It never fails: you’ve had a long day, and the last thing you want to do is cook dinner. With a simple internet search of “food delivery near me” you can solve your problem.
Whether you want to order from your phone or computer, on-demand food delivery apps let you have a meal delivered to your home.
If you’re looking for a cheap food delivery service, our guide shares the top apps to use to save money.
Top Food Delivery Apps to Have Meals Delivered to You
Is your only experience using meal delivery getting a pizza delivered to your home? There are numerous other choices now that makes virtually any type of food possible for delivery.
But, if you like pizza, read our guide on how to get free pizza delivered to your home.
It’s not that expensive to use a delivery app, especially when you use a promotion.
For example, you can use the below offers to save money on meals:
Grubhub – $7 off any order of $12+ when you use the code “AFF7”
Most other meal delivery services near you offer similar promotions when you open a new account.
Are you looking for a new way to save money on meal delivery? Below are the seven best food delivery apps to get meals at your door.
1. DoorDash
DoorDash is one of the fastest-growing cheap food delivery apps as they operate in over 4,000 cities. The DoorDash service sets itself apart with its in-app notifications.
You can track your order’s progress, pickup time, and even watch a map of where your driver is going.
The average delivery fee for DoorDash is $5 to $8 per order. The cost varies based on the size and cost of your order.
However, you can sign up for their $10 a month membership and not pay any delivery fees on orders $15 or more. You’ll also be able to order pickup for free as a member, just in case you want to swing by the restaurant on your way home.
DoorDash regularly sends emails with different offers, so there are many opportunities to save money on meal delivery.
2. Grubhub
Grubhub is another top contender for food delivery. I’ve used Grubhub numerous times, and my food has always been hot, fresh, and quick.
You can order from everyday favorites or small and local places nearby. Grubhub even works with some restaurants exclusively, like Denny’s, Taco Bell, and Shake Shack.
Grubhub doesn’t have a set pricing on delivery fees; they allow the restaurants they partner with to set them. However, most restaurants are typically in the $3 to $8 range, plus tips if you decide to tip your driver.
Of course, taxes and Grubhub fees (a few dollars each order) also apply.
The app highlights restaurants that deliver with sales, those without fees, and more. The Grubhub app also offers catering for large events.
3. Postmates by Uber Eats
In 2020 Uber Eats grew even larger as they bought Postmates and made it a part of the well-known delivery company. Like Uber Eats, you can find Postmates by Uber Eats in most of the areas where Uber is.
In addition to delivering restaurant food, Postmates by Uber Eats can deliver groceries, office supplies, and household items making them one of the top Instacart competitors.
To get your food delivered from Postmates by Uber Eats, you’ll pay between $4.99 and $6.99 for most merchants. You’ll see the costs reflected as you’re ordering your food.
4. Uber Eats
Uber Eats is one of the first and most popular delivery services, and they’re also one of the biggest. Unlike some platforms that only cover specific areas, Uber Eats is available in almost every area that Uber is.
So, if you know you can order an Uber in your town or city, you can likely order Uber Eats as well.
Uber Eats is on the lower side when it comes to service fees. They range from $.99 to $4.99, with many in the $.99 to $2.99 range.
Just like with the other apps, Uber Eats also has a membership program. For $9.99 a month, users can get free delivery and five percent off on orders $15 or more.
5. Delivery.com
Delivery.com is a little different than the other meal delivery apps on this list. What makes it so unique is that it offers more than just food delivery, and it’s free to use.
If you’re lucky enough to have Delivery.com in your area (I’m not), not only can you get your groceries and meals covered, but your laundry, gifts, and catering too should you need them.
Delivery.com doesn’t charge you anything to use their service. They only pass on the charge they incur from the chosen retailer.
The average fees are under $8 an order. You can also earn delivery points whenever you order online.
You’ll earn 20 delivery points per $1 spent, which are redeemable for credits on future purchases.
6. Seamless
Seamless is one of the only apps I’ve found that accept PayPal and cash as options when you order your food online. The Seamless app operates in over 500 cities, and work with dozens of restaurants.
Seamless also doesn’t charge a fee to use their website. Another cool perk with Seamless is that they work with restaurants to be more eco-friendly as well.
As with the rest of the apps, delivery fees vary from restaurant to restaurant. However, average delivery fees are less than $7.99.
Since Seamless doesn’t charge you to use their website, your only other costs would be the taxes on your food and the tip for your driver if you choose to do that.
7. GoPuff
If you don’t want a full meal, only feel like snacking, or if you’re hosting a movie night and need snacks quick, GoPuff is the service for you.
Upon logging into the app, you can order from the over 3,000 products that GoPuff stocks. You pay the delivery fee, and get snacks, cleaning supplies, and more right to your door.
GoPuff also has just one flat delivery fee of $1.95. That’s it. No matter how small, large, cheap, or expensive your order is, you’ll only spend $1.95 to get it delivered. How cool is that?
What to Know About Food Delivery Services
You must keep several things in mind when using on-demand service. Those include:
You may pay surge pricing. These fees vary with each app, but some services charge more during peak times like the dinner hour. Unless you live in a large downtown area, this likely won’t impact you much, but it’s important to keep in mind.
Don’t forget the tip. Even if you pay a delivery fee, the driver likely sees a minimal part of it. Some food apps let you include a tip in the app, but not all. Make sure to tip the driver and include it in your cost.
You may pay more through an app. Some restaurants charge more when you order through an app. It may not amount to much, and it also may require you to pick up the meal. Verify pricing before placing your order.
Don’t use these apps if you’re picking up the meal. Some meal apps let you select to pick up the order. Unless it’s free of charge, you should deal directly with the restaurant.
Summary
While takeout can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be. And sometimes, the extra cost is worth it to save time and energy.
These food delivery apps are a great way to treat yourself when you don’t want to prepare a meal. Make sure to take advantage of promotional offers to save money and test out services.
How many times do you eat out each month? What do you do to save money on eating out?
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