
DoorDash and Grubhub are two of the most popular food delivery services in the US, with DoorDash offering delivery in over 4,000 cities across the country.
DoorDash was founded in 2013, while Grubhub was founded in 2004, making Grubhub the older of the two companies.
DoorDash has a larger network of restaurants, with over 300,000 partners on its platform, compared to Grubhub's 350,000.
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Becoming a Driver
To become a driver for DoorDash or GrubHub, you'll need to meet some basic requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, or 19 in certain states, to apply.
To start, you'll need a valid driver's license and auto insurance, which is a standard requirement for both companies. Having a smartphone is also a must, with DoorDash requiring an iPhone or Android device, and GrubHub requiring an iPhone with iOS 11 or higher, or an Android with 5.0 or higher.
To get paid, you'll need to have a checking account for direct deposit with DoorDash, or DasherDirect or Fast Pay options. GrubHub also requires a checking account for direct deposit.
Here are the specific requirements for each company:
Becoming a Driver
To become a driver, you'll need to meet the requirements set by the companies you're interested in working with.
You must be at least 18 years old, or 21 in Las Vegas. Some states have a higher minimum age requirement, such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia, where you must be at least 19 years old.
You'll need a valid driver's license, which is the same for both GrubHub and DoorDash. However, GrubHub also accepts a state ID.
To be a GrubHub driver, you'll need a car, scooter, or bike in select areas. DoorDash doesn't specify the type of vehicle you need, but it's likely similar.
You'll also need auto insurance for GrubHub, but it's not clear if DoorDash requires it.
Having a checking account for direct deposit is a requirement for both GrubHub and DoorDash. You'll also need a valid Social Security number.
To access the apps, you'll need an iPhone with iOS 11 or higher, or an Android with 5.0 or higher. Make sure you have a data plan to use the apps.
Here's a summary of the minimum requirements:
Pay for Drivers
As a driver, one of the most important things to consider is your pay. Both GrubHub and DoorDash offer opportunities to earn through base pay, tips, and promotional incentives, but the earning structures differ slightly.
GrubHub allows drivers to see total earnings, including tips, before accepting an order, which can lead to better decision-making on whether a delivery is worth their time. This can be a huge advantage for drivers who want to make informed decisions about their work.
DoorDash, on the other hand, offers base pay, tips, and incentives like Peak Pay during busy hours or Challenges. While DoorDash base pay may sometimes be lower, the volume of orders, especially during lunch and dinner hours, can offset this.

In 2025, DoorDash refined its Time Earnings Mode, now available in most markets nationwide, which has increased driver earnings. On average, DoorDash drivers make between $20-25 per hour, including tips, compared to GrubHub drivers who typically earn $18-23 per hour.
Here's a comparison of the average hourly earnings for both platforms:
Ultimately, the pay for drivers will depend on the market conditions in your area and the specific opportunities available to you.
App Functionality
DoorDash and Grubhub are two of the most popular food delivery apps, but how do they stack up when it comes to functionality? DoorDash averages 35-40 minutes for deliveries, slightly faster than Grubhub's 40-45 minutes.
Both apps make it easy to find what you want and customize your order, but DoorDash's interface is more intuitive with clear filter options. You can filter by food category, budget, and delivery speed on DoorDash, making it easier to find what you're looking for.
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DoorDash provides real-time GPS tracking with detailed driver location updates on a map, offering greater transparency. Grubhub's live tracking is available for iOS users, but it may not always include map-based driver tracking in all markets.
DoorDash works in over 7,000 cities, making it a better platform for those living outside big cities. Grubhub, on the other hand, operates in over 1,600 U.S. cities and London.
Here's a comparison of the two apps' functionality:
Both apps offer a smooth and user-friendly interface, with DoorDash's interface slightly edging ahead in modern design. Grubhub provides a familiar layout with filters, reorder options, and strong restaurant reviews.
Driver Experience
As a driver, you'll want to consider the experience each platform offers.
