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10 Best Food Delivery Apps (Top Food Delivery Apps in 2024)

Content

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?

  1. Greater Exposure: thanks to food apps, restaurants can attract a larger customer base and increase brand visibility.
  2. Unmatched Convenience: Food delivery app development allow restaurants to offer their customers the convenience of ordering food from the comfort of their own homes 
  3. Boosted Revenue: thanks to the partnership of restaurants with food apps, we can observe an increase in restaurants’ revenues. 
  4. Fostering Customer Loyalty: customers are encouraged to order via food delivery apps and receive dedicated promotions. 
  5. Ease of use: food apps simplify ordering and delivery
  6. 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. 

  1. UpMenu
  2. Doordash
  3. UberEats
  4. Postmates
  5. GrubHub
  6. Toast TakeOut
  7. ChowNow
  8. Caviar
  9. Seamless
  10. 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.

FeatureUpMenuDoordashUberEatsPostmates
GrubHubToast TakeOutChowNowCaviarSeamlessDelivery.com
Pricing modelMonthly fixed price starting from $49Commission based modelCommission based modelCommission based modelCommission based modelMonthly fixed price starting from $69Monthly fixed price starting from $139Commission based modelCommission based modelCommission based model
Commission fee 0%

15%-30% delivery commission15%-30% commission fee15%-30% commission fee5%-20% commission fee0%

0%15%-30% delivery commission5%-20% commission feeOn average, a 15% commission fee
Free trial
Delivery fee0Depends on the restaurant and customer location but usually ranges from $0.99 and $7.99Depends on the restaurant and customer location, distance, and time of the day. It usually ranges from $0.99 to $9.99Depends on the restaurant and customer location, distance, and time of the day. It usually ranges from $0.99 to $9.99Depends on the restaurant and customer location, but, but usually ranges from $1.99 to $6.99Included in a restaurant subscription$3.99 for ChowNow deliveryDepends on the restaurant and customer location but usually ranges from $0.99 and $7.99Depends on the restaurant and customer location, but, but usually ranges from $1.99 to $6.99Starts at $0 but depends on a restaurant
Additional costsNo6% pickup commission3.05% processing fee, Tablet rental fees are optionalA fee that ranges from 0.80% to $5 if using the direct bank deposit optionTablet, and hardware rentals are $5/monthA service fee is $3.99A processing fee $0.992.95% + $0.20 credit card fee6% pickup commission A service fee is $18No
Customer data ownership
Minimum order value
No, but it might be set by a restaurantNo, but customers with small orders are charged a Small Order Fee (SOF).No$12Usually $10, but it depends on a restaurantNo, 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 restaurantUsually $10, but it depends on a restaurantNo, but it might be set by a restaurant
Your own restaurant website
Your own restaurant mobile app
Marketing tools YesYes, but some of them are paid extraYes, but some of them (promoted placements, sponsored listings, and in-app advertisements) are paid extraYes, but some of them are paid extraYes, but some are paid extra (e.g., +5% for a Sponsored Listing)YesYesYes, but some of them are paid extraYes, but some are paid extra (e.g., +5% for a Sponsored Listing)Yes
Loyalty program

1. UpMenu

food delivery apps - UpMenu logo

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

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

food delivery apps - UpMenu

Mobile Apps
Create a mobile app for your restaurant
Boost customer loyalty with native iOS and Android ordering apps that put your restaurant right in your customer’s pocket

2. Doordash

food delivery apps - Doordash logo

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. 

food delivery apps - Doordash

3. Uber Eats

food delivery apps - UberEats logo

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. 

food delivery apps - Ubereats

4. Postmates

food delivery apps - Postmates logo

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. 

food delivery apps - Postmates

5. GrubHub

food delivery apps - GrubHub logo

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.

food delivery apps - GrubHu

Online Ordering System
Start selling food online
Set up commission-free ordering for your restaurant's website in minutes. Boost revenue while saving on third-party fees

6. Toast TakeOut

 food delivery apps - Toast TakeOut logo

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.

food delivery apps - Toast TakeOut

7. ChowNow

food delivery apps - ChowNow logo

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.

food delivery apps - ChowNow

8. Caviar

 food delivery apps - Caviar logo

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.

 food delivery apps - Caviar

9. Seamless

food delivery apps - Seamless logo

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.

food delivery apps - Seamless

10. Delivery.com

food delivery apps - Delivery.com logo

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.

food delivery apps - Delivery.com

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 
Mobile Apps
Create a mobile app for your restaurant
Boost customer loyalty with native iOS and Android ordering apps that put your restaurant right in your customer’s pocket

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.

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
When it comes to choosing between DoorDash and Uber Eats, the decision depends on the customer’s preferences, location, and how many restaurants are available. Both platforms offer comparable services – customers can order food from local restaurants for delivery or pickup.

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

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

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

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. 

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.

Picture of Agata Kubiak - Padkowska

Agata Kubiak - Padkowska

Digital content creator, passionate about helping restaurants to start selling online.

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