Which Platform is Best For Food Delivery? Pros and Cons 

The food delivery business boasts of a billion-strong user base. From satisfying pizza cravings to ordering healthy salads, food delivery apps have transformed the way we dine, offering an endless array of options at the touch of a button. 

The food delivery apps have allowed us to enjoy our favorite food without leaving the comfort of our homes. 

The global food delivery industry is projected to hit $1.85tn by 2029, with giants like Grubhub, UberEats, and DoorDash leading the charge in reshaping our eating habits. 

In the United States, the food delivery app market is highly competitive with several options available to customers. However, it is difficult for customers to choose which platform is best for ordering food online.

Therefore, here is a list of top food apps that offer a wide range of dining options and efficient delivery services. 

Top 10 Best Food Ordering Platforms 

What is the most popular food delivery platform?

Order your favorite dishes and have your meal delivered to your home with the apps mentioned below. 

1. Grubhub

Grubhub is the top food delivery app in the USA. It is the third-largest online food delivery service provider in the USA. Grubhub has more than 140,000 restaurants, and they fulfill more than 450,000 daily orders. All small to well-known eateries are available for customers. From American to Asian cuisine, all is available on Grubhub. 

Moreover, Grubhub offers customers the cheapest service fees. The app is popular among the restaurant owners as well as the customers. 

Features

• Simple and easy-to-use interface
• Customers can save their favorite restaurants
• Quick browsing 
• Customers track their delivery status
• Vast selection of restaurants
• Available on iOS and Android 

Pros	Cons
Minimum order amounts are low	Cannot customize the app
Monthly or annual subscription options are available	High commission fees

Grubhub Pricing

Grubhub’s pricing structure involves multiple fees for customers and commissions for restaurants. 

Customer Fees

• Delivery Fee: Varies depending on the restaurant and distance. Typically ranges between $0.99 and $5.99, but some restaurants offer free delivery.
• Service Fee: A percentage of the order subtotal, often between 5% and 20%, with a minimum fee (usually around $1).
• Small Order Fee: For orders below a certain amount (e.g., $10), an additional fee (commonly $2 or more) may apply.

Grubhub+ Membership

Grubhub offers a subscription service, Grubhub+, for $9.99/month. It offers various benefits such as: 

• Free delivery on orders over a certain amount (typically $12).
• Access to exclusive deals and discounts.

Restaurant Fees

• Commission Fee: Restaurants pay Grubhub a commission for each order, which can range from 15% to 30% of the order total.
• Marketing Fee: Additional optional fees for promoting the restaurant within the app.
• Processing Fee: Charges for payment processing, typically around 3% to 5%. 

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2. UberEats

UberEats is the best platform when you think about which platform is best for food delivery. It is one of the best online food delivery service providers in the USA and different countries of the world. Besides, it is also the most popular and cheapest food app in the UK. 

The app allows customers to order food from restaurants and deliver it to their doorstep. The order is delivered by riders using different transportation modes, such as bikes, cars, scooters, and walking.  

Features

• Search by cuisine, rating, and distance
• Track orders
• User-friendly platform
• A vast network of delivery partners
• Order customization

Pros	Cons
Integrated with Uber in some cities	UberEats owns all your customer data
Wide range of food choices	High commission fees

UberEats Pricing 

UberEats customers are required to pay a delivery fee for each order, which is determined by several factors:

• Customer location
• Platform activity
• Rider availability

Additionally, customers with Plus and Premium plans may enjoy lower delivery fees compared to those on the Lite plan. UberEats also implements a marketplace fee for orders delivered directly by stores. This fee can either be a flat rate or a percentage of the order subtotal, varying by location.

You can also create the Ubereats clone app for your food business and provide better customer service.  

3. Seamless

Seamless is the best choice if you are looking for a delivery service with the best food service. It is an excellent platform for customers and restaurant business owners. The app has 12,000 restaurants in the USA and is well known for providing top-notch customer experience.  

Seamless offers a variety of food and delivery options to customers, which makes the entire ordering process easy. Its processes often optimize workflows, reducing inefficiencies and saving time.  

Features

• Effortless ordering process
• Schedule deliveries
• Customers save their favorite dishes
• Filter restaurants by cuisine, location, and rating 

Pros	Cons
Pre-ordreing	High commission and service fee
Delivery fee transparency
Order history

Seamless Pricing 

Seamless charges customers a delivery fee ranging from $0 to $5, depending on the restaurant and location, along with a service fee of around 10-15% of the order subtotal. Restaurants typically pay a commission fee of 10-30% per order, based on their agreement.

4. Enatega

Enatega is the best open-source food delivery platform for restaurants. With the help of Enatega, restaurants can easily launch their food app without hassle. Restaurants can easily create customizable websites tailored to their unique branding and requirements.

By using Enatega, you can quickly set up a food ordering system and improve brand recognition among customers who regularly place food orders from your restaurant. 

