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

DoorDash vs Instacart

DoorDash 4.8★ · Free to download 65
Winner Instacart
Instacart 4.8★ · Free to download 70

Instacart has a slight edge over DoorDash primarily due to its more consistent delivery of correct orders and better shopper communication, despite both apps facing similar issues with high fees and occasional delivery delays.

Full reviews: DoorDash · Instacart

DoorDash and Instacart both offer convenient delivery services but struggle with high fees and inconsistent delivery times. Instacart generally provides a more reliable shopping experience with better communication, while DoorDash faces more frequent complaints about incorrect orders and poor customer service.

Head to head

Features tieR3R5R8R11
DoorDash DoorDash is praised for its ease of use and convenience, allowing users to discover local restaurants and order food easily R5R8R50. Some users appreciate the DashPass for saving money on fees if used frequently R11. However, users desire more options for customizing orders, such as deselecting specific items R3. There are also complaints about promotions not working as advertised and issues with selecting pickup locations away from home .
Instacart Instacart is highly valued for its convenience, especially by users with medical issues or those who cannot shop themselves . Users appreciate the ability to get groceries and other items delivered . However, the app has issues with replacement options, leading to unwanted items . There are also complaints about bugs, such as problems with pictures and 'buy again' items for certain stores , and an inability to edit orders containing alcohol . Some users find the order history search function needs improvement .
Ease of Use tieR5R48R50R55
DoorDash DoorDash is described as 'too easy' and 'addicting' due to its straightforward ordering process R5R50. However, some users report slow loading times and occasional bugs, such as serialization errors . The app also has issues with persistent rating notifications R55 and difficulties for visitors with non-US country codes R48.
Instacart Instacart is generally considered simple to use . However, recent updates have caused issues, such as problems with the tip input process, leading to accidental over-tipping or order cancellation . The app is also criticized for not being user-friendly for blind users due to lack of dark mode and accessibility issues with the EBT pin pad . Some users experience the app automatically loading their current location as the default address, leading to wrong deliveries .
Reliability edge: InstacartR6R10R13R19
DoorDash DoorDash users frequently report issues with delivery, including extended times due to multiple orders R6, food arriving cold R19R40, and orders being delivered to the wrong address R25. There are numerous complaints about incorrect or missing items R10R13R22. Drivers are sometimes criticized for not caring or misrepresenting themselves R25.
Instacart Instacart also faces reliability issues, with frequent complaints about late deliveries and pushed-back delivery times . Users report orders being canceled last minute and items being out of stock when originally available . Shoppers are sometimes criticized for not following directions or delivering damaged or incorrect items . Some users have received moldy bread or expiring chicken . However, many users praise the shoppers for being professional, courteous, and delivering orders correctly and on time .
Price/Value tieR1R7R9R12
DoorDash DoorDash is frequently criticized for high fees and overpriced items R1R7R9R12. Users feel they pay almost double the in-store price R36 and that delivery charges are excessive, even for short distances R12. Some find it not worth the cost unless there's a deal R12.
Instacart Instacart also receives numerous complaints about high service fees and markups . Users feel the fees are too high, even with a monthly service fee . Despite the cost, some users find value in the convenience, especially those who cannot shop for themselves . Some users appreciate finding deals on the app that they wouldn't in-store .
Customer Support tieR1R13R18R22
DoorDash DoorDash customer service is widely criticized as poor, unhelpful, and unreliable R1R13R22. Users report being refused refunds for missing or incorrect items, even with evidence R13R18R22. There are also complaints about issues with DashPass subscriptions and refunds being denied .
Instacart Instacart's customer support also receives negative feedback, with users calling it 'terrible' and unhelpful . Users report issues with refunds, especially for canceled orders or incorrect items . Some users struggle to get in touch with support . However, a few users report positive experiences where support cleared up confusion .
Pick DoorDash if

You prioritize ease of ordering and discovering local restaurants, and you plan to use a subscription like DashPass frequently to offset fees R5R50.

Pick Instacart if

You need a reliable service for grocery delivery, especially if you have mobility issues or cannot shop yourself, and you value consistent shopper communication and accuracy for most orders .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews, particularly concerning pricing and customer support, which aligns with the general trend for free-to-download delivery services where non-paying users often highlight friction points. Instacart's higher lifetime rating suggests a slightly more satisfied user base overall, despite recent negative feedback.

Frequently asked

Are DoorDash and Instacart expensive?
Yes, both DoorDash and Instacart are frequently criticized for high fees and markups, with users reporting that prices can be significantly higher than in-store, sometimes almost double R7R12R36R49.
Which app has better customer service?
Neither app consistently provides excellent customer service; both DoorDash and Instacart receive numerous complaints about unhelpful support and difficulty obtaining refunds for order issues R1R13R22R43.
Do DoorDash and Instacart have delivery issues?
Yes, both apps have frequent delivery issues, including extended delivery times, cold food, and orders being delivered incorrectly or to the wrong address R6R19R25R40.

