Looking to get food delivered or make money as a delivery driver? 

You've probably noticed DoorDash and Postmates as your top options. 

Here's what's interesting: while DoorDash owns 67% of the delivery market, Postmates still offers unique benefits that might make it the better choice for you.

I've spent years ordering from both platforms and talking to drivers who work them. 

Whether you're hungry at home or hungry to start earning some extra cash, I am here to help you pick the right service for your needs.

Quick Facts Worth Knowing

DoorDash dominates the market for good reasons:

• Available in over 7,000 U.S. cities

• Partners with major restaurant chains

• Average delivery time of 35 minutes

• Base driver pay between $15-25 per hour

Postmates takes a different approach:

• Focuses on local, independent restaurants

• Operates in about 1,500 cities

• Delivery times around 45 minutes

• Driver earnings between $10-17 per hour

"I switched from Postmates to DoorDash last year and my earnings went up by about 30%," says Mike Chen, a San Francisco-based driver who works both platforms. "But during certain times, like late nights, Postmates still brings in better tips."

Let's look at how these services stack up, from both a customer and driver perspective. 

We'll cover everything from real costs to insider tips that can save you money or boost your earnings.

The Big Picture: DoorDash vs Postmates in 2024

You might notice DoorDash's red logo more often than Postmates' black and white these days.

There's a reason - DoorDash handles 67% of food deliveries in the U.S., while Postmates serves a smaller but dedicated customer base. 

Let's break down what each service brings to the table.

Where You Can Get Delivery

DoorDash reaches more places, plain and simple. 

They're in over 7,000 U.S. cities, from major metros to smaller towns. 

"Living in suburban Phoenix, DoorDash is sometimes my only option," says Sarah Martinez, who orders delivery three times a week. "But their selection keeps getting better."

Postmates focuses on about 1,500 cities, mainly urban areas. 

They shine in places like Los Angeles and New York City, where their partnerships with local restaurants give you access to hidden gems that aren't on other apps.

Popular DoorDash Cities:

• San Francisco (74% market share)

• Houston (63% market share)

• Dallas-Fort Worth (56% market share)

Popular Postmates Cities:

• Los Angeles (41% market share)

• New York City (34% market share)

• Miami (29% market share)

What Sets Them Apart

DoorDash plays it safe with fixed pricing and partnerships with big restaurant chains. 

You'll find McDonald's, Cheesecake Factory, and other familiar names. Their drivers (called Dashers) get guaranteed minimum pay per order.

Postmates takes risks on local spots and smaller businesses. 

They'll also deliver almost anything - not just food. 

Need art supplies at midnight? Postmates might be your answer. Their drivers often earn more during odd hours since fewer people work those shifts.

Beyond Just Food

Both apps started with restaurant delivery, but they've grown into something bigger.

DoorDash now partners with:

• Grocery stores like Meijer

• Convenience stores

• Pet supply shops

• Pharmacies

• Retail stores

Postmates delivers from:

• Local boutiques

• Liquor stores

• Electronics shops

• Gift shops

• Specialty food markets

The real difference though? 

DoorDash focuses on official partnerships, ensuring smoother service but limiting options. 

Postmates lets drivers pick up from almost anywhere, giving you more choices but sometimes longer wait times.

What It Really Costs to Get Food Delivered

Let's talk money. 

Food delivery isn't cheap, but knowing how fees work helps you spend less. I've ordered hundreds of times from both apps, and here's what you need to know about the real costs.

Breaking Down the Fees

DoorDash keeps things predictable. 

Their delivery fees typically run $1.99 to $7.99, based mostly on how far away the restaurant is. 

You'll also see a service fee (around 10-15% of your order) and tax.

Postmates changes things up more often. 

Their base delivery fees start at $1.99 for partner restaurants but can jump to $9.99 for places they don't work with directly. During busy times, these fees might double.

Let's look at a real $40 order from both apps:

DoorDash Example:

• Food total: $40.00

• Delivery fee: $3.99

• Service fee: $4.80 (12%)

• Tax: $3.20

• Suggested tip: $8.00 (20%) 

Final total: $59.99

Postmates Example:

• Food total: $40.00

• Delivery fee: $5.99

• Service fee: $6.00 (15%)

• Tax: $3.20

• Suggested tip: $8.00 (20%) 

Final total: $63.19

Membership Options That Save Money

Both apps offer subscriptions that can cut your costs if you order often.