Features

• Restaurant management
• Rider management
• Payment management 
• Order management
• Customization 

Pros	Cons
Customizable apps (user, restaurant, rider, and admin dashboard)	Email marketing is not included
Transparent pricing
24/7 support
Provide various payment methods

Enatega Pricing 

Enatega pricing structure is flexible and the price is $1,997 without any hidden charges. You only need to pay once and with no monthly subscriptions. 

5. Postmates

Postmates is a reliable food delivery solution available in over 4,200 cities in the United States. Restaurants can easily attract new customers using this platform. It is one of the largest on-demand delivery services in the US.

Postmates allows users to customize their orders, which can be helpful for those with dietary restrictions or specific preferences. The app is well-known for its quick delivery service.

Features

• Various payment options
• Loyalty program
• Discounts and promotions
• Multiple payment options
• Built-in tipping 
• Customizable orders

Pros	Cons
Low delivery fee	Limited control over the delivery process
24/7 deliveries	High commission and delivery fees

Postmates Pricing 

Postmates pricing includes:

• Delivery Fee: Ranges from $0.99 to $3.99 for partnered restaurants and up to $5.99+ for non-partnered ones, depending on the distance.
• Service Fee: Typically 10-15% of the order subtotal.
• Small Cart Fee: A $1.99–$3.99 fee applies to orders below a certain amount (usually $10–$12).
• Postmates Unlimited: A subscription for $9.99/month or $99.99/year, offering $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders.
• Peak Pricing: Higher fees during busy times or high demand.

Restaurants pay a commission fee ranging from 15-30% per order.

6. DoorDash

What is the most used food delivery app? 

DoorDash is the most used food delivery app with over 340,000 restaurants across the United States and Canada. From the DoorDash app, customers easily buy beauty products, pet supplies, and alcohol. DoorDash is a cheaper food ordering platform than UberEats and GrubHub.

The company partnered with over 390,000 restaurants and offers plenty of dining options to customers. So, if you want to eat pizza, salad, or whatever you are craving, DoorDash will deliver your order on time without any delay. They deliver food to places other than homes and workplaces, such as parks and gardens.    

Features

• Easy signup process
• Clear and easy-to-use app layout
• Ratings and feedback
• Offer various delivery options
• Grubhub+ membership program

Pros	Cons
Free trial version	Delivery fees can vary
Menu customization
Delivery of small orders

DoorDash Pricing 

DoorDash pricing involves a delivery fee, a service fee, and a membership program called DashPass. 

• Delivery Fee: Typically ranges from $1.99 to $5.99, depending on the distance, restaurant, and location.
• Service Fee: Around 10-15% of the order subtotal, with a minimum fee of $2.00.
• DashPass Subscription: For $9.99/month, offers $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders.

Restaurants are charged a commission fee ranging from 15% to 30% per order, depending on their partnership tier with DoorDash. 

7. Instacart

Instacart is primarily known for grocery delivery. However, it also offers food delivery services from selected restaurants and fast-food chains. Its seamless integration with grocery shopping makes it convenient for users to order groceries and prepare meals in one go. 

Instacart also collaborates with local shops to deliver things including electronics, housewares, and pet supplies. Instacart wants to provide its customers with a more convenient and easy way to shop for groceries.

Features

• Unlimited free delivery on eligible orders
• Real-time updates
• Subscription service offers free delivery on orders over a certain amount
• Easily shop for groceries and household essentials

Pros	Cons
Schedule delivery	Prices on the app/website are vary from in-store prices
Extensive range of grocery stores
Offer membership program

Instacart Pricing 

Below is an Instacart pricing structure. 

• Delivery Fee: Starts at $3.99 for orders over $35, with higher fees for smaller orders or one-hour delivery.
• Service Fee: Typically 5-10% of the order subtotal, with a minimum fee of $2.00 (varies by location and order type).
• Instacart+ Membership: Costs $9.99/month or $99/year and offers free delivery on orders over $35 and reduced service fees.
• Small Order Fee: A $2–$4 fee applies to orders below $35.
• Alcohol Delivery Fee: Additional $2.00 fee for alcohol orders in most locations.

8.  ChowNow

ChowNow is an American food ordering app that aims to change the way people order their meals. It allows customers to place orders directly with their favorite restaurant. 

ChowNow offers a range of features and tools designed to streamline the online ordering process for both restaurants and customers. It provides a seamless and intuitive interface across web and mobile platforms, making it easy for customers to browse menus, select items, and place orders.

Features

• Direct ordering from the website or app
• User-friendly interface
• Secure payment processing
• Offers and promotions 

Pros	Cons
No hidden fees	Delivery is limited to selected cities
You can create your own restaurant website and app	Prices are high for a monthly subscription

ChowNow Pricing 

Customers using ChowNow for ordering are not typically charged additional fees, as the platform focuses on providing restaurants with commission-free services.

