Nowadays, food delivery apps are becoming more and more popular. The tendency to order almost everything – from groceries to food from restaurants – continues, and nothing seems to change in this area. There are huge players on the market and new apps that appear individually. The variety of options might be overwhelming for a restaurateur. We created a list of top food delivery apps to make a choice easier. Let’s look at their pros and cons.
What is a food delivery app?
A mobile application designed for food delivery is a platform that enables users to peruse restaurant menus, place orders, and make payments for meals from nearby eateries, which are subsequently delivered to a location of their choice. These food apps facilitate communication between customers and restaurants, which may either have their in-house delivery service or rely on third-party delivery services.
Why do restaurants need food delivery apps?
- Greater Exposure: thanks to food apps, restaurants can attract a larger customer base and increase brand visibility.
- Unmatched Convenience: Food delivery app development allow restaurants to offer their customers the convenience of ordering food from the comfort of their own homes
- Boosted Revenue: thanks to the partnership of restaurants with food apps, we can observe an increase in restaurants’ revenues.
- Fostering Customer Loyalty: customers are encouraged to order via food delivery apps and receive dedicated promotions.
- Ease of use: food apps simplify ordering and delivery
- Data analysis: food delivery apps provide restaurants with valuable data and information on customer preferences and ordering habits
What are the top food delivery apps?
There is a wide range of food delivery apps to choose from, and we listed 10 best food delivery apps.
- UpMenu
- Doordash
- UberEats
- Postmates
- GrubHub
- Toast TakeOut
- ChowNow
- Caviar
- Seamless
- Delivery.com
Key features comparison matrix
Selecting the best food delivery app for your restaurant requires careful consideration of various factors. To aid you in making an informed decision, we have conducted a thorough analysis of 10 different food apps. All of them are available on Google Play Store and App Store.
Our comprehensive comparison will enable you to determine which platform aligns best with your business requirements and is the best delivery app for your restaurant.
| Feature | UpMenu | Doordash | UberEats | Postmates | GrubHub | Toast TakeOut | ChowNow | Caviar | Seamless | Delivery.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Monthly fixed price starting from $49 | Commission based model | Commission based model | Commission based model | Commission based model | Monthly fixed price starting from $69 | Monthly fixed price starting from $139 | Commission based model | Commission based model | Commission based model |
| Commission fee | 0% | 15%-30% delivery commission | 15%-30% commission fee | 15%-30% commission fee | 5%-20% commission fee | 0% | 0% | 15%-30% delivery commission | 5%-20% commission fee | On average, a 15% commission fee |
| Free trial | ||||||||||
| Delivery fee | 0 | Depends on the restaurant and customer location but usually ranges from $0.99 and $7.99 | Depends on the restaurant and customer location, distance, and time of the day. It usually ranges from $0.99 to $9.99 | Depends on the restaurant and customer location, distance, and time of the day. It usually ranges from $0.99 to $9.99 | Depends on the restaurant and customer location, but, but usually ranges from $1.99 to $6.99 | Included in a restaurant subscription | $3.99 for ChowNow delivery | Depends on the restaurant and customer location but usually ranges from $0.99 and $7.99 | Depends on the restaurant and customer location, but, but usually ranges from $1.99 to $6.99 | Starts at $0 but depends on a restaurant |
| Additional costs | No | 6% pickup commission | 3.05% processing fee, Tablet rental fees are optional | A fee that ranges from 0.80% to $5 if using the direct bank deposit optionTablet, and hardware rentals are $5/month | A service fee is $3.99 | A processing fee $0.99 | 2.95% + $0.20 credit card fee | 6% pickup commission | A service fee is $18 | No |
| Customer data ownership | ||||||||||
| Minimum order value | No, but it might be set by a restaurant | No, but customers with small orders are charged a Small Order Fee (SOF). | No | $12 | Usually $10, but it depends on a restaurant | No, but it might be set by a restaurant | No, but it might be set by a restaurant | No, but it might be set by a restaurant | Usually $10, but it depends on a restaurant | No, but it might be set by a restaurant |
| Your own restaurant website | ||||||||||
| Your own restaurant mobile app | ||||||||||
| Marketing tools | Yes | Yes, but some of them are paid extra | Yes, but some of them (promoted placements, sponsored listings, and in-app advertisements) are paid extra | Yes, but some of them are paid extra | Yes, but some are paid extra (e.g., +5% for a Sponsored Listing) | Yes | Yes | Yes, but some of them are paid extra | Yes, but some are paid extra (e.g., +5% for a Sponsored Listing) | Yes |
| Loyalty program |
1. UpMenu
UpMenu is an online ordering system integrated with restaurant websites that allows online ordering for restaurant customers. Apart from ordering from the website, with UpMenu, restaurants can build mobile apps for ordering. In a few minutes, you can launch a food ordering system on your restaurant website and save on commissions that you pay when using other food delivery service apps. You also build brand awareness among customers who order food from your restaurant. Delivery and service fees are up to the restaurant’s choice.
