The gig economy is booming in 2025—and food delivery apps are leading the charge. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income after hours or build a full-time hustle on your own terms, delivery gigs offer one of the fastest ways to get started with minimal experience.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best delivery gig app?
In this guide, we compare DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats, and Grubhub—four of the most popular platforms in the space. You’ll discover the pros and cons of each, how much you can realistically earn, and which app fits your lifestyle and goals best.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best delivery gig apps in 2025, comparing each one by pay, flexibility, pros and cons, and more—so you can choose the right fit for your goals.
👉 Want more flexible earning ideas? Don’t miss our full guide: Gig Economy Apps: Best Side Hustle Platforms to Earn $100+ Per Day in 2025
What Are Delivery Gig Apps?
Delivery gig apps are platforms that connect independent workers—also known as gig workers—with customers who need food, groceries, or goods delivered quickly. These apps act as middlemen, letting users place orders and matching them with nearby drivers willing to complete the delivery for a fee.
In 2025, gig delivery jobs have become one of the most accessible and flexible ways to earn money. Unlike traditional employment, these gigs don’t require resumes, interviews, or rigid schedules. You simply sign up, get approved, and start earning—often in just a few days.
There are two main types of delivery gig apps:
Food delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub focus on picking up prepared meals from restaurants.
Shopping + delivery apps like Instacart involve shopping for groceries and delivering them to customers’ homes.
This kind of work is especially appealing to students, parents, part-timers, and anyone looking for fast, flexible income.
👉 If fast payouts are your priority, check out these 9 Legit Gig Apps That Pay Daily in 2025
Delivery App Comparison Snapshot
Before we dive into the individual reviews, here’s a quick look at how the top delivery gig apps—DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats, and Grubhub—stack up against each other.
This table highlights key features that matter most to gig workers in 2025: average earnings, payment speed, requirements, popularity, and who each app is best suited for.
| App | Avg. Hourly Pay | Instant Pay? | Requirements | Popularity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | $15–$25+ | Yes | 18+, driver’s license, background check | Very High | Consistent orders in busy areas |
| Uber Eats | $10–$24+ | Yes | 19+, driver’s license, Uber account | Very High | Flexibility and pairing with Uber Rides |
| Instacart | $15–$30+ (with tips) | Yes | 18+, smartphone, ability to lift groceries | High | High-paying batches and strong tippers |
| Grubhub | $12–$22+ | Yes (via bank transfers) | 19+, valid license, checking account | Moderate to High | Structured schedule, suburban consistency |
Remember: exact earnings vary by city, time of day, and experience level—but these averages give a solid starting point.
👉 Want to explore even more high-paying apps? Don’t miss our full list of the Top 10 Highest Paying Gig Apps in 2025
DoorDash Review – The Crowd Favorite
DoorDash has become a household name in the food delivery space—and for good reason. With widespread availability across the U.S. and Canada, it’s one of the easiest apps to start earning with, especially for new gig workers.
Pros
High demand in most cities, especially during lunch and dinner rush hours.
Fast onboarding process—many Dashers are approved within days.
Offers “Dash Now” in busy zones, so you can log in and start working without a schedule.
Access to instant pay via Fast Pay (for a small fee).
Cons
Base pay per delivery can be low in slow areas or non-peak hours.
No mileage reimbursement—so gas and vehicle wear add up quickly.
Competition can be high in saturated markets.
Best For
DoorDash is ideal for beginners, students, or anyone looking for a steady stream of orders in a busy urban or suburban area. It also pairs well with other apps for multi-apping.
👉 Pro tip: Combine DoorDash with stacking methods to increase earnings. Check out 12 Powerful Ways to Make Extra Cash Fast Using the Hustle Stack Method to learn how.
Other Apps Like DoorDash You Should Know
Looking for other apps like DoorDash? You’re not alone. Many gig workers use multiple delivery apps to increase their earnings and stay flexible. Options like Uber Eats, Instacart, and Grubhub offer similar features like on-demand orders, flexible hours, and fast payouts. These alternatives to DoorDash can be great additions to your side hustle stack, especially if you’re looking to diversify your income or work in multiple zones.
Uber Eats Review – Flexibility Meets Familiarity
Uber Eats is a go-to option for many drivers who value flexibility above all else. As part of the Uber platform, it’s a natural fit for those already driving passengers—and it offers one of the smoothest interfaces in the delivery game.
Pros
Work whenever you want—no scheduling or block system.
Easily switch between Uber Rides and Uber Eats to maximize downtime.
Access to Instant Pay after each delivery.
Strong brand recognition helps with customer trust and tips.
Cons
Pay varies widely by city and time of day.
Lower-volume areas may not offer consistent orders.
Occasional long wait times at restaurants.
Best For
Uber Eats is perfect for gig workers who want maximum flexibility or are already Uber drivers. It’s also great if you want to log in and earn on your own schedule without planning ahead.
👉 If you’re new to gig work, explore these 15 Beginner-Friendly Work from Home Jobs with No Experience Required to pair with delivery income.
Instacart Review – Grocery Gigs with Big Potential
Unlike traditional food delivery apps, Instacart puts you in charge of both shopping and delivering groceries. That added responsibility often comes with higher payouts, especially in areas with generous tippers or large batch orders.
Pros
Higher earnings per batch—especially when tips are strong.
Weekly bonuses and peak boost incentives during busy hours.
Flexibility to choose Full-Service Shopper (shop + deliver) or In-Store Shopper (shop only).
Great for suburban areas with larger homes and orders.
Cons
Requires more effort and time per order due to shopping.
Some customers don’t tip or rate unfairly, impacting access to top batches.
