Trying to decide between delivering burgers or bringing groceries to someone's doorstep? 

As someone who's spent countless hours on both platforms, I'll break down exactly what to expect when choosing between these popular side hustles.

Let's face it - the gig economy is massive, with tens of millions of workers turning to apps for income. 

DoorDash and Instacart stand out as two of the most common choices, but they offer very different experiences.

I've delivered everything from late-night McDonald's to weekly family grocery hauls, and I'll share what I've learned about pay, scheduling, customer interactions, and which platform might be right for you.

Platform Basics – DoorDash vs Instacart

What DoorDash Offers

DoorDash focuses primarily on restaurant food delivery across more than 7,000 cities in North America, Australia, and Japan. 

It's the largest food delivery service in the US by order volume, which means there's usually plenty of work.

As a "Dasher," your typical workflow involves:

• Receiving order notifications on your phone

• Driving to restaurants to pick up prepared meals

• Delivering food directly to customers

DoorDash has expanded beyond just restaurant deliveries with their "Shop & Deliver" feature for convenience stores and some grocery items, but most of your time will be spent grabbing ready-made food orders and dropping them off.

When you sign up, DoorDash provides you with an insulated bag and a red payment card for certain orders where you might need to pay at the restaurant. 

The whole process is designed for quick turnaround – most deliveries take 15-30 minutes from acceptance to completion.

If you want to know all of the details around it, I wrote a great guide called Doordash 101 - it includes everything you need to know about it. 

What Instacart Offers

Instacart specializes in grocery shopping and delivery. It dominates the grocery delivery space with over 70% of third-party grocery delivery sales.

As a "Full-Service Shopper," you'll:

• Receive "batch" offers showing store locations and items

• Shop inside grocery stores, selecting items from customers' lists

• Check out using an Instacart payment card

• Deliver groceries to customers' homes

This is fundamentally different from DoorDash. 

With Instacart, you're completing fewer orders per day, but each one is more involved. 

A single "batch" might include orders for 1-3 customers with up to 50-100 items total, which takes significantly more time than grabbing a bagged restaurant order.

Instacart also offers in-store shopper roles (part-time W-2 positions with no delivery, capped at 29 hours weekly), but most gig workers choose the independent contractor path for its flexibility.

The typical Instacart workflow requires you to move quickly when accepting batches, as popular orders can disappear within seconds. 

You'll spend significant time inside stores, potentially communicating with customers about substitutions, before heading out to deliver.

Pay, Earnings & Tips

Base Pay & Incentives

DoorDash calculates earnings based on a base pay of approximately $2-10 per order (depending on distance, time, and desirability), plus promotions like "Peak Pay" ($1-3 extra during busy times) and Challenges. Dashers keep 100% of customer tips.

Looking at average earnings, DoorDash drivers typically make around $15-18 per hour before expenses.

Instacart pays per batch based on factors like item count, weight, and delivery distance, plus peak demand bonuses and 100% of tips. 

Instacart shoppers average roughly $15-20 per hour, though the company advertises potential earnings of up to $25/hr during busy periods.

Both platforms' pay varies significantly by location and time. What you'll earn in a major city at dinner rush differs dramatically from a small town on Tuesday morning.

Earnings in Practice

The key difference in earnings comes down to order volume and effort. 

DoorDash typically means completing more, smaller orders (potentially 2-4 deliveries per hour). 

Instacart orders take longer, with one batch sometimes occupying an entire hour.

For perspective, three $7 DoorDash deliveries completed in an hour would net you $21, which might exceed one $20 Instacart batch that takes the same amount of time. 

In my experience, DoorDash provides more steady earnings through constant workflow, while Instacart offers higher payout per job but with fewer jobs overall.

Market conditions matter enormously. 

Tipping Culture

Tips make up a substantial portion of earnings on both platforms, but the systems differ:

DoorDash customers tip when placing orders and typically can't easily change the amount afterward. 

Tips average around $4-5 per delivery.

Instacart customers can adjust tips for 24 hours after delivery, which introduces the problem of "tip-baiting" – when customers promise big tips to attract shoppers, then reduce or remove them after delivery. 

