DoorDash vs Uber Eats: Which Food Delivery App is Best?

If you frequent “eating out” and rely heavily on takeaways, you might use food delivery apps to streamline your process. Among the many online options, DoorDash and Uber Eats are two names that often stand out.

They have grasped the food delivery market, enabling people to easily access food from local restaurants and fast-food chains. However, which of the two is a better choice?

To clarify all the details, we will examine DoorDash vs. Uber Eats more closely to see which is better value for money.

Before we highlight the features and compare the two food delivery giants, let’s start with a brief overview of them.

DoorDash

The advent of DoorDash dates back to 2013 in the United States. While it might not seem like “not long ago,” the introduction of DoorDash somehow captured the market at the time with very few competitors. This gave them the head start they needed to grow their name and operation. The company currently deals with thousands of local restaurants across the U.S. It operates in over 4,000 cities across North America and beyond, with millions of users relying on the app for their daily meals.

Uber Eats

Seeing the growth of DoorDash, Uber Eats was launched a year later in 2014. It was launched as a subsidiary of Uber, the popular ride-hailing and sharing app. With its rapid expansion, Uber Eats is now operational in over 6,000 cities worldwide, making it one of the most widespread food delivery services. The delivery logistics of this app are pretty sophisticated, which has helped it grow substantially.

DoorDash Vs. Uber Eats – Which is Better?

When comparing two of the biggest food delivery companies in the U.S., it is essential to consider a few comparable features.

1. User Interface and Experience

One of the main aspects of using any food delivery service is to prioritize the user interface’s efficiency. Is it simple? Is the UI clean and minimal?

DoorDash

Being one of the first food delivery services in the market, DoorDash has managed to stand out with its features and functionalities. The user interface is simple and non-complicated. This makes it easier for customers to browse restaurants, customize orders, and track deliveries. Also, to take away the confusion of “What to order?”, the homepage of DoorDash has “Top Eats” and “Under 30 Minutes,” helping users quickly find what they’re looking for. You can also filter out restaurants based on the cuisine, affordability, and distance.

Uber Eats

If you are a frequent Uber user, the user interface of Uber Eats is quite similar. So, familiarity often comes in handy when navigating the app. The app emphasizes simplicity, with clear categories and a straightforward checkout process. Like DoorDash, Uber Eats offers filtering options and personalized recommendations based on past orders. Also, the app has Google Maps integrated into it, making it easier for you to order from a more location-specific restaurant.

2. Restaurant Selection

The second point of comparison is the kind of restaurants featured on the app. This is usually the make-or-break factor. You want to have access to a diverse range of options so you can order based on your mood.

DoorDash

The highlight of DoorDash lies in its extensive restaurant selection, especially for customers from the U.S. and Canada. Not just the local favorites, the app also partners with leading chain restaurants like McDonald’s, Chipotle, and Taco Bell, making it easier for you to order food based on your liking. Also, if you order frequently, DoorDash has a subscription feature called “DashPass” that offers free delivery and reduced service fees from eligible restaurants.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats has a global focus in the United States, Canada, and other countries. The restaurant selection is extensive, and they partner with well-known fast-food chains. You can also order from a vast collection of international cuisines, making the delivery experience more seamless. Uber Eats often collaborates with high-end and trendy restaurants, giving users access to unique dining experiences that might not be available on other platforms.

3. Delivery Speed and Availability

How fast will your order be delivered, and what accessibility can you expect? This is another factor that compares the two food delivery giants.

DoorDash

Delivery speed on DoorDash can vary depending on location, time of day, and restaurant availability. DoorDash uses a network of independent contractors known as “Dashers” to fulfill deliveries. The good thing is that the app will provide you with an estimated delivery time right after you order. The app has been updated in case of emergencies or delays from the restaurant’s end. Usually, DoorDash is quite reliable, and its service is smooth and fast.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats leverages its vast network of drivers to offer quick and efficient deliveries. The app’s integration with Uber’s infrastructure allows for more precise tracking and often faster delivery times, especially in urban areas. There is an exclusive feature on Uber Eats called “Priority Delivery,” which you can avail of if you are in a hurry and need the food delivered quickly. This usually comes at an additional price.

4. Pricing and Fees

How much do these food delivery companies charge in addition to what you are paying for the food? This is one of those comparison factors that will make or break the whole decision about which is better of the two.

DoorDash

DoorDash charges a delivery fee that varies depending on the restaurant and distance, typically from $1.99 to $5.99. The service cost is usually around 10-12% of the order. If you are ordering during peak times when there is high demand and a shortage of Dashers, the price of the delivery fee might increase. DoorDash calls this “Peak Pay.” You can opt for the Dash Pass to navigate through these complications.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats also charges a delivery fee, which can vary widely based on the restaurant, distance, and demand. The service fee is generally a percentage of the order, similar to DoorDash, and there is a small order fee for orders under a certain amount. Also, there is a “Busy Area Fee,” which they charge to keep the delivery time low and prompt service.

5.  Customer Support and Reliability

You will often encounter customer stories about food delivery applications, and you may wonder how good they actually are at handling customer experience.

DoorDash

If you are facing any issues with your order, DoorDash offers an extensive number of customer support options via in-app chat, email, and phone support. Also, if the problems are common, the app has a dedicated FAQs section, which you can read to find a resolution. DoorDash is usually reliable in responding to customers promptly. However, the response time might be a little slow in some situations, especially during peak hours.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats provides customer support through its in-app chat, email, phone options, and a comprehensive help section. They are known for their prompt customer service, offering resolutions without delays. The good thing about Uber Eats is that they are not just for the customer, but they are also prompt in providing resolutions to their drivers in case they face any issues. So, if you are looking for more responsive customer service, Uber Eats takes the cake.

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6. Driver and Delivery Person Experience

When you order from a food delivery service, you want to ensure that the person delivering your order is ethical, humble, and skilled at navigating the addresses to bring you your food.

DoorDash

DoorDash’s Dashers are independent contractors who can choose when and where to work. Dashers earn a base pay per delivery, plus tips and occasional bonuses. DoorDash offers incentives like Peak Pay to encourage deliveries during busy times. So, on average, the people delivering food with DoorDash are usually pretty reliable.

Uber Eats

Like DoorDash, Uber Eats delivery people work independently and choose their hours based on comfort. Uber Eats has a more straightforward pay structure, which includes a base fare, surge pricing during high demand, and tips. Since the pay is more transparent, people with Uber Eats are usually a lot better compared to DoorDash, as several customers have reported.

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Conclusion: Which Food Delivery App is Best?

Coming to the final nail in the coffin, “Which of the two is a better choice?” Should you rely more on DoorDash or Uber Eats? The answer to this comes down to your preferences. Both of these apps are great with their restaurant selection and the kind of service they provide. If you prioritize a wide selection of local and chain restaurants, value features like group ordering and DashPass, and live in North America, DoorDash might be the better option. On the other hand, if you appreciate a global selection of cuisines, faster delivery times in urban areas, and the added benefits of Uber Pass, Uber Eats could be the superior choice.