sprout every seed in the order and demonstrate that more than 10% failed within 60 days. Freebies and single-seed packs do not qualify, and replacements (never cash) come only as Seedsman-branded genetics. Repeat claims can be declined, and all postage on replacement parcels is billed to the grower.
Royal Queen Seeds
RQS grants buyers a 14-day right of return on unopened products and will refund the original shipping charge if the process is pre-authorized. For non-germination or lost shipments, there is no fixed guarantee period. Each case is handled by email and usually requires photos, plus a description of the method used. When the fault lies with the courier, RQS pays for the resend, although if the customer chose a premium delivery upgrade, they cover that surcharge themselves.
Bottom Line
All five brands advertise some form of germination guarantee, but the ease of claiming and true breadth of cover vary widely. NASC and Seedsman make customers foot the postage bill and impose tight germination rate thresholds. Pacific’s promise looks generous until you read the “two seeds minimum” clause. RQS keeps its options open by deciding on a case-by-case basis. Herbies, by contrast, combines the longest time frame with the most extensive list of covered scenarios – and it shoulders the cost of putting fresh seeds in your hands.
Global Shipping with Peace of Mind
When you buy cannabis seeds online, fast and reliable delivery matters almost as much as what’s in the pack. Here’s how five major seed banks handle shipping – and who really delivers when it counts.
Herbies Seeds
Herbies ships worldwide with free stealth delivery as standard. For customers in the U.S. and EU, delivery is free once your cart hits a minimum (€20 for EU countries and the UK, and $49 for the U.S., shown at checkout). U.S. express orders usually arrive in 3-5 days, while EU deliveries land in around 2-7 days. Most international orders arrive well before 2-3 weeks, which is typically the upper limit for remote locations. If your parcel gets snagged by customs, Herbies reships it – no hassle and no extra charge. Few seed banks match that level of shipping support.
North Atlantic Seed Co.
NASC only ships within the U.S. Orders go out via certified USPS with tracking and three speed options: Ground Advantage ($7.95, 5-7 business days), Priority Mail ($12.95, 3-5 business days), and Priority Express ($31.95, 2 business days). It’s a dependable setup for domestic growers but not an option for anyone outside the States.
Pacific Seed Bank
Pacific ships to most countries, excluding a few restricted regions. U.S. customers choose between flat rate ($9.50, 5-7 days), Priority ($18.50, 1-3 days), and Express International ($29, 7-25 days). All orders are stealthily packed and tracked, but international shipping adds up fast – and customs issues aren’t covered.
Seedsman
Seedsman ships globally with tracked delivery and low starting rates. EU customers get free shipping on orders over €75, and shipping times usually range from 2 to 12 days. Insurance is available from about $3, and most packages arrive quickly – although, as noted in more than one Seedsman review, delivery speed can vary depending on the region.
Royal Queen Seeds
RQS delivers worldwide from its Barcelona warehouse. Orders over €30 ship free, and most parcels arrive within 3 to 15 days via UPS or local partners. Cash-on-delivery is available in select countries, and the brand has a strong rep for getting orders where they need to go.
Bottom Line
Herbies leads the pack with free stealth package options, free shipping (with a modest cart minimum for the U.S. and EU), fast delivery times, and a customs-proof reship guarantee. Seedsman and RQS offer strong international service with bonus perks. Pacific covers a wide area but at a higher cost, while NASC sticks to solid domestic-only shipping. The North Atlantic Seed Co. vs. Herbies Seeds matchup highlights the contrast between a dependable U.S.-only option and a truly global player with added delivery protections.
Free Seeds & Bonuses: Who Treats You Best?
Promos and loyalty perks can turn a good deal into a great one, especially if you're a regular buyer. In this cannabis seed bank comparison, here’s how each one stacks up when it comes to rewarding customers.
