9 Best Food Delivery Apps to Work For in 2025

For those seeking part-time work with a flexible schedule, working as a freelance food delivery driver may be worth considering. Earnings generally range from $12 to $20 per hour, including tips, though it’s important to account for expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance, which can reduce take-home pay.

To help you choose, we analyzed public data from Indeed, Glassdoor, Statista, and app reviews from the Apple App Store and Google Play. We found that the best app depends on factors like location, availability, and earning goals, and that top-earning drivers use multiple apps to stay flexible and maximize income.

Here’s a summary of our research:

• Best Overall: Uber Eats – Flexible hours, high demand, same-day payouts.
• Best in High-Cost-of-Living Cities: DoorDash — Their integration with Caviar, which partners with high-end restaurants, is perfect for drivers in high-income areas.
• Best for Weekends: Instacart – High grocery demand, especially on weekends during the day.
• Best for Multi-Tasking: Shipt – Target-owned, multiple order handling, competitive pay.

#1. Uber Eats

Quick summary: Uber Eats is a restaurant food delivery app that enables independent drivers to work on their own schedule and get paid the same day. With over 100 million active monthly customers, it’s one of the largest on-demand delivery platforms.

Best for: We think Uber Eats is the best option for most people looking for a food delivery job. It has a huge customer base, is available nationwide and in many countries worldwide, and offers some of the best pay rates.

Requirements: Uber Eats drivers must…

• Be at least 19 years old to deliver by car or scooter/moped; be at least 18 years old to deliver by bike or on foot.
• Have a delivery vehicle that meets the company’s requirements.
• Provide a Social Security number for a background check.
• Have valid car insurance.

Deliver by: Car, scooter/moped (50cc minimum), bike or foot. (Foot delivery is available in select cities.)

How and when you’re paid: Uber Eats partners are paid via direct deposit and can cash out through a linked debit card as many as six times per day after signing up for Instant Pay, making this one of the best same day pay jobs.

Pro tip! If you’re already working as a gig economy driver, you can increase your earnings by getting paid to advertise on your car. You’ll earn more the more you drive, and companies specifically look for couriers to work with. (Uber even has its own car-top advertising program in select markets.)

#2. DoorDash

Quick summary: DoorDash is a leading food and goods delivery platform operating in over 6,000 cities across 25+ countries. It offers delivery from restaurants, grocery stores and other retailers. DoorDash also acquired Caviar, a platform known for high-end restaurants and larger orders with better tip potential. Caviar orders are available directly through the DoorDash app.

Best for: DoorDash is often preferred over Uber Eats in high-end suburban areas or smaller cities, offering more consistent orders and the ability to schedule shifts in advance for predictable work hours.

Requirements: To work as a DoorDash driver, you must…

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have an iPhone or Android smartphone.
• Have a valid driver’s license with at least one year of driving experience.
• Have a delivery vehicle that meets the company’s requirements.
• Have valid car insurance.
• Pass a background check.

Deliver by: Car, motorcycle/scooter, bicycle, or on foot (varies by market).

How and when you’re paid: Weekly direct deposits with an instant pay option are available. Drivers see delivery value before accepting and keep 100% of tips. DasherDirect offers daily no-fee deposits.

Learn more in our DoorDash delivery driver review.

#3. Instacart

Quick summary: Instacart is a grocery delivery and pickup service. Full-service shoppers shop for items on a customer’s list and deliver them, while in-store shoppers only prepare orders for pickup. The service is available in over 14,000 cities across the U.S. and Canada.

Best for: Individuals who want structured flexibility. As an in-store shopper, you can plan broadly but remain adaptable to weekly changes in your schedule.

Requirements: To work as an Instacart shopper you must…

• Be at least 18 years old (19 in some states).
• Have access to a reliable vehicle (if operating as a delivery person).
• Pass a background check.
• Have a smartphone capable of running the Instacart Shopper app.
• Be capable of lifting at least 30 pounds.

Deliver by: Car, motorcycle/scooter, bike, or on foot (varies by market and role).

How and when you’re paid: Earnings depend on factors including batch pay (based on order size, type of items, and effort), tips, and any applicable bonuses or promotions. Instacart shows an estimated payout for each batch. Shoppers keep 100% of their tips. Full-service shoppers can use Instant Cashout up to 5 times per day (after meeting initial requirements), while all shoppers receive weekly direct deposits.

#4. GrubHub

Quick summary: GrubHub is a leading food delivery platform operating in over 4,000 U.S. cities. While Grubhub did merge with Seamless, they now operate under the Grubhub brand across all markets.

Best for: Those seeking flexible work with a large customer base. Grubhub offers a high volume of orders, especially in urban areas, making it a solid choice for delivery drivers.

