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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Safeway Deals & Delivery vs Instacart

Safeway Deals & Delivery 4.8★ · Free to download 65
Winner Instacart
Instacart 4.8★ · Free to download 75

Instacart is generally preferred for its broader delivery service and convenience, while Safeway Deals & Delivery excels in providing direct savings and in-store benefits for loyal Safeway shoppers.

Full reviews: Safeway Deals & Delivery · Instacart

Instacart offers widespread grocery delivery and convenience, making it a lifesaver for many, despite common complaints about high fees and occasional order issues. Safeway Deals & Delivery focuses on direct savings, coupons, and in-store functionality for Safeway customers, though it struggles with app bugs and in-store connectivity.

Head to head

Features & Functionality edge: InstacartR1R2R5R6
Safeway Deals & Delivery Safeway's app is praised for its ability to clip weekly coupons, accumulate points, and facilitate pickup and delivery, helping users save money R2R5R49. However, users report significant issues with the weekly ad not working, search functions failing, and general bugs R6R7R18. Some find the coupon clipping process confusing R13 and the app cluttered with sponsored content R1. There are also requests for features like aisle numbers for items and the ability to filter out unwanted offers .
Instacart Instacart is highly valued for its convenience in ordering groceries for delivery, especially for those with mobility issues or busy schedules R80. Users appreciate the wide selection and fast delivery . However, there are frequent complaints about items being out of stock , incorrect orders , and issues with replacement options . Some users also report bugs with logging in or specific store features .
Ease of Use edge: InstacartR2R3R8R9
Safeway Deals & Delivery Many users find the Safeway app easy to use and intuitive for finding items and clipping deals, especially after a short learning curve R2R8R11. However, significant frustrations arise from poor in-store Wi-Fi preventing barcode scanning R3R9, the app constantly requiring store selection , and difficulties with the 'clip deals' function R13. Some also criticize microscopic font and a cluttered, confusing interface .
Instacart Instacart is generally described as easy to use from a phone , providing a convenient and hassle-free shopping experience R80. However, some users find the website difficult and cumbersome . There are also issues with the app forcing new orders for single forgotten items and the default store selection based on ZIP code being problematic .
Reliability & Performance tieR7R16R22R25
Safeway Deals & Delivery The Safeway app frequently suffers from performance issues, including slow loading times R25, connection problems R7, and search functions timing out . Users report the app not working at all after updates R16 or only working 'half the time' R22. Issues with coupons not loading or being deducted automatically are also noted .
Instacart Instacart generally offers fast and timely deliveries . However, a significant number of users experience late deliveries , orders being pushed back or cancelled , and issues with orders being delivered to the wrong address . Some report unresponsive login buttons and general app bugs .
Price & Value edge: Safeway Deals & DeliveryR5R23R38R43
Safeway Deals & Delivery Safeway's app is highly praised for helping users save 'hundreds of dollars' through weekly coupons, 'for u' deals, and a point system R5R23R38R49. It's seen as a valuable tool for reducing grocery costs R5R49. One user reported an unexpected $79 charge after downloading, but this appears to be an isolated incident R43.
Instacart Instacart is frequently criticized for being expensive, with users citing high service fees, delivery fees, and markups on items R62. Some feel tricked into subscriptions . While it offers convenience, many question the value for money due to these added costs.
Customer Support & Service edge: Safeway Deals & DeliveryR13R14R17R26
Safeway Deals & Delivery Safeway's app users report positive experiences with in-store staff being helpful with deals R13 and excellent delivery service R14R17R26. However, issues with coupon redemption sometimes require manager intervention .
Instacart Instacart's customer service receives mixed reviews. Some praise quick communication and helpfulness , while others report terrible service, unhelpful AI chatbots, and difficulty connecting with support . There are complaints about slow credit refunds for missing orders and inadequate compensation for issues . Shopper quality is also a concern, with reports of incorrect orders and poor communication .
Pick Safeway Deals & Delivery if

You are a regular Safeway shopper looking to maximize savings through digital coupons and loyalty points, and you primarily use the app for in-store deals or Safeway's own pickup/delivery service R5R38R49.

Pick Instacart if

You need convenient grocery delivery from a wide range of stores, value time savings, or have mobility challenges, and are willing to pay extra fees for the service R80.

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews, often highlighting bugs and service issues. Instacart's negative reviews frequently focus on pricing and delivery problems, while Safeway's often relate to app functionality and in-store integration.

Frequently asked

How do Safeway Deals & Delivery and Instacart compare on pricing?
Safeway Deals & Delivery is highly praised for helping users save hundreds of dollars through its coupons, 'for u' deals, and point system, making it a strong option for cost savings R5R23R49. Instacart, however, is frequently criticized for being expensive due to high service fees, delivery fees, and item markups R62.
Which app is better for grocery delivery?
Instacart is generally considered better for grocery delivery due to its widespread availability across many stores and its convenience for users who need items delivered quickly, often serving as a 'lifesaver' for busy individuals or those with mobility issues R80. Safeway Deals & Delivery also offers pickup and delivery, with some users having 'the best luck' with their orders R11R17R59, but its delivery service is limited to Safeway stores.
Are there common technical issues with either app?
Yes, both apps have common technical issues. Safeway Deals & Delivery users report frequent bugs, including the weekly ad not working, search functions failing, connectivity problems, and the app being slow or unusable after updates R6R7R16R18. Instacart users also experience bugs, such as unresponsive login buttons, issues with specific store features, and problems with order processing like items being out of stock or orders being cancelled .