Herbies Seeds
Herbies keeps it simple – and generous. Every order comes with a bonus seed, plus one more for every €20 spent. Many strains come in 3+2, 5+3, 10+5, and more promo packs. You can also get cool gifts* like a zip-lock bag or a grinder with your order. If you catch our chat agents at the right moment, you might even score surprise bonus seeds. And if you subscribe to the newsletter, Herbies will throw in three extra seeds with your next order. Seasonal promos hit the shop regularly too, themed around 4/20, Black Friday, Christmas, and more.
*Heads up: Some gifts and promos may not be available in all countries. For full details, check the website or chat with our team.
North Atlantic Seed Co.
NASC offers bonus seeds based on cart size and features exclusive “Spend More, Get More” packs. Their Canna Coins program gives one coin per dollar spent, redeemable for discounts or free items through an on-site rewards widget. North Atlantic Seed Co. reviews often highlight the straightforward bonus system that rewards repeat customers without much guesswork.
Pacific Seed Bank
Promos exist but are low-key and inconsistent. Freebies may pop up, and some strains include extras, but there’s no clear loyalty program or regular rewards structure to count on.
Seedsman
Seedsman stands out for their reward variety. You’ll get free plant tags and a pen with every order, and a shopping bag on orders over $125. The loyalty program is generous – 100 points just for signing up, 50 points per dollar spent, plus extras for birthdays and referrals. Time-limited giveaways and social contests (like Seedsman x Happy Hydro) add even more value.
Royal Queen Seeds
RQS offers tiered freebies, starting with one free seed at €25 and scaling up to 10 at €135. Extras like rolling papers and stickers are also common. The upcoming Royal Club loyalty system promises early access, exclusive promos, and invite-only events, but full details are still under wraps.
Bottom Line
Seedsman leads in loyalty depth and variety, while Herbies impresses with consistent bonuses, surprise gifts, and seasonal themes. The Seedsman vs. Herbies Seeds comparison is especially close here — one packs in layered perks, the other keeps things simple but generous. NASC offers practical rewards and a clear path to freebies through Canna Coins. RQS leans into structure and branding, and Pacific trails behind with a lighter promo hand. For everyday value and no-fuss rewards, Herbies and Seedsman come out strong.
Strain Variety: How Many Options Are There?
For many growers, the real fun begins with choosing strains. But does a bigger catalog always mean a better experience? Let’s explore how each seed bank balances variety and usability.
Herbies Seeds
Herbies boasts over 2,000 strains from top breeders worldwide – one of the largest selections you'll find, and a frequent highlight in any in-depth Herbies Seeds review. The catalog covers everything from autoflower seeds and feminized seeds to CBD-rich varieties and rare hybrids. In addition to seeds, Herbies also offers a small but growing collection of merch, often included as gifts or featured in themed promos.
North Atlantic Seed Co.
NASC offers a curated selection featuring U.S.-based genetics, including landrace hybrids and exclusive breeder lines. While they don’t list a precise strain count, the North Atlantic Seed Co. reviews by users mention over 1,000 varieties, with some estimates going up to 2,200+, and a focus on quality American phenos. NASC also offers branded merch, but their core is clearly seeds.
Pacific Seed Bank
Pacific Seed Bank offers a catalog of over 1,400 strains, covering major categories like autoflowering seeds, feminized seeds, and medical strains. While this places them comfortably within the mid-range of the market, their total inventory still falls short of industry giants. Growers seeking rare genetics or the latest breeder drops may find the selection at Pacific Seed Bank somewhat limited in comparison.
Seedsman
Seedsman offers one of the largest selections online – over 2,000 strains – sourced from over 60 breeders plus in-house genetics. That breadth extends from classic staples to landrace and novel strains, though browsing may feel overwhelming without clear filters.
Royal Queen Seeds
RQS offers over 100 proprietary strains, including award-winning autoflower and hybrid lines. Their catalog emphasizes stability, branding, and consistent quality rather than sheer volume. Paired with merch, grower kits, and lifestyle collabs (like with Mike Tyson), RQS sells more of a lifestyle than just seeds. Still, strain variety is relatively narrow compared to others on this list.
