Caviar

Best food delivery apps in the U.S. — the ones people actually use

Short answer: Start with DoorDash and Uber Eats. Keep Grubhub as a backup. If you also order groceries, add Instacart. For pizza/fast food, the restaurant’s own app can sometimes be cheaper.

Top recommendations

My practical recommendation

If you’re in the U.S., install these:

1. DoorDash — best first choice for most people.
2. Uber Eats — keep it to compare price, promos, delivery time, and restaurant availability.
3. Grubhub — useful backup, especially if you have Grubhub+ or live in a market where it’s strong.
4. Instacart — mainly for groceries, but now also useful for some restaurant delivery.

Best subscriptions

• DashPass: Good if you use DoorDash frequently; DoorDash says DashPass offers $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. (about.doordash.com)
• Uber One: Good if you use both Uber rides and Uber Eats; Uber says members get $0 delivery fee plus discounts on eligible restaurant/store orders. (help.uber.com)
• Grubhub+: Worth considering if you already get it free or discounted, or if Grubhub has strong restaurants near you; Grubhub advertises $0 delivery fees and other perks for members. (grubhub.com)

Bottom line

Use DoorDash as your main app, Uber Eats as your comparison app, and Grubhub as a backup. Before ordering, compare the final checkout total — menu prices, service fees, delivery fees, promos, and tips can make the “best” app change from one restaurant to another.

Best Food Delivery Apps in the U.S.

🥇 DoorDash — The Market Leader

DoorDash is the most-used food delivery app in the United States, holding approximately 67% of the national market, with 450,000+ restaurant partners, more coverage than any competitor, including most suburban and rural areas the others don't reach. It accounts for more than 65% of the market share and is partnered with over 450,000 merchants across the country.

Why people use it: Widest selection, strongest presence outside big cities, and its DashPass subscription (free delivery/lower fees) keeps users loyal. It's also expanded well beyond restaurants.

🥈 Uber Eats — Best for Cities

Uber Eats launched in 2014 as a spinoff of Uber's ride-hailing business and has grown into the second-largest US delivery platform, with particular strength in dense urban markets where it draws delivery drivers from the same pool as Uber's rideshare business. It currently holds roughly 23% market share.

Why people use it: Fast delivery in urban areas, integration with Uber One membership (combines rides + food delivery discounts), and strong presence in major metro areas.

🥉 Grubhub — Best for Specific Cities

Grubhub is the original US food delivery platform, founded in 2004, though its national market share has fallen to roughly 7% after peaking near 70% in 2016. It remains genuinely competitive in a small number of dense East Coast cities, particularly New York City, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia.

Why people use it: Loyal following in a handful of legacy-strong cities; now owned by Wonder Group, Grubhub maintains strong relationships with independent restaurants and often has partnerships with local favorites that are not available on larger platforms.

🛒 Instacart — Best for Groceries (Not Just Restaurants)

While primarily known for groceries, Instacart is a major player in the broader delivery space. Instacart achieved 14% growth in gross transaction value in 2026, with consumer interest remaining strong despite increasing competition from Amazon, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. If you want pantry staples, fresh produce, or last-minute dinner ingredients (not just prepared meals), this is the go-to.

Quick Recommendation Guide

Bottom Line

For most Americans, DoorDash is the safest default — DoorDash has the most market share by some distance in the United States, with Uber Eats in second and Grubhub third. But many people "multi-app" — keeping 2-3 apps installed and comparing prices/delivery times before ordering, since fees and speed can vary significantly by restaurant and time of day even within the same city.

If you are living in the United States, food delivery is likely a regular part of your routine. The U.S. food delivery market is incredibly mature, and while there are dozens of regional players, a few massive brands dominate the landscape.

These are the best food delivery apps in the United States, categorized by what they do best, along with tips on how to save money on them.

The "Big Three" (Everyday Meal Delivery)

These are the giants that cover almost every restaurant in your area, from local mom-and-pop shops to national fast-food chains.

1. DoorDash (The Undisputed Market Leader)

• The Vibe: The most popular delivery app in the country. It has the largest geographic footprint, meaning if you live in the suburbs, a mid-sized town, or a major city, DoorDash is almost guaranteed to have the best selection of restaurants.
• Why people actually use it: It is incredibly reliable, has a highly intuitive interface, and has expanded heavily into grocery, convenience, and alcohol delivery (partnering with places like Target, CVS, and local liquor stores).
• The Subscription: DashPass ($9.99/month) gives you $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders.
• Pro-Tip: If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve credit card, you can get DashPass for free, along with monthly statement credits.