Requirements: To work as an independent contractor with GrubHub you must…

• Be at least 18 years old (21+ in Las Vegas).
• Own a smartphone with iOS 11 or later, or Android 5.0 or later.
• Have a valid driver’s license (if delivering by car).
• Have valid auto insurance.
• Pass a background check.
• Have a checking account for direct deposit.

Deliver by: Car, motorcycle/scooter, bicycle, or on foot (varies by market).

How and when you’re paid: GrubHub uses a transparent pay model where drivers earn base pay plus 100% of their tips from completed deliveries. Payment is issued once a week via direct deposit. Drivers can also use Instant Cash Out up to six times per day for a small fee ($0.50 per transaction, free for Chase bank customers).

#5. Walmart Spark

Quick summary: Spark Driver is Walmart’s delivery platform. It allows independent contractors to deliver orders from Walmart stores, Sam’s Club locations, and other local retailers to customers. It offers various deliveries, including groceries, general merchandise and prescriptions. The app provides multiple incentives to delivery drivers, including lump sum bonuses for completing a set number of trips, tiered incentives for higher trip completions, and extra earnings for specific periods.

Best for: Those looking for flexible work in areas with a strong Walmart presence but prepared for inconsistent earnings. Spark can be lucrative for some, but experiences vary widely by market and over time based on user reports.

Requirements: Spark Driver contractors must…

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Have auto insurance.
• Have a reliable vehicle (car, SUV, or van).
• Pass a background check.
• Have a smartphone capable of running the Spark Driver app.

Deliver by: Car only.

How and when you’re paid: Spark Drivers earn through base pay, incentives and tips. Earnings are based on factors like distance, order size, and type of delivery. Payments are made weekly via direct deposit, with options for instant pay through third-party digital wallets. Drivers keep 100% of customer tips.

#6. Shipt

Quick summary: Shipt is a delivery service owned by Target that offers grocery, household essentials, and other retail deliveries. As a Shipt shopper, you can shop for items, deliver them, or do both. Orders are received through the app, showing order size, store location, and delivery address. Shipt operates in over 5,000 cities across the United States.

Best for: Those who are good at multitasking, as Shipt allows shoppers to handle multiple orders simultaneously, making it suitable for efficient multitaskers.

Requirements: To work as a Shipt shopper, you must…

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Have valid auto insurance.
• Own a vehicle made in 1997 or later.
• Be able to lift 40 pounds.
• Pass a background check.
• Have a smartphone (iPhone iOS 13 or newer, or Android 7.0 or newer).

Deliver by: Car. Some markets may allow scooter/moped, bike, or on-foot delivery.

How and when you’re paid: Shipt shoppers are paid per order, with payments processed weekly via direct deposit. An Instant Pay option is available for eligible shoppers. Pay is based on estimated time and effort for each order, plus 100% of customer tips. While Shipt advertises potential earnings of up to $22 per hour, actual earnings typically range between $12 to $20 per hour, varying based on factors like location, order volume and efficiency

#7. Saucey

Quick summary: Saucey is a service that delivers alcohol, snacks and party supplies. The service is available in numerous major cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Miami and more.

Best for: Those looking for flexible work in cities where Saucey operates, especially in areas with high demand for alcohol delivery.

Requirements: Saucey drivers must…

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have a clean driving record with no DUIs for at least five years.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Have valid auto insurance.

Deliver by: Car, motorcycle/scooter, or bicycle (depending on the market).

How and when you’re paid: Saucey drivers earn a base rate per delivery plus additional compensation per item. The exact pay structure varies by city. Drivers keep 100% of their tips.

Editor’s note: The Saucey courier application is not always available, so you may need to check back from time to time if you’re interested in this particular delivery driver job.

#8. GoPuff

Quick summary: GoPuff is a digital convenience store delivery service operating in over 1,000 cities across the United States. It delivers everyday essentials quickly, from snacks and drinks to household items and over-the-counter medications. GoPuff operates its micro-fulfillment centers, which means drivers pick up all items from a single location rather than visiting multiple stores or restaurants. This can lead to more efficient deliveries and potentially higher earnings.

Best for: Those looking for consistent work in urban areas, especially during late-night hours when traditional stores are closed.

Requirements: GoPuff drivers must…

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Own a reliable vehicle (car or motorcycle).
• Have valid auto insurance.
• Pass a background check.
• Have a smartphone compatible with the GoPuff Driver app.

Deliver by: Car or motorcycle.

How and when you’re paid: GoPuff drivers earn a base rate per shift, plus a per-delivery commission and 100% of customer tips. Payments are made weekly via direct deposit, with an option for instant cash-out available in some markets.

