Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?

Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub? Grubhub generally offers lower delivery fees compared to DoorDash, with Grubhub’s fees ranging from $0 to $2.49.

In today’s fast-paced world, food delivery services have become a go-to option for those who want a delicious meal without having to leave their homes.

Two of the most popular platforms in the U.S. for food delivery are DoorDash and Grubhub.

Both have vast restaurant networks, a variety of cuisines, and offer user-friendly platforms to place orders. However, when it comes to cost, you may be wondering: Which one is cheaper?

This post will break down the costs associated with both services, comparing delivery fees, service charges, membership options, and more, to help you make an informed decision about which service fits your budget.

What Are DoorDash and Grubhub?

Before diving deep into the costs, it’s important to understand what each service brings to the table. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]

DoorDash Overview

Founded in 2013, DoorDash quickly became one of the largest food delivery services in the U.S. With its user-friendly app and an extensive restaurant network, DoorDash makes it easy to get food delivered right to your door.

In addition to traditional restaurant food, DoorDash also delivers groceries, alcohol, and even convenience store items in some areas.

The platform has made its mark through fast delivery times, a wide selection of restaurant options, and its DashPass subscription service, which offers exclusive perks for frequent users.

Grubhub Overview

Grubhub, on the other hand, is one of the oldest food delivery platforms, having been founded in 2004. It’s known for its large user base, excellent customer service, and partnerships with local restaurants.

Grubhub offers delivery from thousands of eateries across the country, ranging from fast food to fine dining. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]

Grubhub also operates a similar subscription service, Grubhub+, which offers benefits like free delivery on orders over $12 and exclusive deals.

Though Grubhub is a competitive platform, it is often viewed as a more reliable, customer-focused service compared to others.

Cost Breakdown: Delivery Fees

When comparing DoorDash and Grubhub, the most important cost factor to consider is the delivery fee, which can vary based on multiple factors like location, restaurant, time of day, and the distance between the restaurant and your delivery address.

DoorDash Delivery Fees

Delivery fees on DoorDash can be quite variable. They typically range between $0 and $5.99, but in some cases, you might face even higher fees during peak hours or for long-distance deliveries.

DoorDash charges more for delivery from restaurants that are farther away, and it often applies surge pricing during busy hours, which can increase your overall delivery costs.

While DoorDash frequently runs promotions offering free delivery on certain orders, these promotions usually have limitations (such as minimum order amounts) and are often tied to the use of a DashPass subscription.

Grubhub Delivery Fees

Grubhub’s delivery fees also range from $0 to $2.49, depending on the restaurant and your location. Grubhub tends to offer lower fees compared to DoorDash, especially when ordering from local restaurants.

Additionally, some restaurants on Grubhub offer free delivery during certain promotions, which can further reduce the overall cost of your meal. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]

The best part about Grubhub is that it is more predictable when it comes to delivery fees—especially in smaller towns and less populated areas—where DoorDash tends to impose higher fees during peak hours.

Comparison of Delivery Fees

Here’s a quick comparison between DoorDash and Grubhub regarding delivery fees:

Service	Typical Delivery Fee	Surge Pricing	Free Delivery Offers
DoorDash	$0 – $5.99	Common during busy hours	Limited promotions, DashPass for regular users
Grubhub	$0 – $2.49	Rare, predictable pricing	Free delivery on some orders, Grubhub+ members

As seen in the table above, Grubhub typically offers lower delivery fees and more predictable pricing. DoorDash, however, may offer faster delivery times in more urban areas but could come with higher delivery fees during peak hours.

Additional Fees: Service and Surge Pricing

Both DoorDash and Grubhub charge additional fees beyond just delivery, including service fees and, in DoorDash’s case, surge pricing.

These costs can impact the overall price of your meal, making it important to understand how each service applies them. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]

DoorDash Service Fees

In addition to the delivery fee, DoorDash charges a service fee that typically ranges from 5% to 15% of the order subtotal.

This fee helps cover the operating costs of the platform. During high-demand times, DoorDash can increase this service fee or apply surge pricing, which increases the delivery fee as well.

This is one of the reasons why DoorDash can end up being more expensive than Grubhub, particularly if you order during peak hours or if the restaurant is far from your location.

