ToolNimba
⭐ Comparisons

Best Delivery App in 2026: 8 Apps Compared

By ToolNimba Editorial Team October 29, 2026 10 min read

Best Delivery App
  1. Top pick
    DoorDash logoDoorDash

    Widest restaurant choice in most cities

    Starting priceFree
    Check out DoorDashRead our review
  2. Runner-up
    Uber Eats logoUber Eats

    City food delivery and Uber One members

    Starting priceFree
    Check out Uber EatsRead our review
  3. Also great
    Grubhub logoGrubhub

    Restaurant delivery with regular deals

    Starting priceFree
    Check out GrubhubRead our review

How we researched this

We compared official pricing and feature pages, app store listings, privacy policies and public user reviews. Prices change, so check the provider's site before you pay.

Key takeaways

  • DoorDash has the widest restaurant coverage in most US cities, which makes it the easiest default for food delivery.
  • Uber Eats is the strongest second option, especially where Uber One membership or a wide restaurant list matters.
  • Instacart, Shipt and Walmart cover groceries best, and they often beat restaurant apps on weekly shopping value.
  • goPuff wins for late-night convenience items, because it stocks its own warehouses rather than relying on stores.
  • Always compare the total at checkout, since delivery fees, service fees and tips can change the cheapest option.

Quick comparison

NameBest forStarting priceFree plan
DoorDashWidest restaurant choice in most citiesFreeYesVisit
Uber EatsCity food delivery and Uber One membersFreeYesVisit
GrubhubRestaurant delivery with regular dealsFreeYesVisit
InstacartGrocery delivery from many storesFreeYesVisit
ShiptTarget and grocery deliveryFreeYesVisit
WalmartEveryday grocery delivery at low pricesFreeYesVisit
goPuffFast convenience deliveryFreeYesVisit
Amazon FreshPrime members ordering groceriesFreeYesVisit

The best delivery apps

The best delivery app depends on what you are ordering. Restaurant apps, grocery apps and convenience apps solve different problems, and the cheapest choice can change by neighbourhood, order size and time of day. The eight apps below cover the main use cases for US consumers.

01DoorDash logo

DoorDash

Best for: Widest restaurant choice in most cities

Check out DoorDash
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
DoorDash app screenshots
App Store screenshots

DoorDash earns its place first because coverage matters more than any single feature. In many cities it lists more restaurants than rivals, including local spots as well as chains, so you are less likely to hit a dead end when you want a specific meal. The app also handles groceries, convenience items and retail orders, which means one account can cover a weekly shop and a late dinner.

The catch is the total cost. A low delivery fee at the top of the screen does not tell the whole story, since service fees, small order fees and tips sit further down the checkout. DashPass can make sense if you order often, but it only saves money when you use it enough to cover the monthly cost. Compare the final total before you commit to a membership.

What we like
  • Very large restaurant selection
  • Grocery and convenience delivery too
  • DashPass can cut delivery fees for frequent users
Watch out for
  • Fees and menu prices can add up
  • Delivery times vary at peak hours
02Uber Eats logo

Uber Eats

Best for: City food delivery and Uber One members

Check out Uber Eats
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Uber Eats app screenshots
App Store screenshots

Uber Eats is the natural alternative when DoorDash does not list the restaurant you want, or when its fees look high for that order. Its tracking is clear, and the app feels familiar if you already use Uber for rides. For people who already pay for Uber One, the fee savings on food delivery can make Uber Eats the better default, even if DoorDash has a slightly longer restaurant list.

The weakness is consistency. Availability, delivery times and fees change by area and by hour, so a good experience in one city does not guarantee the same result in another. Check the same order on both apps when cost matters, and pay attention to the estimated delivery window, not only the fee.

What we like
  • Strong city coverage
  • Live order tracking
  • Uber One can reduce fees across Uber services
Watch out for
  • Prices and fees vary by restaurant and time
  • Some areas have fewer options than DoorDash
03Grubhub logo

Grubhub

Best for: Restaurant delivery with regular deals

Check out Grubhub
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Grubhub app screenshots
App Store screenshots

Grubhub remains worth keeping on your phone even if it is not your first choice. It has deep roots in restaurant delivery, and its promotions can make a familiar order cheaper than on a rival app. That matters for repeat orders, where a small saving each week adds up over a year. Grubhub also lists many independent restaurants that matter to local food scenes.

