DoorDash vs Grubhub

I've tested both DoorDash and Grubhub extensively over the past year, and the choice between these food delivery giants really comes down to what matters most to you: breadth of options and speed, or transparent pricing and better rewards.

DoorDash has built the largest delivery empire in the country, partnering with over 450,000 merchants across 4,000+ cities in all 50 states. This massive network means you'll find pretty much any restaurant you're craving, especially if you live outside major cities where other services haven't expanded yet. I consistently see delivery times of 35-40 minutes with DoorDash, which beats the competition thanks to their huge driver network and smart routing technology. The DashPass subscription runs $9.99 monthly and eliminates delivery fees on orders over $12, which pays for itself fast if you order regularly.

Grubhub takes a different approach. With roughly 300,000 restaurant partners, the selection is smaller, but they've focused on quality over quantity with exclusive partnerships in urban areas. What I appreciate about Grubhub is the pricing clarity. Their service fees typically run 9-12% compared to DoorDash's 11-15%, making each order a bit cheaper. The Grubhub+ membership also costs $9.99 monthly with similar perks, but it stacks beautifully with their Grubhub Rewards program that gives you points on every purchase plus frequent bonus offers.

Delivery speed creates a real difference here. DoorDash averages 35-40 minutes while Grubhub takes 45-50 minutes. That extra 10 minutes might not sound like much, but when you're hungry or squeezing in lunch between meetings, it matters. On the flip side, Grubhub shows you an itemized breakdown of every fee, which addresses one of the biggest frustrations people have with delivery apps—hidden costs that inflate your total at checkout.

Where you live plays a big role in this decision. DoorDash's wider coverage makes it the only real option for suburban and rural users, while Grubhub concentrates on cities where they often have better restaurant variety. I've found Grubhub particularly strong in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco with local favorites you won't find on other platforms.

Without subscriptions, delivery fees look similar: $1.99-$8.99 on DoorDash and $0.99-$6.99 on Grubhub, though the actual cost depends on distance, demand, and which restaurant you're ordering from.

Both subscription plans cost the same $9.99 monthly, so the decision really hinges on your ordering patterns. If you value having every restaurant option available and need food delivered quickly, DoorDash wins. The selection is unmatched, especially for families or anyone not living in a dense downtown area. You can order from that specific Thai place you love without worrying whether the app supports it.

But if you're a city dweller who orders multiple times per week and wants to maximize value, Grubhub deserves a serious look. The lower service fees add up over time, and the rewards program actually feels rewarding rather than just marketing fluff. I've racked up enough points for free meals, which DoorDash doesn't really match.

For most people, I recommend DoorDash. The combination of selection, speed, and geographic reach makes it more practical day-to-day. You won't run into situations where your favorite restaurant isn't available, and getting food 10 minutes faster than the competition adds up to hours saved over a year. That said, if you live in a major city, order frequently, and like watching your dollars carefully, Grubhub's transparent pricing and meaningful rewards program could save you more money in the long run.