Pros
- A restaurant sells from its own branded restaurant mobile app and restaurant website
- A food delivery app can be easily customized
- A restaurant has full control over the delivery process, including delivery fees, time, and quality
- A restaurant can create its own loyalty program
- Building a restaurant brand recognition among customers
- A variety of integrations with POS systems and delivery service companies
- Flat-fee pricing model with no commissions
- Offering many payment methods for customers: cash, card, online payments
- Restaurant reservation system
- You own your customers’ data with a built-in restaurant CRM system
- Unlimited options to promote your business with restaurant marketing tools
Cons
- A limited number of orders in Basic and Standards plans
Pricing
Upmenu offers subscription-based services.
You can choose from 4 plans:
- Freemium – $0
- Basic – $49
- Standard – $89
- Premium – $169
2. Doordash
Doordash is a portal that enables customers to order food from local restaurants. Restaurants, which are listed on Doordash can use their food delivery services. Customers appreciate the fact that there are lots of cuisines available in the app, and they can use DoorDash Pass, thanks to which they can have a free food delivery service. Moreover, Doordash features an easy ordering process.
Doordash also offers deliveries for grocery stores.
Pros
- The possibility to acquire new customers thanks to the Doordash brand recognition among customers
- The option to use marketing tools to attract customers
- Free trial version
- On-demand delivery with DoorDash Drive
Cons
- Lack of own branded restaurant app
- Lack of own branded website
- No possibility to differentiate a restaurant from the competition as Doordash is a portal where a customer can place an order from many different restaurants
- High commissions on delivery and pickup
Pricing
If you’re looking for ways on how to get more DoorDash orders, bear in mind that the pricing is commission based. Depending on the package, there is a 15%-30% delivery commission and a 6% pickup commission. Payment processing is included.
3. Uber Eats
Uber Eats is an online ordering food delivery platform and one of the best food delivery service apps, which currently works in more than 45 countries worldwide. Uber Eats was launched by Uber in 2014 a company that offers car rides.
Uber Eats offers one of the most popular delivery services in the world. Thanks to Eats Pass, customers can enjoy free delivery. If you decide to use this service, you might want to better understand how to get more Uber Eats orders.
Pros
- Uber Eats is a well-recognized brand among customers
- Delivery tracking feature thanks to the GPS system. Customers can check where their order is at the moment
Cons
- High commission fees (check Uber Eats alternative)
- You are listed on UberEats’ app among other restaurants
- You cannot customize the app
- UberEats owns all of your customers’ data
Pricing
How much does Uber Eats charge restaurants? The pricing model is a 15%-30% commission fee and a 6% commission on pickup orders.
4. Postmates
Postmates is a food delivery company which was founded in 2011. Postmates’ app design is very similar to Uber Eats since it was acquired by Uber in 2020. For customers, Postmates is a separate app that can be used as an Uber app alternative. Despite this, the Postmates layout is very similar to that of Uber Eats, and a customer can link an Uber account to the Postmates app. In both Uber Eats and Postmates apps, a customer can see a comparable selection of restaurants.
