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

Instacart vs Postmates

Instacart 4.8★ · Free to download 75
Winner Instacart
Postmates 4.8★ · Free to download 45

Instacart is generally a more reliable option for grocery delivery, especially for those with specific needs, while Postmates struggles with consistent service and customer support.

Full reviews: Instacart · Postmates

Instacart is praised for its convenience, especially by users with mobility issues, and generally reliable delivery, though some experience issues with order accuracy and delivery times. Postmates, while offering good deals, faces significant criticism for inaccurate orders, poor customer service, and high fees.

Head to head

Features & Selection tieR6R12R30R54
Instacart Instacart users appreciate the convenience of ordering groceries, with some noting they find deals not available in-store R54. However, some users report issues with replacement options not being available, leading to unwanted items R6, and bugs with store-specific features like Costco's 'buy again' items R12. The inability to edit orders with alcohol is also a reported limitation R30.
Postmates Postmates is noted for its wide range of items available, including food and even the ability to 'Uber' . Users enjoy the discounts and deals offered . However, some complain about missing condiment options in menus and a lack of updated food spot choices .
Ease of Use edge: InstacartR21R47R49R55
Instacart Many Instacart users find the app simple to use R21. However, some recent updates have caused issues, such as problems with the tipping process R55 and automatic loading of incorrect addresses R49. There are also complaints about the app not being user-friendly for blind users due to lack of dark mode and accessibility issues R47.
Postmates Postmates is generally considered straightforward to use . Some users find the authentication process annoying and unnecessary, causing delays . A user also noted the app is too similar to Uber Eats after the acquisition, preferring the original interface .
Reliability & Order Accuracy edge: InstacartR4R7R8R9
Instacart Instacart's reliability is mixed. Many users report positive experiences with shoppers being early and orders being correct R8R14. However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues with orders being canceled last minute R4, delayed deliveries R16, and incorrect items or quantities R7R9. Some even received moldy bread or expiring chicken .
Postmates Postmates struggles significantly with reliability and order accuracy. Users frequently report receiving wrong orders , missing items , or damaged food . Delivery times are often inaccurate, with advertised short times turning into much longer waits . There are also reports of orders not being delivered at all .
Price & Value tieR2R13R20R21
Instacart Instacart users appreciate the convenience, especially those with medical issues or disabilities R2R44. However, many find the service fees and markups too high R13R20R21R24. Some users who paid for a membership felt it was not worth it due to ongoing issues .
Postmates Postmates offers frequent discounts and deals which users appreciate . However, there are widespread complaints about grossly overpriced food compared to in-store prices , high service and delivery fees , and a perceived lack of value for money, especially when orders are incorrect or delayed .
Customer Support edge: InstacartR4R5R7R16
Instacart Instacart's customer support receives mixed reviews. Some users report positive experiences with shoppers and quick issue resolution R5R28R40R48. However, many describe support as unhelpful, offering no solutions or credit for issues like canceled orders or bad perishables R4R7R16. There are also reports of difficulty getting in touch with anyone .
Postmates Postmates customer support is a major point of contention, with numerous users calling it 'horrible' . Users report being denied refunds for wrong or missing orders , being charged for undelivered items , and experiencing long wait times or being stuck in AI loops . Some mention a lack of live customer service .
Pick Instacart if

You prioritize convenience for grocery shopping, especially if you have mobility challenges, and generally expect reliable delivery, even if there are occasional issues with order accuracy or fees R2R8R14.

Pick Postmates if

You are primarily looking for deals and discounts on food delivery and are willing to tolerate inconsistent service, potential order inaccuracies, and frustrating customer support experiences .

Evidence note: Instacart's reviews show a higher proportion of positive experiences and specific praise for its core service, while Postmates' reviews are heavily skewed towards negative experiences related to reliability and customer support. Both apps have significant complaints about pricing and fees.

Frequently asked

Which app is better for grocery delivery?
Instacart is generally better for grocery delivery, with many users praising its convenience and the professionalism of its shoppers, especially those with medical issues or disabilities R2R8R14R44.
Do Instacart or Postmates have better customer service?
Instacart generally has better customer service, despite some negative experiences, with many users reporting positive interactions and resolutions R5R28R40R48, whereas Postmates' customer support is frequently described as 'horrible' and unhelpful, often denying refunds for incorrect orders .
Which app has lower fees?
Both Instacart and Postmates receive significant complaints about high service fees and markups (R13, R20, R21, R24, for Instacart; , , , , , , for Postmates), making it difficult to definitively say one has consistently lower fees based on user reviews.

