The main DoorDash alternatives are other national food delivery apps, grocery delivery apps, and ordering apps that let you order straight from local restaurants. National apps have the widest choice, while direct ordering apps often help the restaurant more. Compare the same order on two apps and check how tips are handled.
Food delivery apps have changed how a lot of us eat on a busy weeknight. But depending on where you live, the restaurant you love might not be on the app you use, or another app might get it to you faster.
Here are ten DoorDash alternatives, listed in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. Some deliver from thousands of restaurants, some focus on groceries, and some let you order directly from the local places you love.
The direct ordering apps are worth knowing about. They let restaurants take orders through their own channel, which many small restaurants prefer.
There's also a question many people ask at checkout but never look up: how much of the tip reaches the driver? The next section has the answer for the biggest app.
DoorDash alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's store listing shows it as a free download. Plenty of free apps carry ads or offer in-app upgrades, and the store labels tell you which, so check them before you install.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChowNow | Direct restaurant ordering app | Ordering straight from local restaurants | Yes |
| Delivery.com | Delivery and pickup app | Food, groceries and laundry in some cities | Yes |
| EatStreet | Food delivery app | Local restaurants in smaller cities | Yes |
| Favor | Texas delivery app | Restaurant and store delivery in Texas | Yes |
| Gopuff | Quick delivery app | Snacks, drinks and essentials | Yes |
| Grubhub | Food delivery app | Restaurant delivery and pickup | Yes |
| Instacart | Grocery delivery app | Groceries from local stores | Yes |
| Slice | Pizza ordering app | Ordering from local pizzerias | Yes |
| Toast | Restaurant ordering app | Ordering from restaurants that use its system | Yes |
| Uber Eats | Food delivery app | Restaurant and grocery delivery | Yes |
Ten food delivery apps to try
ChowNow
Best for: Diners who want to order directly from local restaurants they love.
Delivery.com
Best for: City dwellers who want food, groceries and errands from one app.
EatStreet
Best for: People in college towns and smaller cities looking for local restaurants.
Favor
Best for: People in Texas who want food and errands delivered locally.
Gopuff
Best for: Late-night snack runs and quick deliveries of household essentials.
Grubhub
Best for: People who want a big choice of restaurants for delivery or pickup.
Instacart
Best for: Families who want their weekly grocery shop delivered from local stores.
Slice
Best for: Pizza lovers who want to order from independent local pizzerias.
Toast
Best for: Diners ordering takeout from local restaurants that run on its platform.
Uber Eats
Best for: People who want restaurant and grocery delivery in one widely used app.
How much of your tip reaches your driver
Here's the question most people never look up. DoorDash's own help centre says that Dashers receive 100% of all customer tips that DoorDash receives, and that the article applies to Dashers in the United States and Canada.
It also says customers can add a tip after delivery if they skipped it at checkout. If tipping matters to you, check each app's help pages for how it handles tips before you switch, because the details differ from app to app and from country to country.
Picking the right delivery app
- Widest choice: national delivery apps cover the most restaurants.
- Supporting local restaurants: direct ordering apps keep orders closer to the restaurant.
- Groceries: grocery apps deliver your weekly shop from local stores.
- Quick essentials: quick delivery apps suit snacks and household items.
- Where you live: regional apps can be stronger in their home area.
Getting a better delivery experience
- Check which apps cover your address before you order.
- Compare the same order on two apps.
- Look at delivery times as well as the menu.
- Add clear delivery notes for your driver.
- Rate your order so good restaurants get noticed.
It's also worth checking the delivery radius. Some apps only show restaurants within a short distance of your address, so a place you can see from your window may still be missing. Moving the pin or switching to pickup can open up more choice.
If a restaurant you love isn't on your usual app, look it up directly. Many local places take orders through their own website or a direct ordering app, and they'll often thank you for it.
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More ideas for dinner
Not in the mood for takeaway tonight? Here are some easy dinner ideas for any night that come together fast.
And if you're curious how delivery apps built their brands, here's how Deliveroo built its brand.
Do you make food delivery or ordering apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on DoorDash alternatives
Keep two delivery apps on your phone, because coverage and delivery times vary by address. Then add a direct ordering app for the local restaurants you use most.
And if you care about tips reaching your driver, take a minute to read each app's help page on tipping. It's a small check that makes every order feel better.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of DoorDash?
Other national delivery apps, grocery apps and direct restaurant ordering apps.
Do drivers get the whole tip?
On DoorDash in the US and Canada, its help centre says Dashers receive all customer tips it receives. Check other apps' help pages.
Can I tip after my food arrives?
On DoorDash, yes. Other apps have their own rules, so check before you order.
Is ordering directly from a restaurant better?
Many small restaurants prefer direct orders, so it's worth checking.
Which apps deliver groceries?
Grocery delivery apps bring your shop from local stores.
Why isn't a restaurant I like on an app?
Restaurants choose which apps to join. Try their own website.
Can I get late-night snacks delivered?
Quick delivery apps focus on snacks, drinks and essentials.
Are delivery apps available everywhere?
No. Coverage depends on your address and city.
How do I get my food faster?
Compare delivery times across apps and choose nearby restaurants.
Can I schedule a delivery for later?
Many apps let you schedule an order ahead of time.
What should I put in delivery notes?
Gate codes, building numbers and where to leave the order.
Is it safe to order through delivery apps?
Use the official apps and pay through the app's own checkout.
