Food delivery apps have become a big part of everyday life. Whether you’re craving pizza, burgers, or something healthy, apps like Grubhub and DoorDash make it easy to get food delivered fast.
But if you had to choose just one, which should it be?
In this blog, we’ll compare Grubhub and DoorDash side by side. From delivery speed and features to driver pay and market share, we’ll help you understand the key differences, so you can pick the one that works best for you.
Let’s get started!
Supercharge your deliveries with Enatega.
Get Started NowWhat is Grubhub?
Grubhub is an American online food delivery and ordering platform that connects customers with local restaurants. Founded in 2004, Grubhub allows users to browse menus, place orders, and get meals delivered to their homes or offices through its website or mobile app.
Grubhub operates in over 4,000 U.S. cities and partners with more than 300,000 restaurants. It was acquired by Just Eat Takeaway in 2021, expanding its international connections.
Who Uses Grubhub?
- Customers are looking for food delivery or takeout from nearby restaurants.
- Restaurants are aiming to reach more customers without operating their delivery staff.
- Delivery drivers who earn money delivering food through the Grubhub driver app.
Main Features of Grubhub for Customers
- Food delivery and pickup options
- Location-based restaurant listings
- Multiple payment methods (credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, gift cards)
- Real-time order tracking
- Reorder from past orders
- Ratings and reviews for restaurants
- Grubhub+ subscription for free delivery on eligible orders
- Exclusive deals and promo codes
- Group orders and scheduled deliveries
Main Features of Grubhub for Restaurants
- Online ordering integration
- Sales and performance analytics dashboard
- Menu management tools
- In-house delivery or Grubhub delivery options
- Promotional tools (sponsored listings, loyalty offers)
- Customer support and dispute resolution
- Flexible payout options
- Order management app for restaurants
- POS integration
Main Features of Grubhub for Riders (Drivers)
- Flexible work hours (choose when and where to drive)
- In-app navigation and order routing
- Earn per delivery + 100% tips
- Instant cash-out option
- Order details before acceptance
- Dedicated Grubhub for drivers app
- Bonus and incentive programs
- In-app support for issues and cancellations
Pros and Cons of Using Grubhub for Restaurants
Here are the pros and cons for restaurants using Grubhub.
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide customer base | High commissions |
| Marketing support | Limited control over delivery |
| User-friendly interface | Limited direct customer interaction |
| Handles delivery logistics | Dependence on the platform |
| Opportunities for promotions |
What is DoorDash?
DoorDash is a leading American food delivery and logistics platform that connects users with local restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience shops.
Founded in 2013, it allows customers to order food and other essentials through its website or mobile app and have them delivered by independent “Dashers” (delivery drivers).
DoorDash operates in over 7,000 cities across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Japan, and has partnerships with major chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Walgreens. It is currently the largest food delivery platform in the U.S. by market share.
Who Uses DoorDash?
- Customers: For fast, convenient delivery from local favorites and national chains.
- Restaurants and Retailers: To reach more customers without handling delivery operations.
- Dashers (Drivers): To earn money on their schedule by delivering orders.
Main Features of DoorDash for Customers
- Contactless delivery
- Personalized recommendations
- Scheduled deliveries
- Multiple carts
- Promotions and discounts
Main Features of DoorDash for Restaurants
- Delivery management
- Order management tools
- Marketing support
- POS integration
Main Features of DoorDash for Riders
- Same-day delivery
- Emergency assistance
- Reduced notifications
Pros and Cons of Using DoorDash for Restaurants
| Pros | Cons |
| Increased exposure to a large customer base | High commission fees (15%–30%) |
| No need to manage delivery drivers | Limited control over the delivery experience |
| Flexible payout options (daily or weekly) | Risk of incorrect or outdated menu listings |
| Easy-to-use order management tools | Poor delivery may negatively impact restaurant ratings |
Grubhub vs. DoorDash Market Share
Market Share
Grubhub: Currently holds a small portion of the U.S. food delivery market, with an estimated share of around 6–8%.
DoorDash: A market leader with a commanding 60–67% share of the U.S. food delivery market.
Revenue Growth
Grubhub: Grubhub made $2.1 billion in revenue in 2023, according to Business of Apps.
DoorDash: DoorDash earned $11.24B in the 12 months ending March 2025, up 23.35% year-over-year. Its 2024 revenue was $10.72B, a 24.17% increase from 2023.
Business Model
Grubhub: It operates as a food delivery platform connecting restaurants with customers. It generates revenue through commissions from partner restaurants and delivery fees paid by customers.
DoorDash: DoorDash has a broader business model that includes not just restaurant delivery, but also grocery and retail delivery services. It uses independent contractors called “Dashers” for last-mile delivery.
In addition to commission and delivery fees, DoorDash earns money from its DashPass subscription service and advertising offerings for restaurants.
Grubhub vs. DoorDash – Which is Better for Food Delivery?
Below is a comparison of Grubhub and DoorDash to help you make a better decision. Both services have their strengths. Choose based on your needs, including delivery speed, restaurant options, and fees.
| Feature | Grubhub | DoorDash |
| Availability | Available in many cities in the USA | Widely available in the USA and Canada |
| Restaurant Variety | Large selection of local and chain restaurants | Extensive selection of local and chain restaurants |
| Delivery Fees | Varies by restaurant, often higher | Varies by restaurant, often lower |
| Membership | Grubhub+ offers free delivery for a monthly fee | DashPass offers free delivery for a monthly fee |
| Delivery Speed | Generally reliable, but varies | Generally fast, often quicker than Grubhub |
| User Interface | Easy to navigate, user-friendly | Intuitive app, good for quick orders |
| Promotions | Frequent discounts and offers | Regular promotions and discounts |
| Payment Options | Credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay | Credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay |
| Tip Options | Option to tip before or after delivery | Option to tip before or after delivery |
Grubhub vs. DoorDash – Which is Best for Drivers?