9. Just Eat

Just Eat is another famous European online food ordering and delivery platform. It has achieved huge success in the food ordering and delivery market. With 60 million users every day, the Just Eat app offers a unique way for customers to order for pickup or delivery. 

Additionally, its varied selection of foods covers a broad spectrum and includes vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal choices.  

Features

• Transparent pricing
• Extensive restaurant selection
• Customizability
• Great customer support
• Rewards and loyalty programs 

Pros	Cons
Less expensive than other food apps	Limited availability in smaller areas
Reliable delivery service	Delivery times can vary during peak hours

JustEat Pricing 

Just Eat pricing varies depending on the restaurant’s location and the type of service. Let’s look at their pricing structure. 

• Commission Fees: Typically range from 10% to 15% per order, depending on the partnership agreement and location.
• Delivery Fee: Just Eat may charge customers a delivery fee, which can vary by distance and restaurant, but generally ranges from £1.99 to £4.99.
• Service Fee: Occasionally, a small service fee may apply to customers, depending on the order value and location.

Restaurants may also be charged a monthly subscription fee for access to the platform, depending on their chosen plan.

10. Foodpanda

If you don’t want to cook or you value your time, use the most popular food delivery service Foodpanda. It is an international online food delivery platform. It operates in numerous countries, connecting users with a wide range of restaurants. The app provides the most convenient and efficient solution to order food.

Furthermore, Foodpanda has a widespread presence across 40 countries and operates in 500 cities. With a dedicated team of over 3,500 employees and a vast network of more than 3,800 partners, Foodpanda has established a strong global presence in the food delivery industry.

With its user-friendly interface and extensive restaurant network, Foodpanda offers one of the most convenient and efficient solutions for ordering food. 

Features

• Order history
• Online payment
• Status updates
• Delivery of food and groceries
• Advanced search bars
• Contactless delivery
• Multilingual support

Pros	Cons
User-friendly interface	Foodpanda doesn’t issue refunds for orders that are canceled after the vendor has accepted them.
Wide reach
Provide offers and discounts

Foodpanda Pricing 

Here is a Foodpanda pricing model. 

• Commission Fees: Restaurants are typically charged a commission of 15% to 30% per order, depending on the restaurant’s agreement and location.
• Delivery Fee: The delivery fee paid by customers can range from $1 to $3 depending on the delivery distance, with some locations offering free delivery during promotions or special offers.

You can get a Foodpanda clone food delivery script with all the features stacked. 

Tips for Selecting the Right Food Delivery App

Selecting the best food delivery app can be challenging due to the abundance of options. It is crucial to consider all your preferences and requirements before making a decision. 

Below are some tips that will help you select the right food delivery app.

Check Reviews

When searching for a food delivery service, it is essential to conduct thorough research to evaluate its reputation in the industry. Reviewing testimonials and feedback from customers who have utilized their services can offer valuable insights into the reliability, and customer satisfaction levels. Prioritize services with a proven track record of positive ratings, punctual deliveries, and excellent customer support.

It is important to be vigilant about negative reviews or recurring complaints, such as spoiled food, late deliveries, or subpar customer service, as they may raise concerns. Making the right choice is of utmost importance when selecting the appropriate food delivery app.

Payment Methods

Look for platforms that offer a diverse selection of payment methods. A wide range of food delivery apps offer diverse payment options to accommodate customer convenience and preferences.

Payment methods for food delivery include credit/debit cards, e-wallets such as PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, as well as cash on delivery. These options provide flexibility, catering to individual preferences, and enhancing the ease of ordering food online.

Deals and Discounts

Look for platforms that offer special promotions, discounts, or loyalty programs to help you save money on your orders. Special offers and promotions play a vital role in attracting customers and improving their overall experience with food delivery apps.

These apps typically offer a variety of deals, special offers, and rewards programs to encourage repeat orders and attract new users. Examples of these promotions include free delivery, cashback incentives, discounts on specific menu items, etc. 

Customer Service and Support

A reliable food delivery app should prioritize excellent customer care and assistance. When choosing a provider, look for one that offers a variety of customer care channels to accommodate different communication preferences. These channels may include live chat, phone assistance, or email.

An attentive and professional customer support team can help address customer inquiries, resolve delivery-related issues, and more.

Consider the availability and response time of the company, especially during busy periods or peak hours, as prompt and efficient assistance can significantly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

FAQs

1. What is the best and cheapest food delivery app?

The best and cheapest food delivery app often varies by location, but apps like DoorDash and UberEats frequently offer promotions and discounts. Check local reviews and compare prices to find the best option for your area.

2. What was the first food delivery platform?

The first food delivery platform is widely considered to be “World Wide Waiter,” which launched its delivery service in 1995. They still operate its services as Waiter.com. 

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