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. [R3] DoorDash 3/5 · US Options: There should be more options to deselect things like coleslaw which is not very good.
  2. [R5] DoorDash 4/5 · US Too easy: Ordering door dash is so easy it’s somewhat addicting. It’s a life saver when you don’t have a vehicle or cannot drive or just have better things to do. Plus I use it to see what restaurants are around me if I’m not sure. But beware: you will find yourself ordering it more and more often, even when you could get it yourself. ITS JUST SO EASY AND CONVENIENT
  3. [R8] DoorDash 5/5 · US It’s very convenient: This my bestfriend when I finally get home after a 12 hour shift and I don’t feel like driving anymore
  4. [R11] DoorDash 5/5 · US T-Mobile Tuesdays: Can’t thank T-Mobile enough for my Dasspass always wanted to try it and now that I have it I will definitely be resubscribing. Love DoorDash thank you 🥹🥰
  5. [R48] DoorDash 3/5 · GB Accept more country codes: You should accept more county codes, when people are visiting they need to be able to order food - and add their number.
  6. [R50] DoorDash 5/5 · US Easy to order: Food great
  7. [R55] DoorDash 1/5 · US Stop asking me to rate: I’ve rated it multiple times. Stop repeating the notification after every order.
  8. [R6] DoorDash 3/5 · US Extended delivery time: DoorDash is great except for the fact that dashers can pick up multiple orders on the way to yours, extending the time usually past an hour for delivery.
  9. [R10] DoorDash 1/5 · US Constant mess ups with orders due to delivery drivers: It saddens me to say that I’ve spent a lot of years using DoorDash and a lot of money for DoorDash to constantly have my orders mixed up messed up, delivered wrong or with issues
  10. [R13] DoorDash 1/5 · US Did not receive item. DoorDash refused refund: Had an order where a $7.00 item was not with my order. Clearly shown on the picture the dasher took of the order before I even touched it, that the coffee drink was not there. DoorDash refused me a refund. Wouldn’t even give me credit. So DoorDash quite literally stole from me. I tried to escalate it up the ladder, to no avail. Never in my life have a
  11. [R19] DoorDash 2/5 · US delivery: i hate that the food takes so long to be delivered my food be cold and i hate the taxes that’s put on the food as well when i go pick my food up it’s way less it should be the same price as it is in store
  12. [R1] DoorDash 1/5 · US don't waste your time or money: this app sucks, fees are to high and customer service is really poor.
  13. [R7] DoorDash 1/5 · US Not worth: They overprice the items significantly. You are better off going out yourself or cooking at home
  14. [R9] DoorDash 3/5 · US Door dash review: Great for convenience but just starting to get way to expensive to use anymore
  15. [R12] DoorDash 3/5 · US Changes: I used to use this service all the time. They have now started focusing only on profit instead of service. Their delivery charges of nearly $7 for a place less than 4 miles away and their increased service fees have forced me to use them only with a deal. It is a shame.
  16. [R18] DoorDash 3/5 · US Refunds: I order less because they no longer give refunds when errors are made.
  17. [R22] DoorDash 1/5 · US Wrong order no refund: I ordered an order containing 2 meals and a family sized box of pretzel bites totaling $65. This order not only did not come to me but I got the wrong order and it contained one chicken sandwich and a side of tater tots. I tried to contact the driver after I noticed which was very soon after the order was delivered. He intentionally ignored my calls and texts. I sent a refun
  18. [R36] DoorDash 3/5 · US Expensive: You pay almost double what you pay if you went out and got it yourself
  19. [R49] DoorDash 1/5 · US DoorDash: My Fee charges are absolutely crazy even for me being a “ member” makes no sense if i’m paying 12 dollars in “ included fees “ for a meal that’s $15 now i’m paying double …
  20. [R43] DoorDash 1/5 · US Scam app: Thanks for stealing my money and refusing to make it right when your service is terrible, your delivery drivers can’t even make sure to deliver the correct food. Restaurants never make/send out the full order, and your agents are completely useless, incompetent and unreliable
  21. [R25] DoorDash 1/5 · US Terrible: If you want your food delivered to the wrong address. At work we have to stay on property. Last night was the second time the photo was taken to the wrong location. It wasn’t on the same street. Their drivers don’t seem to care. I always leave a $4 tip. I’m done with Door Dash. Will try Uber eats. Thanks for me not eating!!!!!!
  22. [R40] DoorDash 1/5 · US How fantastic: I don’t agree it’s okay to spend over $30+ for fast food. I’m spending over $10 for 3 burgers from McDonald’s along with fries and 1 drink that usually takes about 30 minutes to arrive at my front door and my food is usually cold by the time your driver finally drops it off. Multiple times I’ve had to reach out to your delivery person to ask why it’s taking so long. It’s not okay fo

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