Though relatively rare, it can be incredibly frustrating.

The upside is that Instacart tips tend to be larger (around $6.50 per batch on average) since grocery bills are higher than restaurant orders. Large grocery orders can yield $20+ tips.

Earnings Verdict

DoorDash and Instacart offer similar average hourly pay (mid-teens per hour). 

DoorDash provides more consistent earnings through higher order volume, while Instacart has greater potential for occasional high-paying batches and larger tips. 

Your earnings will depend on your work style preference – rapid food deliveries versus fewer, more intensive grocery orders.

Flexibility & Scheduling

Scheduling Shifts vs. On-Demand

Both platforms offer impressive flexibility, but with different systems:

Instacart traditionally used a scheduling system where shoppers could sign up for hours 7-10 days in advance. 

While full-service shoppers can now also open the app and accept batches whenever available without scheduling, having planned shifts can help ensure consistent work.

DoorDash allows both scheduling and on-demand work. 

You can "Dash Now" anytime your area is busy (or if you have "Top Dasher" status), or schedule shifts in advance to secure a spot. The app's map shows busy zones in real-time – gray areas mean it's not busy enough to dash without scheduling.

DoorDash is often praised for letting drivers hop on whenever they find free time (as long as orders are available) without strict shift requirements.

Gig Work Flexibility

Both apps truly let you be your own boss. 

There's no penalty on Instacart for not adhering to a preset schedule (though you might see fewer batches without planning around busy times). 

On DoorDash, there's no minimum hours requirement – you can do one delivery and log off if you wish.

Their peak times complement each other well. If you need to maximize your earning potential, this schedule can work perfectly.

DoorDash also tends to be more city-centric (concentrated near restaurant hubs), while Instacart can have orders in suburban areas with supermarkets. DoorDash covers more areas overall – smaller towns often have DoorDash but might not have Instacart service.

Time Off and Multi-Apping

As independent contractors, you can pause or stop working anytime on both platforms – no formal time-off requests needed. Just log off when you need a break.

Many gig workers use both apps simultaneously to maximize earnings. One popular strategy is doing Instacart in the mornings/afternoons and switching to DoorDash for dinner rush. A common tip from experienced workers: "Do both. Put more effort towards DD and work IC as a supplement."

Flexibility Verdict

Both DoorDash and Instacart offer excellent flexibility, but DoorDash has a slight edge because you can jump on almost anytime your area is busy.

DoorDash also offers more transportation options – you can deliver via bike or scooter in many cities, which isn't possible with Instacart's grocery loads.

Instacart requires a bit more planning to secure the best hours, but both apps are equally freedom-friendly for setting your own schedule.

Job Availability & Demand

Order Volume

DoorDash typically has higher order volume in most markets, holding about 60% U.S. market share in food delivery.

Food orders generally outnumber grocery orders, meaning Dashers often see a steady stream of order notifications, especially around meal times (11am-2pm lunch, 5pm-9pm dinner).

Instacart's order volume depends on grocery demand and competition from other shoppers. 

Weekends, mornings, and early afternoons tend to be busiest (when people want their groceries delivered). 

However, some shoppers report significant lulls in orders, especially on weekdays or in oversaturated markets.

Instacart demand also fluctuates seasonally, spiking around holidays or during bad weather when people avoid going to stores themselves.

Peak Times and Coverage

The complementary peak patterns make these apps natural partners. 

Morning grocery orders on Instacart can be followed by evening restaurant deliveries on DoorDash.

DoorDash tends to concentrate in areas with many restaurants, while Instacart can thrive in suburban areas with supermarkets. 

If you live in an area with many stores but fewer restaurants (or vice versa), that will influence which app keeps you busier.

Downtime & Competition

Both apps have their competitive challenges. 

On DoorDash, you might open the app and see "zone busy: not busy enough to dash now" during slow periods. 

For Instacart, competition is fierce for high-paying batches – great orders might disappear within seconds of appearing.

