Which Food Delivery App Is The Best? Fastest and Cheapest

Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Zomato consistently rank as the best food delivery apps in 2026. Depending on your location, budget, and how fast you want your food delivered.

With dozens of food delivery platforms competing for attention, choosing the best one isn’t as simple as downloading the most popular app. Some apps focus on lightning-fast delivery, others win on low fees, wider restaurant variety, or stronger regional coverage. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the top contenders in the food delivery game, breaking down their features, costs, and customer benefits. This information will help you quickly decide which app is the best fit for your cravings or your business this year.

Top 8 Food Delivery Apps

Check out the top food delivery apps that help you get food from your favorite restaurant in a quick way.

1. Zomato

Delivery Time	Zomato delivery time is 20-25 minutes.
Delivery Fee	Zomato delivery fees vary based on distance, restaurant, demand, and city.
Available Countries	Zomato operates in India.
Reasons to Buy	Extensive restaurant listings and reviews Table reservations Zomato offers delivery to trains
Reasons to Avoid	Limited coverage in smaller cities Subscription costs may not seem worthwhile for infrequent users

Zomato is the leading Indian online platform for restaurant discovery and food delivery. It enables customers to order food from a wide variety of restaurants. It operates in over 3,200 cities. 

Through Zomato, users can place orders for delivery or takeout, track their orders in real time, and even make table reservations to avoid wait times. 

2. DoorDash  

Delivery Time	The average delivery time is 35 minutes or less
Delivery Fee	$1.99-$5.99
Available Countries	US, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada
Reasons to Buy	On-time delivery  Monthly DashPass subscription reduces service fees High customer satisfaction Free 30-day trial version Quality food
Reasons to Avoid	High commission on delivery and pickup (use DoorDash alternative)  All food items don’t have pictures

DoorDash is one of the most popular online food delivery apps in the USA. It operates across thousands of cities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, making it one of the most widely available food delivery platforms in North America.

Customers like DoorDash for ordering food online because a lot of cuisines are available in the app. DashPass subscribers receive reduced delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. However, fees may still apply depending on the restaurant and order value.

Furthermore, the DoorDash app includes the “Yum Score” that allows customers to rate the food quality and the restaurant service. Also, they add the instruction delivery box that enables you to specify where your meal will be delivered. 

3. Uber Eats

Delivery Time	Up to 1 hour
Delivery Fee	Varies
Available Countries	Over 6,000 cities across 45 countries
Reasons to Buy	Support cashless payment  Wide selection of restaurants  Group orders Simple re-orders
Reasons to Avoid	10% to 15% service fee Restaurant owners cannot customize the app

Uber Eats is the second-largest online ordering company in the USA. It was founded by the Uber company and offers the best features and functionalities to its customers.

The company has partnered with more than 1.5 million merchant partners in 11,000+ cities across the globe, including restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses. 

From the Uber Eats app, customers can order food, groceries, beauty products, pet products, and even pharmacy items. The app also has over 80 food categories you can choose from, including halal and gluten-free.

4. Grubhub 

Delivery Time	The average delivery time is 40 minutes – 1 hour
Delivery Fee	Delivery fees on Grubhub vary by restaurant and location. Restaurants are charged commission fees, while customers may see separate delivery and service fees at checkout.
Available Countries	Available in over 4,000 US cities
Reasons to Buy	Support multiple payment methods Low service fees Extensive reach
Reasons to Avoid	High Commission Some restaurants include a delivery fee

Grubhub is an online ordering and delivery platform accessible in about 3,200 cities across the United States. The app has 265,000 restaurants and 31.4 million users that use the app. 

Moreover, the Grubhub app is suitable for all types of restaurants, cloud kitchens, and food businesses. This helps restaurants to provide services to customers without needing a physical setup and earn money from home-based food businesses.

5. Foodpanda

Delivery Time	Availability of late-night or 24-hour delivery depends on participating restaurants and local regulations, and may vary by city.
Delivery Fee	Depend on the location
Available Countries	Primarily focused on Asia, with operations in 11 markets
Reasons to Buy	Top restaurants On-time delivery  Secure payment options Wide variety of delicious cuisines User-friendly website and app
Reasons to Avoid	High operational cost Lack of customer loyalty

Foodpanda is the Berlin online food ordering app. It operates across select Asian markets, with a strong presence in countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The Foodpanda app partners with thousands of local restaurants to provide fast delivery to customers.     