GrubHub allows drivers to see total earnings, including tips, before accepting an order, which can lead to better decision-making on whether a delivery is worth their time.
DoorDash offers base pay, tips, and incentives like Peak Pay during busy hours or Challenges, which can be a great motivator.
Drivers who prefer more predictable earnings and are comfortable with scheduling shifts might prefer GrubHub.
DoorDash provides flexibility with the “Dash Now” feature, allowing drivers to go online whenever demand is high enough, without needing to schedule in advance.
Ultimately, the choice between GrubHub and DoorDash comes down to your individual circumstances and preferences as a gig worker.
Here's a comparison of the two platforms:
By considering these factors, you'll be able to choose the platform that best fits your driving style and local market.
UX and Interface
Both DoorDash and Grubhub offer smooth and user-friendly interfaces, but DoorDash edges ahead in modern design. The two apps have put a lot of thought into making the user experience as seamless as possible.
DoorDash's interface is sleek and easy to use, with features like group ordering, real-time tracking, and scheduled deliveries. Grubhub, on the other hand, provides a familiar layout with filters, reorder options, and strong restaurant reviews.
The key to a good user experience is a well-designed app that doesn't lag or crash. Both DoorDash and Grubhub understand this and have invested in creating apps that are fast and efficient.
Here are some key features of each app:
Overall, both apps have done a great job of creating a convenient platform for ordering food.
Driver Restaurant Partner Experience
As a driver, you want to know how you'll interact with the platform and get paid. DoorDash drivers benefit from a streamlined app and more frequent orders. This means you'll get more chances to earn money and stay busy.
Grubhub takes a different approach, allowing drivers to schedule shifts ahead of time. This can be a big plus for drivers who like to plan their schedules in advance.
Here's a comparison of how Grubhub and DoorDash interact with their drivers and restaurant partners:
Grubhub's shift scheduling feature is a big draw for drivers who value planning and organization. On the other hand, DoorDash's streamlined app and frequent orders make it a winner for drivers who want to earn more money.
Better for Drivers
As a driver, you're likely wondering which platform is better for you - GrubHub or DoorDash. Let's break down the key differences.
GrubHub allows drivers to see their total earnings, including tips, before accepting an order, which can help with decision-making.
DoorDash offers base pay, tips, and incentives like Peak Pay during busy hours or Challenges, but base pay may be lower.
Both platforms offer scheduling flexibility, but GrubHub encourages drivers to schedule shifts in advance for high-demand hours.
DoorDash's "Dash Now" feature allows drivers to go online whenever demand is high, without needing to schedule in advance.
Ultimately, the choice between GrubHub and DoorDash depends on market conditions, and drivers often benefit from signing up for both platforms.
Here's a quick comparison of the two platforms:
DoorDash drivers can make between $20-25 per hour on average, including tips, while GrubHub drivers typically earn $18-23 per hour.
Customer Benefits
DoorDash and Grubhub offer a range of benefits to customers, making them both popular choices for food delivery.
DoorDash covers over 7,000 cities, making it a great option for those in rural areas. Its extensive reach is unmatched, with a presence in both urban and suburban areas.
One of the standout features of DoorDash is its DashPass subscription, which offers free delivery on orders over $15 and reduced service fees for just $9.99/month. This can be a game-changer for frequent users who want to save money.
Grubhub, on the other hand, excels in major cities, offering a robust selection of local restaurants. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to discover new restaurants and filter by cuisine, price, and ratings.
Here's a comparison of the two services' subscription options:
Both services offer promotions and discounts, such as $5 off on orders over $20, making them appealing to budget-conscious users.
Customer Benefits
DoorDash offers extensive reach, covering over 7,000 cities, making it ideal for customers in urban, suburban, and rural areas. This broad coverage is a significant advantage over other food delivery services.
With over 450,000 restaurant partners, DoorDash provides a wide selection of cuisine options, from fast food to local gems. This variety ensures that customers can find something to suit their tastes.
