Food Delivery Services: DoorDash vs. Uber Eats vs. Grubhub – Which is better
Food delivery services have transformed the way people enjoy their favorite meals, offering convenience and variety at their fingertips. Among the top players in the industry, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub dominate the market. Each platform offers unique features, pricing models, restaurant selections, and delivery options.
In this article, we will compare DoorDash vs. Uber Eats vs. Grubhub in terms of availability, fees, delivery times, restaurant selection, customer experience, and driver benefits. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which service best suits your needs.
Table of Contents
1. Overview of the Food Delivery Services
DoorDash
- Founded in 2013, DoorDash is the largest food delivery service in the U.S. by market share.
- Offers DashPass, a subscription service for free deliveries on eligible orders.
- Partners with fast-food chains, local restaurants, and convenience stores.
Uber Eats
- Launched in 2014, Uber Eats is an extension of Uber’s ride-sharing platform.
- Offers Uber One, a membership for free delivery and discounts.
- Known for its seamless integration with the Uber app and vast restaurant selection.
Grubhub
- Established in 2004, Grubhub is one of the earliest food delivery platforms.
- Provides Grubhub+, a subscription service for free deliveries.
- Specializes in local restaurants with strong partnerships in major cities.
2. Availability & Market Coverage
| Feature | DoorDash | Uber Eats | Grubhub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countries | U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan | Global (6,000+ cities) | U.S. only |
| Number of Cities | 7,000+ | 6,000+ | 4,000+ |
| Global Expansion | Limited | Extensive | No |
Verdict: Uber Eats is the best choice for international users, while DoorDash and Grubhub focus more on the U.S. market.
Read Also: Meal Delivery Comparison: Blue Apron vs. HelloFresh vs. Home Chef 2025 which better
3. Fees & Pricing
Each service charges delivery and service fees, but costs can vary.
DoorDash Fees
- Delivery Fee: $0 – $5.99 (varies by distance and demand).
- Service Fee: 10% – 15% of the order total.
- DashPass: $9.99/month for free deliveries on eligible orders.
Uber Eats Fees
- Delivery Fee: $0 – $6.99 (depends on restaurant and location).
- Service Fee: Around 15% of the order total.
- Uber One: $9.99/month for free deliveries and discounts.
Grubhub Fees
- Delivery Fee: $0 – $6.00 (set by restaurants).
- Service Fee: 5% – 15% of the order total.
- Grubhub+: $9.99/month for free deliveries on select restaurants.
Verdict: Grubhub often has lower fees, but Uber Eats and DoorDash provide better value through their membership plans.
4. Delivery Speed & Efficiency
| Factor | DoorDash | Uber Eats | Grubhub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Delivery Time | 30 – 40 min | 25 – 35 min | 35 – 45 min |
| Real-Time Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled Deliveries | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Verdict: Uber Eats is slightly faster due to its vast network of drivers and integration with Uber’s ride-sharing fleet.
Read Also: Amazon vs Walmart competitive analysis 2025
5. Restaurant Selection & Grocery Delivery
| Feature | DoorDash | Uber Eats | Grubhub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Restaurants | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Local Restaurants | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Grocery & Convenience Stores | ✅ (CVS, Walgreens) | ✅ (Walmart, 7-Eleven) | ❌ |
Verdict: DoorDash and Uber Eats are better for groceries, while Grubhub focuses more on restaurant deliveries.
6. Customer Support & User Experience
Customer Service
- DoorDash: Live chat, email, and phone support.
- Uber Eats: 24/7 customer service via the app.
- Grubhub: Live chat, phone, and email support.
User Experience
- DoorDash: User-friendly app with scheduled orders and multiple payment options.
- Uber Eats: Seamless integration with Uber, easy-to-navigate interface.
- Grubhub: Simple ordering process but less modern UI.
Verdict: Uber Eats has the most polished app experience, while DoorDash and Grubhub provide strong customer service.
7. Benefits for Drivers (Dashers, Couriers, and Drivers)
| Factor | DoorDash | Uber Eats | Grubhub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Pay | $2 – $10 per delivery | $3 – $10 per delivery | $3 – $9 per delivery |
| Tips | 100% goes to driver | 100% goes to driver | 100% goes to driver |
| Peak Pay | Yes | Yes | No |
| Scheduling | Flexible | Flexible | Requires pre-scheduling |
Verdict: DoorDash and Uber Eats offer more flexibility, while Grubhub requires scheduling shifts in some areas.
8. Pros & Cons of Each Service
DoorDash
✅ Large U.S. coverage.
✅ Grocery and convenience store delivery.
✅ DashPass subscription saves money.
❌ High fees during peak hours.
Uber Eats
✅ Fast delivery times.
✅ Large global reach.
✅ Integration with Uber rides.
❌ Fees can be higher than competitors.
Grubhub
✅ Strong presence in local restaurant delivery.
✅ Lower delivery fees in some cases.
✅ Grubhub+ offers discounts.
❌ No grocery delivery.
❌ Can be slower in certain areas.
Conclusion: Which Food Delivery Service Is Best?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best for Fastest Delivery | Uber Eats |
| Best for U.S. Coverage | DoorDash |
| Best for Local Restaurants | Grubhub |
| Best for Grocery Delivery | DoorDash & Uber Eats |
| Best for Subscription Savings | DoorDash (DashPass) & Uber Eats (Uber One) |
Final Recommendation
- If you want the fastest delivery and global access: Uber Eats
- If you want a mix of restaurants and groceries with U.S. coverage: DoorDash
- If you prefer local restaurants and lower fees: Grubhub
Each food delivery services has its strengths, and the best option depends on your preferences, location, and budget. 🚀