Grubhub Service Fees

Grubhub’s service fees are generally lower than those of DoorDash, usually around 2.9% of the order subtotal. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]

While this is more affordable than DoorDash’s service fees, Grubhub still has the potential to charge additional fees, especially for larger orders.

Additionally, Grubhub offers no surge pricing, which means that the price you see at the beginning is usually the price you’ll pay.

Surge Pricing

Surge pricing is an important factor when comparing the two services. This fee increases during times of high demand—such as rush hours or holidays. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]

DoorDash is known for applying surge pricing more frequently than Grubhub. If you live in a large city or order during busy times, DoorDash could charge higher fees as the system tries to incentivize drivers to fulfill orders quickly.

On the other hand, Grubhub avoids surge pricing for the most part, making it a more predictable service in terms of cost. Therefore, Grubhub tends to be a more budget-friendly option for those who don’t want the uncertainty of surge pricing.

Membership Options: DashPass vs. Grubhub+

For those who frequently use food delivery services, both DoorDash and Grubhub offer membership programs that promise to reduce delivery fees and provide extra perks.

DashPass

DashPass is DoorDash’s subscription service, which costs around $9.99 per month. Members receive free delivery on orders from eligible restaurants and reduced service fees on qualifying purchases. DashPass also gives access to exclusive discounts on specific restaurant chains.

If you order from DoorDash often, DashPass can provide substantial savings, especially if you order from restaurants that frequently offer delivery fees. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]

Grubhub+

Grubhub+ works similarly to DashPass and is priced at $9.99 per month. With Grubhub+, you receive free delivery on orders over $12 and access to exclusive deals.

While the membership fee is the same as DashPass, the difference lies in the specifics of the program. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]

Grubhub+ might be better for people who order larger quantities since the free delivery perk kicks in at $12 instead of $15 or $20, as in some other subscription models.

Comparison

When comparing DashPass and Grubhub+, both are great options if you order frequently. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]

However, DashPass offers more flexibility for smaller orders since it doesn’t have a minimum requirement for free delivery.

Grubhub+, however, is a better option for those who tend to place larger orders, thanks to the $12 minimum for free delivery.

See Also: Is Uber Eats Cheaper Than Doordash?

Which Is Cheaper: DoorDash or Grubhub?

Ultimately, the choice between DoorDash and Grubhub depends on your specific needs. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]

While DoorDash offers faster delivery in some areas, Grubhub generally tends to be the cheaper option when it comes to delivery fees, service charges, and overall cost.

Grubhub is the better choice if you’re looking for:

• Lower delivery fees: In most cases, Grubhub offers cheaper delivery charges.
• Predictable costs: Grubhub’s lack of surge pricing means you can more easily budget your meals. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]
• Free delivery promotions: Grubhub offers more free delivery options without requiring a membership.

DoorDash may be the better choice if you’re looking for:

• Faster delivery in urban areas: DoorDash tends to have faster delivery in big cities due to its larger driver network.
• DashPass perks: If you order often, DashPass offers significant savings on both delivery fees and service charges.

FAQs

Is DoorDash more expensive than Grubhub?

Yes, DoorDash tends to have higher delivery fees, particularly during peak hours and for longer distances, compared to Grubhub. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]

Do both services offer free delivery?

Both services offer free delivery under certain conditions, such as through membership programs (DashPass and Grubhub+) or during specific promotions.

Which service has better promotions and discounts?

DoorDash offers more frequent and varied discounts, especially for DashPass members, whereas Grubhub provides fewer but valuable promotions, particularly for large orders.

How can I reduce delivery fees with DoorDash and Grubhub?

Subscribing to DashPass or Grubhub+ can help reduce delivery costs. Additionally, keeping an eye on promotions and ordering from local restaurants with low fees will help save money.

Conclusion: Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?

When it comes to food delivery, Grubhub is generally the more cost-effective option, especially when considering delivery fees and predictability. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]

Although DoorDash may offer faster delivery in some areas, Grubhub’s lower fees, lack of surge pricing, and reliable service make it a solid choice for budget-conscious users.

If you order regularly, both services’ subscription models—DashPass and Grubhub+—offer great ways to save even more, depending on your ordering habits.

So, whether you’re looking for a quick meal, the cheapest option, or the best subscription plan, both DoorDash and Grubhub offer valuable features.

The final choice depends on what matters most to you in terms of convenience, cost, and service. [Which Is Cheaper Doordash Or Grubhub?]