Get started freeThe delivery gig economy in the US has exploded past $100 billion in annual revenue, and millions of Americans now drive, bike, or walk for at least one delivery platform. But with over a dozen apps competing for drivers, choosing the right one — or the right combination — can mean the difference between earning $10 per hour and $25 per hour. Which delivery apps actually pay the best in 2026, and which ones waste your time?
We compared the six most popular delivery platforms head-to-head, using real driver earnings data, expense calculations, and flexibility ratings. We also looked at how top-earning drivers boost their income beyond deliveries, with phone-based apps like I am Beezy — which pays $5 to $15 per day for viewing content — becoming a popular way to earn during downtime between orders.
The Big 6 Delivery Apps Compared
Side-by-side earnings comparison
Not all delivery apps are created equal. Some pay better base rates, some have better tips, and some burn more gas. Here is a comprehensive comparison of the six biggest delivery platforms available to US drivers in 2026, based on aggregated driver reports and community data.
| App | Avg Gross $/Hr | Avg Net $/Hr | Tip Frequency | Flexibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | $15 - $25 | $10 - $18 | 75% | High | Food delivery in most cities |
| Uber Eats | $14 - $28 | $9 - $19 | 70% | High | Multi-modal (car, bike, walk) |
| Instacart | $14 - $25 | $9 - $18 | 80% | Medium | Grocery shopping |
| Amazon Flex | $18 - $25 | $12 - $18 | Grocery only | Low | Guaranteed hourly rate |
| Grubhub | $12 - $22 | $8 - $15 | 65% | Medium | Scheduled blocks |
| Spark (Walmart) | $15 - $23 | $10 - $16 | 50% | Medium | Walmart grocery delivery |
DoorDash: the volume king
DoorDash controls roughly 65% of the US food delivery market in 2026, which means more orders and less downtime in most cities. The pay structure is base pay ($2 to $10) plus tips, with Peak Pay bonuses during busy hours. DoorDash's biggest advantage is order volume — you rarely wait long between deliveries in any decent-sized market. The downside? Base pay has been slowly decreasing over the years, making you more dependent on tips.
Uber Eats: best for multi-modal delivery
Uber Eats stands out for allowing deliveries by car, bike, scooter, or on foot. In dense cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, cyclists regularly out-earn car drivers because they avoid parking, gas, and traffic. Uber's upfront pricing shows you the full trip details before accepting, and their Quest bonuses (complete X deliveries for a bonus) can add $20 to $50 to a busy shift. The tip modification window (customers can change tips for one hour) is the main downside.
Which Delivery App Should You Choose?
Best for beginners: DoorDash
If you have never done gig delivery before, DoorDash is the easiest starting point. Sign-up is fast, the app is intuitive, and order volume is high in almost every US city. New Dashers also get access to guaranteed earnings promotions during their first 2 weeks. Start here to learn the ropes, then branch out to other platforms once you are comfortable.
Best for predictable income: Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is the only major delivery platform that guarantees an hourly rate ($18 to $25) regardless of tips or order volume. You know exactly what a 4-hour block will pay before you accept it. The downside is limited block availability — you cannot just turn on the app and start delivering. But for drivers who want reliable, predictable income, Flex is hard to beat.
Best for high earners: multi-app strategy
The highest-earning delivery drivers in 2026 do not commit to a single app. They run DoorDash and Uber Eats simultaneously, accepting whichever order pays more per mile. Between deliveries, they switch to I am Beezy to earn passive income from their phones. This multi-stream approach yields $20 to $30 per active hour, plus $150 to $300 monthly from content viewing during downtime — a total package that approaches $4,000 to $5,000 per month for full-time drivers.
Beyond Delivery: Stacking Your Income
Why relying on one delivery app is risky
Delivery apps change their pay algorithms regularly — usually not in your favor. Dashers who earned $22 per hour in 2024 might make $17 per hour for the same work in 2026. Building multiple income streams protects you from any single platform cutting pay. The smartest gig workers in 2026 combine 2 to 3 delivery apps with at least one passive income source.
Phone-based earning fills the gaps
Between orders, you are burning time and money (your car is depreciating, your phone data is running). That is why more drivers are turning to content-based earning apps. I am Beezy users earn $5 to $15 per day by viewing videos, articles, and sponsored content — activities you can do from a parking lot while waiting for your next delivery ping. Over a month, that covers your gas costs or your phone bill without adding any miles to your car.
Delivery App FAQ: What Drivers Ask Most
Can you work for multiple delivery apps at once?
Yes. None of the major delivery platforms require exclusivity. Most experienced drivers run 2 to 3 apps simultaneously and accept the best-paying order available at any moment. The only rule: never accept orders from two apps at the same time. Complete one before accepting another to maintain good ratings on both platforms.
Which delivery app has the lowest vehicle requirements?
Uber Eats allows delivery by bike, scooter, or on foot in many cities, making it the most accessible for people without cars. DoorDash and Instacart require a vehicle. Amazon Flex requires a mid-size or larger vehicle. If you do not own a car, Uber Eats is your best option, followed by DoorDash in select bike-friendly markets.
Do delivery drivers need special insurance?
Technically yes, though enforcement varies. Standard personal auto insurance does not cover commercial delivery driving. Some drivers add a rideshare endorsement to their existing policy ($15 to $30 per month). Others rely on the limited coverage provided by the delivery platforms themselves. Check your state's requirements and your insurance policy to avoid gaps in coverage.
How much should delivery drivers save for taxes?
Set aside 25% to 30% of your gross delivery earnings for federal and state income taxes plus self-employment tax (15.3%). Track all deductible expenses — mileage ($0.67 per mile in 2026), phone costs, insulated bags, and car maintenance. Most delivery drivers owe quarterly estimated taxes to the IRS to avoid end-of-year penalties.
Pick the Right App and Start Earning
The best delivery app for you in 2026 depends on your vehicle, your market, and your income goals. DoorDash offers the most orders, Amazon Flex offers the most predictable pay, and Uber Eats offers the most flexibility. But the highest earners combine multiple platforms and supplement with passive phone income to build a truly resilient income stream.
Ready to earn between deliveries? Create your free I am Beezy account and start turning downtime into dollars — no driving, no gas, just your cell phone and a few spare minutes.