The limit is coverage. In some suburbs and smaller cities, Grubhub lists fewer restaurants than DoorDash or Uber Eats, and delivery times can be longer. Treat Grubhub as a comparison tool and a deals app, rather than assuming it will always be available. When it has your restaurant and a promotion, it often wins on total price.

What we like
  • Long history in restaurant delivery
  • Frequent promotions
  • Useful in cities where it has strong coverage
Watch out for
  • Coverage is patchier than DoorDash in some areas
  • Fees still apply on many orders
04Instacart logo

Instacart

Best for: Grocery delivery from many stores

Check out Instacart
Starting priceFree
Free planYes

Instacart is the best choice when the order is a full grocery shop rather than a single meal. It connects you to many stores, from supermarkets to warehouse clubs and pharmacies, and a shopper picks items and can ask about replacements when something is out of stock. That flexibility helps when you need a specific brand or want to shop at several stores without leaving home.

The trade-off is price transparency. Item prices on Instacart can differ from in-store prices, and service fees add to the bill. Instacart Plus can reduce delivery fees for frequent shoppers, but check whether your usual stores and order sizes qualify for free delivery. For a large weekly shop, Instacart often still beats a restaurant app on value, even with fees included.

What we like
  • Wide choice of grocery and retail stores
  • Same-day delivery in many areas
  • Shopper can suggest replacements
Watch out for
  • Some item prices are higher than in-store prices
  • Service fees apply on top of delivery fees
05Shipt logo

Shipt

Best for: Target and grocery delivery

Check out Shipt
Starting priceFree
Free planYes

Shipt feels closest to having a personal shopper, and it is especially strong for Target orders. If your household already shops at Target for groceries, household goods and everyday items, Shipt lets you keep that routine without a store trip. Shoppers communicate about replacements, which helps when a product is out of stock or a size has changed.

The main question is frequency. A membership only pays off if you order often enough, so occasional shoppers should check per-order pricing first. Store availability also varies, so confirm that your preferred stores are covered before relying on Shipt for a weekly shop. For Target loyalists, though, it is a clear and simple option.

What we like
  • Strong Target coverage
  • Same-day delivery
  • Personal shopper model
Watch out for
  • Store choice varies by area
  • Membership value depends on how often you order
06Walmart logo

Walmart

Best for: Everyday grocery delivery at low prices

Check out Walmart
Starting priceFree
Free planYes

Walmart is the value pick for grocery delivery, because its prices start low and its store network is very wide. For a family doing a regular grocery shop, that price base often matters more than a free delivery promotion elsewhere. The Walmart app also covers household items, pharmacy products and general goods, so one order can cover more than food.

Delivery slots are the practical limit. Popular times can fill up, and you may need to plan ahead rather than ordering at the last minute. Walmart Plus can help with delivery benefits, but again, compare the membership cost with how often you order. If you shop at Walmart already, delivery is a natural extension rather than a new habit to learn.

What we like
  • Low grocery prices with no store markup on many items
  • Wide store network
  • Walmart Plus adds delivery benefits
Watch out for
  • Delivery slots can fill up at peak times
  • Product range varies by store
07goPuff logo

goPuff

Best for: Fast convenience delivery

Check out goPuff
Starting priceFree
Free planYes

goPuff solves a narrow problem very well: you need snacks, drinks, medicine or household essentials quickly, often late at night. Because it stocks its own local warehouses, it can deliver faster and more predictably than an app that sends a shopper to a store. The flat delivery fee also makes small orders easier to judge, since the cost does not swing as much with order size.

Do not expect goPuff to replace a supermarket. Its range is built for convenience, not for a full shop with fresh produce, meat and specialty items. Use it for top-up orders, late-night needs and small essentials, and use Instacart, Shipt or Walmart for the main weekly shop. That split gives you speed where it matters and value where it counts.