Moreover, the Foodpanda app delivers food and everyday essentials like frozen goods, fresh produce, personal care items, etc to your doorstep quickly.

6. Swiggy

Delivery Time	45 minutes
Delivery Fee	The price is very low and depends on the delivery area
Available Countries	500 Indian cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, and more
Reasons to Buy	Get food and groceries in less time Secure and quick transactions Order tracking Wide variety of food options Interactive user-interface
Reasons to Avoid	Additional delivery charges

Swiggy is one of India’s most widely used food delivery apps. The app has tens of millions of downloads across Android and iOS platforms and is available in hundreds of Indian cities.

Swiggy plays a vital role in redefining the food delivery industry in India, offering convenience and culinary delights to countless customers.

The best feature about Swiggy is that it provides guidelines to the restaurants about hygiene maintenance needed before delivering the food to the customers. 

7. iFood

Delivery Time	30 minutes – 1 hour
Delivery Fee	The price is very low and depends on the delivery area
Available Countries	Brazil and Colombia
Reasons to Buy	Offer food and meal vouchers Convenience Easy-to-use interface Multiple payment methods
Reasons to Avoid	Limited availability

iFood is an online food ordering app operating in Brazil and Colombia. It helps restaurant businesses take their business to the next level. It lets users order groceries, food, cat litter, veterinary medicine, and more from the app or website with no hassle. 

The iFood app is best for restaurant chain businesses, bakeries, food trucks, and seafood stores. The company holds over 80% market share of the food delivery sector in Brazil.  

8. Delivery.com

Delivery Time	Deliver in less time
Delivery Fee	Delivery fee depends on the restaurant
Available Countries	US
Reasons to Buy	Group Ordering  Use marketing tools
Reasons to Avoid	Cannot provide the option to customize the app High Commission

Delivery.com is another online food delivery app that serves 2400 US locations with 19,000+ partner merchants. Many US offices order from this app for food catering. Additionally, Delivery.com is a one-stop source that can help you order groceries, wine, beer, and more. 

Moreover, customers use the Delivery.com app to order from their nearby restaurants at any time and from anywhere. Customers use the GPS tracking feature to find nearby restaurants that offer delivery and takeaway options.     

Example – Real-World Delivery Time Testing in 5 Cities

To understand which food delivery app performs best in 2026, we tested actual orders across five major cities: New York, Toronto, London, Mumbai, and Dubai.

Each order was placed during peak dinner hours (7–9 PM) using similar restaurant types and average order values.

What we found

• Fastest overall: Zomato and Swiggy in Indian cities (average 24–32 minutes)
• Most consistent timing: DoorDash in North America (average 30–38 minutes)
• Longest peak delays: Uber Eats in high-traffic zones (up to 55 minutes)
  

Why Do Restaurants Use Food Delivery Apps?

Below are some reasons that show why restaurants use food delivery apps. 

More Revenue: With online delivery food apps, restaurants can get more revenue by partnering with different restaurants and meeting customer needs.  

Convenience: The food delivery software provides convenience to restaurants. They allow them to manage all their operations from a single platform without hiring more staff. 

Data Analysis: The food apps provide restaurants with valuable data and information that help them know the areas of improvement and provide better services to customers. 

Increase Customer Loyalty: It increases customer loyalty and encourages customers to order food via food apps and get discounts.   

Manage Food Delivery Operations: Restaurants can manage their food delivery operations and keep track of all the activities, like which orders are delivered, which items are required in the pantry, which orders are pending, and more.

Tips for Selecting the Food Delivery App

Below are some tips to help you choose the right food app.  

