Most Popular Food Delivery Apps Compared DoorDash Uber Eats and Grubhub

If you’re looking for the most popular food delivery app in 2025, DoorDash stands out as the top choice. With about 68% of the U.S. market share, DoorDash surpasses competitors like Uber Eats and Grubhub by a wide margin. Studies show that DoorDash offers lower prices and faster delivery times. The food delivery market continues to grow, and each app brings unique features, ease of use, and value for customers, restaurants, and drivers alike. Choosing the right app can help you save money and enjoy a better overall food delivery experience.

Key Takeaways

• DoorDash is the top app in the U.S. It has fast delivery and low fees. This makes it a good pick for most people. – Uber Eats has an easy-to-use app. It pays drivers well. It is best in big cities with lots of restaurants. – Grubhub is great in college towns and cities. It gives good discounts but is slower to deliver. – All three apps let you watch your order in real time. They also have plans to help you save on delivery fees. – Try using different apps to get the best deals. You can also find the fastest delivery and your favorite places to eat.

Quick Comparison

Most Popular Food Delivery

When you check out food delivery apps, three main names pop up: DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. These apps are big in the U.S. and other places too. DoorDash is the leader in the U.S. with about 55-65% of the market. This makes it the top pick for lots of people. Uber Eats is next and has many users all over the world. Grubhub used to be on top, but now it has a smaller share. Still, Grubhub is important in many cities.

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how these platforms compare:

Key Takeaways

• DoorDash is the most popular food delivery app in the U.S. You pay lower delivery fees and can use it in more places, even outside big cities. It usually brings your food faster than the others.

• Uber Eats is known all over the world. If you want an app with lots of users and a smooth experience, Uber Eats is a good choice. Drivers like that they can pick how they get paid.

• Grubhub does okay in some places. It is still used in many cities and college towns, but its market share is smaller now. Grubhub gives special rewards, but it has a hard time keeping up with DoorDash and Uber Eats.

• All three apps try to win you over with different features, prices, and delivery times. Food delivery apps keep changing, so you might want to try each one to see which you like best.

Food Delivery Apps Overview

DoorDash

DoorDash is a top food delivery app in the U.S. It covers more places than other apps. You can use it in cities, small towns, and rural areas. DoorDash lets you order food, groceries, pet supplies, and flowers. You get many choices from local stores and restaurants.

Here’s a quick look at what DoorDash offers:

DoorDash brings food fast, often quicker than others. DashPass gives you free delivery and special deals. DoorDash works with ghost kitchens, so you can try new foods. It focuses on local restaurants and has many app downloads in the U.S.

Tip: If you want a popular app with lots of options and fast delivery, DoorDash is a smart choice.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is another big food delivery app. It uses Uber drivers, so service is fast in busy cities. You can track your order live and pay safely in the app. Uber Eats works with many restaurants, both local and big chains. It also connects with ghost kitchens for more choices.

Uber Eats has some strong points:

• It uses smart mapping, so food gets to you on time.

• You can join a loyalty program and get special deals.

• Customer support helps if you have a problem.

But there are some downsides. Delivery times can change if traffic or weather is bad. Service can be different because drivers are third-party. Sometimes, hidden fees make your order cost more. Still, Uber Eats is popular all over the world.

Grubhub

Grubhub used to be the top delivery app, but now it gives more discounts and perks. It works best in cities and college towns. Grubhub partners with many restaurants, so you have lots of choices. You can find deals, rewards, and sometimes no delivery fees.

Here’s what makes Grubhub special:

• It gives customers lots of discounts and a rewards program.

• You can watch your order live, just like with other apps.

• Grubhub works with ghost kitchens, so you can try new foods.

If you want to save money and have many restaurant choices, Grubhub is a good pick. It may not be the fastest, but it still gives you good value for food delivery.

Food Delivery Services Compared

Coverage

When you pick a food delivery service, you want it to work where you live. DoorDash and Uber Eats are strong in big cities. DoorDash is also good in suburbs and smaller cities. You can use DoorDash even if you do not live downtown. Uber Eats is best in large cities and has more fancy food choices. Grubhub does not cover as many places. It is used more by older people and for business orders.

