The online food delivery market is projected to reach US$1.39 trillion in revenue in 2025, with an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.64% expected to drive it to US$2.02 trillion by 2030.
Three major players continue to lead the way: Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. As these platforms compete for dominance in 2025, it’s essential to understand what each one offers.
In this article, I’ll break down the features of Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, and their pricing to help you decide which one will come out on top in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The 3 Most Popular Platforms for Food Delivery for Restaurants: There are three major players on the market: Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. As of March 2024, DoorDash led the U.S. food delivery market, holding two-thirds of the market share and nearly 19 million downloads, while Uber Eats followed with around 12 million downloads. Globally, Uber Eats was the top food delivery operator.
- Focus on U.S. Dominance with DoorDash: Given DoorDash’s dominance in the U.S. (holding a commanding 67% share of the U.S. online food delivery market), restaurants operating in this market could prioritize the platform to capture the largest audience.
- Leverage Uber Eats’ Global Reach: If you have plans for global restaurant expansion, Uber Eats provides the broadest international reach, operating in 45 countries and over 6,000 cities, helping your restaurant attract customers worldwide.
- Evaluate Regional Market Trends: Grubhub holds an 8% U.S. market share; however, as Business of Apps notes, it remains powerful in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston, and Jacksonville. Assess your local platform usage to determine if Grubhub is a key player or a secondary focus.
- Optimize Platform Features: Each delivery platform has its unique features, so tailor your offerings to make the most of each platform’s tools for improving customer retention.
- Explore Alternatives to Food Delivery Systems: While third-party delivery services may dominate, restaurants should also consider alternatives like using an online ordering system and selling directly from their own website. Implementing a restaurant-branded app and offering in-house delivery service with restaurant delivery software and/or partnering with local couriers allows reducing costs, retaining more control over customer data, and offering a personalized delivery experience.
- Implement Loyalty Programs to Encourage Direct Orders: By implementing a restaurant loyalty program and encouraging direct orders through your branded app or website, you can reduce reliance on third-party platforms. This strategy fosters customer loyalty and improves restaurant profit margin by lowering commission fees (Uber Eats commission, DoorDash fees, and Grubhub fees) and increasing repeat business.
- Stay Competitive by Monitoring Shifts in Market Share: The food delivery landscape is constantly evolving. Monitor any changes in platform market share and customer behavior to refine your strategy for optimal efficiency and reach.
What Are Food Delivery Services?
Food delivery services are platforms or businesses that offer a convenient way for customers to order food from restaurants and have it delivered to their doorstep.
Through websites or food delivery apps, users can browse menus, select their desired dishes, and track their delivery in real-time.
After the order is placed, the food delivery service coordinates with the restaurant to prepare the food and assigns a delivery driver to deliver food to the specified location.
These services have become popular for offering a wide range of cuisines, making restaurant-quality meals accessible at home or in the office.
What Are the Benefits of Food Delivery Apps for Restaurant Owners?
Partnering with food delivery apps enables restaurants to reach a broader customer base, thereby increasing exposure and brand recognition.
Offering delivery through these platforms caters to customers who prefer ordering from home and expect faster delivery, improving delivery efficiency.
Customers regularly receive special deals from the monthly membership program, like exclusive discounts, promotions, and updates on new menu items, which are effective restaurant strategies to attract customers.
A food delivery app is ideal for delivery-only restaurants, as it eliminates the need for restaurants to invest in additional staff, vehicles, and infrastructure for delivery, reducing overhead costs.
Third-party apps handle delivery drivers, tracking, and logistics, allowing restaurants to focus on food preparation. Moreover, using third-party drivers reduces the need to hire and insure in-house delivery staff, cutting restaurant labor costs.
Furthermore, food delivery platforms offer easy-to-use apps and websites for seamless ordering and delivery tracking, improving operational efficiency.
Additionally, with a food delivery platform, you no longer have to invest in multiple apps for collecting data on customer preferences, order patterns, and customer feedback.
Uber Eats vs DoorDash vs Grubhub – Which Is the Best Option?
Finding the best food delivery services depends on various factors, including:
- your location,
- specific preferences,
- the available restaurant options in your area.
Each of these food delivery companies has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to consider what matters most to you when looking for a solution in the food delivery market.
How to Choose Between Uber Eats vs DoorDash vs Grubhub?
Focus on three key aspects: features, ease of use, and fees. Ensure that you look for a solution that offers a range of valuable features to help increase restaurant revenue.
When it comes to fees, look for a solution that doesn’t have high commission rates or a delivery fee.