What we like
  • Own warehouses allow fast delivery of snacks, drinks and essentials
  • Flat delivery fee model in many areas
  • Late-night availability
Watch out for
  • Smaller product range than a supermarket
  • Not suited to a full weekly grocery shop
08Amazon Fresh logo

Amazon Fresh

Best for: Prime members ordering groceries

Check out Amazon Fresh
Starting priceFree
Free planYes

Amazon Fresh makes most sense for households that already pay for Prime. Grocery delivery then fits into an account and app you already use, and delivery windows can be convenient for a regular shop. Amazon Fresh also supports SNAP and EBT payment in eligible areas, which matters for families who rely on those benefits for groceries.

The limit is geography. Amazon Fresh is not available everywhere, and its range may not match a local supermarket for specialty items. If you do not already have Prime, do not buy it for groceries alone unless the delivery savings and other Prime benefits together justify the annual cost. For existing Prime members, though, it is a practical grocery option to compare with Walmart and Instacart.

What we like
  • Grocery delivery tied to Prime
  • Low minimums in many areas
  • SNAP and EBT accepted in eligible areas
Watch out for
  • Availability varies by area
  • Best value depends on already having Prime

How we picked these

We compared official app and website information, store and restaurant coverage, delivery models, fees and membership options, plus public reviews and help pages, to check that each app still operates in the US. We kept the focus on consumer food and grocery delivery, as requested, and we covered restaurant, grocery and convenience use cases rather than listing only the largest apps. We did not claim hands-on testing, and fees vary by area and order, so the checkout total is the final source before you order.

How to pick the right delivery app for you

Start with what you order most. If you order restaurant meals several times a week, coverage and a membership such as DashPass or Uber One matter most. If you order groceries weekly, compare Instacart, Shipt, Walmart and Amazon Fresh on your usual basket, not on a single promotional order. A small saving on delivery fees means little if item prices are higher across your whole shop.

Next, check your neighbourhood, not national claims. Open two or three apps, search for your usual restaurants and stores, and look at delivery times and total fees. Some apps shine in cities and fade in suburbs, and the reverse is also true. Save your favourite restaurants and repeat orders in the app you use most, so reordering takes seconds rather than a fresh search each time.

Finally, watch the membership trap. A monthly plan only saves money when you order often enough to cover it, and free delivery usually still leaves service fees and tips. If you order rarely, pay per order and compare totals. If you order often, run one month with a membership, add up what you saved, and cancel if the math does not work.

Sources

  1. https://www.doordash.com
  2. https://www.ubereats.com
  3. https://www.grubhub.com
  4. https://www.instacart.com
  5. https://www.shipt.com
  6. https://www.walmart.com
  7. https://www.gopuff.com
  8. https://www.amazon.com
  9. http://savingsgrove.com/blogs/guides/grocery-delivery-comparison

Frequently asked questions

Which delivery app is the best?

For most US consumers, DoorDash is the best starting point because of its wide restaurant coverage, with Uber Eats as a strong second option. For groceries, Instacart, Shipt and Walmart are usually better than restaurant apps. The best app for you depends on your area, what you order and how often you order.

What is the best delivery app for groceries?

Instacart offers the widest store choice, Shipt is strongest for Target shoppers, and Walmart often has the lowest grocery prices. Amazon Fresh is a good option for Prime members where it is available. Compare your usual basket across two apps before choosing a membership.

Which delivery app has the lowest fees?

There is no single cheapest app, because fees depend on the restaurant, the order size, the time and your membership. goPuff often has a clear flat fee for convenience orders, while grocery apps vary by store and order total. Always compare the final checkout total, including service fees and tip, before you order.

What is the best delivery service to work for?

Driver pay and conditions vary by city, order type and time, and this article focuses on ordering as a consumer. Drivers often compare DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart and Shipt, and many work on more than one app to fill gaps between orders. If you plan to drive, check current driver terms and local demand before you sign up.

Can I get free delivery?

Yes, sometimes. Memberships such as DashPass, Uber One and Instacart Plus can include free delivery on qualifying orders, and apps run promotions for new users. Free delivery usually still leaves service fees and tips, so read the terms for minimum order amounts and eligible restaurants or stores.

Do delivery apps accept SNAP or EBT?

Some grocery services accept SNAP and EBT in eligible areas, including Amazon Fresh and Instacart at participating stores. Availability depends on your state and the store, so check the payment options in the app before you shop. Restaurant delivery apps generally do not accept SNAP or EBT for prepared meals.

Keep reading