Over the years, the concept of food delivery has expanded beyond pizza and Chinese food thanks to delivery companies like GrubHub, Uber Eats, Postmates, and DoorDash.
Now, people can order meals from their favorite restaurants without having to leave the couch.
Busy individuals are relying on food delivery services to cater their meals.
Considering the variety of meal selections and stress-free ordering process, it comes as no surprise.
Over the last few years, the number of delivery orders has steadily increased, along with the popularity of Uber Eats and DoorDash.
This has led to both delivery apps expanding their coverage areas.
And with each expansion, the demand for delivery drivers jumps.
To help you better understand the restaurant delivery options we created this guide.
It is designed to provide drivers with a detailed look at which food delivery service is better between Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Let’s take a look.
Table Of Contents
Uber Eats vs DoorDash: Signing Up
Naturally, unique apps have different methods for achieving similar goals.
So it comes as no surprise that the process for becoming a food delivery driver for Uber Eats and DoorDash varies in notable ways.
Becoming an Uber Eats Driver
For those seeking to make deliveries via Uber Eats, drivers start by signing up as a Uber Eats driver.
This includes making an Uber account if you do not have one already or logging into the Uber Partner App if you do.
If you already pick up and drop off passengers for Uber, you just need to accept the delivery terms for Uber Eats and delivery requests will start flowing in.
For new drivers, completing the sign-up process usually takes less than 30 minutes.
This estimate varies, it is much quicker if you do not have to hunt down the required documentation like a valid driver’s license and insurance.
Uber Eats Driver and Vehicle Requirements
After submitting this information, if you meet the mandatory requirements Uber will send you a notification.
Notable restrictions if you intend on making deliveries via a car or truck include an age requirement of 19 years old or older.
Your vehicle must also have 2 or 4 doors and be made after 1998.
Furthermore, to become an Uber Eats driver, newcomers must maintain local road safety laws.
Although regulations vary from state-to-state, general mandatory rules include:
- A valid driver’s license
- A valid Uber insurance policy (an auto policy that meet’s Uber’s insurance requirements)
- At least one year of driving experience in the United States
Uber Eats Bike or Scooter Requirements
The game changes completely for drivers seeking to make deliveries via a scooter or bike.
For example, Uber scooters can be any make or model as long as they have 2 wheels.
And in case you decided to soup up your scooter to make it run faster, bad news. Uber only permit scooters with a motor of 50cc or less that travel no faster than 30 mph. Bummer right?
As for bikes, the age restriction drops to 18 and requires only a government-issued ID. Be sure to let Uber know you intend to make deliveries via bicycle.
During sign up, choose the ‘Biking’ option under the transportation method.
Bear in mind, acceptable delivery methods vary by city and state.
Once Uber gives the “all clear” new drivers can navigate to the Uber Partner App and start accepting delivery requests.
Becoming a DoorDash Driver
Since DoorDash is a standalone app, the DoorDash sign up link is the same for all new drivers.
Keep in mind there are regulations set in place to become a DoorDash driver, which vary based on location.
DoorDash Driver and Vehicle Requirements
In most areas, you can become a DoorDash driver if you are at least 18 years of age. There are some locations where the age restriction bumps up to 21.
This is due to the fact that some deliveries involve alcohol.
If you are wondering whether to bother with signing up due to being less than 21 years of age, go ahead and apply.
DoorDash stores all local and state law information in the app so you do not have to do any guesswork in regards to age qualification.
Drivers must be eligible to work in the U.S. and pass a background check.
During the history review, DoorDash examines the last seven years of your driving track record as well as criminal background.
There are a healthy number of violations that can auto fail a candidate. If you have any of the following major violations within the last seven years you may not pass the background check.
- DUI
- Reckless Driving
- Homicide
- Assault
- Driving On Suspended or Expired License
- Failure to Stop or Report
If drivers pass this part of the exam, DoorDash looks at your last three years of driving history.
Those with more than three minor moving violations, such as speeding, may not be able to deliver for DoorDash.
The documentation required varies based on the type of vehicle you want to make deliveries in.
For example, if you deliver in a car or truck, DoorDash requires a valid driver’s license and up-to-date insurance.
Another essential item drivers need is a smartphone that can run the app without any issues.
