Are you a restaurant owner looking to partner with a food delivery platform or a hungry customer wondering which app delivers the best experience? In the bustling world of food delivery, DoorDash vs Grubhub is a debate that sparks curiosity. Both platforms have carved out significant market shares, but which one is better for your needs?
They both offer a quick meal and numerous options, although the speed, affordability, and location of the meal matter to you. For some, the question is, “Does ordering from DoorDash or Grubhub cost less?” or “Which one has the best options?”
This guide breaks it all down, comparing costs, features, and more to help you pick the best takeaway delivery service. Whether you’re craving pizza, sushi, or a quick burger, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll answer burning questions like, “Is DoorDash better than Grubhub?” and “Which is better, DoorDash or Grubhub?” with clear, practical insights. By the end, you’ll know exactly which app suits your needs.
Let’s dive into the details to uncover which food delivery app—DoorDash or Grubhub—best matches your cravings and preferences.
DoorDash vs Grubhub: Which One Should You Choose?
The rise of on-demand food delivery apps has transformed how we enjoy meals, making it easier than ever to order from local restaurants or national chains. DoorDash and Grubhub are two giants in the U.S. food delivery market, each offering unique advantages for customers and restaurants.
1. DoorDash App
Stanford students Tony Xu, Andy Fang, and Stanley Tang started DoorDash in 2013, helping it quickly rise to the top of the food delivery industry in the U.S. Active in more than 7,000 cities in six countries, DoorDash serves restaurant partners, drivers, and customers worldwide. Because it also serves people in suburban and rural spots, it now leads the U.S. market and has a 67% share of meal delivery sales.
Primary Benefits for Customers Using DoorDash:
- Extensive Reach: Available in over 7,000 cities, DoorDash covers urban, suburban, and rural areas, making it ideal for customers asking, “Is DoorDash better than Grubhub for coverage?”
- Wide Restaurant Selection: Partners with 450,000 restaurants, from fast food to local gems, offering diverse cuisine options.
- DashPass Subscription: For $9.99/month, DashPass offers free delivery on orders over $15 and reduced service fees, a perk that answers “Is DoorDash cheaper than Grubhub?” for frequent users.
- Real-Time Tracking: Customers can track orders in real-time via the app, ensuring transparency and convenience.
- Promotions: Regular discounts and deals, such as $5 off on orders over $20, make DoorDash appealing for budget-conscious users.
2. Grubhub App
Founded in 2004 by Matt Maloney and Mike Evans in Chicago, Grubhub is a veteran in the food delivery space. Acquired by Just Eat Takeaway in 2021 for $7.8 billion, Just Eat Takeaway announced in November 2024 that it has agreed to sell Grubhub to Wonder Group Inc. for $650 million. This sale is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025. Grubhub operates in over 1,600 U.S. cities and London, partnering with 115,000 restaurants. It’s particularly strong in urban markets like New York City, Boston, and Chicago, where it has a loyal customer base.
Primary Benefits for Customers Using Grubhub:
- Urban Focus: Grubhub excels in major cities, offering a robust selection of local restaurants, which is ideal for users wondering, “Is Grubhub better than DoorDash in cities like NYC?”
- Grubhub+ Subscription: For $9.99/month, Grubhub+ provides unlimited free delivery on orders from 100,000+ restaurants and 10% cashback, a strong contender for “Which is cheaper, Grubhub or DoorDash?”
- Loyalty Programs: Offers restaurant-specific rewards, such as $5 off every $50 spent at certain chains, encouraging repeat orders.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies restaurant discovery with filters for cuisine, price, and ratings, enhancing the ordering experience.
- Seamless Integration: Grubhub also operates Seamless, a popular food delivery platform in cities like New York, offering the same user experience and restaurant options.
DoorDash vs Grubhub: The Functionality Comparison
Let’s break down the key features of DoorDash or Grubhub to determine which is better, DoorDash or Grubhub, for customers and restaurants:
- Ordering Process: You can easily find what you want on both apps, customize it, and pay for your food. Filtering by food category, budget, and delivery speed is more intuitive on DoorDash’s app, thanks to its streamlined interface and clear filter options.
- Delivery Speed: DoorDash averages 35–40 minutes for deliveries, slightly faster than Grubhub’s 40–45 minutes, thanks to its larger driver network.
- Fact Check/Update: DoorDash provides real-time GPS tracking with detailed driver location updates on a map, offering greater transparency, while Grubhub’s live tracking, available for iOS users, provides order status and ETA updates on the home and lock screens, though it may not always include map-based driver tracking in all markets
- Coverage: Since DoorDash works in over 7,000 cities while Grubhub only reports 1,600, DoorDash is the better platform for anyone living outside big cities.
- Restaurant Selection: DoorDash partners with 450,000 restaurants compared to Grubhub’s 115,000, offering a wider variety but less emphasis on exclusive local restaurant partnerships.