Pros
- The order status is displayed to your customers. There is information on whether an order is being prepared or on its way.
- Brand recognition among customers
Cons
- Limited control over the delivery process
- High commission and delivery fees
- You are listed on Postmates’ app, among other restaurants
- You cannot customize the app
- Postmates owns all of your customers’ data
Pricing
The pricing model is a 15%-30% commission fee and a 6% commission on pickup orders.
5. GrubHub
GrubHub is a food ordering and delivery platform which was founded in 2004. GrubHub offers two services for restaurants: the possibility of being listed on their platform as well as embedding their online ordering on the restaurant’s website. In the case of the GrubHub marketplace, it allows customers to browse menus and place orders from the restaurants nearby for delivery or pickup. If a restaurant uses GrubHub Direct, a customer can order online directly from a restaurant website.
In the case of GrubHub availability, it is estimated at over 4,000 cities across the United States.
Pros
- A restaurant can offer cash payments
- A customer can see a food delivery driver location
- You can create a restaurant website with online ordering with GrubHub
Cons
- High commission (check GrubHub alternative)
- You are listed on Grubhub’s app, among other restaurants
- You cannot customize the app
Pricing
The pricing model is 5%-20% commission on deliveries and pickup orders.
6. Toast TakeOut
Toast TakeOut is an app for takeout and delivery from local restaurants. It was created by Toast, a cloud-based restaurant management software company that provides all-in-one POS system for restaurants.
If the restaurant has a delivery person, it can offer food delivery services through the Toast TakeOut app.
Pros
- No commission fees
- You can offer a loyalty program to your customers
Cons
- You are listed on the Toast TakeOut app, among other restaurants
- You cannot customize the app
Pricing
The pricing model is subscription based, starting at $69 per month.
7. ChowNow
ChowNow is an online food ordering platform founded in 2011. It offers two solutions for restaurants: ChowNow Direct and ChowNow Marketplace. ChowNow works in all major cities in the US.
Restaurant owners can customize their own branded app with ChowNow and offer food delivery service to their customers. There are no hidden fees.
Pros
- You can create your own restaurant website and app
- Fixed price
- You own customer data
Cons
- If you choose ChowNow Marketplace, you are listed among other restaurants (Check ChowNow alternative)
- Lack of free trial
- High price for a monthly subscription
Pricing
The pricing model is subscription-based, and it starts at $139 per month. There is a delivery fee of $3.99 and a credit card fee of 2.95% + $0.20.
8. Caviar
Caviar has been a DoorDash partner since 2019, and its main focus is not on fast food but fine dining restaurants. Customers can make just a few taps and order food from their favorite restaurants by using Caviar. However, Caviar works in a small number of cities compared to the previously mentioned applications. As in the case of DoorDash, customers can participate in the Caviar membership program (DashPass) and have free delivery for orders from the given value.
Pros
- The possibility to acquire new customers thanks to the Caviar brand recognition among customers
- The option to use marketing tools to attract customers
Cons
- High commissions on delivery and pickup
- Lack of own branded restaurant app
- Lack of own branded website
- No possibility to differentiate a restaurant from the competition as Doordash is a portal where a customer can place an order from many different restaurants
Pricing
The pricing is commission based. Depending on the package, there is a 15%-30% delivery commission and a 6% pickup commission. Payment processing is included.
9. Seamless
Seamless is an online food ordering and delivery platform launched in 1999. In 2004, it was in the top 10 fastest-growing private companies. In 2013, Seamless signed an agreement with Grubhub and became a part of GrubHub, Inc.
Currently, Seamless is available in over 600 cities and offers contact free food delivery.