2. Uber Eats (The Ecosystem King)

• The Vibe: DoorDash’s biggest rival. Uber Eats is highly popular in major metropolitan areas and is seamlessly integrated into the broader Uber rideshare app.
• Why people actually use it: If you already use Uber to get around, keeping everything in one app is incredibly convenient. Uber Eats is also a leader in tech innovation, frequently testing AI-powered restaurant recommendations and autonomous drone/robot deliveries in select cities.
• The Subscription: Uber One ($9.99/month). This is widely considered the best subscription value because it gives you $0 delivery fees and discounts on both food delivery (Uber Eats) and rides (Uber).
• Pro-Tip: The American Express Gold Card gives you $10 in Uber Cash every month, and the Amex Platinum gives you $15/month, which automatically applies to Uber Eats orders.

3. Grubhub (The City Classic & Best Budget Perk)

• The Vibe: One of the original pioneers of online food ordering. While it has lost market share nationally to DoorDash and Uber Eats, it remains incredibly popular in legacy urban markets like New York City, Chicago, and Boston. It was acquired by the "fast fine" virtual food hall company Wonder Group, which is integrating unique multi-restaurant ordering capabilities into the platform.
• Why people actually use it: The biggest draw for most Americans is its partnership with Amazon.
• The Subscription: Grubhub+ ($9.99/month) offers $0 delivery fees and exclusive deals.
• Pro-Tip: If you have Amazon Prime, you get Grubhub+ for free. This makes Grubhub the default choice for millions of Americans who want to avoid paying for a delivery subscription.

Specialty & Convenience Apps (When You Want More Than Takeout)

Sometimes you aren't looking for a restaurant meal, but you still need something delivered to your door fast.

4. Gopuff (Best for Late-Night & Convenience)

• The Vibe: The ultimate app for late-night cravings, household emergencies, or party supplies.
• Why people actually use it: Unlike DoorDash or Uber Eats (which send drivers to local stores), Gopuff operates its own micro-fulfillment centers stocked with thousands of items. If you need a pint of ice cream, a bag of chips, some Advil, or a six-pack of beer at 1:00 AM, Gopuff can usually get it to your door in 15 to 30 minutes with very low fees.

5. Instacart (Best for Groceries & Meal Prep)

• The Vibe: The undisputed heavyweight of grocery delivery.
• Why people actually use it: If you want to order a full week’s worth of groceries from Costco, Aldi, Kroger, or Safeway, Instacart is the gold standard. They also have a partnership with Grubhub, allowing you to order ready-to-eat restaurant meals directly inside the Instacart app, making it a highly versatile food app.

6. Goldbelly (Best for Nationwide Gourmet Shipping)

• The Vibe: Not for your average Tuesday night pizza, but for when you want the absolute best food in the country.
• Why people actually use it: Goldbelly partners with iconic, legendary restaurants across the US to ship their food nationwide, frozen and ready to heat. You can order authentic Philly cheesesteaks from Jim's, deep-dish pizza from Lou Malnati's in Chicago, or Texas brisket from Snow’s BBQ, and have it delivered to your door anywhere in the country.

How to Get the Best Deals in the US

1. Double-Check Your Credit Cards: Many U.S. credit cards (Chase, Amex, Capital One) offer free subscriptions or monthly credits for DoorDash or Uber Eats. Don't pay for these subscriptions out of pocket until you check your card benefits.
2. Watch the "Menu Markup": Restaurants often raise their prices on delivery apps to offset the commissions the apps charge them. If you live close to the restaurant, ordering directly through the restaurant's website for pickup is almost always 15% to 30% cheaper.
3. Use Amazon Prime: If you are one of the 180+ million Americans with Amazon Prime, make sure to link your account to Grubhub to activate your free Grubhub+ membership immediately.

The best U.S. food-delivery apps are DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub/Seamless—the major platforms people use most often. DoorDash generally has the broadest restaurant coverage, while Uber Eats is strong for promotions and convenience; Grubhub remains especially useful in some cities and through its restaurant partnerships.

Top recommendations

1. DoorDash — best overall

   • Usually the safest first app to try because of its broad restaurant coverage and availability across the U.S.
   • Offers restaurant meals, groceries, convenience items, alcohol in eligible areas, and DashPass subscriptions.
   • Best for households that want one app for most delivery needs.
   • DoorDash is widely reported as the U.S. market leader.