One of the key benefits of using DoorDash is the DashPass subscription, which offers free delivery on orders over $15 and reduced service fees for $9.99/month. This can be a significant cost savings for frequent users.
Regular discounts and deals, such as $5 off on orders over $20, make DoorDash appealing for budget-conscious users. These promotions can help customers save money and try new restaurants.
Grubhub excels in major cities, offering a robust selection of local restaurants. This focus on urban areas makes it a strong contender for customers in cities like NYC.
The Grubhub+ subscription provides unlimited free delivery on orders from 100,000+ restaurants and 10% cashback for $9.99/month. This can be a significant cost savings for frequent users.
Grubhub offers restaurant-specific rewards, such as $5 off every $50 spent at certain chains, encouraging repeat orders. These loyalty programs can help customers save money and try new restaurants.
Here's a comparison of the two services' subscription options:
Subscription Benefits
DoorDash and Grubhub both offer subscription services that can save you money and make ordering food even more convenient.
DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service, offers free delivery on orders over $12 and lower service fees.
Grubhub's subscription service, Grubhub+, provides unlimited free delivery on orders from 100,000+ restaurants and 10% cashback.
Both services offer a free trial period, with DashPass offering 30 days and Grubhub+ offering 14 days.
Here's a comparison of the two services:
Grubhub+ shines over DashPass due to more perks and restaurants eligible for free delivery.
User Satisfaction Ratings
DoorDash has a significant edge over Grubhub in terms of user satisfaction ratings, with a 4.8 Star rating on the Apple Store and 4.7 Star rating on the Play Store.
Their ratings are not just impressive, but also backed by a large number of reviews, with over 19M+ ratings on the Apple Store and 4.3M+ reviews on the Play Store.
DoorDash's high ratings are a testament to its popularity and the trust that customers have in the service.
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Their ratings are a clear indication of the quality of service they provide, and it's no surprise that they have a larger customer base than Grubhub.
Here's a comparison of the ratings of DoorDash and Grubhub on the app stores:
DoorDash's higher ratings and larger customer base are a clear indication of its success in providing a high-quality service that meets the needs of its customers.
Market Share and Reach
DoorDash currently holds the largest market share in the U.S., operating in more than 7,000 cities.
DoorDash leads in both reach and growth, outpacing its competitor Grubhub in terms of market presence.
According to a report by Statista as of February 2025, DoorDash dominates the market with a staggering 67% share in the food delivery industry.
In contrast, Grubhub's market share has declined in recent years, and it currently trails behind DoorDash in terms of market share.
Here's a comparison of the two companies' market share and annual revenue:
DoorDash's extensive reach is a major factor in its success, with operations in 6 countries and over 7,000 cities.
Costs and Fees
DoorDash and Grubhub both charge service fees, delivery fees, and tips, but the specifics can vary. Grubhub's fees range from $1 to $10, while DoorDash's fees usually range between $2 to $6.
To save money on DoorDash, consider getting a Cash App debit card that unlocks 10% off on each order. This can really add up, especially if you order frequently.
DoorDash charges a commission fee of 15–30%, while Grubhub has similar commission rates. However, Grubhub is often seen as more restaurant-friendly in terms of contract flexibility.
Grubhub typically doesn't include restaurant service fees but often requires minimum order amounts. Both services allow you to enter a custom tipping amount if the preset ranges aren't satisfactory.
Here's a comparison of the two services' fees:
Overall, DoorDash often has better deals and more transparent pricing, but Grubhub has a higher number of national partners and offers more special promotions.
Comparison and Analysis
DoorDash's reach is significantly broader than Grubhub's, with operations in 6 countries and over 7,000 cities, compared to Grubhub's 4,000 cities in the US.
DoorDash partners with 450,000 restaurants, while Grubhub has 115,000, offering a wider variety of options.
Here's a comparison of the two platforms:
DoorDash's larger network and more extensive coverage make it a more convenient option for customers living outside big cities.