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. [R6] Instacart 3/5 · US Replacement options: Never lets me choose a replacement option so sometimes you end up With unwanted food and paid more
  2. [R12] Instacart 3/5 · US BUG with Costco and several others: Please fix the pictures and the buy again items for Costco and several other stores! The latest update that came over the weekend did not fix it.
  3. [R30] Instacart 4/5 · US Can’t edit if buying alcohol: If you have beer or wine in your order you can’t make any changes to the order after it has been placed even if what you are changing has nothing to do with the alcohol purchase. I have reported this bug before but it appears nothing has been done to correct it.
  4. [R54] Instacart 5/5 · US Very efficient and cost friendly: I enjoy using this app because I get deals on the app that I normally wouldn’t find while shopping inside of the store. It’s convenient. I have had positive experiences with the shoppers who collect my items. Plus the app leaves room to choose how much you can tip depending on the service of the shopper who shopped for you. Definitely will continue using Instacart
  5. [R21] Instacart 3/5 · US Service fees are too highl: Love being able to order groceries and food. App is simple to use. But the service fees are too high.
  6. [R47] Instacart 2/5 · US Not good for blind users: Is not user friendly for blind people who use screen readers. No dark mode, so can’t see. Pin pad for ebt use shuffles and says incorrect alt text… make it make sense.
  7. [R49] Instacart 1/5 · US Horrible: Horrible app. It automatically loads your address based upon your location no default address option . I’ve had items delivered to the wrong address because the app is trying to track you. Also, customer support is trash. I use this for work stop making my home address the default 😡. I’m going to try uber delivery instead
  8. [R55] Instacart 2/5 · US Gets worse every time I order!: There was an app update 3 days ago and it’s now messed up. There’s no where to put in the tip, once you hit continued there’s a pop up window that says Tip and Pay. I hit that button thinking the tip will be on the next page, but no. It submitted my order with a tip amount they put in and it’s double what I usually tip! The only way to fix it is either 1…Cancel the
  9. [R4] Instacart 1/5 · US Orders canceled last minute TWICE: This is the second time this week I have placed an order, the order has been confirmed, and then canceled two hours later when it was supposed to be delivered. I was relying on receiving these orders and would have made other arrangements had I known the orders would not be fulfilled. On both occasions, the orders rescheduled to come the next day. Not helpful. Cu
  10. [R7] Instacart 1/5 · US Terrible App. Terrible Support.: I’ve used the app for awhile now and was even paying for the plus. In the time I used it, I think I received maybe two orders that were completely correct. We live in town and we watched a driver with perishable goods drive literally past our house to go 20 minutes past us in the country to deliver an order then come back. This was during summer and the perishables
  11. [R8] Instacart 5/5 · US Fantastic Service: I have always had a great experience with every shopper. They are usually early versus ever being late and the orders are always correct.
  12. [R9] Instacart 3/5 · US Mediocre: Excellent platform and the food arrives fairly quickly, but the actual operators struggled to get me what I really want quite a bit. Especially whenever I order a case of water. I love the convenience, though. I just wish what I ordered was more on the Mark.
  13. [R2] Instacart 5/5 · US A great service.: I have medical issues that I won’t bore you with here but for me Instacart is a true blessing. I can’t get out to go shopping and rarely leave my apartment so this and Walmart plus are a lifeline.
  14. [R13] Instacart 2/5 · US Extra Charges After Purchase: Seem
  15. [R20] Instacart 4/5 · US Amazing - fees: I absolutely love the convenience!! I don’t mind tipping generously because it’s often deserved. I do however hate the service fees and they often keep me from ordering because it raises the cost so much.
  16. [R5] Instacart 5/5 · US Best service ever!: I had a last minute idea for dinner and the ordering process and communication and delivery were fantastic! Yulia did an amazing job and I’m so happy and thankful for the service!
  17. [R16] Instacart 1/5 · US Avoid at all cost there are plenty of other platforms: They kept on pushing my delivery time without giving me any notice. I will discover it just by opening the app randomly. Their customer service is basically a cover-up for not being able to help you with anything just apologizing constantly. They couldn’t take responsibility on their own ETA eventually my order to the next day, which caused a
  18. [R14] Instacart 5/5 · US Excellent Service: Service was great. My shopper was able to pick up everything that I needed. Delivery was done within timeframe and everything was bagged and placed by the door nearly.
  19. [R44] Instacart 5/5 · US Great Setvice: As a disabled person who has no car I really appreciate Instacart. This service is PHENOMENAL!!!!!!
  20. [R28] Instacart 5/5 · US Excellent & Friendly delivery: Quick and efficient. Many thanks for the nice chat too! Great job.
  21. [R40] Instacart 5/5 · US Heather was my shopper: This is not the first time Heather has shopped for me and everytime she does so, I am quite pleased.
  22. [R48] Instacart 5/5 · US Confirmation: Our driver went above and beyond in insuring I was the right person whom he needed to deliver to.
  23. [R24] Instacart 3/5 · US Mockups: Mockups are too high. No mockups better tips. We pay service per month. Service fee per delivery is too much!

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