DoorDash Driver Orientation
If you meet all the requirements there is one last hurdle: DoorDash orientation. All drivers, a.k.a. Dashers, must complete an orientation.
Orientation takes place in-person or online, depending on location.
During orientation, new Dashers will receive an overview of the DoorDash delivery system, such as the app itself. Dashers are also required to fill out a W-9 form for tax purposes.
Make sure you come to orientation prepared. Have your license, smartphone, and either a debit or credit card on you.
Once you’re done with orientation, there will be an opportunity to grab some DoorDash gear.
If you need to cancel orientation for any reason, do not worry.
DoorDash makes it super easy to reschedule your orientation time and date.
Navigate to the app, click “Already started signing up?” then enter your name and phone number.
You will be redirected to a page that has ‘Reschedule Orientation’ on it in red.
Need more information on DoorDash? Read our DoorDash FAQs.
Our Take on Becoming a Food Delivery Driver
Although the sign-up processes are very similar, distinct differences are just enough to make one app stand out. We are of course talking about Uber Eats.
Uber Eats is available in more areas making it a bit easier for drivers to start making deliveries.
Additionally, if you are already an Uber driver, signing up for Uber Eats takes minimal effort.
Uber Eats vs DoorDash: Earnings
Uber Eats Earnings
Each time an Uber Eats driver drops off an order they get paid.
Thanks to ‘Instant Pay’, drivers can withdraw money immediately after it shows up in your account.
While customers are changed a standard delivery fee (Uber Eats calls this a booking fee), drivers are not paid the same amount for every order.
Uber calculates payment for completed deliveries based on a few conditions.
If you are a rideshare driver, the following fee break-down may already be familiar to you.
- Payment For Picking Up Order
- Cash for Dropping Off An Order
- Distance Travelled x Local Area Rates
- Duration of Time it Took to Deliver
Drivers are also able to receive tips. With no regulations on tip amount, drivers can rake in extra cash on top of their normal paycheck.
Thanks to tips, some drivers report making up to $20 per hour.
On top of the earnings made from deliveries, Uber Eats drivers can make a little extra by getting new drivers to sign up with a referral code.
Uber does take a cut of the commission, which is 25% on average.
This percentage is automatically deducted when customers pay for their delivery request.
DoorDash Earnings
The method DoorDash uses to calculate a Dasher’s pay varies from state to state.
For example, in some areas, there is a guaranteed minimum per hour. Meaning that if you do not make at least the minimum rate, DoorDash will pay the difference.
In most areas, DoorDash uses a standard model that pays drivers $1 for each trip plus the estimated profits generated for that order.
To make being a Dasher even sweeter, DoorDash only takes a 20% commission on average.
Add to this the fact that drivers keep 100% of the tips they earn and it is easy to see why some drivers report making up to a sweet $25 per hour.
DoorDash also has a referral program and promo codes which allows drivers to bring in a little (or a lot) of extra cash, as long as they avoid these common mistakes.
DoorDash traditionally pays out on a weekly basis, but DoorDash just recently started offering a quicker method.
Dashers can access their funds at any time via ‘Instant Pay.’
The withdraw fee is nearly double that of Uber’s Instant Pay. However, having access to your funds when you need it most is very important.
At the time of writing this article, only a select number of cities currently offer Fast Pay.
Earnings Breakdown
Both services offer similar pricing structure and payment options.
A delivery person can make more money if they can reduce delivery time, follow delivery instructions perfectly (this helps get a better tip), and handle multiple orders at a time (reducing mileage).
Ultimately, earnings depend on the number of deliveries you make, your tips, and your location.
Taking these factors into consideration, it is difficult to say which app pays drivers better.
That said, DoorDash’s reduced commission and guaranteed minimum (in some areas) are definite bonuses.
Uber Eats vs DoorDash App Comparison
Uber Eats App
Uber Eats makes it possible for drivers to use the same app they use for their rideshare business. This is fantastic if you are already an Uber Partner.
To start making deliveries open the Uber Partner App. Navigate to your Account and select Vehicle Options.
From there, accept the delivery terms and start making deliveries.
That’s it!
Feel free to turn the delivery on or off as much as you like.
DoorDash App
The DoorDash app requires a bit more from drivers to get started.
This is understandable considering they are a food delivery service and not a rideshare app.
