In today’s fast-paced world, food delivery services have become an indispensable part of our lives. With just a few taps on our smartphones, we can have our favorite meals delivered right to our doorstep. But with so many options available, deciding Which Food Delivery Service Is The Best can be overwhelming. This guide dives into the top food delivery services, exploring their strengths and weaknesses, to help you make an informed decision.
Top Food Delivery Services to Consider
1. Grubhub
Best food delivery service overall
Grubhub is a giant in the food delivery industry, boasting an expansive reach across 4,000 U.S. cities and London, UK. This extensive network allows it to partner with a diverse range of restaurants, from national chains to local gems. Grubhub is a solid choice for those seeking variety and convenience.
Pros:
- Extensive reach covering numerous cities and restaurants.
- Partnerships with both local restaurants and national chains.
- Supports multiple payment methods for flexible transactions.
Cons:
- Delivery fees can vary depending on the restaurant, adding to the overall cost.
- Minimum order requirements also vary by restaurant, potentially limiting options.
Grubhub users can order delivery or takeout and take advantage of special deals available only within the app. The app’s delivery instruction box lets you tell the driver where to leave your meal if you’d prefer a no-contact delivery. A Grubhub+ subscription unlocks free delivery for $9.99 a month.
2. DoorDash
Great food delivery service with helpful recommendations
DoorDash operates in 4,000 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, providing access to a wide range of cuisines. DoorDash’s algorithm offers helpful restaurant recommendations based on your past orders and preferences.
Pros:
- Effective recommendation engine aids in discovering new restaurants.
- Wide selection of local eateries and national chains.
- DashPass subscription reduces service fees, offering cost savings.
Cons:
- Reach is not as extensive as Grubhub, limiting availability in some areas.
- Delivery fees can vary significantly, impacting overall cost.
DoorDash also lets you order alcohol and mixers from local wine and liquor stores where local laws allow. A $9.99-per-month DashPass lets you save on delivery fees.
3. Seamless
A mirror image of Grubhub
Seamless is another food delivery service operating under the Grubhub umbrella. It provides access to a vast network of restaurants and cuisines, similar to Grubhub.
Pros:
- Extensive reach across various cities and a large number of restaurants.
- Partnerships with both local restaurants and national chains.
- Multiple payment methods for ease of use.
Cons:
- Some restaurants include delivery fees, increasing overall expenses.
Seamless operates in a number of U.S. cities, it has the best coverage in New York City. As with GrubHub, there’s a $9.99-per-month membership if you want to save on delivery costs; otherwise using the app is free.
4. Uber Eats
The best food delivery service if you already use Uber
Uber Eats leverages Uber’s existing infrastructure to offer a seamless food delivery experience. With its global reach and user-friendly interface, Uber Eats is a convenient option for many.
Pros:
- Integrated with Uber, simplifying the ordering process for existing users.
- Real-time delivery tracking provides accurate updates on order status.
- Supports cashless payment, streamlining transactions.
Cons:
- A 15% service fee can add to the overall cost.
- Minimum order fees apply to small orders, increasing expenses for smaller meals.
You can pay either with a credit card or through credits on your Uber account, and from within the app, you have the option to tip the person bringing you your food as well as leave instructions for contact-free food delivery. And the $9.99-per-month Eats Pass lets you enjoy free delivery, with an additional 5% discount on orders over $15.
5. Instacart
Food delivery when you need groceries
Instacart specializes in delivering groceries and household goods. If you’re looking to stock up on essentials or need ingredients for a home-cooked meal, Instacart is a great option.
Pros:
- Extensive list of grocery stores to choose from.
- Instacart Express membership provides faster deliveries, beneficial for frequent users.
Cons:
- Service fees can accumulate, increasing the cost.
- Securing desired time slots can be challenging, particularly during peak hours.
The service boasts partnerships with more than 20,000 retailers across North America, and if your local store offers ready-to-eat meals, Instacart’s an option for getting those items delivered straight to your door. If you do plan on using Instacart for delivering groceries or prepared food you plan to eat right away, you’ll want to consider an Instacart Express membership, which costs $9.99 a month. That’s a way to get your food faster. Otherwise, Instacart has no membership fees, though you’ll have a delivery fee tacked on to each order.
6. Caviar
Best food delivery service when you don’t want fast food
Caviar focuses on partnering with local restaurants, offering a more curated selection of dining options. If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience, Caviar might be the right choice.
Pros:
- Focuses on local restaurants, supporting community businesses.
- Real-time GPS tracking allows for accurate delivery monitoring.
Cons:
- Reach is not as extensive as other services, limiting availability in some areas.
Caviar offers a number of in-app exclusive deals, and it focuses less on fast food compared with other apps. Instead, Caviar emphasizes other types of restaurants, and it lets you leave instructions for no-contact delivery when you checkout for your order.
7. Postmates
Round-the-clock food delivery service
Postmates offers 24/7 delivery services, depending on restaurant operating hours. This makes it a convenient option for late-night cravings or when you need something delivered at any time.
Pros:
- 24/7 deliveries, depending on restaurant operating hours, providing flexibility.
- Extensive reach across numerous cities.
- Deliveries extend beyond food, including items from local stores.
Cons:
- Surge pricing can significantly increase costs during peak hours.
You can order pizza, burgers, groceries or even things like clothing or cellphone chargers from local restaurants and retail partners. Postmates does include a delivery charge and surge pricing during peak hours, but a $9.99-per-month Postmates Unlimited service removes surge pricing and delivery charges for orders greater than $15.
8. ChowNow
Local eats, with a focus on pickups
ChowNow emphasizes local eateries and commission-free ordering, supporting local restauranteurs.
Pros:
- No hidden fees.
- Focuses on local restaurants, supporting community businesses.
Cons:
- Delivery limited to select cities.
- Not as extensive as other services.
If you’d like to fill your belly while also helping out local restauranteurs, this is the app to check out.
9. Delivery.com
All-purpose delivery service
Delivery.com provides a wide range of delivery options, including food, laundry, and dry cleaning.
Pros:
- Delivers laundry, groceries and alcohol in addition to food, providing versatility.
- Extensive reach across numerous cities.
Cons:
- Some restaurants add delivery fees, impacting overall cost.
In addition to ordering your favorite munchies for delivery or takeout, Delivery.com also can bring you groceries, beer, wine and spirits, so think of it as a one-stop source for all your food needs.
10. GoPuff
Get more than just food delivered
GoPuff delivers snacks, ice cream, alcohol, and other items, including over-the-counter medicine and cleaning supplies.
Pros:
- Deliveries include cleaning supplies and over-the-counter medicine in addition to food, catering to immediate needs.
- Flat delivery fee, providing cost predictability.
Cons:
- Food deliveries lean more towards snacks than full meals, limiting options for substantial meals.
GoPuff features a catalog of more than 2,000 products and charges a convenient flat delivery fee of $2. (Pay for a $5.95-per-month Fam membership, and you’ll get free delivery, which will save you money if you turn to GoPuff more than three times each month.)
Finding the Best Food Delivery Service for You
When determining which food delivery service is the best for your needs, consider the following factors:
- Reach: How many restaurants are available in your area?
- Fees: What are the delivery fees, service fees, and minimum order requirements?
- Selection: Does the service offer the types of cuisine you enjoy?
- Membership programs: Do any of the services offer a membership program that could save you money?
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose the food delivery service that best fits your lifestyle and preferences.