Below, I’ve prepared a breakdown of these systems’ features to help you decide on the right one for your business.
| Feature | Uber Eats | DoorDash | Grubhub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Reach | Available in over 6,000 cities worldwide, 45 countries | Operates in 30 countries | Primarily U.S.-based, with a strong presence in major cities |
| Delivery Service | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Average Delivery Time | 38 minutes and 4 seconds | 26 minutes and 24 seconds | 35 minutes and 49 seconds |
| Restaurant Partnerships | Extensive global network, including international chains | Strong focus on U.S. local restaurants and partnerships | Emphasizes partnerships with major U.S. restaurant chains |
| Commissions | Starting from 15% | Starting from 15% | Starting from 10% |
| Free Trial | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Setup Service | £650 (UK) N/A (USA) | Free | $99 one-time + $49 monthly |
| Customer data ownership | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Your Own Branded Mobile App | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Your Own Website With Ordering | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Control Over Marketing Activities | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Sources: Uber Eats Pricing, DoorDash Pricing, Grubhub Pricing, Deonde, Orders.co, Food On Demand, Restaurant Business, Intouch Insight
1. Uber Eats
Uber Eats is an online food delivery platform operated by Uber Technologies Inc., which was launched in 2014.
It allows customers to order food from a wide range of restaurants conveniently and have it delivered to their location.
As of January 2025, Uber Eats captured 27% of its global app downloads in the U.S.
Here’s how Uber Eats works:
- Ordering: Customers use the Uber Eats mobile app or website to browse menus, select dishes, and place their food orders from local restaurants.
- Payment: Payments can be made directly through the app using various methods such as credit/debit cards, PayPal, or Uber Cash (Uber’s digital wallet).
- Restaurant Preparation: Once the order is received, the restaurant begins preparing the food.
- Delivery: Uber Eats drivers, referred to as delivery partners, pick up the orders from the restaurants and deliver them to the customers’ specified location.
- Tracking: Customers can track their order’s progress in real-time through the app, from the moment it’s prepared to its delivery.
- Ratings and Reviews: After delivery, customers have the option to rate their experience and provide feedback.
- Fees: How much does Uber Eats charge restaurants? The platform charges various fees for its services, including Uber Eats’ commission, delivery fee, service fees, marketing and operating costs, and additional fees.
Below, I provided a table showing Uber Eats pricing for restaurants.
| Plan | Delivery Commission (%) | Pickup Commission (%) | Order Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lite | 15% | 6% | 2.5% + $0.29 per order |
| Plus | 25% | 6% | 2.5% + $0.29 per order |
| Premium | 30% | 6% | 2.5% + $0.29 per order |
Source: Uber Eats Pricing
Uber Eats operates in numerous cities worldwide, collaborating with a wide network of restaurants to offer a diverse selection of cuisine options.
The platform benefits both customers, who enjoy the convenience of food delivery, and restaurants, which gain access to a broader customer base and an additional revenue stream through the service.
If you decide to use this service, you may want to learn more about how to get more Uber Eats orders.
2. DoorDash
DoorDash is an online food delivery and takeout service that connects customers with local restaurants.
It was founded in 2013 and has become one of the leading players in the food delivery industry in the United States and Canada, as well as expanding to other countries.
As of January 2025, DoorDash captured 85% of its global app downloads in the U.S., while Uber Eats had only 27% of its downloads from the U.S., highlighting their regional strengths.
Here’s how DoorDash works:
- Ordering: Customers can use the DoorDash mobile app or website to browse menus, select dishes, and place their food orders from a variety of local restaurants.
- Payment: Customers can pay for their orders through the app using various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and gift cards.
- Restaurant Preparation: After receiving the order, the restaurant prepares the food.
- Delivery: DoorDash employs a network of delivery drivers, known as Dashers, who pick up the orders from the restaurants and deliver them to the customers’ specified location.
- Tracking: Customers can track their order in real-time through the app, allowing them to know the status of their delivery.
- Ratings and Reviews: After the delivery, customers have the option to rate their experience and leave reviews, which can help others make informed decisions about restaurants and dishes.
- Fees: DoorDash charges users a DashPass membership fee and applies various other fees for its services, including commissions, delivery charges, service fees, marketing and operating costs, among others.
If you want to know more about DoorDash fees, I’ve created a table below showing DoorDash pricing for restaurants.
| Plan | Delivery Commission (%) | Pickup Commission (%) | Order Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 15% | 6% | 2.9% + $0.30 |
| Plus | 25% | 6% | 2.9% + $0.30 |
| Premier | 30% | 6% | 2.9% + $0.30 |
Source: DoorDash Pricing
DoorDash offers a wide range of cuisine options from various local restaurants, giving customers the convenience of having their favorite food delivered right to their doorstep.
The platform benefits both customers, who enjoy a convenient and easy-to-use service, and restaurants, which gain access to a broader customer base and additional revenue stream through the delivery service.
3. Grubhub
Grubhub is an online platform that connects customers with local restaurants for food ordering and delivery.
Founded in 2004, it has become a major player in the U.S. food delivery industry, operating exclusively within the United States.
Grubhub’s market share has dropped from 70% in 2016 to under 10% in 2023.
Here’s how Grubhub functions:
- Ordering: Customers can access Grubhub through its website or mobile app, allowing them to explore menus, select dishes, and place food orders from a diverse range of local restaurants.