Functionality Comparison
DoorDash and Grubhub both offer a seamless ordering process, making it easy to find, customize, and pay for your food. However, DoorDash's app has a more intuitive interface with clear filter options, making it easier to filter by food category, budget, and delivery speed.
DoorDash's delivery speed is slightly faster than Grubhub's, averaging 35-40 minutes compared to Grubhub's 40-45 minutes. This is due to DoorDash's larger driver network.
DoorDash provides real-time GPS tracking with detailed driver location updates on a map, offering greater transparency. Grubhub's live tracking is available for iOS users, providing order status and ETA updates on the home and lock screens, but it may not always include map-based driver tracking.
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DoorDash covers over 7,000 cities, making it a better platform for those living outside big cities. Grubhub, on the other hand, only reports 1,600 cities.
DoorDash partners with 450,000 restaurants, offering a wider variety of options. However, Grubhub focuses more on exclusive local restaurant partnerships.
DoorDash offers more consistent deals and discounts compared to Grubhub, which focuses on loyalty-driven rewards.
Which is Better?
DoorDash has a wider coverage with over 7,000 cities, making it a better platform for those living outside big cities.
DoorDash averages 35-40 minutes for deliveries, slightly faster than Grubhub's 40-45 minutes, thanks to its larger driver network. This means you can get your food delivered a bit quicker with DoorDash.
DoorDash provides real-time GPS tracking with detailed driver location updates on a map, offering greater transparency. This feature is a game-changer for those who want to know exactly where their food is and when it'll arrive.
DoorDash partners with 450,000 restaurants, offering a wider variety of options, but with less emphasis on exclusive local restaurant partnerships. If you're looking for a specific type of cuisine, DoorDash might be the better choice.

DoorDash's deals are more consistent, with frequent discounts available. Grubhub, on the other hand, focuses on loyalty-driven rewards.
Here's a summary of the key features:
Ultimately, DoorDash seems to be the better choice for customers, with its wider coverage, faster delivery times, and more consistent promotions.
Who Wins Why
DoorDash leads the market share, with extensive coverage and diversified services, making it a dominant force in the food delivery industry. Its vast network of 6 million Dashers provides flexibility and scalability, giving it an edge over Grubhub.
Grubhub, on the other hand, excels in urban areas, with a strong presence in cities and a loyal customer base. Its urban stronghold and loyalty programs provide a niche advantage, making it a better fit for restaurants seeking flexible partnerships.
DoorDash's broader reach and strong partnerships have helped it grow faster than Grubhub, with a projected market value of $165 billion by 2029. This growth is driven by its ability to adapt to changing consumer needs and expand its services beyond food delivery.

In terms of pricing and fees, DoorDash has a slight edge over Grubhub, with lower service fees in urban areas. However, Grubhub's flat fees can be more predictable for customers.
Here's a comparison of the two platforms:
Ultimately, the choice between DoorDash and Grubhub depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. If you value flexibility and a high volume of shorter deliveries, DoorDash might be the better choice. However, if you prefer more predictable earnings and are comfortable with scheduling shifts, Grubhub could be the way to go.
Food Service Rankings
DoorDash holds a significant lead in the U.S. food delivery market share, commanding 67% in 2025. This is a substantial difference from Grubhub's less than 10% market share.
DoorDash's dominance is evident, but both services maintain loyal customer bases for different reasons.
Food Service Rankings
DoorDash now commands 67% of the U.S. food delivery market share in 2025, leaving Grubhub with a significantly smaller market share of less than 10%.
Both services maintain loyal customer bases, but for different reasons.
DoorDash's large market share is a clear indicator of its popularity and dominance in the food delivery industry.
Grubhub still manages to hold onto loyal customers, despite its smaller market share.
It's worth noting that DoorDash's market share has shifted significantly in favor of the company, while Grubhub's remains relatively stable.
Best Food Company
When it comes to the overall user experience, Grubhub stands out with its smooth and functional design. The website and app greet users with tempting food photographs and provide a field to enter their delivery address.