2. Uber Eats — best for deals and broad selection

   • Strong restaurant selection, frequent discounts, and useful integration with Uber accounts.
   • Also delivers groceries, convenience-store items, alcohol where permitted, and more.
   • A good choice if you already use Uber or compare prices before ordering.
   • It is consistently identified as one of the two largest U.S. competitors to DoorDash.

3. Grubhub — best for local restaurant coverage and memberships

   • Particularly worthwhile in cities where it has strong restaurant participation.
   • Often offers restaurant-specific deals, pickup options, and Grubhub+ benefits.
   • Seamless is effectively the same family of service and is especially familiar in New York City.
   • Grubhub/Seamless remains one of the country’s major delivery brands.

4. Postmates — best for convenience items

   • Useful for snacks, groceries, pharmacy items, and convenience-store delivery in addition to prepared food.
   • Operates within the Uber Eats ecosystem, so availability and pricing may overlap.
   • A practical backup when the needed item is not a restaurant meal.

5. Caviar — best for higher-end restaurants

   • Focuses more on curated, independent, and upscale restaurants than on maximum coverage.
   • It is owned by DoorDash, so availability varies by city.
   • Worth checking for better local restaurants that may not stand out in the main DoorDash app.

Practical buying advice

• Check DoorDash and Uber Eats before ordering; menu prices, service fees, delivery fees, and promotions can differ substantially.
• Check Grubhub/Seamless for local restaurants and city-specific deals.
• For frequent users, compare the monthly subscription cost with your expected delivery-fee savings.
• Ordering directly from a restaurant can sometimes provide lower prices or better support than using an aggregator.
• For the simplest setup, install DoorDash plus Uber Eats, then add Grubhub/Seamless if it has strong coverage in your area.

In the U.S., the food delivery market is basically dominated by three apps: DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Most people you know are using one of those. After that, it’s niche/regional apps for specific cities, cuisines, or groceries.

Top restaurant delivery apps people actually use

Quick recommendations

• If you only download one app: Start with DoorDash. It has the widest availability in most U.S. ZIP codes.
• If you live in a big city: Also get Uber Eats and Grubhub — local restaurant selection can be better.
• If you’re in NYC: Seamless or Grubhub are still very common.
• If you want upscale: Try Caviar.
• If you want pizza: Try Slice.
• If you want to support local restaurants: Order directly from the restaurant’s website or use ChowNow if they have it.
• If you want groceries: Use Instacart, Walmart+, Amazon Fresh/Whole Foods, or Shipt.

Real-world tip

Your ZIP code matters more than the brand. Download 2–3 apps, compare the same order, and check fees, menu markups, and delivery times. If you order frequently, a subscription like DashPass, Uber One, or Grubhub+ can save money — but only if you use it enough.

DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub are the top food delivery apps that most people in the US actually use, with DoorDash dominating by a wide margin.

These three account for the vast majority of restaurant delivery orders. DoorDash leads with roughly 60-67% US market share, Uber Eats follows at about 23-26%, and Grubhub trails in the single digits (around 6-8%). DoorDash stands out for its broadest restaurant selection and coverage across suburbs, smaller cities, and rural areas (thousands of cities and hundreds of thousands of partners). Uber Eats often excels in major urban areas for speed and app experience, while Grubhub can be a strong value play in its core markets (like NYC, Chicago, or Boston) or for Amazon Prime members.

DoorDash (Best Overall for Most People)

• Why it’s popular: Widest selection, strong performance in independent tests for order accuracy and speed, and availability almost everywhere. It handles restaurants, groceries, and convenience items.
• Key perks: DashPass subscription (~$9.99/month or $96/year) waives delivery fees on eligible orders above a minimum. Frequent promos and broad suburban reach.
• Best for: Everyday use, suburbs, or when you want maximum options.
• Drawbacks: Fees can add up without the subscription; occasional complaints about accuracy or driver issues (common across apps).

Uber Eats (Strong Runner-Up, Especially in Cities)

• Why it’s popular: Leverages Uber’s driver network for fast deliveries in dense areas; clean app with good tracking; integrates with rides if you use Uber.
• Key perks: Uber One membership (~$9.99/month or annual option) for free delivery on qualifying orders; points/miles earning options with some cards.
• Best for: Urban users, late-night orders, or those already in the Uber ecosystem. Postmates is essentially folded into it for similar multi-category delivery.
• Drawbacks: Slightly narrower restaurant coverage than DoorDash in some non-urban areas.