App prioritizes higher-rated shoppers, creating competition.
Best For
Instacart is ideal for detail-oriented gig workers who don’t mind doing a bit of walking, lifting, and navigating aisles. If you prefer fewer but higher-paying jobs, Instacart might be the perfect fit.
👉 Curious how it compares to other microtask-style gigs? Don’t miss Mechanical Turk Amazon: 7 Shocking Truths About This Gig
Grubhub Review – The Old-School Contender
Grubhub was one of the earliest players in the food delivery space and still holds a strong presence in many U.S. cities. While it may not be as flashy as newer apps, Grubhub offers a structured system that appeals to drivers who prefer consistency and scheduling.
Pros
Scheduled blocks can lead to more consistent orders.
Long-standing relationships with restaurants help streamline pickups.
Customers often tip well in strong Grubhub regions.
Option for direct deposit or instant cash out (via bank-linked services).
Cons
Limited availability in some smaller markets.
Requires advance scheduling in many areas—less flexibility.
Can feel outdated compared to competitors’ driver apps.
Best For
Grubhub works well for drivers who prefer routine and want to plan their shifts in advance. It’s especially strong in legacy markets where it maintains a loyal customer base.
👉 Looking for low-effort income streams to stack with delivery gigs? Check out these Surveys for Money: 7 Proven Tips & Best Sites to Earn Real Cash Fast
Which of the Best Delivery Gig Apps Pays the Most in 2025?
If you’re in it for the money (and let’s be real—who isn’t?), one of the biggest questions is: Which delivery app actually pays the most in 2025?
The short answer? It depends. But here’s what current data, driver reports, and platform trends suggest:
Estimated Average Hourly Pay (including tips):
Instacart: $15–$30+ per hour (high tips on large orders)
DoorDash: $15–$25 per hour (steady volume)
Grubhub: $12–$22 per hour (depends on market saturation)
Uber Eats: $10–$24 per hour (very flexible, but less consistent)
What Affects Your Pay the Most?
Location: Big cities usually mean more orders and tips.
Time of day: Lunch, dinner, and weekend shifts often pay better.
Customer tipping culture: Suburbs tend to yield higher tips than urban cores.
Your strategy: Are you stacking apps? Driving during promos? Avoiding downtime?
Many experienced drivers use multi-apping—running 2 or more apps at once—to stay busy and pick only the most profitable orders.
👉 Want even more daily payout options? Don’t miss our full guide to Gig Apps That Pay Daily
What’s the Most Popular Delivery App in 2025?
Popularity matters—not just for bragging rights, but for order volume and driver opportunity. The more customers using a platform, the more chances you have to earn. So when it comes to the best delivery gig apps, which one dominates in 2025?
Market Share Snapshot:
According to recent industry data and third-party reports:
DoorDash continues to lead the U.S. market with over 60% of total food delivery share.
Uber Eats comes in second, holding steady in major urban centers and globally.
Grubhub remains competitive in certain regions, especially in older legacy markets like Chicago and NYC.
Instacart isn’t a traditional food delivery app but leads in the grocery delivery category.
Driver Popularity & Preference
When it comes to worker satisfaction, DoorDash and Instacart tend to rank highest due to ease of entry and strong earning potential. Uber Eats wins for flexibility, while Grubhub appeals to drivers who prefer scheduled blocks and routine.
The best choice depends on your area—and trying out a few is the best way to find what works for you.
👉 Explore how these platforms fit into broader gig work trends in our hub guide: Gig Economy Apps: Best Side Hustle Platforms to Earn $100+ Per Day in 2025
Tips to Maximize Your Delivery App Earnings
Signing up for one of the best delivery gig apps is just the beginning—how you work the apps makes a big difference in how much you take home. Whether you’re dashing after work or delivering full-time, these tips can help you earn more in less time.
Multi-App Like a Pro
Don’t rely on just one app. Running multiple platforms—like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub—lets you cherry-pick the best orders and stay busy during slow periods.
Work Peak Hours
Target lunch (11 AM–2 PM) and dinner (5 PM–9 PM). These are prime earning windows when bonuses and tips are highest.
Know the Hotspots
Each app highlights busy zones where more orders are coming in. Stay close to those areas, especially near popular restaurants or shopping centers.
Use Driver Tools
Apps like Gridwise, Para, or Stride can help track mileage, earnings, and taxes—plus offer insights on which gigs are worth your time.
Track Your Expenses
You’re an independent contractor, which means gas, maintenance, and mileage are deductible. Logging these can save you hundreds come tax season.
Be Fast—but Don’t Rush
Speed improves efficiency, but safety matters. Grouping deliveries in the same area, avoiding traffic-prone spots, and keeping essentials in your car can make a big difference.
👉 Want to boost your earnings on other platforms too? Check out these Proven Tips to Make More Money on TaskRabbit
Final Verdict – Which Delivery App Is Best for You?
All four of the best delivery gig apps—DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats, and Grubhub—offer legit opportunities to make money on your own schedule. But which one is right for you depends on your goals, lifestyle, and location.
Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
| App | Best For |
|---|---|
| DoorDash | Beginners, consistent orders, easy entry |
| Uber Eats | Flexibility, pairing with Uber Rideshare |
| Instacart | Higher payouts, grocery-savvy earners |
| Grubhub | Routine, scheduled shifts, legacy markets |
If you’re just getting started, try two apps at once and compare them firsthand. Many top earners rotate between platforms to keep the income flowing no matter the time or demand.
👉 Ready to explore even more ways to earn on your own terms? Don’t miss our list of the 27 Best Apps That Pay Real Money Instantly
