Both Instacart and Grubhub offer valuable delivery services, but cater to slightly different needs. Instacart excels in grocery delivery with a wide selection of stores, while Grubhub is a strong choice for restaurant meals with a vast network of partners and dietary filters. The best choice depends on the user's primary need: groceries or restaurant food.
| Attribute | Instacart | Grubhub |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Speed | Offers same-day, next-day, and 2-hour delivery windows. Priority Delivery in as little as 30 minutes. Average delivery time is around 90 minutes. | Average delivery time is around 50 minutes, varying from 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic, restaurant booking, and driver availability. Factors include distance and restaurant busyness. |
| Delivery Fees | Start at $3.99 for non-Instacart+ members. Vary depending on retailer, delivery window, and order total. Higher fees for one-hour deliveries, club store deliveries, and deliveries under $35. | Delivery fee starts at 10% when using Grubhub's drivers. Restaurants can use their own drivers and pay zero delivery fees. Some restaurants may charge delivery fees from $1 to $12, but typically they range from $2 to $5. |
| Restaurant Selection | Partners with Uber Eats for restaurant delivery. | Wide network of restaurant partners. Users can search by cuisine, restaurant name, or menu item. Offers personalized recommendations and carousels. |
| Grocery Selection | Partners with national chains like Target, ALDI, Costco, and local grocery stores. Offers a wide range of products. | Offers grocery delivery in some locations. |
| Service Availability (Location) | Available in over 40 states, but may not be available in all areas, particularly rural ones. | Operates in over 4,000 U.S. cities. |
| Order Accuracy | Some customers report issues with missing items or incorrect orders. | Grubhub has a 'Grubhub Guarantee' that ensures order accuracy. Restaurants can improve accuracy by including detailed menu descriptions, checking orders carefully, and regularly updating their online menus. |
| Customer Service Responsiveness | Reviews vary, with some users reporting negative experiences and others indicating it is better than competitors. | Offers customer support through email, a help center, and 24/7 phone support. |
| App Usability | Generally user-friendly, with features like saved lists and recommendations. Some users have reported issues with navigation and search. | Straightforward, intuitive interface. Recent updates include personalized recommendations, a 'Wallet' feature, and live activity tracking for iOS. |
| Driver Professionalism | Relies on independent contractors, which can lead to inconsistency in service. | Aims to provide an excellent customer experience with on-time delivery and 24/7 customer care. |
| Special Offers and Discounts | Provides various discounts, including those for first-time users and promotions with select retailers. Discounted items and sales are available within the app. | Provides various discounts, including those for first-time users, students, and military personnel. Offers promo codes for specific savings. |
| Subscription Options | Instacart+ membership costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year. Benefits include free delivery on orders over $35 and reduced service fees. | Grubhub+ is a membership program that costs $9.99 per month and offers unlimited free delivery on orders over $12, lower service fees, and a 5% credit on pickup orders. Amazon Prime members and Bank of America cardholders may be eligible for a free year of Grubhub+. |
| Dietary Filter Options | Allows filtering retailers by categories, such as grocery, convenience, and alcohol. | Offers dietary filters to help users with allergies or dietary restrictions find compatible meals. These filters generate personalized recommendations and tags within menus. |