Grubhub (Best Value in Specific Scenarios)

• Why it’s popular: Solid in Northeast and certain metros; often competitive pricing or deals.
• Key perks: Grubhub+ (~$9.99/month) for free delivery; free with Amazon Prime for many users. Seamless is its NYC-focused sibling.
• Best for: Prime members, East Coast cities, or hunting deals. It has narrowed in overall share but remains relevant locally.
• Drawbacks: Smaller national footprint compared to the top two.

Other Notable Options People Use

• Instacart: Top choice for groceries + some restaurant items in one app; great if you combine food and shopping.
• Specialty/niche apps: Slice (pizza-focused, supports independents), Caviar (higher-end/curated via DoorDash), Gopuff (convenience/late-night snacks), or ChowNow (direct from restaurants to avoid high commissions).
• Direct from restaurants or chains: Often cheapest (no platform fees), via their own apps/websites or services like Toast.

Tips for US users:

• Availability, fees, and selection vary heavily by location and time—check all three apps for your address, as one may have better local restaurants or lower effective costs.
• Subscriptions pay off if you order frequently (compare trials or promos).
• Watch for service fees, small-order charges, and driver tips; prices on apps are often higher than in-restaurant.
• Customer satisfaction is mixed across platforms (pricing and accuracy are common pain points), but the big three lead in usage.

Start with DoorDash for most situations, then compare Uber Eats or Grubhub based on your city and any memberships you have. Download a couple and test with a small order to see what works best locally.

The top food delivery apps in the U.S. include DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Instacart, and Amazon Fresh, offering a range of restaurant meals, groceries, and household essentials with reliable delivery across most urban and suburban areas.

Top Food Delivery Apps

1. DoorDash – Best Overall DoorDash dominates the U.S. market with about 52-65% market share, making it the go-to app for restaurant meals, groceries, alcohol, and convenience items. The DashPass subscription provides free delivery for eligible orders, AI-based personalized recommendations, and precise real-time order tracking. It performs especially well in suburban areas but can have hidden service fees on menu items.

2. Uber Eats – Best for Urban Convenience Uber Eats is popular in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, offering restaurant meals, groceries, and retail items. Integration with Uber ride-hailing and the Uber One subscription allows free delivery and discounts. Ideal for late-night orders, but surge pricing during peak hours can increase costs.

3. Grubhub – Best for Restaurant Variety Grubhub gives users access to thousands of local restaurants, including unique and college-town eateries. The Grubhub+ membership provides free delivery on qualifying orders. It excels in restaurant discovery but has more limited suburban coverage compared to DoorDash.

4. Instacart – Best for Grocery Delivery Instacart partners with over 1,500 retailers, including Costco, Kroger, and Safeway, allowing customers to shop across multiple stores in one order. It has flexible delivery scheduling, smart cart recommendations, and options for both single purchases or regular grocery needs. Service fees and product markups can increase costs, but the retailer network is extensive.

5. Amazon Fresh – Best for Prime Members Amazon Fresh integrates with the Amazon ecosystem, including Whole Foods, offering fast grocery delivery with member-only discounts for Prime subscribers. Excellent for metropolitan areas but limited in smaller cities or rural regions.

6. Walmart+ – Best Budget Grocery Option Walmart+ provides affordable grocery delivery that mirrors in-store prices and includes fuel discounts for members. It has extensive nationwide coverage but may face inconsistent delivery windows in busy areas.

7. Other Notable Apps

Postmates: Multi-category delivery including food, groceries, and essentials, now integrated with Uber Eats. Postmates: Multi-category delivery including food, groceries, and essentials, now integrated with Uber Eats Caviar: Focuses on upscale restaurant meals for delivery in select urban areas. Caviar: Focuses on upscale restaurant meals for delivery in select urban areas FreshDirect: Premium grocery delivery in the Northeast, emphasizing fresh produce and seafood. FreshDirect: Premium grocery delivery in the Northeast, emphasizing fresh produce and seafood GoPuff: Fast delivery under 30 minutes, suitable for late-night snacks and convenience items. GoPuff: Fast delivery under 30 minutes, suitable for late-night snacks and convenience items

Choosing the Right App

Urban vs. Suburban: Uber Eats and Caviar excel in cities, while DoorDash has strong suburban reach. Grocery vs. Meals: Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Walmart+ are best for groceries; DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub are ideal for prepared meals. Delivery Speed and Convenience: GoPuff, Uber Eats, and DoorDash provide faster delivery tracking and short delivery windows. Subscription Benefits: Consider DashPass (DoorDash) or Uber One (Uber Eats) for frequent users to save on delivery fees.

