DoorDash vs. Uber Eats 2023: Which One is Best For Drivers?

Buying food from restaurants to eat at home has become incredibly popular over the last few years. This has led to a huge increase in demand for delivery services and for delivery drivers.

DoorDash and Uber Eats are two of the biggest meal delivery services. They both offer a way for anyone with a car or a bike to earn money by taking food from restaurants to customers.

There are many similarities between the two platforms. They both give drivers flexibility over when they work and have an easy-to-navigate sign-up process. They also both use an app to process orders and deliveries.

But there are differences, some of which will affect which one is a better option for you. In this article, we’ll compare the two platforms to give you a full picture of how they stack up.

DoorDash vs Uber Eats (2023 Update)

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DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: An Overview

DoorDash and Uber Eats are two of the most popular food delivery platforms. They both partner with thousands of restaurants and are available in cities across the U.S. and other countries.

What is DoorDash?

DoorDash is the largest food delivery company in the U.S. at the time of writing. According to Business of Apps, the service has 65% of the food delivery market. In comparison, Uber Eats hit 25% after buying Postmates.

DoorDash is available in over 7,000 cities in all 50 states across the United States. It also has a presence in Canada and Australia. Its vast availability makes it a good choice if you live in an area where other services don’t yet operate.

As with Uber Eats, DoorDash delivery drivers (also known as Dashers) complete deliveries by car, bike, or scooter. To learn more, check out our DoorDash driver review.

What is Uber Eats?

Uber Eats is the food delivery platform run by Uber—a company more well-known for its ride-sharing app. The link between the two services means those who already drive for one will be familiar with how the other works.

The delivery app began operations in 2014 and now hires drivers to work in 6,000 cities in 45 countries. This number is continually growing, and in July 2020, Uber bought delivery rival Postmates in a deal that will expand its network even further.

Drivers working for Uber Eats can use a car, bike, or scooter. As with all delivery apps, drivers get paid a fee per completed job. Read our full Uber Eats driver review to learn more.

>> Read Also: Postmates Driver Review: Make Extra Money Delivering Stuff

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DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: How Do They Work?

DoorDash and Uber Eats work in very similar ways. Customers order food from partner restaurants, and drivers take the food from the restaurant to the customer.

Here is a look at each platform in detail.

How DoorDash Works

The DoorDash experience is similar. Sign up for the app, wait for your application to be accepted, and then take food from restaurants to customers.

The biggest difference is that drivers have the option to schedule shifts in advance when working for DoorDash. Drivers who do this are prioritized for deliveries during quieter times.

The downside is that when a shift is full, you can’t just log on and start working. But you can use the map to find areas that require drivers and head to these locations.

Another significant difference is that DoorDash tells drivers the minimum amount they will receive for completing a job. This lets you make an informed decision about whether or not a job is worth completing.

How Uber Eats Works

Potential drivers can head over to the app’s sign-up page and create an account. (We discuss how to do this in further detail in the section below.) Once your application is accepted, you can begin to drive.

To start working, log into the Uber Eats app on your phone. You’ll then start to receive notifications for jobs at local restaurants. (You typically have around 15 to 30 seconds to accept a request, so be sure to act quickly.)

Once you accept, the app will provide more information about the order, including the pickup location and order details. Use this information to drive to the restaurant.

At the pickup location, check the order is correct and push “Start Delivery” to tell the app you’re ready for the next step.

You’ll then see directions to the delivery location. Once you arrive, follow the specific delivery instructions that tell you where and how to pass the order to the customer.

When you complete the food hand-over, tap to tell the app you have finished the job, and then rate your experience. You’ll then be made available for more orders.

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DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: Requirements

Both DoorDash and Uber Eats are relatively open about who they accept (although Uber Eats has slightly stricter vehicle requirements than DoorDash).

There are also differences depending on where you live and the regulations in your area. For example, while you can cycle to deliver for Uber Eats in some cities, you can’t in others.

Neither platform requires you to have existing delivery experience, which is great news for those just starting out.

You do need to live in an area where the platform operates. Occasionally, the services may freeze hiring when there are too many drivers in a certain area. If this is the case when you want to apply, keep checking back.

