Grubhub vs. Uber Eats: Which Delivers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

Finding success with online orders isn’t about settling for any delivery app. It’s about partnering with the right app for your unique business needs. 

I recently came across a Statista study that predicts meal delivery users will hit 2.5 billion by 2029. That’s a huge market, and if your restaurant isn’t on the best delivery platform to meet your needs, you could be leaving a lot of money on the table.

In this article, I’ll break down my thoughts on two notable companies in the food delivery space, Grubhub vs. Uber Eats, to help you decide which food delivery platform offers the best value for your restaurant.

Grubhub: Best for high order volumes 

If you’re operating a larger restaurant in a U.S. city, like New York City, Los Angeles or Chicago, Grubhub’s delivery network could connect you to a steady stream of hungry customers. Operating in all 50 states and delivering to more than 300,000 local restaurants, I think Grubhub works particularly well for those who thrive on higher delivery volumes.

If you’re in a densely populated area with a lot of office workers, college students or apartment complexes, Grubhub can help you tap into their loyal customer base. For those operating in less populated cities, it may be worth exploring other options.

Key features: 

• Access to an extensive customer base, especially in busy urban areas, which means more orders coming your way
• The ability to easily manage large order volumes so you can handle the lunch or dinner rush without breaking a sweat
• Integration with restaurant management tools, giving you a smoother, more organized workflow
• Built-in marketing tools that help increase your restaurant's visibility and bring in more hungry customers

I also recently came across this insightful review from a verified GrubHub user who shares an important consideration based on their experience with the app.

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Tanya's experience emphasizes that while adding delivery through platforms like Grubhub can be a valuable solution, success depends on optimizing the platform’s integration with your current operations and securing favorable terms. 

This can help you maximize the financial benefits of third-party delivery services, ensure smoother operations and ultimately boost profitability.

GrubHub pricing: The more budget-friendly choice 

I consider GrubHub one of the cheapest food delivery apps for restaurants. The platform charges a marketing fee ranging from 5% to 15%, depending on the membership tier, in addition to a standard 10% delivery fee for all Grubhub drivers.

I also like their flexible membership options, starting with a Basic plan that includes a 5% marketing fee. Higher-tier plans like Plus and Premium come with additional features and benefits to support larger or more complex operations.

‍Bottom line: Grubhub’s pricing makes it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option. It’s particularly well-suited for businesses that are ready to scale up their operations and benefit from the additional features offered by their higher-tier plans.

GrubHub customer service: Personalized support for your account 

Grubhub provides round-the-clock support via phone and chat, ensuring that restaurant partners can access assistance whenever needed. In addition to 24/7 support, the Grubhub resource center includes a comprehensive library of written guides. They’ll help you navigate menu management, marketing strategies and integration with POS systems.

Unique to Grubhub, every account also comes with access to a dedicated account advisor. Their goal is to offer personalized guidance and help you optimize your listings, boost visibility and make the most of the platform features.

Bottom line: Grubhub’s 24/7 support, comprehensive resource center and dedicated account advisor make it an ideal choice for restaurant owners who value hands-on assistance and personalized guidance.

Uber Eats: Best for expanding your restaurant’s reach

Want to take your restaurant's delivery service to a wider audience? Uber Eats is an excellent choice for expanding your reach. 

I’ve found that the platform’s quick onboarding process and user-friendly interface make it easy to get started, while its broad customer base and extensive market presence can help you tap into new neighborhoods and attract more customers. 

Key features:

• A user-friendly interface that makes managing orders simple and efficient
• Widespread availability in metropolitan areas, giving you access to a larger pool of potential customers
• A quick and easy sign-up process so you can start receiving orders without unnecessary delays
• Driver flexibility through the Uber platform, ensuring that deliveries are timely and consistent
• Flexible payment options that make it easier for you to manage cash flow and get paid on your terms

One Uber Eats review that stood out to me comes from Michael, co-owner of Adi's Chinese Food, who explains how the app has been a game-changer for their delivery needs. 