Bottom Line
If variety is priority number one, Herbies and Seedsman clearly dominate. Need curated, region-specific genetics? NASC offers a solid U.S. lineup. Prefer reliability over range? RQS nails consistency and branding. Meanwhile, Pacific provides essentials but lacks depth for seekers of rare strains.
Website Usability: Shopping Shouldn’t Be a Puzzle
A smooth online shopping experience is about helping growers find exactly what they need quickly and without frustration. From search tools and strain descriptions to mobile performance, we’ve evaluated each seed bank’s site to see how easy they make it to buy cannabis seeds online.
Herbies Seeds
Herbies delivers one of the smoothest experiences. The site is fast and easy to navigate, with an easily accessible seed finder, and all product pages offering crisp, essential grow data upfront. Filters let you sort by strain type, cannabinoid profile, yields, grow environment – you name it. Mobile navigation runs smoothly, and extras like user reviews, live chat support, and region-specific info shine through.
North Atlantic Seed Co.
NASC’s site is functional but plain. The theme feels dated, and navigation sometimes drags when browsing buckets like breeder collections. Search exists, but advanced filters – like flowering time or THC levels – are missing. Mobile view works but lacks polish, and the layout varies between strain pages. Overall, the site seems geared more toward loyal repeat users than first-time visitors.
Pacific Seed Bank
Pacific Seed Bank’s interface puts heavy emphasis on strain write-ups, sometimes at the expense of clarity. The lack of robust filters makes browsing inefficient, especially for shoppers with specific needs. Search results don’t always reflect relevant categories, and important details like plant height or yields often get buried in narrative text. Navigating between product pages feels dated, and mobile responsiveness is inconsistent – a common critique found in more than one Pacific Seed Bank review.
Seedsman
With one of the largest inventories online, Seedsman’s website is understandably complex. The filter system includes dozens of parameters – from cannabinoid ratios to effect types – but can be overwhelming or glitchy on mobile. Some pages lag under the weight of third-party plugins, and finding specific strains or breeders can require multiple clicks. That said, detailed product pages and options like wishlists, multilingual support, and currency toggles make Seedsman strong for experienced users willing to explore.
Royal Queen Seeds
RQS’s site is well-organized and visually polished. Easy navigation, logical menus, and bold visuals make browsing enjoyable. Filters for strain type, effects, yields, and more are easy to use, and the blog-style content adds educational value without getting in the way. Mobile performance is snappy – the site is clearly designed with international audiences in mind.
Bottom Line
When it comes to website usability, Herbies Seeds and Royal Queen Seeds lead the pack – both offer fast, modern, and accessible storefronts with logical filters and clear strain details. The comparison of Royal Queen Seeds vs. Herbies Seeds often comes down to personal preference: RQS delivers a sleek design and strong branding, while Herbies prioritizes speed and streamlined navigation. Seedsman offers rich functionality but requires more effort to navigate, especially for beginners. NASC and Pacific Seed Bank fall behind with outdated design, poor filtering, and inconsistent structure. For growers who want a crisp, efficient, and enjoyable online shopping journey – especially on mobile – Herbies Seeds sets the standard.
Cannabis Seed Bank Comparison
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how the five seed banks stack up across the features that matter most – from customer support and guarantees to shipping, promos, and strain variety.
It’s Not About Being the Biggest – It’s About Being the Smartest Choice
This isn’t the final word – just an honest side-by-side from our team, since there’s really no such thing as the one best cannabis seed bank. We’d love to hear what you think, especially if you’ve had experience with Herbies. Drop your thoughts and ideas below to help fellow growers make smarter choices – your input could be a big help to anyone reading this cannabis seed bank comparison.
Herbies Head Shop expressly refuses to support the use, production, or supply of illegal substances. For more details read our Legal Disclaimer.
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