Pros
- Brand recognition
- Marketing tools and loyalty program, which help to attract customers
Cons
- High commission
- High service fee
- You are listed on Seamless’s app, among other restaurants
- You cannot customize the app
Pricing
As in the case of GrubHub, the pricing model is 5%-20% commission on deliveries and pickup orders.
10. Delivery.com
Delivery.com is an online platform and mobile app that allows users to order from restaurants, liquor stores, and grocery stores as well as arrange laundry service times. Potential customers appreciate the group ordering feature, which enables them to split orders with others in their house or building.
Pos
- The possibility to acquire new customers thanks to the Delivery.com brand recognition among customers
- The option to use marketing tools to attract customers
Cons
- High commission
- You cannot customize the app
- You are listed on Delivery.com app, among other restaurants
Pricing
The pricing model is commission based a standard commission is 15% per order. Delivery fees depend on a restaurant’s choice.
Key Takeaways
- When looking for a food delivery app, the best option would be the UpMenu mobile app for a restaurant
- Having its own branded food delivery app helps to build a restaurant’s brand recognition
- The key advantage of UpMenu is the option to customize the app
- The majority of top food delivery apps have a commission-based model, which directly influences the restaurant’s operational costs
- While looking for your best food delivery service, make sure you check all the conditions and requirements to avoid hidden costs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What food delivery apps take cash?
Some food delivery services don’t accept cash as a payment method because either a restaurant they work with doesn’t accept cash payments or because cash payment processing takes more time than paying online. The following food delivery apps work with cash payments:
- GrubHub
- Delivery.com
- Uber Eats
- Seamless
- DoorDash
Before placing an order, it’s better to check whether a selected restaurant offers cash payments.
What are the top 3 food delivery apps?
Depending on the region and market, different apps are known for offering the best food delivery services. In general, these 3 are recognized globally as top food delivery apps:
- Uber Eats
- DoorDash
- Grubhub
Is DoorDash better than Uber Eats?
DoorDash offers its subscription service, DashPass, which provides unlimited free delivery and reduced service fees for a monthly fee for customers. On the other hand, Uber Eats offers seamless integration with the Uber ride-hailing app and is available in more international markets.
A good idea is to check both platforms and compare their food delivery offers, including the restaurant’s availability, delivery fees, service fees, and contact-free delivery option
Which food app has the fastest delivery?
According to the analysis made by CNET, these apps have the fastest delivery:
- Uber Eats/Postmates – the estimated delivery time is from 25 to 40 minutes for suburban areas, from 10 to 15 minutes for a restaurant nearby in urban areas, and from 35 to 50 minutes for a restaurant that is around 25 minutes away from the customer
- GrubHub – the estimated delivery time is from 35 and 45 minutes for suburban areas, from 25 to 35 minutes for a restaurant nearby in urban areas, and from 35 to 45 minutes for a restaurant that is around 25 minutes away from the customer
- DoorDash – the estimated delivery time is from around 40 minutes for suburban areas, around 16 minutes for a restaurant nearby in urban areas, and around 36 minutes for a restaurant that is around 25 minutes away from the customer
What is the most popular food delivery app?
There are many popular food delivery apps, and their popularity may vary based on the region and market. In general, the most popular food delivery apps include:
- Uber Eats
- DoorDash
- Grubhub
- Postmates
- Deliveroo
Is GrubHub or DoorDash better?
The choice between GrubHub and Doordash may vary depending on many factors. Both platforms are commission-based and charge delivery fees and additional fees like service fees. The commission fees are lower in the case of GrubHub.
With GrubHub, a restaurant can create its website and/or be listed on their marketplace, whilst DoorDash offers listing on the marketplace only.
Moreover, an important aspect worth considering is the popularity of a given food delivery app in a given region.
Do food delivery apps offer contactless delivery options?
Yes, in response to health and safety concerns, most food delivery apps now offer contactless delivery options. Customers can request contactless delivery when placing an order, and the delivery driver will leave the order at a designated location, minimizing direct contact between individuals and promoting safety.