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] Safeway Deals & Delivery 1/5 · US Now useless: So full of sponsored content that you can't find anything. Example: search for very specific like Ben & Jerry's Dairy Free. Says 9 results but wrong. There are 19. 17 are not matching and sponsored ads. Only 2 are correct results which seems too low. 90% is SPAM.
  2. [R2] Safeway Deals & Delivery 5/5 · US Great app!: Items are easy to find. I always know before my trip to the store if anything I need is on sale. I did save a lot of money since downloading the app.
  3. [R5] Safeway Deals & Delivery 5/5 · US Savings!: Love to clip the weekly coupons in the for u deals and the point system that accumulates each purchase. Really helps with the cost of groceries!
  4. [R6] Safeway Deals & Delivery 3/5 · US Weekly ad not working.: The weekly ad on the Safeway app is not working. It use to work, but one of your updates stopped it from working. I turn off my VPN and it still wouldn’t work. It’s been weeks since I could check my weekly ad. Other features in the app works.
  5. [R3] Safeway Deals & Delivery 3/5 · US WiFi in store: It is frustrating to use the app in the store because the Wi-Fi is not very strong and you can’t scan the barcodes to see if you’ve picked up the discount. That’s my biggest frustration. Thank you.
  6. [R8] Safeway Deals & Delivery 5/5 · US Easy to use: Without a doubt, the best app for grocery shopping there is.
  7. [R9] Safeway Deals & Delivery 3/5 · US If it would work…: My local Safeway has “the worst” service so when inside you can’t get your deals. It’s 2026 not sure why this is a problem. Other than that it’s great.
  8. [R7] Safeway Deals & Delivery 2/5 · US To many bugs: It’s having issues connecting, or updating the items to add for the J4U.
  9. [R16] Safeway Deals & Delivery 1/5 · US App no longer works: Every time I try to log in I get an error saying they’re having technical difficulties and to check back later. It’s been days.
  10. [R22] Safeway Deals & Delivery 1/5 · US Worse app ever: Works half the time, usually not when I need it in the store. Only use the app to click deals but other trying to prevent using it.
  11. [R25] Safeway Deals & Delivery 1/5 · US Horribly slow: Today this app is absolutely unacceptably slow. Please fix it….
  12. [R23] Safeway Deals & Delivery 5/5 · US Savings: I love the option of getting deals that saves you lots of cash.
  13. [R38] Safeway Deals & Delivery 5/5 · US Cut out the middle man lol: For so long i only shop at Safeway no matter what. For a while was using door dash and uber for delivery. Recently i actually went into the store to shop and was informed i could have saved $10 if I was using the app so I started ordering through Safeway app and what a difference it made for my shopping experience. From savings and clear easy items to click on just real
  14. [R43] Safeway Deals & Delivery 1/5 · US Charge for app: Download the app and got a charge for 79.00 dollars what’s up with that!
  15. [R13] Safeway Deals & Delivery 2/5 · US Getting discounts is hard, even for employees: The “ CLIP” function is hard to use. It is not straightforward and requires several steps. The last time I was in, an employee tried to get it to work, had difficulty, and only after a few attempts was able to get me the deal price. Besides that, one staff told me that it did not matter that the phone number I was using was no longer my primary phone.
  16. [R14] Safeway Deals & Delivery 5/5 · US Short deadline delivery: Rachel moved mountains to get my order completed and delivered to my boat dock in time for our departure. She even delivered it herself in her own van. An outstanding job all around!
  17. [R17] Safeway Deals & Delivery 5/5 · US Delivery plus: I’ve had the best luck with ordering thru the Safeway app
  18. [R26] Safeway Deals & Delivery 5/5 · US EASY: CURBSIDE PICK UP IS ALWAYS PROMPT AND PROFESSIONAL ESPECIALLY TASHA SHES SUCH SWEET INDIVIDUAL LOVE HER
  19. [R49] Safeway Deals & Delivery 5/5 · US Great savings tool: The app has literally helped me save hundreds of dollars over the course of a few years. I’m very grateful for Safeway being devoted to offering savings to our communities. I always share the benefits of the app with friends and new acquaintances. I really enjoy how easy it is to find and click savings.
  20. [R62] Instacart 4/5 · US I’m stymied!: How does the total shown on my order after tip and service fees translate to a higher charge on my banking app? what is this hidden charge?
  21. [R11] Safeway Deals & Delivery 5/5 · US Shop: I love how easy this app is to use, once I got the hang of it, I haven’t used the pick up and delivery yet, but I plan to give it a try soon.
  22. [R59] Safeway Deals & Delivery 5/5 · US No anxiety: Love the to my door delivery
  23. [R80] Instacart 5/5 · US Happy Shopper: I love Instacart it makes it so much easier to get the things I need with no hassle
  24. [R18] Safeway Deals & Delivery 3/5 · US Update is buggy: New update and now I can’t search items. Otherwise love the app

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store