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Michael’s experience highlights how Uber Eats can effectively bridge the gap when staffing challenges arise, ensuring your delivery service runs smoothly even with limited resources. 

Uber Eats is also more widely available than Grubhub, operating in over 6,000 U.S. cities. That translates to better brand recognition and more orders for your restaurant from customers already using the delivery app.

A platform with a strong presence in your area and a high number of available drivers can lead to faster delivery times, happier customers and more repeat business.

Uber Eats pricing: More visibility—but for a price

While Uber Eats provides expansive reach, it’s not the cheapest food delivery service. The app offers multiple plans to choose from: Lite, Plus and Premium.

While lower-tier plans come with lower commission rates, they offer more limited exposure in the Uber Eats app. Higher-tier plans increase fees but provide greater visibility, access to Uber One customers and potential marketing perks.

Bottom line: Uber Eats is a great choice for expanding your restaurant’s reach, but be prepared for higher fees in exchange for more visibility and access to a larger, more diverse customer base.

Uber Eats customer service: Solid support with room for improvement

Uber Eats also offers constant support, including a dedicated phone line, a chat function in its restaurant dashboard and a help center for members. Similar to Grubhub, the platform has a resource center with troubleshooting guides and other articles to help with operational concerns.

The Merchant Academy is also a nice feature for self-guided learning; however, unlike Grubhub, Uber Eats does not offer dedicated account advisors to provide personalized guidance. 

Ultimately, Uber Eats' customer service options are solid for restaurants looking for self-service support and quick access to troubleshooting. However, those seeking personalized, hands-on guidance may find it lacking compared to competitors like Grubhub. 

Bottom line: This option works best for restaurants that are comfortable navigating resources independently or are just starting with delivery.

I should also mention that other food delivery platforms may better suit your needs. DoorDash, for example, is another large food delivery platform in the U.S. 

It’s an excellent option for reaching more customers, particularly in suburban and rural areas where other apps may have limited coverage. However, before making a decision, be sure to learn more about DoorDash and its price structure.  

Leveraging Grubhub or Uber Eats to grow your customer base

Ultimately, the best delivery app for your restaurant depends on your location, budget and business model. Some restaurants may even benefit from using multiple services to maximize exposure and increase sales.

Third-party delivery apps offer powerful ways to reach more customers—but they come with commission fees that eat into profits. The smartest strategy is to diversify by combining third-party apps with direct online ordering.

A custom restaurant website can help you retain more revenue while maintaining visibility for delivery orders. Learn how to boost your bottom line with a tailored online ordering solution today.

Frequently asked questions

Still weighing your options? These frequently asked questions can help you better understand which food delivery platform fits your restaurant best. 

Do more people use Grubhub or Uber Eats? 

Uber Eats has a significantly larger market share than Grubhub, making it the more popular platform among both customers and restaurants. It operates in more locations worldwide and has a larger active user base.

Which is better, Uber Eats or DoorDash?

Both platforms have strengths. Uber Eats is often preferred in urban areas and internationally due to its strong brand presence and seamless app experience. If you’re looking for an alternative to Uber Eats, DoorDash has a larger market share, making it a good option for suburban and rural markets.

What are the benefits of food delivery apps for restaurant owners?

Food delivery apps help restaurants increase their reach, attract new customers and boost sales without requiring additional in-house staff. They also provide marketing and promotional tools to enhance visibility and engagement.

What’s the best food delivery service?

The best platform depends on your restaurant’s location and goals. Uber Eats offers extensive market reach and analytics, while DoorDash dominates in many suburban areas. Grubhub is also a good Uber Eats or DoorDash alternative since it’s valuable in specific, larger cities. 

What is the cheapest food delivery service?

The cheapest food delivery service depends on location and available promotions, but Grubhub is known for its competitive pricing. Checking fees and discounts in your area can help you find the most cost-effective choice.