DoorDash Requirements

The biggest difference between Uber Eats and DoorDash is that the latter doesn’t have any specific vehicle requirements, which is a huge positive if your car is over 20 years old.

The full list of DoorDash requirements are: 

• Be 18 or over.
• Own a car, scooter, or bicycle (bicycle delivery is not available in all areas).
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Have a social security number.
• Pass a background check.

>> Read Also: DoorDash Driver Review: Make Extra Money Delivering Food

Uber Eats Requirements

A major benefit is that if you have already been accepted on Uber’s ride-sharing platform, you can easily switch over to work for Uber Eats, too.

For everyone else, there are requirements that vary depending on if you want to deliver using a car, scooter, or bike.

To deliver with a car, you need to be at the legal age to drive in your city and have at least one year’s driving experience. Your vehicle must be newer than 20 years old, and it must have two or four doors. You must have a valid license, registration, and insurance.

To deliver with a scooter, you must be 19 or older, have a vehicle that is under 50cc, and made in the last 20 years. You must have a valid license, registration, and insurance.

Bike delivery drivers just have to be 18 and have a government ID.

All drivers also have to pass a background check and must own a phone that can run the Uber Eats app. You’ll need a plan with data so you can run it while driving. Some areas may have further requirements.

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DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: Sign-Up Process

Signing up for each app is quick and easy. The entire process takes place online, and there are no interviews and no requirements to send in a CV or cover letter.

It typically takes around a week to go from applying to getting accepted. This makes both platforms good ways to start earning money fast.

DoorDash Sign-Up & Approval Process

Follow the below instructions to sign up for DoorDash.

1. Click apply on the DoorDash drivers page.
2. Complete your profile and authorize a background check.
3. Attend an in-person or online onboarding session.
4. Download the app if you haven’t already.
5. Set your schedule and start delivering.

Uber Eats Sign-Up & Approval Process

There are two ways to sign up for Uber Eats. If you already have an account for Uber’s ride-sharing service, you can log in and complete the process from within your existing account. If you don’t have an Uber account, you’ll have to create a new account.

Follow these steps:

1. Head to the sign-up page and fill out the form.
2. Choose where you want to drive and whether you want to use a car, bicycle, or scooter.
3. Upload all the required documents and consent to a background check.
4. Submit the application.
5. One approved, log into the app and start taking orders.

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DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: Pay

DoorDash and Uber Eats both pay on a per-job basis. But, the way each platform calculates your rate is slightly different.

When calculating your pay, remember that you will have to pay for gas and expenses while driving, which will eat into your earnings.

DoorDash Pay

DoorDash pay considers the following three factors:

• A base amount that differs depending on the estimated time, distance, and desirability of a job.
• Promotions and bonuses.
• 100% of tips.

In some areas, new drivers receive a guaranteed amount if they complete a certain number of jobs in a specific time frame.

Uber Eats Pay

Uber Eats pay is made up of a base fare, trip supplement, promotions, and tips.

• The base pay includes a fee for pickup and drop-off, as well as for the time spent on the delivery and the distance you travel.
• The trip supplement considers many factors, including when the distance or time is longer than expected.
• Promotions occur during certain times to encourage more drivers onto the roads.
• You always keep 100% of tips.

Uber Eats pays drivers via direct debit on a weekly schedule.

There is also an instant cash out feature that lets you withdraw available earnings at any time. This is super useful when you need some fast cash. Of course, it may take some time for the money to appear in your account.

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DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: Working Hours

Both DoorDash and Uber Eats are available 24/7. Whether there will be work available depends on demand in your area.

If you live in a busy city with all-night demand, you will have more flexibility than less busy areas where demand is centered around mealtimes.

Once you are accepted onto the platforms and have worked some shifts, you’ll begin to get a better idea of when your area is busy and when it is quiet.

DoorDash Working Hours Available

DoorDash drivers schedule shifts in advance, and those who do are prioritized for new deliveries. This may help you get jobs if you want to work at unusual times. DoorDash partners with 24-hour franchises.

Uber Eats Working Hours Available

Uber Eats drivers can work at any time of the day. The platform partners with several 24-hour chains, such as McDonald’s and IHOP, so there is at least a chance of work being available whenever you log on.

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DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: The App

The app is central to the experience of both DoorDash and Uber Eats. Here are some features to look out for on each one.

