Increasingly, people are opting to have flexible jobs where they become their own boss. This is what is commonly referred to as the gig economy. This mode of operation has gone off in recent years. Indeed, in 2024, there were expected to be more than 90 million workers in the U.S. alone in the gig economy. A large portion of this expansion is through delivery apps. These applications match the demand of people with the supply of people.
Food delivery is a massive market. It is projected to become a huge $220 billion business in the world by 2025. Human beings are fond of the convenience of having their desired foods delivered to their doorstep. The center of this trend is apps like DoorDash. They provide an easy method through which individuals can make money in their own time.
No wonder over 6 million individuals have already been employed as so-called Dashers to deliver food and get additional money. This is a testimony to the popularity of these jobs.
Why More People Would Like Jobs Like DoorDash
Individuals adore the concept of delivering on apps like DoorDash. It appears to be an easy means of earning money. Nevertheless, numerous drivers seek alternatives. That is why people are looking to find alternative apps like DoorDash:
- To Earn More Money: It is slow to use a single app at times. In case of no orders on DoorDash, you can change to another application to remain busy and continue earning.
- To Have a Backup Plan: Sometimes an application may have technical issues. Or, something may happen, and your account will be frozen. With other apps, there is always a possibility of working and making money even when one of the apps is not working.
- To Get Higher Payments, Various apps have varying payments. Others may pay more base salary, and others will have more opportunities for high tips or special bonuses. Drivers prefer to locate the best-paying app in their cities.
- To Have More Diversity: There are individuals who become bored with the work of delivering food. Other apps allow you to deliver groceries, packages, or other items. This is capable of making the work more interesting.
10 Best Apps Like DoorDash to Make Money
Here are 10 great apps like DoorDash you can use to make money, just like DoorDash.
1. Uber Eats
Uber Eats is a large food delivery company, similar in popularity to DoorDash. It was the result of the famous Uber ride-sharing application and, therefore, many already trust it. When you work as a driver, Uber Eats will send you to pick up the food from numerous restaurants, whether it is a small local cafe or a large restaurant chain like McDonald’s. This is among the apps like DoorDash, which are user-friendly to customers and drivers. You receive a notification when a new order is received.
You are able to view the whereabouts of the restaurant and the delivery address. It is possible to deliver by car, scooter, or bike, depending on the city. That is why it can be a good choice for those who want to become delivery workers. Since a great number of individuals use it, it tends to have numerous orders, particularly at lunch and dinner, making it a trusted partner for many eateries that also rely on Restaurant Reservation Software to manage bookings alongside delivery demand.
Key Features:
- Receive up to five withdrawals per day.
- There is in-app navigation that displays the route.
- You know how much you can earn till you take an order.
- Boost and Surge will pay more at peak hours.
Pros:
- Huge orders since it is popular.
- Flexible cash‑out.
- Uber rides are also available to drive with your car, provided that it qualifies.
- The interface is simple and understandable.
Cons:
- The wages can decrease in regions where there are numerous drivers.
- Customer support can be slow.
Average Pay: $15-25 per hour (with tips).
Best For: Drivers who desire numerous orders and a popular platform.
Ratings: 4.8 on Apple App Store, 4.4 on Google Play Store.
App Download Link: https://www.uber.com/us/en/deliver/
2. Grubhub
Grubhub is among the pioneering huge food-delivery firms. It has been in existence since a long time and has a faithful client base. Grubhub collaborates with numerous restaurants, and therefore, customers do have a variety of options. To drivers, it translates to a continuous supply of orders. One of the unique characteristics of Grubhub is the ability to schedule your working hours in advance.
When you book a block, you have priority of orders hence you can earn more money. People who like to plan will find this good. Naturally, you can also log on, and place orders at any time when you are free. According to drivers, Grubhub clients have a higher tipping culture that can increase your overall income.
Key Features:
- Capacity to book delivery blocks ahead of time in order to give priority to orders.
- Drivers keep 100% of their tips.
- There is an in-app map that displays all hotspots where orders are common.
- Provides special missions and rewards on accomplishment of a specific number of deliveries.
Pros:
- Scheduling blocks may result in more regular remuneration.
- Collaborated with numerous well-known restaurant chains.
- Drivers usually claim to receive larger tips.
- Use of clear information on order before accepting.
Cons:
- Delivery blocks may be difficult to obtain in the busy places.
- The interface of the app may be somewhat outdated.