- Promotions: Both platforms offer frequent discounts, but DoorDash’s deals are more consistent, while Grubhub focuses on loyalty-driven rewards.
- Subscription Programs: Grubhub and DoorDash both require you to pay $9.99 monthly for free delivery and lower costs, but Grubhub+ also gives you which may interest customers asking which service is cheaper.
DoorDash vs Grubhub: The Comparison Table
Which Has the Better Food Delivery Business Model—DoorDash or Grubhub?
The operational strategies of DoorDash and Grubhub differ significantly, impacting their appeal to restaurants and drivers:
- Delivery Fleets: DoorDash relies on its massive network of 6 million Dashers, offering flexibility and scalability. Grubhub uses a smaller, urban-focused driver network, which can lead to delays in less populated areas.
- Restaurant Commissions: Both platforms charge restaurants 20–30% per order, though DoorDash’s rates can vary based on partnerships, while Grubhub’s are more standardized. Restaurant owners can find specific commission details by contacting DoorDash or Grubhub directly through their merchant portals or sales representatives, requesting a detailed pricing breakdown, or exploring platforms like Popmenu for commission-free alternatives. To negotiate lower rates, leverage high order volumes, multi-unit operations, or exclusive partnerships, and always review contracts with legal counsel before signing.
- Business Diversification: DoorDash has expanded into grocery and alcohol delivery, broadening its revenue streams. Grubhub partners with Amazon and GoPuff, a rapid-delivery service for groceries, alcohol, and convenience items, to expand its offerings but remains primarily restaurant-focused.
- International Strategy: DoorDash operates in six countries, focusing on depth in key markets like the U.S. and Canada. Grubhub is U.S.-centric with a presence in London, limiting its global reach.
- Pricing Model: DoorDash uses dynamic pricing, with delivery fees varying by distance and demand. Grubhub often applies flat fees, which can be more predictable for customers.
- Driver Pay: DoorDash drivers earn $36,600–$40,000 annually, often more than Grubhub drivers due to higher order volume. This addresses “Is DoorDash better than Grubhub for drivers?”
Also Reads : Uber Eats vs DoorDash
Who Wins & Why: DoorDash vs Grubhub
In the DoorDash vs Grubhub battle, DoorDash currently leads with its dominant market share, extensive coverage, and diversified services. However, Grubhub’s urban stronghold and loyalty programs provide a niche advantage. Both apps deliver convenience, but their differences in fees, delivery speed, and restaurant partnerships cater to different needs.
Restaurants can maximize reach by partnering with both platforms, balancing DoorDash’s volume with Grubhub’s urban focus. For startups, creating a DoorDash clone or Grubhub clone tailored to local markets could capitalize on this growing industry, projected to reach $165 billion by 2029.
Creating a DoorDash or Grubhub clone tailored to local markets—focusing on regional cuisines, underserved areas, or niche urban hubs—can tap into the demand for convenient dining. Platforms like Deonde offer robust solutions to build custom food delivery apps with features rivaling industry giants, enabling higher profitability and seamless operations.
Moving Forward
DoorDash and Grubhub are leading the way in bringing new ideas to the food delivery industry. Regardless of whether you’re looking to order food for delivery, raise your restaurant earnings, or choose a delivery app as an entrepreneur, learning about Grubhub vs. DoorDash is very important.
People who want to build their own food delivery platform can use Deonde with its higher profitability and complete set of features. Businesses can create apps that match or beat DoorDash and Grubhub using our platform. Launch your food delivery empire today!
Explore a free demo at deonde.co to discover how our platform can boost your business with cutting-edge features and higher profitability.
It’s time to figure out if you’ll be using DoorDash or Grubhub. Leave your comments and tell us your opinions below!
FAQ
Why is DoorDash more successful than Grubhub?
DoorDash focuses more on suburban markets, offers better logistics for restaurants and drivers, and invests heavily in technology and marketing. This broader reach and strong partnerships have helped it grow faster than Grubhub.
What is the difference between Grubhub and DoorDash?
Grubhub mainly serves as a marketplace that links customers with local restaurants, letting each restaurant handle delivery or use third-party drivers. In contrast, DoorDash not only connects users to restaurants but also manages most of the delivery process itself, making it a more complete delivery service provider.
Who pays best? DoorDash or Grubhub?
Grubhub often reports a higher average hourly rate for drivers. Some sources indicate Grubhub drivers average around $18.46 per hour, while DoorDash drivers average closer to $13.11 per hour.
Why did Grubhub lose to DoorDash?
DoorDash grew faster by focusing on suburbs, offering better technology, and expanding into more delivery services. Grubhub was slower to adapt and lost market share.
Is Grubhub acquired by Wonder Group?
Yes, Grubhub was acquired by Wonder Group. In November 2024, Wonder, a New York-based food delivery and “fast fine” dining startup founded by Marc Lore, agreed to purchase Grubhub from Just Eat Takeaway.com for $650 million. The transaction included $150 million in cash and $500 million in senior notes, and it was completed in early 2025.