Instacart's rating system affects batch priority, with higher-rated shoppers getting first crack at orders. 

This means new shoppers or those with lower ratings may struggle to secure good batches – a common complaint on forums.

DoorDash's order distribution is more straightforward, though "Top Dashers" might get priority for high-value deliveries.

Availability Verdict

If maximizing active work time is crucial, DoorDash typically provides more continuous opportunities in many regions. 

Instacart can be very profitable when busy, but there may be more waiting between orders.

DoorDash has an edge in sheer order quantity (especially during meal hours), while Instacart demand can be strong in its niche (grocery) but may require patience or multi-apping to fill a full day.

Work Difficulty & Experience

DoorDash – "Quick Delivery Sprint"

The DoorDash experience centers around quick trips driving between restaurants and customers. 

The main skills needed are time management and navigation.

Common challenges include finding parking near busy restaurants, waiting for food to be prepared (which cuts into your earnings time), and dealing with traffic. 

Customer interactions are minimal – you're mostly just grabbing food from restaurant staff and dropping it at doors.

The job is relatively straightforward ("pick up, drop off, easy" once you learn the ropes). 

Pain points include low-paying orders with no tips (you'll want to decline those $2-3 offers) and occasional restaurant delays.

Overall difficulty is moderate. 

It's physically easier (just carrying bags of food) and mentally simpler than shopping, but doing many quick trips can be tiring due to driving stress and constantly finding new addresses.

Instacart – "Shopping Marathon"

The Instacart experience combines shopping skills and driving. 

You need to navigate grocery store aisles, find specific products, and make decisions about replacements when items are out of stock.

Physical effort is higher – you might lift heavy items like cases of water or bulk groceries up to 50 pounds, and you'll be walking a lot during shopping. 

Instacart specifically requires that shoppers can lift around 50 lbs.

Customer service is more involved – you'll often text or call customers about replacements or unavailable items. 

Checkout, loading groceries, and the delivery process add more steps than DoorDash's workflow.

Time management is crucial: the faster you shop accurately, the more batches you can complete. 

Common challenges include dealing with picky customers, unresponsive ones when you need substitution approvals, long checkout lines, and finding obscure items.

Instacart orders might also send you further distances for delivery after shopping, resulting in many miles driven for a single batch.

Comparative Difficulty

Instacart feels more like traditional "work" to many gig workers because it's labor-intensive and requires attention to detail. 

DoorDash is more straightforward – pick up and drop off, repeat.

Some people might prefer the variety Instacart offers (walking in stores can be less monotonous than sitting in traffic).

But if you dislike grocery store chaos and want quick, simple trips, DoorDash is easier.

The learning curve differs too. New Instacart shoppers must learn to spot the best batches quickly and understand efficient shopping techniques. 

DoorDash has a smaller learning curve, mostly centered on learning which orders to decline and which restaurants to avoid due to wait times.

Difficulty Verdict

DoorDash is generally less complex and physically easier, ideal if you want a simple pickup-dropoff gig. 

Instacart is more demanding – you're effectively doing two jobs (shopping + delivering), which can be tiring but potentially more engaging.

The stress points differ: DoorDash stress comes from traffic and rushing to meet delivery times; Instacart stress revolves around finding items and keeping customers happy.

Consider your personal strengths when choosing. 

If you have great attention to detail and don't mind grocery stores, Instacart might be a good fit. 

If you prefer staying in your car and handling quick tasks, DoorDash will probably feel more comfortable.

Sign-Up Process & Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

Both platforms have similar basic requirements:

• Age: 18+ for both

• Vehicle: DoorDash allows car, bicycle, or scooter in many cities, while Instacart effectively requires a car for full-service shoppers

• Driver's License & Insurance: Valid license and auto insurance needed for both

• Background Check: Both screen for criminal history and driving violations

• Smartphone: Required (iPhone or Android with recent OS)

• Physical: Instacart asks that you can lift ~40-50 lbs, while DoorDash has no formal lifting requirement

Basically anyone 18+ with a valid license/clean background and a mode of transport can qualify – there are "no significant differences in requirements… it's a tie," according to most industry comparisons.

