Is Uber Eats or DoorDash Cheaper in 2025? The Ultimate Guide

Ever find yourself scrolling between Uber Eats and DoorDash, wondering which one will be easier on your wallet in 2025? With changing fee structures, menu markups, and new subscription perks, picking the right app is trickier than ever. Here's a clear, detailed breakdown to help you decide once and for all.

Delivery Fees: Who Has the Edge?

Both Uber Eats and DoorDash charge delivery fees based on factors like distance, demand, and restaurant agreements. Typically, these fees range from $0.99 to $9.99. In recent comparisons, DoorDash consistently edges out Uber Eats by about $2-3 per average order. If you're frequently ordering smaller meals, DoorDash might save you more in the long run.

Service Fees & Hidden Charges

Here's where things get interesting:

DoorDash applies a straightforward service fee—typically around 15% of your order, with a minimum of $3. Smaller orders (under $10) also incur a small-order fee of $2.50.
Uber Eats, meanwhile, has a variable service fee influenced by factors like distance and order size, making costs harder to predict. Plus, their small-order fee hits at $3 for orders under $15.

Be wary of surge pricing during peak hours—both apps spike fees when things get busy.

Price Markups: The Hidden Cost

Ever notice menu items costing more on apps than in-store? Restaurants often hike prices on both Uber Eats and DoorDash to offset commissions. While markup rates vary, checking prices directly with the restaurant can highlight stark differences—sometimes over 20% higher on these apps.

Subscription Plans: DashPass vs. Uber One

Frequent user? Let's talk subscriptions:

DashPass from DoorDash costs $9.99 per month, offering free delivery on orders over $12, plus reduced fees. If you order at least once a week, it easily pays for itself.
Uber One also charges $9.99 monthly, giving free delivery on $15+ orders and a 5% discount on eligible orders. This can be particularly appealing if you're already integrated into Uber's ecosystem (ridesharing, etc.).

Evaluate your usage carefully: DashPass suits regular small orders, while Uber One excels for those who combine food delivery with Uber rides.

Promotions and Discounts

Both apps regularly shower users with promotional offers:

DoorDash frequently sends members special DashPass-exclusive deals.
Uber Eats often provides targeted promotions and seasonal discounts, especially beneficial to Uber One subscribers.

Keep an eye on promotions—they significantly reduce overall costs, especially for savvy users.

Verdict: Uber Eats or DoorDash in 2025?

Ultimately, DoorDash tends to be cheaper for smaller, frequent orders, thanks to predictable service fees and lower small-order costs. Uber Eats, however, becomes highly attractive if you frequently use Uber’s other services or place larger orders.

In short, the cheapest option in 2025 largely depends on your ordering habits and lifestyle needs. Always check for promotions and compare menu prices before ordering to maximize your savings.