#9. Favor Delivery (Texas Only)

Quick summary: Favor is a delivery service that partners with restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses primarily in Texas. It’s available in over 400 cities across the state, making it a significant player in the Texas delivery market.

Best for: People looking for delivery app jobs in Texas, who would rather work for a small company as opposed to a mega corporation.

Requirements: Favor Delivery drivers must…

• Be at least 18 years old (21 to deliver alcohol).
• Have a clean driving record.
• Have a smartphone (iPhone or Android) capable of running the Favor Runner app.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Have valid auto insurance.

Deliver by: Car, motorcycle/scooter, bicycle, or on foot (options may vary by market).

How and when you’re paid: Favor Runners earn a base pay (starting at $2.10 per delivery but can be higher) plus 100% of customer tips. Payments are made via direct deposit once a week, typically by Wednesday. Runners can also use Instant Pay to cash out up to six times daily for a small fee.

Non-Food Delivery Apps

You can also earn money by delivering non-food items. Here are a few legit options.

#1. AmazonFlex

Quick summary: AmazonFlex drivers deliver Amazon packages, Amazon Fresh orders, and Whole Foods grocery orders. The service is available in more than 50 cities across the U.S.

Best for: Those whose vehicles don’t conform to a ride-sharing service’s requirements (such as those with a cargo van).

Requirements: AmazonFlex drivers must…

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Have valid auto insurance.
• Own a qualifying vehicle.

Deliver by: Automobiles only (bikes are allowed in select locations).

How and when you’re paid: Amazon Flex earnings vary according to a number of factors, including the delivery area, demand, and whether or not the delivery is eligible for tipping. Drivers keep 100% of any customer tip. Payment is made twice a week via direct deposit.

Learn more in our Amazon Flex review.

#2. Dolly

Quick summary: Dolly is a gig worker delivery service that offers moving, delivery, and heavy lifting help. Dolly workers can choose to work as “Helpers,” which are people with a vehicle who can move or haul things and are willing to lift heavy objects, or as “Hands,” who do the same but without a vehicle. The app is available in nearly three dozen cities.

Best for: Those who have a good bit of strength. Both Helpers and Hands must be able to lift at least 75 pounds.

Requirements: Dolly Helpers and Hands must…

• Be at least 21-years-old or older (Helpers).
• Be at least 18-years-old or older (Hands).
• Helpers must have a pickup truck, cargo van, box truck or vehicle with a trailer that is from 2000 or later.
• Be capable of lifting 75 pounds.

Deliver by: A pickup truck, cargo van, box truck or vehicle with a trailer.

How and when you’re paid: Customers post how much they’ll pay for their job, and Dolly workers can accept or reject it. The client pays through Dolly. Each week, the funds (minus Dolly’s cut of 15-20%) are deposited in your PayPal account. You keep 100% of your tips.

How to Tell Which Gig Worker Delivery App Is Right For You

There are so many delivery apps now that you may not have even heard of some of those on this list. It can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide which one will be the best fit for you. The good thing is that these are all no-experience jobs, so as long as you meet the specified requirements, it’s easy to land one of these side hustle gigs.

Here are some factors to consider:

• What’s closest to you? Do you live closer to the city’s best restaurants, or to large grocery stores?
• If you’re a person who works a traditional 9-5 job and has little time during the week, your best fit might be shopping for groceries, as demand spikes on the weekends.
• If you live in a college town where not everyone has a car or kitchen, one of the restaurant delivery services will keep you busy.
• If you live in an urban area where many people don’t drive, Dolly could be a great fit as few residents have a truck to pick up the stuff they buy on Craigslist and other sites.
• The restaurant delivery gigs are a great job for introverts because contact with the restaurant and customer is minimal.

Food Delivery App Jobs FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about working for food delivery services. If you have questions about delivery apps in general, or about a particular platform, let us know in the comment section; we’ll research and add the information to this FAQ.

Best Food Delivery Service to Work For: Final Thoughts 

Not that long ago, working as a food delivery driver usually meant applying for a part-time job as a regular employee of a single restaurant. The hours were limited, the pay wasn’t great, and your boss made your schedule.

Today, things couldn’t be more different. If you have a vehicle — whether it’s a car, an electric scooter or a bicycle — you can earn extra money and make your own hours working part-time or full-time as an independent contractor.

Such a flexible schedule is a major benefit of this type of work. While you can earn solid hourly rates with the options on this list, chances are your goal is not to make a career out of delivery. That’s also been one of the major downsides of a delivery side gig: your schedule was at the mercy of your employer.

Being able to work when you want, and as little or as much as you need, gives you the ability to boost your income, generating extra money without losing sight of your other goals — whether that’s your primary job, school, your family, or whatever else is important for your future.