AI-Powered Universal Comparison Engine

Delivery services: DoorDash vs. Amazon Prime Now

Quick Verdict

DoorDash is a better option for users primarily focused on restaurant delivery with a wider selection and geographic reach, while Amazon Prime Now is suitable for Prime members who want to consolidate grocery and restaurant deliveries with other Prime benefits, provided they meet minimum purchase requirements.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeDoorDashAmazon Prime Now
Delivery Speed26 minutes average, Express: 30-45 minutes, Standard: 30-60 minutesFast delivery, with options for delivery within one to two hours. Average delivery time of roughly 39 minutes.
Delivery Fees$1.99 to $5.99 + 15% service fee (min $3) + small order feesFree service to Prime members with a minimum purchase. Orders not meeting the minimum were charged a delivery fee (e.g., $5). For Amazon Fresh, delivery fees apply to orders under $150, ranging from $3.95 to $9.95 depending on the order total. A monthly grocery subscription ($9.99) waives delivery fees on orders over $35 from Whole Foods Market and Amazon Fresh.
Restaurant SelectionWide variety, filter by cuisine, rating, price, delivery timePartnered with local restaurants to offer delivery. The selection varied by location. Amazon Restaurants shut down in 2019.
Grocery AvailabilityYes, substitutions/refunds available, 1-2 hour delivery, scheduled ordersOffered grocery delivery through Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market.
Geographic Coverage4,000+ cities in US, Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia, Germany, JapanAvailable in major metropolitan areas in the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as select markets in other countries. Amazon operates in 23+ countries with dedicated websites and delivers to over 100 countries.
Subscription BenefitsDashPass: $9.99/month or $96/year, $0 delivery fees, reduced service fees on $12+ ordersA benefit of Amazon Prime membership. Amazon Prime includes free shipping, streaming (Prime Video, Amazon Music), unlimited photo storage, and exclusive deals. Prime members may also get Grubhub+ membership.
User Interface (App/Website)User-friendly, browse restaurants, filter, track ordersAccessible through the Amazon Prime Now app and the Amazon website. The app allowed users to browse restaurants and stores, place orders, and track deliveries.
Customer Service ResponsivenessOutsourced, some users report issuesNot available
Driver ReliabilityIndependent contractors (Dashers)Deliveries were completed by Prime Now employees.
Order Accuracy<2% missing/incorrect item rateNot available
Promotions and DiscountsRegularly offered, tied to holidays/occasionsFrequently offered exclusive deals and promotions. Amazon Prime members get exclusive sales and deals.
Alcohol DeliveryAvailable in 23 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia, ID verification requiredOffered alcohol delivery in some cities, subject to local laws. ID verification was required for alcohol deliveries.

Overall Comparison

DoorDash: Average delivery time of 26 minutes, <2% missing/incorrect item rate. Amazon Prime Now: Average delivery time of roughly 39 minutes.

Pros and Cons

DoorDash

Pros:
  • Fast delivery speeds
  • Wide variety of restaurants and cuisines
  • Grocery delivery available
  • User-friendly app
  • Regular promotions and discounts
  • DashPass offers benefits for frequent users
  • Alcohol delivery in select locations
Cons:
  • Variable delivery fees
  • Service fees add to the cost
  • Small order fees
  • Customer service responsiveness issues reported
  • Delivery area is dynamic
  • Peak hours may see dips in customer satisfaction and order accuracy

Amazon Prime Now

Pros:
  • Fast delivery options (1-2 hours)
  • Free delivery for Prime members with minimum purchase
  • Wide selection of grocery items through Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market
  • Partnerships with local restaurants
  • Exclusive deals and promotions for Prime members
  • Alcohol delivery in some cities
Cons:
  • One-hour delivery incurs an additional fee
  • Delivery fees for orders not meeting the minimum purchase threshold
  • Restaurant selection varies by location
  • Amazon Restaurants shut down in 2019
  • Coverage varies within a city
  • Customer service responsiveness not specified
  • Order accuracy specifics not available

User Experiences and Feedback