Nevertheless, after a driver is officially a dasher, they can identify which profitable orders they want to pick up. All orders are not made until a Dasher accepts the delivery.
No pressure, right?
Beyond that, Dashers using an iPhone (iOS) are not able to download the app in the App Store.
Potential Dashers with an iPhone can only download the app via www.doordash.com/dasher/app. Android can download the Dasher app in the Play Store.
Preferred App
For existing Uber drivers, it is very convenient to start delivering for Uber Eats because you do not need to download a new app.
Other than that, both apps serve a similar function very well.
Uber Eats vs DoorDash: Delivery Hours
Uber Eats Hours
Drivers can accept pickups any time of the day.
This makes it very convenient for those seeking a flexible work schedule to fit in additional orders throughout the week.
DoorDash Hours
Since there are only so many peak periods in a day, DoorDash schedules Dashers to ensure drivers are available.
DoorDash recently added the “Dash Now” option. Dash Now makes it easier for drivers to reduce downtime between auto-scheduled deliveries.
In exchange, drivers that opt-in for “Dash Now” receive priority over other drivers when a delivery pops up.
Better Driver Hours
For those who like to have structure, DoorDash’s work schedule is a neat feature.
Combining mandatory driver hours with the “Dash Now” option can be pretty lucrative.
Nevertheless, both apps allow drivers to accept orders when they have time to do so and hours are similar due to restaurant hours.
Uber Eats vs DoorDash: Driver Support
Uber Eats Driver Support
In addition to their online support, Uber has actuals office drivers can visit in some cities. These in-person locations are across the nation, usually called Greenlight Hubs.
Contacting support is usually pretty easy, and to make it even easier, there are five total ways to contact Uber driver support.
DoorDash Driver Support
Since DoorDash is smaller than Uber, it can be much easier to get in contact with support via Twitter or the DoorDash page.
Best Customer Support
Both services pride themselves on providing top-notch support for customers and drivers.
The way these companies go about accomplishing support varies based on company size.
For example, with the way Uber is set up, Greenlight Hubs are a bonus for Uber Eats drivers, if there is one nearby.
In contrast, DoorDash focuses on providing the optimal food delivery service.
Due to their singular yet dedicated goal, it may be easier to talk to a real person via social media channels.
Uber Eats vs DoorDash: Availability
Uber Eats City Availability
Across North America, Uber Eats is typically available wherever Uber is offered.
For a full list of cities where Uber Eats is available, check the Uber Eats website.
DoorDash City Availability
DoorDash currently operates in the following locations.
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Ft. Worth
- Denver
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Los Angeles
- Minneapolis
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Orange County
- Phoenix
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Silicon Valley
- SF East Bay
- Seattle
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Washington, D.C.
- San Antonio
- Nashville
City Availability, Our Take
The clear winner here is Uber Eats thanks to their vast driver network and ability to expand.
Uber Eats vs. DoorDash Summary
Uber wins most of the categories we mentioned due do to their coverage area.
But if you are in an area that is a DoorDash city the service is definitely worth considering.
The sign-up process for both apps is similar and straightforward.
DoorDash’s orientation can be a bit of a hassle whereas transitioning from Uber rideshare to Uber Eats is pretty easy.
In areas where DoorDash orders are ample, drivers may make more due to the smaller commission compared to Uber. But if there are no DoorDash orders, Uber Eats is the way to go.
Both Uber Eats and DoorDash are easy to use. The winner in this category was awarded due to the ease of getting started.
As for driver hours, timing is about the same due to restaurant hours. However, Uber Eats has mandatory shifts since making food deliveries is their main line of work.
It’s common sense, but it essentially comes down to personal preference.
Bear in mind, Uber Eats is part of an established company and has a larger coverage area. This combination makes them very accessible to drivers.
DoorDash is available in more markets than listed here. I personally am in the Greater Orlando, FL market (Orlando, Sanford, Clermont, Apopka, Winter Park, etc). I am also able to Dash in Gainesville, FL, Brevard County, FL (Cocoa, Titusville, Cape Canaveral, Melbourne, etc), and the Daytona Beach area because they are close enough.