Average Pay: $14-22 per hour (including tips).
Best For: Individuals who prefer to organize their working schedule in advance.
Ratings: 4.7 on Apple App Store, 4.4 on Google Play Store.
App Download Link: https://driver.grubhub.com/
3. Instacart
Instacart does not resemble DoorDash since it deals with grocery delivery. Working as an Instacart Shopper, you shop the grocery on behalf of the customers. There are two types of jobs. You can also become Full-Service Shopper where you will shop the products in the store and deliver them to the customers home. This job needs a car. Or you may become an In-Store Shopper, i.e. you simply shop the items, and have them prepared to be picked.
This job does not need a car. Buying on behalf of other people may be more complicated than taking food. You must locate the correct items, weigh produce and even speak to the customer about substitutions in case something is not in stock. Due to this additional work, the wage per order may be increased in comparison to food delivery applications.
Key Features:
- You are welcome to become a shopper and a deliverer, or simply an in-store shopper.
- The app provides the precise aisle position of items in most of the stores.
- You can view the entire order information and tip amount prior to accepting a batch.
- Instant Cashout is offered.
Pros:
- Possible increased earnings per order because of increased order sizes and tips.
- You get to move around and go to a shop rather than sitting in a car.
- Alternative work hours and position selection.
- Can be a great workout!
Cons:
- Shopping is time-consuming and physically exhausting.
- Out of stock items can be annoying to handle.
- Pay can be influenced by the speed with which you can shop.
Average Salary: $16 -28 per hour (with tips).
Best For: Individuals who like shopping and like to locate things fast.
Ratings: 4.8 on Apple App Store, 4.5 on Google Play Store.
App Download Link: https://shoppers.instacart.com/
4. Favor
Favor is a delivery app which primarily operates in Texas. It allows you to deliver virtually anything such as food, groceries, clothing, and even keys. Favor also provides additional options to most of the delivery apps which only deliver food. As a Favor Runner, you receive employment via the application, go to the shop or restaurant, collect the goods, and deliver them to the door of the customer.
Jobs are different every day. Before you can accept the job, you can have a glimpse of the job specifications and the amount you will earn. Favor is reputed to deliver quickly hence the customers usually leave huge tips. You will be able to withdraw your earnings on a daily basis. The application is suitable to individuals, who reside in Texas or other cities.
Key Features:
- You are able to provide practically anything that people require.
- You have the chance to view the earnings and information before taking an order.
- You are allowed to withdraw your money daily.
- Many customers in Texas utilize it.
Pros:
- Orders are quick and not limited to food.
- Deliveries with haste and a pleasant demeanor will attract good tips.
- It is a very flexible schedule, and there are no fixed shifts.
Cons:
- It is not sold in other states other than Texas and some neighboring cities.
- Peak seasons are unpredictable.
- There are occasions when you have to buy the items yourself.
Average Salary: $1018 per hour (including tips)
Best For: Individuals who reside in Texas and desire flexible and diverse delivery work.
Ratings: 4.8 on Apple App Store, 4.5 on Google Play Store.
App Download Link: https://www.favordelivery.com/
5. Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is the delivery program of Amazon in which you utilize your own vehicle to deliver parcels to Amazon.com, Prime Now, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods. Work is split into blocks that are shifts to sign up for beforehand.
The blocks take approximately 2 to 4 hours. When you are at an Amazon station on a block, you pick a cart of packages, and the app informs you where to go to drop them off. One of the advantages is that you are paid the entire block even when you complete ahead of schedule. This implies that your wages are stable and consistent.
Key Features:
- Work is subdivided into paid blocks of work.
- You are a shipper of a variety of products, not only food or groceries.
- The application provides an effective and precise delivery path.
- On the app, it is easy to see the available blocks and register them.
Pros:
- Block earnings are foreseeable.
- You do not wait till orders come.
- It is an excellent exercise method.
- No restaurants to wait and no food to shop.
Cons:
- You require a bigger vehicle, such as a 4-door sedan or bigger, to accommodate all the packages.
- Acquisition of blocks may be competitive, particularly the better-paid ones.
- The automobile can become old due to excessive driving.
Average Salary: $18 to 25 an hour (fixed block rate).
Best For: Individuals who desire consistency in their earnings and a routine.
Ratings: The application is not acquired in a public app store, but directly on the Flex website.