Sign-Up Process

Both apps have straightforward online applications. You download the Dasher or Instacart Shopper app, submit your information (ID, SSN for background check), and wait for approval.

DoorDash's onboarding might include watching orientation videos and ordering your welcome kit (red card and insulated bag). 

Instacart's onboarding is primarily app-based; once your background check clears, you can start accepting batches.

Sign-up typically takes a few days to a week for the background check to process. In busy markets, either platform might put new applicants on a waitlist until more workers are needed.

Onboarding and Training

Neither gig provides extensive training – you'll mostly learn on the job. 

DoorDash offers in-app tutorials and FAQs, while Instacart provides basic shopping tips but largely relies on learn-as-you-go experience.

Both have large online communities (Reddit, YouTube) where you can learn best practices from experienced workers.

Sign-Up Verdict

It's equally easy to get started with either platform if you meet the basic requirements. 

Neither has an advantage here – sign-up is quick and open to almost anyone with no special skills required.

The only notable difference is that DoorDash's ability to deliver on bike/scooter might be useful if you don't have a car, whereas Instacart strictly requires a vehicle for full-service shopping.

Tipping Culture & Customer Behavior

DoorDash Tipping Norms

Tipping is customary on DoorDash, but typically involves smaller amounts per order (since food orders are usually $20-50 vs. $100+ grocery hauls). Many customers tip a few dollars per order.

Unfortunately, "no-tip orders" do exist on DoorDash – those $2-3 base pay deliveries that experienced Dashers learn to decline. 

The DoorDash community even has movements like #DeclineNow to encourage drivers to avoid these low-paying offers.

The positive side is that you generally know upfront what you're getting.

DoorDash shows a guaranteed minimum; if a customer tipped well, the total might end up higher than shown, but you won't earn less than the offer displayed.

DoorDash sometimes only shows a portion of large tips in the initial offer (known as "hidden tips"). 

Seasoned Dashers learn to recognize certain patterns that might indicate a higher final payout.

Instacart Tipping & Reviews

Instacart customers tend to tip more generously since they appreciate someone handling an entire grocery shop. 

It's not unusual to see $10-20 tips on large orders, or at least 5-10% of the grocery total.

The downside is that customers can change tips for 24 hours after delivery, creating the potential for "tip-baiting." 

While frustrating, this isn't extremely common – most customers don't remove tips without reason, and some even increase the tip for exceptional service.

Instacart has a rating system where customers rate shoppers out of 5 stars. 

Maintaining a high rating (4.7+) is crucial for accessing good batches – one bad rating can significantly impact your offerings, though Instacart does drop your lowest ratings after you complete enough deliveries.

Instacart customers tend to be more detail-oriented since groceries are personal – they care if you picked good produce or found the right brands. 

This means you might receive genuine appreciation for a job well done, but also potentially face upset customers if you couldn't find their favorite products.

Professionalism and Tips

To maximize tips on either platform, focus on professionalism – be polite, communicate delays, handle items carefully, and use insulated bags to keep food hot or groceries cold.

Cash tips are rare but do occur occasionally, especially with older Instacart customers. 

DoorDash customers rarely change tips after delivery (they could contact support to add more, but it's uncommon). 

Instacart's post-delivery tip adjustments mean excellent service can be rewarded with increased tips.

Tipping Verdict

Instacart generally has a more generous tipping culture (higher average tip amounts) but with the caveat of tip uncertainty.

DoorDash offers more consistent, smaller tips with protection from tip reductions.

For those who hate tip uncertainty, DoorDash might feel more comfortable. Those who provide stellar service might find Instacart tips very rewarding. 

Either way, tips make up a vital part of income on both platforms, so customer service skills matter.

Vehicle Wear-and-Tear & Expenses

Mileage & Gas

The driving patterns differ significantly between platforms. DoorDash involves constant driving throughout your shift – multiple short trips zigzagging around town.

In an hour, you might drive 10-20+ miles completing several deliveries.