DoorDash App

The DoorDash App is called DoorDash Driver. Once you’re logged in, you can schedule shifts or choose to start delivering right away. The in-app map shows you which areas are busy so you can travel to them to get more work if you choose. You can request payment and view your earnings from within the app.

>> Read Also: Postmates vs. DoorDash: Which Side Hustle is Best For Drivers?

Uber Eats App

The Uber Eats app is actually the same one the platform uses for its rideshare service. You can simply toggle between the two services from within the settings. It contains instructions for each delivery as well as a map that shows you busy areas. You can request payment and track your earnings from within the app.

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DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: Earning Potential

Your earnings potential is similar on each platform. Because you don’t get paid between jobs, the biggest factor that will affect earnings is how busy the service is in your area.

To maximize earnings, many drivers sign up to multiple delivery platforms and open the apps at the same time to increase their chances of getting consistent work.

Ultimately, how much you earn on a shift can differ drastically depending on the situation at the time. The below estimates show how much existing drivers report earning.

How Much Can I Make with DoorDash?

DoorDash drivers earn an average of $15.57 per hour, according to Indeed, and an average of $12 per hour, according to Glassdoor.

How Much Can I Make with Uber Eats?

At the time of writing, Indeed records hourly rates on Uber Eats of between $15 and $35 an hour. It suggests the average is $23.

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DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: Rating System

Both DoorDash and Uber Eats have a rating system that scores drivers.

DoorDash Ratings

DoorDash drivers get two ratings: a customer rating and a job completion rating. Drivers that keep these two scores high get added to the Top Dasher program. This offers perks such as the ability to schedule shifts a day before other drivers and prioritization for jobs when working.

The customer rating is a score out of five calculated from your last 100 deliveries. You must keep a score of 4.2 or higher to keep delivering on the platform. Those with a score of 4.7 will be considered for the Top Dasher program.

The completion rate is the percentage of your last 100 deliveries that you have completed successfully. You must keep a score of over 80%, which gives plenty of scope for incomplete deliveries due to accidents. Customer cancellations do not affect your completion rate.

Uber Eats Ratings

Uber Eats drivers get a single rating out of five. Both restaurants and customers are able to leave reviews. If you consistently receive poor ratings, your account may be deactivated.

Drivers can easily see their score from within the app. The good news is that canceled or unaccepted deliveries do not affect your rating.

Uber Eats drivers also have the opportunity to rate the restaurant and the customer.

>> Read Also: Best Food Delivery Service to Work For

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DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: What We Like

There’s plenty we like about both Uber Eats and DoorDash. The easy and fast sign-up process is a huge benefit to people who want to start earning money fast, as is having freedom over when you work.

Here are some features we love about each platform.

What We Like About DoorDash

• Ability to schedule shifts.
• Top Dasher program.
• See minimum earnings before accepting a job.

What We Like About Uber Eats

• Easy to sign up for if you are already an Uber driver.
• Log in and work at any time.
• Instant pay.

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DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: What We Don’t Like

There are downsides to working as a delivery driver. Not getting a guaranteed hourly rate means you may spend time out on the road without earning much money. Paying for expenses like gas and data will also eat into earnings.

Here are some features we dislike about each platform.

What We Don’t Like About DoorDash

• You may have to schedule shifts in advance to get work.
• Those not in the Top Dasher program get the second choice on shifts.

What We Don’t Like About Uber Eats

• Can’t schedule shifts.
• Strict vehicle requirements.

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Final Thoughts

Both Uber Eats and DoorDash are good choices for people who want to work as food delivery drivers.

Choosing the best platform for you will typically depend on which has a larger presence in your area.

If their presence is similar, consider signing up for both platforms. This will allow you to test them out to see which you like the most.

The main exception is if your car doesn’t meet the Uber Eats vehicle requirements. If that’s the case, you’ll have to use DoorDash.

Alternatively, if you are already an Uber rideshare driver, then it may be easier to sign up for Uber Eats than DoorDash.

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*DoorDash earnings: “For Illustrative purposes only, actual earnings may differ and depend on expenses. Hourly pay is calculated using average Dasher payouts while on a delivery (from the time you accept an order until the time you drop it off) and includes compensation from peak pay, tips, and other incentives.”

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