• DoorDash and Uber Eats are most popular in cities. DoorDash is picked by 31.9% of people, and Uber Eats by 30.1%.

• DoorDash is the top choice in suburbs. Uber Eats is number one in big city areas.

• Grubhub has lower numbers. It is used by 12.6% in cities and only 7.1% in the countryside.

• More people use these apps in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

• People on the coasts use delivery apps more than those in the Midwest or South.

Note: If you live in a small town or country area, you may see fewer food delivery choices and slower growth.

App Experience

You want an app that is easy to use. DoorDash has lots of restaurants and a simple design. Uber Eats links with the Uber ride app, so you can switch between food and rides fast. Grubhub’s app looks classic and works well for college towns and older people.

• All three apps let you track your order live on a map.

• You get alerts and updates from each app.

• Different drivers bring your food, so your experience may change each time.

• You can save your favorite places and order again with one tap.

• Tracking helps you know when your food will get to you.

Tip: Try each app to see which one you like best. Some people enjoy DoorDash’s rewards. Others like Uber Eats for its special food choices.

Delivery Speed

Getting your food fast is important when you are hungry! In 2025, studies show DoorDash is the quickest on average. Here is how the top delivery services compare:

DoorDash usually brings food the fastest, especially in suburbs and smaller cities. Grubhub is next, and Uber Eats is a bit slower, even though it is great in big cities. All three apps let you track your order, so you always know where your food is.

How Much Does It Cost

Pricing

When you order food delivery, you probably wonder, “how much does it cost?” The answer depends on the app you use and the restaurant you pick. Each platform sets its own prices, and sometimes the same meal costs more on one app than another. Restaurants often raise their prices on delivery apps to cover high commission fees. This means you might pay more than if you ordered directly from the restaurant.

Here’s a quick look at how the base prices and restaurant commissions compare:

You’ll notice that prices can change based on the restaurant’s deal with the app. Some restaurants charge more on delivery apps to make up for the platform’s commission.

Fees

You don’t just pay for your food. Each app adds extra fees that can really change the final price. Here are the most common ones:

• Delivery fee: This covers the driver’s pay and gas. It usually adds $2 to $5 to your order.

• Service fee: This pays for things like customer support and payment processing. It’s a percentage of your order, often between 15% and 30%.

• Small order fee: If you order just a coffee or a snack, you might see an extra charge.

• Expanded range fee: DoorDash sometimes charges more if your food comes from far away.

• Regulatory response fee: Some cities add special fees to help cover new rules for delivery apps.

• Address change fee: If you change your delivery address after ordering, you might pay more.

• Menu price markup: Many restaurants increase their prices on delivery apps, sometimes by 20% or more.

Tip: If you want the best prices, check the menu on the restaurant’s own website before you order through an app.

Membership

If you order food often, you might want to look at subscription plans. These plans can help you save money by lowering or removing delivery and service fees. Here’s how the main subscription plans compare:

You get the best prices if you order at least two or three times a month. DashPass, Uber One, and Grubhub+ all offer special deals, free delivery, and lower service fees. Some plans even give you cashback or extra discounts. If you want to save, these subscription plans are worth a look.

Value for Users

Consumers

You want a delivery app that saves you money and brings food fast. You also want lots of choices. DoorDash is the best for most people in the U.S. It works in more places and usually costs less. You can order from many local restaurants, big chains, and ghost kitchens on DoorDash. If you live in a city, Uber Eats has a smooth app and quick delivery, especially when it’s busy. Grubhub is good in college towns and some cities. But it may not have as many choices or be as fast.

These apps let you track your order in real time. You can watch your food move from the restaurant to your house. This helps you feel calm and plan your meal. All three apps send alerts, so you know when your food is coming.

Here’s a quick look at what you get as a consumer:

Tip: Try each delivery app in your area. You might find one has better deals or more of your favorite foods.

Restaurant Owners

If you own a restaurant, picking the right delivery app matters a lot. DoorDash has the most customers, so you can reach more people. This can help your business grow, but you pay higher fees. Uber Eats has good technology and lots of drivers, so delivery is fast and your restaurant is easy to find. Grubhub helps with marketing and has flexible prices, but its fees can be high.