Instacart usually involves driving to one store and then to one or more customers. You might drive 5 miles to the store and then 5-10 miles total delivering groceries. During shopping time (which can be 30+ minutes), your car is parked.

As a result, Instacart drivers spend more time off the road (inside stores), generally logging fewer miles per hour worked. 

This translates to less gas usage and reduced wear on your vehicle for the same amount of working time.

Vehicle Maintenance

Because DoorDash involves constant driving, maintenance needs like oil changes, tire replacements, and general upkeep will come up faster if you dash full-time. 

You're also doing frequent engine starts/stops and parking maneuvers.

Instacart's impact on your car is less intense day-to-day, though occasionally carrying heavy loads might slightly strain your suspension or brakes (a minor concern unless you're regularly handling extremely heavy orders).

Neither app reimburses vehicle expenses or fuel – as an independent contractor, all operating costs are your responsibility. 

Tracking your mileage for tax deductions (approximately $0.65 per mile for 2023-2024) can help offset these costs.

Other Expenses

Both gigs may require some additional investments:

• Insulated bags: DoorDash sends one free; Instacart expects you to have your own cooler bags for frozen items

• Car insurance: Using your car for deliveries might require a rideshare/delivery addendum on your policy

• Phone data: Both apps use your phone's GPS and data constantly

Health and Wear on You

Beyond your vehicle, consider the physical impact of each job. Instacart involves significant walking and lifting – good exercise, but potentially tiring after long days. 

DoorDash means mostly driving and sitting, which is less physically demanding but more sedentary.

Car Wear Verdict

Instacart is gentler on your vehicle due to fewer miles driven, while DoorDash can rack up mileage quickly. If gas prices are high, Instacart can be advantageous, unless you use DoorDash's bicycle option in urban areas (which eliminates car costs entirely).

If minimizing vehicle wear is a priority, Instacart has the edge – but remember you'll trade that for more footwork. 

Want to learn more about working as a delivery driver or ways to get more batches? Check out this guide.

Driver Satisfaction & Company Culture

Worker Sentiment

According to reviews and surveys, Instacart shoppers often rate the company's communication and culture slightly higher, while DoorDash drivers typically focus on pay and work volume.

Drivers generally rate pay and benefits somewhat higher at DoorDash, whose size means more opportunities and frequent bonuses.

Both platforms generate common complaints: Instacart shoppers often mention algorithm issues (batch assignment, rating system pressure) and slow days, while Dashers frequently cite low base pay, no-tip orders, and occasional account deactivation concerns.

Support and Help

Both companies provide in-app chat support. 

Quality can be inconsistent – sometimes resolving issues quickly, other times leaving workers frustrated with long wait times or unresolved problems.

Neither company offers direct supervision, which most gig workers appreciate for the freedom it provides, but it also means you're on your own when issues arise.

Community & Resources

Each platform has large online communities (Reddit: r/doordash_drivers and r/InstacartShoppers, YouTube channels) where workers share tips and discuss challenges. These informal networks effectively supplement company support.

Official satisfaction ratings show the platforms are comparable – Indeed rates DoorDash at 3.3/5 and Instacart at 3.0/5 overall.

Overall Satisfaction

Workers who have tried both platforms often say neither is perfect. 

DoorDash can frustrate with its pay model, while Instacart can be challenging with its batch system and customer expectations.

Job satisfaction often comes down to personality. 

Some enjoy the personal shopper role of Instacart (finding satisfaction in providing that service), while others prefer DoorDash's straightforward delivery focus.

Company Policies

Both platforms offer incentive programs: DoorDash has Top Dasher (for those meeting certain metrics, allowing them to dash anytime), while Instacart has Cart Star (rewards for high-performing shoppers).

Neither provides traditional benefits since workers are independent contractors. 

Both companies have faced worker protests over pay transparency and compensation issues, indicating that gig policies continue to evolve based on worker feedback.

Satisfaction Verdict

Driver happiness is highly subjective. Generally, Instacart might win on "soft" factors (feeling more valued, greater work variety) while DoorDash scores higher on "practical" factors (consistent earning potential, simpler tasks).