The home page shows a list of restaurants near their location, along with filtering options and a carousel of cuisines to help users narrow down their choices. This makes it easy to find what you're looking for.
One of the best features of Grubhub is the ability to customize the quantity and other required fields before adding an item to the bag. This level of detail ensures that you get exactly what you want.
On the other hand, DoorDash has a slightly higher delivery fee, at $8.99, compared to Grubhub's $6.99. However, both companies offer estimated delivery times of around 30-45 minutes.
Here's a quick comparison of the two companies' estimated delivery times:
Overall, Grubhub's user-friendly design and relatively lower delivery fee make it a more appealing option for food delivery.
Urban Area and Availability
In urban areas, delivery times are relatively quick with both DoorDash and Grubhub. DoorDash has managed to reduce delivery times to just 15-25 minutes for nearby restaurants and 25-35 minutes for those further away.
DoorDash's delivery times are comparable to Grubhub's, which estimates delivery times between 25-35 minutes for a restaurant 15 minutes away and 35-45 minutes for a restaurant 25 minutes away.
If you're in a major US city, you'll have no issue accessing dozens of restaurants through both Grubhub and DoorDash. However, if you're not in a major city, you may struggle, especially with DoorDash.
Here's a comparison of the two services' availability:
Urban Area

In urban areas, food delivery services have made significant strides in reducing delivery times. DoorDash has achieved delivery times of just 15-25 minutes for nearby restaurants and 25-35 minutes for those further away.
DoorDash is one of the services that has made a notable impact on urban delivery times. Grubhub, on the other hand, charges service fees ranging from $5.39 to $6.99 for urban delivery.
For those who rely on Grubhub, estimated delivery times can vary. For a restaurant 15 minutes away, the estimated delivery time falls between 25-35 minutes, while for a restaurant 25 minutes away, it's 35-45 minutes.
Availability
If you're in a major US city, you'll have no issue accessing dozens of restaurants through both Grubhub and DoorDash.
Grubhub's service area is much wider-ranging than DoorDash's, with over 300,000 restaurants in over 3,200 US cities.
DoorDash, on the other hand, is available in major locations in the US and Canada, but its service area is dwarfed in comparison to Grubhub's.
Grubhub is also available in London, giving it a global reach that DoorDash doesn't quite match.
Grubhub boasts a much larger market share than DoorDash, which has been in the industry for many more years.
Ordering and Pricing
When ordering food delivery, one of the biggest questions is which service is cheaper: DoorDash or Grubhub. DoorDash often has better deals and more transparent pricing.
Grubhub delivery fees range from $1 to $10, depending on the restaurant and location, with a subscription option for $9.99/month. DoorDash fees usually range between $2 to $6, with a similar subscription offering free delivery on eligible orders.
DoorDash charges a commission fee of 15–30%, which is similar to Grubhub's rates. However, Grubhub is often seen as more restaurant-friendly in terms of contract flexibility.
Here's a comparison of the delivery fees for both services:
Ultimately, the choice between DoorDash and Grubhub comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you're looking for better deals and more transparent pricing, DoorDash might be the way to go.
Final Thoughts
If you're considering driving for DoorDash or GrubHub, it's worth noting that both platforms can be a great way to earn a little extra money.
Driving with DoorDash or GrubHub can be a great way to earn a little extra money, or turn into a full-time gig!
You may find that one platform is more lucrative for you and your gig work business, so it's a good idea to try out both for a month in your market to make a comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did DoorDash overtake Grubhub?
DoorDash overtook Grubhub by launching with a more sustainable business model that allowed restaurants to focus on food preparation, rather than logistics. This key difference in approach ultimately gave DoorDash a competitive edge in the food delivery market.
Can you make $500 a day with Grubhub?
Yes, Grubhub delivery partners can earn up to $500 a day. With Instant Cash Out, you can cash out your earnings the same day.
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