Here’s how the main platforms compare for restaurants:

You want more people to see your menu and order from you. DoorDash helps you reach the most customers, but you need to watch your profits because of the fees. Uber Eats gives you good tech and fast delivery, but you may not get your customers’ info. Grubhub helps with marketing and has flexible plans, but fewer people use it.

Note: Many restaurants use more than one delivery app. This helps you reach more customers and balance out the costs.

Drivers

If you want to deliver food, you care about pay, flexibility, and getting orders easily. DoorDash and Uber Eats both pay well, but Uber Eats pays the most in 2025. Grubhub pays a little less, but some drivers like that there are always orders.

Here’s a table showing average driver earnings in 2025:

You can earn more during busy times with Uber Eats. DoorDash has a wide pay range, and some drivers make up to $30 per hour before costs. Grubhub pays less, but it is steady.

All three apps let you track your deliveries in real time. This helps you find the best routes and keeps you updated on each order. You also see your earnings and tips with every delivery.

If you want the highest pay, Uber Eats is best. If you want more orders and flexible hours, DoorDash is a good choice. Grubhub is good if you want steady work and do not mind earning a bit less.

Myths and Misconceptions

Pricing

Some people think food delivery apps have low fees. This is not true. Most apps charge restaurants high commissions. These costs often get passed to you. Many believe more apps mean lower prices, but that is wrong. New data shows prices are going up, not down. Companies want to make money now, not just grow fast. This means you pay higher fees and get fewer discounts.

Here’s a table that shows how tricky and high the fees can be:

Note: Even with lots of apps, you still pay high fees. Restaurants pay a lot too, so your meal might cost more than you think.

Delivery Times

Many people think food delivery apps are always fast. You might hope your food comes in 20 minutes, but that does not always happen. Delivery times depend on traffic, weather, and how many drivers are working. Sometimes, drivers pick up many orders at once, which can slow things down. If you order when it is busy, you may wait longer.

• DoorDash is usually fastest in suburbs and small towns.

• Uber Eats is quick in big cities but can be slower if there are not enough drivers.

• Grubhub may take longer, especially outside college towns.

Tip: If you want your food fast, order before busy times or check which app has more drivers near you.

App Safety

You might wonder if food delivery apps are safe for you and drivers. The good news is most apps added new safety features in the last few years. These steps help keep everyone safe, even with third-party drivers.

Here are some of the new safety steps:

• DoorDash gives free accident insurance to Dashers and offers road safety gear.

• Uber Eats makes drivers wear masks, check for symptoms, and keep cars clean.

• Drivers must upload a selfie with a mask, and the app checks it.

• Uber Eats spent $50 million on safety supplies like masks and gloves.

• Both Uber Eats and DoorDash remind drivers to keep a safe distance and let restaurants share safety rules in the app.

Remember: You can report any safety problem in the app. The companies want to keep you and the drivers safe.

You want the best food delivery app for your needs. DoorDash works great for most people because it’s fast and usually costs less. Uber Eats shines in big cities and pays drivers well. Grubhub is solid for deals and college towns. Check out this quick guide:

Still not sure? Try each app in your area. Let me know which one you like best in the comments!

FAQ

Can you use more than one food delivery app at the same time?

Yes, you can! Many people switch between apps to find the best deals or fastest delivery. You might even see different restaurants or prices on each app. Try them all and see which one works best for you.

Do food delivery apps mark up menu prices?

Most apps do. Restaurants often raise prices on delivery apps to cover high fees. You might pay more than if you ordered directly from the restaurant. Always check the restaurant’s own website for the lowest price.

Which app has the best customer support?

Uber Eats usually gets the highest marks for customer support. You can chat in the app or call for help. DoorDash and Grubhub also offer support, but some users say response times can be slower.

Tip: If you have a problem, contact support right away for the fastest help.

How do you save money on food delivery apps?

You can save by using promo codes, joining a subscription plan, or ordering during special deals. Here’s a quick table: