In the world of food delivery, two names consistently rise to the top: Uber Eats and DoorDash. Both platforms are widely popular in the United States and around the globe, offering convenient ways for customers to order food from their favourite restaurants while providing delivery services to businesses.
However, there are notable differences between the two that could influence which service is better for you, whether you’re a customer, a restaurant owner, or a driver.
Here’s a breakdown of the main features, benefits, and considerations when comparing Uber Eats vs DoorDash.
1. Market Reach and Availability
- Uber Eats operates in over 6,000 cities across 45 countries, making it a widely accessible service in major urban centres and beyond. Uber Eats benefits from Uber’s global presence and infrastructure.
- DoorDash, while also extensive, is primarily focused on the U.S. and Canada, operating in over 4,000 cities across the United States and a few in Canada. It has been expanding internationally, but it is more concentrated in North America.
Winner: Uber Eats for broader international availability.
2. Restaurant Partnerships
- Uber Eats partners with a variety of restaurants, from fast food chains like McDonald’s and Wendy’s to high-end restaurants. It also offers grocery delivery in certain areas. Uber Eats gives restaurant owners the option to either use its delivery service or handle deliveries independently.
- DoorDash has a large network as well, but its strength lies in its partnerships with local, small restaurants and exclusive collaborations. DoorDash also offers grocery and convenience store deliveries in some regions.
Winner: Tie, both have extensive restaurant options, but DoorDash often supports local and smaller businesses more deeply.
3. Delivery Fees and Costs
- Uber Eats typically charges delivery fees that can range from $1.99 to $7, depending on location, demand, and distance. There are also service fees and surcharges that vary based on the specific order. Uber Eats has a membership program called Uber One that provides lower delivery fees and other perks.
- DoorDash charges delivery fees starting around $1.99 to $5, with fees varying depending on location, time, and the specific restaurant. DoorDash also offers a DashPass membership, which gives users reduced fees and exclusive offers for $9.99 per month.
Winner: DoorDash tends to have more consistent pricing, but both services offer ways to reduce costs with memberships.
4. User Experience and Interface
- Uber Eats has a clean, intuitive interface that allows customers to browse menus, track deliveries, and reorder easily. Its integration with Uber makes it seamless for users who already use the Uber app for transportation services.
- DoorDash also provides a smooth user experience, with features like real-time order tracking and the ability to schedule orders in advance. Its DashPass service allows users to streamline their orders and enjoy discounts without constantly needing to worry about delivery charges.
Winner: Tie, both platforms are highly user-friendly and efficient.
5. Delivery Times and Reliability
- Uber Eats offers relatively fast delivery times, thanks to its widespread network of drivers and integration with Uber’s robust transportation infrastructure. It also has a system that allows drivers to be alerted based on proximity to a restaurant, ensuring quicker pickups and deliveries.
- DoorDash also excels in timely deliveries, especially in dense urban areas. However, during peak times (like lunch and dinner hours), delivery times can sometimes be longer, as DoorDash has a higher number of orders due to its large user base.
Winner: Uber Eats tends to have more reliable delivery times during busy periods because of its larger driver base and Uber integration.
6. Driver Opportunities and Pay
- Uber Eats drivers, or “Eats drivers,” are paid based on the distance travelled, the time spent on the delivery, and the value of the tips they receive. It is common for Uber Eats drivers to also drive for Uber ridesharing, which provides more opportunities to earn.
- DoorDash drivers, known as “Dashers,” earn based on similar criteria (distance, time, tips), with the added benefit of occasional promotions or bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries during busy hours. DoorDash also offers Peak Pay incentives for high-demand times.
Winner: Tie, both platforms offer similar pay structures, though DoorDash may have more localized promotions for drivers.
7. Customer Support
- Uber Eats offers customer support through the app and online and generally resolves issues quickly. However, some users report challenges with reaching customer service during high-demand periods.
- DoorDash offers 24/7 customer support and a chat function in the app. While it may take some time to resolve issues, DoorDash is known for being responsive, especially when it comes to helping with issues like missing orders or refunds.
Winner: DoorDash for 24/7 support and quicker issue resolution.
8. Special Features
- Uber Eats offers group ordering, where multiple users can add items to the same order, and it integrates seamlessly with Uber’s ride-hailing service, allowing users to schedule food deliveries while also arranging transportation.
- DoorDash has a feature called “DoubleDash,” which allows users to order from two different restaurants in one delivery. This can be convenient for customers who want variety in a single order.
Winner: DoorDash for unique features like DoubleDash.
9. Loyalty Programs
- Uber Eats has Uber One, which offers free delivery on eligible orders and discounts on service fees for a monthly subscription.
- DoorDash has DashPass, which also offers similar perks like reduced delivery fees and access to exclusive promotions for a subscription fee.
Winner: Tie, both have solid loyalty programs.
10. Overall Popularity
- Uber Eats is one of the most widely recognized food delivery apps globally, benefiting from Uber’s international brand recognition. It’s the go-to app for many users who are already familiar with the Uber platform.
- DoorDash is a dominant force in the U.S. market, consistently holding the highest market share in food delivery services. It has rapidly expanded its services and grown its loyal customer base.
Winner: DoorDash in the U.S. market, but Uber Eats takes the lead globally.
Final Thoughts
These are both fine services, and it’s hard to go wrong with either one; the better option for you may come down to where you live and what you prioritise. If you live in the U.S. and want a platform that specialises in local businesses in your community, DoorDash may be a better option.
But if you want a service that has a large footprint and offers the opportunity to mix food delivery and taking a ride somewhere, Eats might be the best choice for you.
Ultimately, whether you’re a customer, restaurant owner, or driver, there are benefits to each platform, and both are dominant players in the crowded food delivery realm.