I have delivered with both Uber Eats and DoorDash and I prefer DoorDash as a driver because it pays more (about double per order) and Uber Eats had me driving further in general (thus more miles and time per order). Due to these issues I can make more than double per hour doing DoorDash while putting less miles on my car (costing less in gas).
The only bad thing about DoorDash is they tend to cut into tip amounts (in a way). The way they do this is buy lowering the amount they pay you (minimum $1) depending on tip. Let’s say I am guaranteed $8 for a delivery. If the person tips $2, then DD pays me $6. If the person tips me $7, then DD only pays me $1 and the rest of the pay is the tip (so I still get just $8 even after the very generous tip). This is why it is better to tip your driver (or at least a majority of the tip) in cash. However, since Uber Eats customers don’t tend to tip a lot anyway, you still wind up making a lot more with DD.
Full disclosure: I have only done Uber Eats one day (partial day actually because I switched back to DD), but it yielded only $13 for 3 trips that took way too long (probably an hour and a half for the 3 trips if I were to guess). DD on the other hand tends to pay around $7-10 per trip with less distance to travel over all (in my experience).
Uber Eats does tend to stay busier in off peak times (even in peaks times there is a slightly less wait time as it seems they hook you up as soon as you finish a deliver during peak hours).
I’ve been doing UberEats deliveries for about 4 months now, and it’s gotten better more recently. Lots of navigation issues sorted out, the 2.0 version of the app is smoother. When combined with an ongoing promotion, it’s easy to score $8 per trip (plus possible tip). An average short range call (less than 2 miles) averages in the $3-$3.50 range. A longer trip (5 miles) averages around $5-$7.
The trick with making solid money with UberEats is to hang out near a boost zone, if you have one. During dinner time (4-9 PM) there’s a triple boost, so that $4 call is $12. In addition, the ongoing quest promotions help. One has been ongoing in my area, where each trip up to 10 trips gives you a $4 bonus per call, so that $3 call is now $7, and that $7 call is now $11. If you combine the promotion with a boost call, you can easily make $15 for a short range call.
I mostly do deliveries on my commute home from my job, and make around $100/week and take an average of 10 calls during the week. I also know Door Dash is in my area too, around the NJ shore, I’ve seen them advertised at some locations that also do UberEats. It’s hard to say who is newer to the area, because I’m seeing more places with both services offered. Its hard to say if Door Dash is being pushed out for UberEats, or vice versa, or maybe there’s just enough business for both.
I was so excited when DoorDash became available in my area but DoorDash pays more because they over charge for food even by double sometimes and with places who include tax in their prices they charge you for it anyway, so while it may be great for you, it’s not for the customers. Doordash also likes to cancel orders 5 minutes before they’re supposed to arrive and often they don’t even bother to cancel or refund you. The company does not respond to these issues so I will not support them for now.
I don’t understand why your articles never have the information I’m looking for, which is a bottom-line comparison. Your articles waste my time. I will avoid your site.
lol
I am surprised to hear DoorDash pays more. I just had a terrible experience with a driver shaming me for my tip ( which with the service fee was 50%). I usually end up paying 22- 30 bucks for a 15 meal. I thought they must not pay there drivers the entire tip.
I am probably going to try Uber eats from now on.
Im currently a driver for Doordash i was thinking of switching to uber eats but not after finding out they have mandatory shifts that doesn’t work for me and neither does vote yes on question 22 work for me however it might be good for uber eats just saying.
They DO NOT have mandatory shifts!! You can work whenever you want. You do have to have so many delivery’s, make so much in a Months time of you want to move up in rank with more perks. I am diamond and have to keep a 95 or above ranking along with 400 points to keep my rating. People who comment should know the facts before commenting.
I started driving for Doordash yesterday. I was 30 seconds from a restaurant when I was offered a pickup there. I accepted the offer. But 30 seconds later when I reached the restaurant, they told me someone else had already picked up that order. When I got home that evening, I noticed a Non-Delivery Complaint in my email for that order. The restaurant gave away the order to a non-Doordash customer, I was able to pick it up, yet I was given a negative report for not delivering it!! Today I accepted an offer for a big order. When I reached the restaurant one minute later, the restaurant was still preparing the order. I waited 10 to 15 minutes for the order to be ready. When I finally left the restaurant with the order, I used the Doordash app for the address and found that it took me over a mile to a freeway that was jam packed with rush hour traffic. This was bizarre because the destination was a short trip if I ignored the app and took city streets instead. But as per instructions I used the app. When I got off the freeway, the app drove me past the destination, then looped me back to the freeway and the same traffic. I ignored the app at that point, got off the freeway and went to the destination on my own. I met the customer outside and delivered the order to him, and he seemed happy. When I got home, I found another complaint from Doordash about being late, and Doordash had the nerve to cancel my payment!! As if I was responsible for the restaurant’s lateness and the GPS’s insane love of freeways during rush hour. Bye bye Doordash, I don’t need your nastiness, your attitude toward your drivers is unacceptable to me.