App Download Link: https://flex.amazon.com/
6. GoPuff
GoPuff is different. It is as though a convenience store is delivered. GoPuff drivers pick up products at a single local GoPuff warehouse instead of visiting numerous restaurants or shops. These warehouses contain thousands of products, including snacks, beverages, cleaning products, and over-the-counter medicine. The process is quick and simple since all the items are located in the same place.
You simply visit the warehouse where you collect your orders and use the delivery route in the app. This task is not as confusing as grocery shopping. In most regions, GoPuff offers a guaranteed hourly minimum wage, which is a pleasant safety net. You are also able to work on a schedule or log in at any time when you are free.
Key Features:
- Pickups are all based on one GoPuff warehouse.
- It is a no-fuss process: no shopping or waiting in restaurants.
- An hourly minimum pay is guaranteed in many markets.
- You are able to plan shifts to do more frequent work.
Pros:
- The pick-up process is time-saving.
- The minimum wage ensures a stable income.
- The work is not as stressful as the busy shops or restaurants.
- The deliveries normally remain near the warehouse.
Cons:
- It is expanding only in a few cities.
- It may be heavy, such as a carton of beverages.
- Base pay can be less, and therefore, tips are more significant.
Average Salary: $12 -20/h (with tips).
Best For: Drivers seeking a fast and easy job with a single pickup location.
Ratings: 4.8 on Apple App Store, 4.6 on Google Play Store.
App Download Link: https://www.gopuff.com/go/apps
7. Spark Driver
The Spark Driver application is the Walmart delivery driver application. You can earn money by delivering groceries and other products from Walmart and its affiliate stores, such as Sam’s Club. It is similar to Instacart, only that you deliver to Walmart. Various types of orders exist. You may receive an order for Shopping and Delivery, where you will shop for the items yourself.
Or you may get a Curbside Pickup order in which a Walmart employee has already purchased the items, and all you have to do is pick them up and deliver them to the car. Drivers like curbside orders as they are fast and convenient. Due to the ubiquity of Walmart, the Spark app can be locally present.
Key Features:
- You supply Walmart and its brands only.
- Provides various types of orders, such as shopping and simple pickups on the curb.
- Incentive programs and bonuses are usually available.
- You are able to agree on how much you will earn, the distance, and the size of the order beforehand.
Pros:
- Walmart is a large company, which means that numerous orders can be made.
- Pickup orders are time-saving and efficient.
- The app is simple to use.
- You are paid every week and can earn more based on incentives.
Cons:
- Pick up may be time-consuming.
- Large grocery orders are bulky and require a large amount of space in the vehicle.
- There might be numerous other drivers in front of busy shops.
Average Salary: $15 -25 an hour (tips included).
Best For: Individuals who are within the proximity of a Walmart and prefer a combination of shopping and delivery employment.
Ratings: 4.5 on Apple App Store, 4.3 on Google Play Store.
App Download Link: https://www.sparkdriverapp.com/en_us
8. Postmates
It is a popular delivery application in America. Uber now owns it. You can provide not only food but also groceries, beverages, and small retail products. It is similar to DoorDash: you place an order in the app, visit the pickup location, receive the goods, and deliver them to the customer. The fact that you work at any time is one of the most exciting things about Postmates.
There are no set shifts. In some cities, you can deliver using a car, scooter, or bike, and this makes it extremely flexible. The application displays the amount you will earn prior to taking a delivery, which will allow you to choose the ones that will be worth your time. Due to a large number of large cities where Postmates is working, there are typically numerous orders at lunchtime, dinner, and on weekends.
Key Features:
- Provides food, groceries and retail products.
- No fixed shifts – work anytime.
- Can deliver by vehicle, scooter or bike.
- Demonstrates profits prior to taking an order.
Pros:
- Stable flow of orders in large cities.
- No schedules in flexible work.
- Minimalistic and user-friendly application design.
Cons:
- Pay rates can vary by city.
- It is allowed to be off during slow periods.
- Needs quick responses in order to get the best orders.
Average Salary: $12-20/hour (including tips)
Best For: Folks who prefer flexible jobs in major cities.
Ratings: 4.8 in Apple App Store, 4.4 in Google Play Store.
App Download Link: https://postmates.com/
9. Caviar Courier
Caviar is a high-end food delivery service and operates in numerous large cities in the U.S. DoorDash purchased it, but it retains its brand. It targets luxury restaurants and fine dining establishments. Being a Caviar Courier, you drive, ride, or ride your scooter with restaurant food. The restaurants are also costlier, and thus drivers tend to receive higher tips compared to normal delivery apps. The app will present you with the entire order, the distance, and how much you will earn before you say yes, which helps you to select the most favorable payment.