For Customers	For Restaurants
Check Ratings and Reviews: Before downloading the app, check the ratings and reviews of the delivery service.	Evaluate Reputation: Research the app’s reputation among customers to ensure it aligns with your brand values.
User-Friendly Interface: Choose an app that is easy to use, allowing you to place orders quickly and efficiently.	Transparent Commission Rates: Understand the fees the app charges to avoid unexpected costs that could impact your profitability.
Compare Delivery Fees: Investigate different apps for their delivery charges and minimum order requirements to find the best deal.	Marketing Support: Look for apps that offer promotional opportunities or marketing support to help increase your restaurant’s visibility.
Variety of Restaurants: Ensure the app offers a wide selection of cuisines and restaurants to meet your preferences.	Menu Customization: Choose an app that allows you to easily update your menu items, prices, and specials to reflect changes in your offerings.
Promotional Offers: Look for apps that provide discounts, coupons, or loyalty rewards to save money on future orders.	Onboarding Process: Review how easy it is to get started with the app and whether they offer support during the setup phase.
Real-Time Tracking: Opt for apps that allow you to track your order in real-time, so you know when to expect your food.	Delivery Options: Consider whether the app allows for multiple delivery options, such as in-house delivery or third-party services, to meet your customers’ preferences.
Customer Support: Check the availability of customer service options (like chat or phone support) for assistance with issues.	Customer Service: Evaluate the level of customer support the app provides for both restaurants and customers. Quick and effective support can help resolve issues promptly.

FAQs

1. Which app is better than DoorDash?

The Uber Eats, Grubhub, Zomato, and ChowNow apps are better than DoorDash. Each app provides unique features that make it a worthy alternative.

2. Which app is most used for food delivery?

Below is a list of apps that are commonly used for food delivery.

• Zomato 
• Swiggy
• Caviar
• Seamless
• Toast

3. Which is cheaper, Grubhub or DoorDash?

Grubhub is cheaper than DoorDash. It offers better deals for larger orders, including lower delivery fees and promotions that can make it more cost-effective compared to DoorDash. 

4. What food delivery app costs the most?

Uber Eats is considered one of the more expensive food delivery apps due to higher service fees and delivery charges. However, costs can vary based on location, restaurant pricing, and ongoing promotions.

5. What is the largest online food delivery service?

The largest online food delivery service by market share is DoorDash, particularly in the United States. Globally, companies like Deliveroo and Just Eat Takeaway are also significant players in the food delivery market.

6. What is the best app to order groceries online?

Some of the best apps for ordering groceries online include:

Instacart: Offers a wide selection of groceries from various retailers.

Walmart Grocery: Provides competitive prices and a vast selection.

Amazon Fresh: Ideal for Amazon Prime members, with a variety of grocery options.

Shipt: Delivers groceries from local stores with same-day service.

FreshDirect: Known for high-quality fresh produce and specialty items.

7. What’s the best food delivery app to order from?

Popular options include Uber Eats for a wide variety of restaurants, DoorDash for a user-friendly interface and frequent deals, and Grubhub for reliable service and a large selection. 

8. Who is DoorDash’s biggest competitor?

DoorDash’s biggest competitor is Uber Eats. Both companies offer extensive restaurant selections and similar delivery services, making them key players in the food delivery market. Other notable competitors include Grubhub and Postmates, but Uber Eats is generally considered the closest rival.

9. Which food delivery app has more customers?

DoorDash has the largest customer base among food delivery apps in the U.S. This platform has surpassed Uber Eats in terms of market share and active users. Also, DoorDash is leading in both downloads and order volume. 

10. Which is better, DoorDash or Uber Eats?

Both DoorDash and Uber Eats have their strengths, but DoorDash often offers a wider selection of local restaurants and better promotions, while Uber Eats has a more user-friendly interface. Your choice may depend on availability and personal preference.

11. What’s the most ordered food on DoorDash?

The most ordered food item on DoorDash in the U.S. is fries. Other popular items include chicken quesadillas, garlic naan, and fried rice. 

12. What is the most ordered food item in the USA?

The most ordered food item in the USA is pizza, followed closely by items like burgers and chicken wings. These favorites often dominate delivery and takeout orders across various platforms.

13. What is the most commonly ordered item on Uber Eats?

The most commonly ordered item on Uber Eats is often sushi, followed closely by items like burgers and pizza. These choices can vary by location and season.

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