DashPass ($9.99/month):

• No delivery fees on orders over $15

• Lower service fees (around 5%)

• Exclusive deals

• Free first month

"DashPass pays for itself if you order more than twice a month," explains Tom Wu, who tracks his delivery spending in Chicago. "I save about $200 every three months."

Postmates Unlimited ($9.99/month or $99.99/year):

• Free delivery on orders over $12

• No surge pricing

• Special offers

• 7-day free trial

Smart Ways to Pay Less

Want to keep more money in your pocket? Here's what works:

Pick restaurants closer to you. Delivery fees usually go up with distance. I once paid $12 just for delivery because I had to have that one specific burger from across town.

Watch for promotions. Both apps run deals, but DoorDash tends to offer more frequent discounts. They'll pop up on your home screen or in your email.

Order pickup instead of delivery. Both apps let you order ahead and skip the line, often with no extra fees. Perfect when you're already out and about.

Time your orders right. Postmates raises prices during peak hours (like Friday dinner time), while DoorDash keeps steadier rates.

Want to hear about the actual delivery experience next? I'll share real data about wait times and reliability.

Wait Times and Delivery Performance

DoorDash averages 35 minutes from order to delivery across most cities, with merchants preparing orders within 15-20 minutes. 

Their system allows restaurants to adjust preparation times for better accuracy, helping drivers plan pickups more effectively.

Postmates typically needs 45-60 minutes for delivery completion. 

While this longer window might seem disadvantageous, it reflects their broader service range and willingness to deliver from non-partnered restaurants.

Several factors influence your actual wait time:

• Restaurant partnership status

• Distance from pickup location

• Current demand levels

• Local driver availability

• Weather conditions

Order Tracking and Updates

Both platforms offer real-time tracking, but their approaches differ significantly. 

DoorDash provides comprehensive status updates throughout the delivery process, including restaurant acceptance, driver assignment, and pickup confirmation. 

Their system integration with Stripe ensures secure payment processing and reliable order management.

Postmates focuses on essential milestone updates, streamlining their tracking to show only major status changes. 

This simplified approach works particularly well during their peak hours, which typically run from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM.

Problem Resolution

When orders go wrong, each platform has established protocols for resolution.

DoorDash handles issues through their in-app support system, typically processing refunds within 24 hours for verified problems. 

Their merchant portal requires restaurants to report issues within the same timeframe.

Postmates maintains a structured support system through their app and website, though resolution times can stretch to 3-5 days. 

They compensate for longer wait times by offering delivery fee refunds when orders arrive significantly late.

Making Money as a Delivery Driver

The food delivery market offers substantial earning opportunities, with clear differences between platforms in terms of pay structure and work requirements.

Getting Started

DoorDash requires:

• Minimum age: 18 (19 in some states)

• Valid driver's license

• Auto insurance verification

• Social Security number

• Smartphone compatibility: iOS 11+ or Android 7.0+

• Clean driving record

Postmates maintains similar base requirements but extends vehicle options to include bicycles and scooters in select markets. 

Their DMV checks ensure driver safety compliance across all vehicle types.

Earnings Structure

DoorDash's payment model includes:

• Base pay: $2-10 per delivery

• Peak pay bonuses: $1-5 extra during high demand

• Average hourly earnings: $15-25, reaching up to $34 per hour in California

• Weekly potential: $500-800 (40 hours)

Postmates offers:

• Base pay: $2-9 per delivery

• Surge pricing multipliers during peak times

• Average hourly earnings: $10-17

• Weekly potential: $400-600 (40 hours)

Market research confirms DoorDash's higher average earnings, particularly in major metropolitan areas.

Schedule Management

DoorDash's hybrid scheduling system lets you book shifts ahead or start immediately when demand surges. 

Their platform gives priority to scheduled drivers during peak hours, helping maintain consistent earnings.

Postmates runs an open system without formal scheduling, allowing drivers to work whenever they choose. 

This flexibility particularly benefits part-time drivers who need to work around other commitments.

Extra Features for Better Service

Both DoorDash and Postmates offer features beyond basic delivery that can improve your ordering or driving experience. 

These tools shape how you'll interact with each platform.

Group Orders

DoorDash streamlines large orders through advanced cart sharing technology. 

Their system connects with iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and Slack, letting participants add items while hosts monitor spending. 