Choose Grubhub if you want more transparency on tips, work in a less saturated market, and prefer scheduled shifts. Also, choose DoorDash if you want higher volume, more flexibility, and better bonuses/peak pay opportunities.
Look at the table below for a better understanding.
| Criteria | Grubhub | DoorDash |
| Driver Requirements | 18+, valid license, insurance, and background check | 18+, valid license, insurance, and background check |
| Driver Pay (Base Rate) | ~$3–$4 per delivery + tips | ~$2–$3 per delivery + tips |
| Delivery Volume | Moderate to low in some areas | High order volume in most urban/suburban areas |
| Scheduling | Offers scheduled blocks (can be restrictive) | On-demand and scheduled dashing available |
| App Interface (Driver App) | Simple, sometimes buggy | Modern, efficient, more intuitive |
| Peak Pay / Bonuses | Limited peak pay, less frequent bonuses | Frequent bonuses, peak pay during busy times |
| Payout Frequency | Direct deposit (weekly) + Instant Cash Out (fee) | Direct deposit (weekly) + Fast Pay (daily with a fee) |
| Tip Transparency | Shows the full tip amount upfront | Partial tip shown upfront, full after delivery |
| Driver Support | Email and chat support (can be slow) | In-app support + Dasher HQ in some locations |
| Market Saturation | Fewer drivers, less competition | More drivers, higher competition in busy areas |
Grubhub vs. DoorDash – Which is Faster?
DoorDash is faster due to better driver coverage and partnerships with quick-service restaurants. Grubhub can be slower, especially in areas with fewer drivers or lower order volume.
| Criteria | Grubhub | DoorDash |
| Average Delivery Time | ~35–50 minutes (varies by location and time) | ~30–45 minutes (generally faster in most areas) |
| Order Dispatching Efficiency | Slight delay in matching orders to drivers | A faster algorithm for assigning drivers |
| Real-Time Order Tracking | Yes, but sometimes less accurate or delayed | Yes, with more consistent updates and live tracking |
| Restaurant Partner Speed | Depends on the restaurant, fewer fast-food exclusives | Often faster due to more fast-food and chain partnerships |
| Driver Availability | Fewer drivers in some markets can cause delays | High driver availability, especially in urban zones |
| Priority/Express Delivery Option | Limited or not available everywhere | DashPass members get priority delivery during busy hours |
Grubhub vs. DoorDash Gift Card
Both Grubhub and DoorDash gift cards are highly similar in flexibility and usage. Choose based on which platform the recipient uses more often.
Check out the table below and understand their differences.
| Feature | Grubhub Gift Card | DoorDash Gift Card |
| Where to Buy | Grubhub website, Amazon, retail stores (Walmart, Target) | DoorDash website, Amazon, retail stores (Walmart, CVS) |
| Denominations Available | Custom amount ($10–$500) | Custom amount ($10–$500) |
| Where It Can Be Used | Grubhub, Seamless (owned by Grubhub) | DoorDash and Caviar (owned by DoorDash) |
| Online Redemption | Add to the account via gift card code | Add to the account via gift card code |
| Expiration Date | No expiration | No expiration |
| Fees | No fees | No fees |
| Delivery Options | Email or physical card (mail delivery) | Email or physical card (mail delivery) |
| Can it Be Used for Tips and Fees? | Yes | Yes |
| Can it Be Combined with Promotions? | Yes, it can be used with discounts and promo codes | Yes, it can be used with discounts and promo codes |
| Refundable | Non-refundable | Non-refundable |
FAQs
1. Is food cheaper on Grubhub or DoorDash?
DoorDash is cheaper for smaller orders, while Grubhub tends to be more cost-effective for larger orders.
2. What makes Grubhub different?
Grubhub distinguishes itself with features like:
- Grubhub+ Subscription: Offers free delivery and exclusive discounts for a monthly fee.
- Loyalty Programs: Many restaurants offer rewards through Grubhub.
- Pre-Ordering: Allows users to schedule orders in advance.
- Menu Variety: Partners with a diverse range of local restaurants.
Supercharge your deliveries with Enatega.
Get Started NowConclusion
Both Grubhub and DoorDash offer easy ways to get food delivered, but DoorDash comes out on top in 2025. It has more restaurants, faster growth, and more features like grocery and retail delivery.
Grubhub is still a good option in some areas, but it’s falling behind in terms of popularity and innovation.
If you want the biggest selection and best overall experience, DoorDash is the better choice for most people today.
If you're inspired by the success of platforms like DoorDash or Grubhub and want to build your food delivery app, it could be one of the best business moves you make. Creating such an app can be complex, the long-term rewards are huge.
That’s where Enatega comes in. We specialize in custom food delivery app development, helping you build powerful, user-friendly apps that can compete with industry leaders.
Book a free demo with Enatega today and take the first step toward building a successful delivery business.
About the author
Hudaibia Khalid is the creative force behind the blog—a maestro of words and ideas. Her distinctive style not only imparts wisdom but also leaves an indelible mark, transforming each post into a captivating journey through her unique perspective on the world.
SHARE