- Payment: Grubhub offers various payment options, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and Grubhub gift cards, allowing customers to easily pay for their orders through the app.
- Restaurant Preparation: Once an order is received, the restaurant receives the relevant details and commences preparing the food.
- Delivery: Grubhub operates its own network of delivery drivers, who collect orders from restaurants and deliver them to customers’ specified locations.
- Tracking: To enhance the user experience, Grubhub order tracking enables customers to track their orders in real-time via the app, from the moment of preparation to the final delivery.
- Ratings and Reviews: Following delivery, customers have the option to provide feedback and rate their experience, helping others make informed decisions about restaurants and specific dishes.
- Fees: Grubhub offers a subscription service called Grubhub+, which provides members with benefits like free delivery on eligible orders and special promotions. Additionally, you can expect to pay Grubhub’s driver fees, a service fee, minimum order fees, and other additional fees.
If you would like to learn more about Grubhub fees, I have created a table below that shows Grubhub pricing for restaurants.
| Plan | Delivery Commission (%) | Pickup Commission (%) | Order Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketplace | 5%-20% | N/A | 3.05% + $0.30 |
| Grubhub Direct | 10% | N/A | 3.05% + $0.30 |
Source: Grubhub Pricing
Grubhub partners with a diverse range of restaurants, offering customers a wide variety of cuisine and dining options.
The platform benefits customers with convenient food delivery while providing restaurants access to a broader customer base and creating an additional restaurant revenue stream through the service.
Alternatives to Food Delivery Systems
If you’re looking for a solution outside these three apps, alternatives to food delivery platforms refer to various ways customers and restaurants can manage food delivery or takeout without relying on third-party delivery services.
Below, I prepared a list of some alternatives to food delivery systems.
- In-House Delivery Service: Restaurants can establish their own delivery service by hiring delivery drivers and using restaurant delivery software. This allows them to have more control over the delivery process, customer experience, and costs.
- Website or Mobile App Ordering: Restaurants can create their own websites or restaurant mobile apps with an online ordering system like UpMenu, allowing them to accept direct orders from customers. This software gives restaurant owners full control over customer data, restaurant marketing tools, analytics, loyalty programs, and more.
By choosing UpMenu as their primary online ordering solution, our clients have saved millions in commission fees.
Here’s how some of them have benefited:
- Sushi Kushi – $1.5 million+ in savings
- Michelangelo 301 – $129,474 in savings
- Dedicate Healthy Kitchen – $118,397 in savings
Check out more case studies and learn how you can achieve similar results for your restaurant!
- Drive-Thru Service: Many fast-food and quick-service restaurants offer drive-thru windows, allowing customers to place orders and pick up their food without leaving their vehicles.
- Curbside Pickup: Restaurant curbside pickup enables customers to place orders in advance and have their food brought directly to their car upon arrival. This option provides added convenience for customers who prefer to pick up their food without entering the restaurant or waiting in a drive-thru line.
- Takeout: Customers can order food for takeout and pick it up directly from the restaurant. Takeout is a popular option for those who prefer to save on delivery fees or for restaurants that do not offer delivery services.
- Phone Orders: Customers can place food orders directly with restaurants by calling them. This traditional method allows customers to speak with restaurant staff, customize their orders, and inquire about specials or promotions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is cheaper: Uber Eats, Grubhub or DoorDash?
DoorDash is nearly $10 cheaper than Grubhub and about $6 cheaper than Uber Eats, making it the least expensive option. However, the cost of food delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash can vary depending on several factors, including location, delivery distance, restaurant service fees, and current promotions. Each platform may have different pricing structures and fees for customers and restaurants.
In general, the delivery and service fee for these platforms are comparable, and there may not be a significant difference in cost between them. However, it’s essential to compare specific fees and charges for your location and the restaurants you’re ordering from to determine which platform offers the best value for your needs.
What is the difference between Grubhub and DoorDash?
The main differences between Grubhub and DoorDash are in their delivery coverage, fees, and features:
Coverage: DoorDash operates in a broader range of locations, including suburban and rural areas, while Grubhub focuses on major U.S. cities.
Fees: Grubhub generally has lower, more consistent delivery fees, with frequent free delivery offers.
Features: DoorDash provides grocery delivery and prioritizes DashPass benefits, while Grubhub focuses on restaurant partnerships, loyalty perks, and a popular pickup option for users who prefer to collect their orders.
What is the difference between Uber Eats and Grubhub?
Uber Eats and Grubhub differ mainly in delivery networks, pricing, and features.
Uber Eats has broader coverage, including international locations, and often variable fees, while Grubhub focuses on major U.S. cities with more consistent delivery fees and frequent free delivery options.
Uber Eats is known for fast delivery and a user-friendly app, while Grubhub emphasizes local restaurant partnerships, loyalty perks, and a popular pickup option.