Postmates takes a direct path to group ordering. 

You'll share a single cart among multiple users, though with less granular control over individual spending. 

This approach works well for smaller groups but might create challenges for larger corporate orders.

Advance Planning

Both services support order scheduling, yet each sets different timeframes. 

DoorDash caps advance orders at four days, focusing on accuracy in delivery estimates. 

Their system accounts for restaurant hours and typical preparation times when suggesting available slots.

Postmates extends scheduling to seven days ahead, giving you more flexibility for future events. 

The platform's merchant dashboard helps restaurants manage these advance orders effectively.

Platform Safety

DoorDash's SafeDash system sets new standards for delivery security. 

Through partnership with ADT, they provide 24/7 security monitoring and emergency response capabilities. 

The system automatically tracks delivery times and can escalate concerns to emergency services when needed.

Postmates incorporates basic safety features like location sharing and emergency contacts. 

Their delivery guarantee system processes over 5 million deliveries monthly with strong safety records.

Support Systems

Each platform handles customer service differently. 

DoorDash runs support through multiple channels, including in-app chat, email, and phone support at (855) 431-0459. 

Technical issues often resolve through simple steps like cache clearing.

Postmates manages support primarily through their app and email systems. 

While response times might stretch longer than DoorDash, their API-driven platform provides clear error codes and updates during issue resolution.

Let's examine how to pick the right service based on your specific needs in the next section.

Picking the Right Platform

Let's cut through the marketing speak and look at who each platform serves best. 

Your choice depends on where you live, what you need, and how you plan to use the service.

Best for Regular Food Orders

DoorDash makes sense when you want reliability and wide restaurant selection. 

Their 67% market share translates to more active drivers and faster deliveries in most areas. Based on market analysis, they excel in suburban areas where Postmates coverage might be spotty.

Choose DoorDash if you:

• Live in suburban areas

• Order from chain restaurants

• Need consistent delivery times

• Want detailed order tracking

Postmates stands out for city dwellers who prize variety over speed. 

Their network includes many independent restaurants that don't partner with other delivery services. 

Research shows they maintain strong market shares in Los Angeles (41%) and New York City (34%), making them competitive in major urban centers.

Pick Postmates when you:

• Live in major cities

• Prefer local restaurants

• Need late-night delivery

• Want to schedule orders further ahead

Best for Drivers

DoorDash offers higher average earnings and more consistent work. 

According to earnings data, drivers make $15-25 hourly, with guaranteed minimum pay per order. 

Their scheduling system helps secure prime delivery slots during peak hours.

The platform works best for drivers who:

• Want predictable earnings

• Prefer structured schedules

• Live in suburban areas

• Plan to drive full-time

Postmates fits drivers seeking maximum flexibility. 

Their open scheduling and diverse delivery options (food, retail, etc.) create unique earning opportunities. 

Drivers report higher tips during off-peak hours, particularly in urban markets.

Consider Postmates for driving if you:

• Need complete schedule freedom

• Live in major cities

• Want to mix delivery types

• Plan to drive part-time

The Bottom Line

Your choice between DoorDash and Postmates comes down to location, timing, and specific needs. 

Here's what matters most:

For Food Delivery

DoorDash leads the market with faster deliveries and wider coverage. 

Their 67% market share means more drivers ready to pick up your order, especially in suburban areas. 

The platform's partnerships with major restaurant chains create a reliable, if somewhat predictable, selection.

Postmates carves out its niche in urban areas, particularly for those seeking local restaurants and late-night options. 

While delivery times run longer, the platform's diverse merchant network opens doors to unique local spots that don't appear on other apps.

For Drivers

Each platform suits different working styles. 

DoorDash's structured approach and higher base pay work well for those seeking steady income. 

Their peak pay bonuses and scheduled shifts help maximize earnings during busy hours.

Postmates offers complete scheduling freedom and diverse delivery options beyond just food. 

This flexibility comes with less predictable earnings but creates opportunities for drivers to find their own profitable niches, particularly during off-peak hours.

Smart Platform Selection

Try both services in your area before committing to one. Download the apps, check local restaurant availability, and compare prices on similar orders. 

For drivers, test each platform during different times to find the best earning windows.

Remember that market dominance shifts by location. 

While DoorDash rules nationally, Postmates might offer better service or income potential in your specific neighborhood. Let your local options and personal priorities guide your choice.