Key Features:
- Partners with up-market restaurants in the major cities of the United States.
- You will have the entire payout and distance before taking.
- It is flexible; you can log in anytime.
- Built-in navigation assists you in getting the quickest path.
Pros:
- Greater tips due to restaurants of high quality.
- You receive less low-value orders.
- Very flexible schedule.
- Easy-to-use interface and the right instructions.
Cons:
- In major cities of the U.S. only.
- Low number of overall orders compared to large competitors such as DoorDash.
- Numerous drivers are competing in crowded locations.
Average Salary: $18-25/h (including tips).
Best For: American drivers in large cities who seek more well-paid food delivery employment.
Ratings: 4.7 on Apple App Store, 4.5 on Google Play Store.
App Download Link: https://www.trycaviar.com/en/
10. Roadie
It is among the apps like DoorDash. Roadie is a UPS-owned delivery service that does not operate like other applications. It allows individuals to deliver a wide variety of products, such as lost luggage, furniture, cakes, and building materials. Imagine that it is Uber with packages. The unique feature of Roadie is you can choose the deliveries that are already on your way.
As an illustration, when you are travelling across cities, you can open the Roadie app and see any jobs on your route. In order to make money, on the one hand, you are already travelling. You are paid depending on the size of the item and the distance it covers. The app is suitable to individuals who commute or to those who would like to make money during their daily commute.
Key Features:
- You are able to deliver a large variety of packages, not just food.
- You are able to select jobs that are along your route.
- Before you accept, you can view the pickup and drop-off locations and the amount you are going to earn.
- It serves long distances and local deliveries.
Pros:
- Earn money on the commuting or while traveling.
- You can carry heavy stuff at a greater fee.
- You have full flexibility. No set hours.
- You are perfectly aware of how much you will make before signing.
Cons:
- Jobs are not available at all times.
- Some are heavy or very big and require a bigger vehicle.
- It is not full-time employment to most.
Average Pay: The average is highly varying by gig. Between $8 to deliver locally to a short distance of about 5 miles and above to over 600 in a long-distance delivery.
Best For: Individuals who have a bigger car or drive between cities often.
Ratings: 4.7 on Apple App Store, 4.5 on Google Play Store.
App Download Link: https://www.roadie.com/
How Much Can You Make with Apps Like DoorDash?
The amount of money you make through apps like DoorDash can vary day in and day out and person to person. Here’s a simple look.
- Median Income: The median income of most drivers working with such apps as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub is approximately between 15 and 25 dollars per hour. Grocery apps such as Instacart and Spark can compensate slightly more, up to $28 an hour, given the speed and high tips. It is even before you pay your gas, car repairs, and other expenses.
- Tips and Bonuses: A large portion of your earnings is in the form of tips. You normally retain all the tips that customers give you. Good tips are normally accompanied by good service. Bonuses are also provided to drivers through apps to stay on the road during the time of day when it is busy. On DoorDash, these are referred to as Peak Pay, and on Uber Eats, these are referred to as Surge.
Conclusion
You can earn money working on the delivery apps like DoorDash at your own time. You can deliver hot meals, fresh groceries, or packages, and there are numerous apps that are available to do so. DoorDash is a decent start, but you can earn more by considering such apps as Uber Eats, Instacart, and Amazon Flex. Many restaurants that use delivery apps also rely on Restaurant POS Systems to manage orders smoothly, showing how the gig economy connects with modern food businesses.
You have to be successful, so you need to find the apps that fit you and your city. Test out various applications until you find one that works. Get good service, work at the most convenient time and place, and then you can transform your car, bike, or scooter into a good income earner.
FAQs
Is it possible to work on more than one delivery app simultaneously?
Yes. Numerous drivers have more than one app. It enables them to receive additional orders and choose the most profitable.
Should I have special insurance to be a delivery driver?
Contact your car insurance company. Some companies require a business policy or additional coverage in case you deliver by car.
How do I get paid by these apps?
The majority of apps give you money every week through direct deposit. Some provide immediate pay to get cash out every day, though a little charge is involved.
Are my earnings taxed?
Yes. As an independent contractor, you will have to pay your own taxes. Track your revenues and costs throughout the year.