In conclusion, DoorDash and Uber Eats are the most widely used and versatile apps, while Instacart and Amazon Fresh dominate the grocery segment. Grubhub remains a strong choice for discovering local eateries, and niche services like Caviar or GoPuff cater to specialized needs.

The top food delivery apps in the United States are DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, with DoorDash holding the largest market share at over 60%.

Top Restaurant and Meal Delivery Brands

DoorDash:Market Share: The clear industry leader in the U.S. with over 60% market share.Best For: The widest restaurant coverage, general convenience, and a massive network of local chains and grocery shops.Key Feature: DashPass, a subscription service that reduces service and delivery fees on frequent orders.

Uber Eats:Market Share: The primary runner-up with roughly 30% of the market.Best For: Urban areas, real-time GPS driver tracking, and multi-service users who also use ridesharing.Key Feature: Seamless integration inside the main Uber app and quick delivery logistics.

Grubhub:Market Share: Holds under 10% of the market, though it remains a long-standing player.Best For: Hyperlocal restaurant partnerships and dense metro regions.Key Feature: Integrated loyalty rewards programs and deep menu selection.

Top Convenience, Grocery, and Meal-Kit Apps

Gopuff:Best For: Ultra-fast convenience delivery (snacks, drinks, and household goods in around 15 minutes).How it works: Fulfills orders directly from its own micro-warehouses rather than traditional restaurants.

Instacart:Best For: Same-day grocery delivery.Network: Partners with over 900 major retailers like Costco, Kroger, and Walmart.

Hungryroot:Best For: Hybrid meal delivery (combining ready-to-heat, semi-prepared, and fresh grocery items averaging ~587 calories per meal at around $10.50 per portion).

Factor:Best For: Pre-cooked, ready-to-eat prepared meal subscriptions (averaging $12.99 per portion).

Are you looking for instant restaurant delivery, weekly meal-kit prep, or groceries, and do you have a specific budget or dietary preference in mind?

The top food delivery apps that people actually use in the United States are DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. According to market research, DoorDash heavily dominates the US market with over 65% market share, followed by Uber Eats at around 23% market share.

DoorDash: This is the most popular delivery app in the US by a wide margin. It works well in almost every city and suburb.Features: You can buy fast food, local sit-down meals, pet items, and beauty goods.Perks: Offers a monthly plan called DashPass to lower your delivery fees. Uber Eats: This app is a very close runner-up across the nation. It is built right into the main Uber ride app or usable as a standalone tool.Features: Known for high restaurant variety and very fast delivery speeds. It also handles grocery delivery in many places.Perks: Users can get the Uber One subscription for free delivery and ride discounts. Grubhub: While smaller nationally, Grubhub is still a major player that is highly popular in northeastern states like New York.Features: It owns Seamless, so both apps share the same food choices and pricing.Perks: Reviewers from CNET note it is the easiest app for finding rewards and cash-saving deals.

If you need something specific instead of standard restaurant takeout, Americans frequently use these specialized apps:

Instacart: The top choice for full grocery store orders. It uses local personal shoppers to pick up your exact groceries. Gopuff / 7NOW: These are best for instant convenience store needs like snacks, ice cream, soda, or household essentials. Caviar: A premium app focused strictly on high-end dining and curated upscale local restaurants. ezCater: The primary platform used for corporate food ordering and large-scale office catering.

Tech testers at platforms like CNET and business metrics from Business of Apps break down the national services across key categories:

App | US Market Share | Primary Strength | Key Membership Program DoorDash | ~65% | Maximum overall availability | DashPass Uber Eats | ~23% | Fast delivery and grocery options | Uber One Grubhub | <10% | Best for finding deals and rewards | Grubhub+

Community opinions on forums show how people use these apps on a daily basis:

“Subscriptions like Uber One or DashPass are great, but only if you order multiple times a month. Otherwise, stick to pay-per-order.”Rokform · 9 months ago

A single user suggested on Quora that while DoorDash is great for national chains, you should call small local businesses directly for pickup when possible to save them from paying high third-party app fees.