Consider what matters most to you: work enjoyment or straightforward earnings? 

Many successful gig workers do both to keep things interesting and profitable.

Which Should You Choose? (Conclusion)

Summary of Key Differences

DoorDash offers food delivery with a steady flow of quick orders and lots of driving. 

Instacart provides grocery delivery with fewer but higher-paying gigs that require more work per order but less driving overall. 

Both can pay similarly long-term, and both offer the freedom of self-employment.

Who Might Prefer DoorDash

You might lean toward DoorDash if you:

• Prefer driving over shopping in stores

• Want to work evenings/nights when restaurants are busy

• Thrive on quick tasks and frequent deliveries

• Want to minimize heavy lifting

• Live in a city with many restaurants

• Need the option to deliver via bike or scooter

• Want more predictable tips without 24-hour changes

Who Might Prefer Instacart

Instacart could be your better match if you:

• Don't mind grocery shopping and enjoy variety in your workday

• Prefer daytime hours (when grocery stores are busiest)

• Want fewer miles on your car

• Live near popular grocery stores

• Can lift up to 50 pounds regularly

• Enjoy the satisfaction of helping people get essential groceries

• Are willing to risk occasional tip changes for potentially larger tips

Why Not Both?

It doesn't have to be either/or. Many successful gig workers sign up for both DoorDash and Instacart (plus other platforms like Uber Eats) to diversify their income. 

You can test both services and see which you prefer, using the other as a backup on slow days.

This flexibility is one of the major perks of gig work – you're not tied to an exclusive contract. In fact, the ideal strategy might be multi-apping across several platforms.

Final Encouragement

From my experience trying both, I've found DoorDash perfect for quick cash on weekend evenings, while Instacart feels more rewarding when helping someone get their essential weekly groceries. 

Your mileage may vary based on your location, preferences, and goals.

The beauty of gig work is its flexibility – you can tailor it to fit your life. Start with whichever platform aligns better with your strengths, or try both to create your own perfect schedule.

If you're looking for even more alternatives to Instacart, check out this comprehensive list of similar opportunities that might work better in your area.

FAQs

Can you work for DoorDash and Instacart at the same time?

Yes, you can sign up and work on both apps as an independent contractor. Many drivers do this to maximize earnings. 

Just be careful not to accept orders on both platforms that overlap – manage one order at a time until you become skilled at multi-tasking.

Which pays more, Instacart or DoorDash?

On average, they're quite similar (mid-teens per hour). 

DoorDash typically yields more consistent hourly earnings through multiple smaller orders, while Instacart can pay more per batch but with more effort and potential downtime. 

Market conditions in your area will heavily influence which pays better.

Do I have to pay for my own gas and expenses?

Yes, both DoorDash and Instacart drivers must cover their own gas, maintenance, and car insurance. 

Neither app reimburses fuel or mileage. That's why tracking miles for tax deductions is essential.

Is one or the other safer?

Both are generally safe, but there are slight differences. 

DoorDash might involve delivering at night or to varied neighborhoods (you can decline orders to areas you're uncomfortable with). 

Instacart mostly happens during daylight hours inside stores, but you might strain yourself lifting heavy items if you're not careful. Both companies offer safety features in their apps.

How do ratings work for drivers?

On DoorDash, customers rate out of 5 stars; you need to maintain above 4.2, which is fairly easy with reliable service. 

Your Completion Rate must stay above 80% (don't unassign too many accepted orders), but Acceptance Rate doesn't affect your account status.

Instacart also uses a 5-star system, but ratings impact you more directly – shoppers below ~4.7 see significantly fewer good batches. Instacart's system is less forgiving, as you're directly competing with other shoppers based on ratings.

Does either app offer any benefits or incentives?

As contractors, you don't receive traditional benefits on either platform. Both occasionally run promotions (complete X deliveries for bonus $Y) and offer referral bonuses. DoorDash has the Top Dasher program for consistent workers, while Instacart's Cart Star program provides small perks to top shoppers.