I had over 500 successful deleveries. One guy lied about not getting his food after I asked him to recite his food order. When he did I gave it to him because I had a hard time finding him in a huge apt complex. After he said his food never arrived my account was deactivated by Doordash. I’ve been working for UberEats ever since and no such nonsense has ever occurred after over 1000 deliveries. Happy with UberEats!
I’ve done both UberEats and DoorDash. I tend to make quite a bit more money with DoorDash. However, if you don’t keep up their “Top Dasher” status, it’s a REAL PAIN to have to “schedule” trips. Also, I’ve never encountered a “mandatory shift” with UberEats, at least not in the DFW area of Texas. Not sure where you’re getting that info.
I’ve just started with Uber eats.
I live in the metro Atlanta area. I am not required to do mandatory shifts.
I choose my own hours as many or little as I want.
Thinking about doing door dash as well but I’m hearing bad things about door dash every where.
Uber eats has been very easy money . I’m very happy with Uber eats thus far.
Their app is not the greatest so I stay in areas I’m familiar with.
I started with doordash and it was alright. made about 700$ in not to terribly long but never broke 100$ in a day working 4 or 5 hrs
switched over to uber eats been doing that about 4 days so far. for about 4-5hrs a day and have broke 100 each day.
today I worked about 9hrs and made 179$
I strongly prefer uber eats and I haven’t had to schedule any shift or anything either I just do it when I feel like it.
I do notice with Doordash as a Top Dasher I get more orders and better orders throughout the day even 2-4pm dead time and the pay has been a lot better.
As of today i have worked for both Uber Eats and doordash in the Cleveland area and Wheeling for about a month now. I get paid way better with Uber and do not have to commit to time blocks like I do on doordash. Uber definitely shows they value their driver’s way more than doordash. Especially as of 2021 Uber has started adding incentives such as benefits for their drivers. Even roadside assistance with medical depending on how many deliveries you do. The more that you do the more benefits your offered. With doordash I see nothing like this but high demand on his driver’s due to a rating system that’s very flawed. You have to hold a ranking of 4.2 or higher to stay with doordash and most customers don’t rank you unless they have a complaint. To this day between both apps I have been way more lucrative with ubereats than doordash. Doordash does not have a minimum order so you’ll get that $4 delivery with no tip sometimes. Uber I never made a delivery under $10 and that’s without a tip! It really does depend on what city you’re in to which one you should go with but for sure try both if you can in your city. But right now I like Uber Eats more than doordash as a driver.
Depending on your area is really the bottom line! Here in Hawaii, Uber Eats pay much more for a shorter distance and the customer can tip you after you have delivered to them. (It’s more of a personal connection with the customer) because you can edit your about me section which the customer sees. Door Dash here just gives you a straight base and partial tip and if the customer wants to adjust tip to more they’ll have to reach out to customer support which has a long wait time. Or tip cash, So they pretty much don’t end up tipping you more. How ever door dash is very popular in this area. So when it’s slow with Uber I just turn on Door Dash and will most likely pick up and order. But I’m pretty much doing the same amount of work for less money. I prefer Uber.
I do both Door Dash & Uber. Door Dash gets more orders but Uber Eats pays better. Here, Door Dash pays $2 per delivery plus tip while Uber Eats rarely pays less than $6 per delivery plus tip. The thing is, Door Dash has way more business than Uber Eats. The thing is, Uber Eats offers more extras like discount gas, car discounts, Free tuition at Arizona State University online, ect. all based on your delivery level (one’s delivery level is determined by the # of points you receive). Where I live, the area that you deliver from determines which one you will make the most $ on.