Choosing between Instacart and DoorDash is one of the most common decisions facing gig workers in 2026. Both apps promise flexible schedules, fast pay, and the freedom to be your own boss. But when you dig into the numbers, the earning potential, expenses, and day-to-day experience are very different. With over 7 million Americans working in the gig economy and the median household income sitting around $80,000, picking the right platform can make or break your side hustle success.
Before you commit hours behind the wheel or inside a grocery store, it is worth knowing all your options. Apps like I am Beezy let you earn $5 to $15 per day just by viewing content on your cell phone — no car, no gas, no deliveries required. But if you are looking for higher daily earnings through active gig work, this Instacart vs DoorDash breakdown will help you decide which platform deserves your time in 2026.
How Instacart and DoorDash Actually Work
The Instacart model: shopping and delivering groceries
Instacart shoppers either shop and deliver (full-service shoppers) or just shop in-store (in-store shoppers). Full-service shoppers drive to the grocery store, pick every item on the customer's list, check out, and deliver it to the customer's door. A typical batch takes 30 to 60 minutes and pays between $7 and $25 before tips. Tips make up a huge portion of Instacart earnings — experienced shoppers report that tips often exceed the base pay itself.
The DoorDash model: restaurant pickup and delivery
DoorDash drivers (called Dashers) accept delivery requests from restaurants, drive to pick up the order, and deliver it to the customer. Most deliveries take 15 to 30 minutes. Base pay ranges from $2.50 to $10 per delivery depending on distance and complexity, plus tips. DoorDash also offers Shop and Deliver orders at select retail stores, similar to Instacart, but restaurant deliveries remain the core business.
Earnings Comparison: Instacart vs DoorDash in 2026
What real drivers and shoppers are earning
Based on 2026 data from driver forums, Reddit communities, and independent surveys, here is what workers on each platform actually take home. Remember, these figures include tips but do not account for gas, car maintenance, or self-employment taxes.
| Metric | Instacart | DoorDash |
|---|---|---|
| Average hourly (before expenses) | $15 - $25 | $15 - $22 |
| Average hourly (after expenses) | $10 - $18 | $9 - $16 |
| Typical tip percentage | 15% - 20% of order | $3 - $8 flat |
| Best earning window | Weekend mornings | Lunch and dinner rush |
| Average delivery time | 45 - 60 min | 20 - 30 min |
| Minimum vehicle required | Yes (full-service) | Car, bike, or scooter |
The numbers are close, but Instacart edges ahead on tips because grocery orders tend to be larger and customers tip a percentage of their total bill. A $150 grocery order with a 15% tip adds $22.50 on top of your base pay. DoorDash tips are typically flat amounts regardless of order size, so a $50 restaurant order might only get a $5 tip.
How I am Beezy compares as a no-cost alternative
Neither Instacart nor DoorDash is free to do. You need a car, gas, insurance, and a cell phone with a data plan. With I am Beezy, active users earn $150 to $300 per month by spending 20 to 30 minutes daily viewing content on their phones. There are zero vehicle expenses, zero wear and tear, and zero risk of a bad customer rating tanking your access to orders. Many gig workers use Beezy to supplement their delivery income during slow hours.
Pros and Cons of Each Platform
Instacart advantages and drawbacks
Instacart shines when it comes to tip potential and daytime availability. Grocery orders come in all day, not just during meal times, so you can work a full morning-to-afternoon shift without the dead zones that plague restaurant delivery. The downside is physical labor — you are walking through stores, lifting heavy items, and dealing with out-of-stock substitutions that slow you down. Cold weather and large orders add difficulty that DoorDash drivers rarely face.
DoorDash advantages and drawbacks
DoorDash wins on speed and simplicity. Most deliveries are grab-and-go: you walk into a restaurant, pick up a bag, and drive it to a house. There is no shopping, no substitutions, and no heavy lifting. The downside is inconsistent pay. Base pay can be as low as $2.50 for a short delivery, and during off-peak hours, you might sit in a parking lot waiting for orders. DoorDash also allows bike and scooter deliveries in major cities, which eliminates gas costs entirely.
The hidden costs that eat your profit
Both platforms share a common problem: expenses. The IRS standard mileage rate for 2026 is $0.70 per mile. If you drive 100 miles in a day doing deliveries, that is $70 in deductible vehicle costs. Gas, oil changes, tires, and increased insurance premiums all cut into your take-home pay. Smart gig workers track every mile and deduct it on their 1099 tax return, but many beginners forget this and end up owing more in taxes than they expected.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
Choose Instacart if you want higher tips and daytime work
If you enjoy shopping, do not mind physical activity, and want to work during daytime hours when restaurants are slow, Instacart is likely your better option. The tip structure rewards you for taking large orders, and the work is available seven days a week. Just be prepared for heavier physical demands and longer per-order time commitments.
Choose DoorDash if you want speed and evening flexibility
If you prefer quick deliveries, want to work during dinner rush hours, or do not have a car (bike delivery is available), DoorDash offers a faster-paced experience with lower physical demands. The trade-off is lower average tips and more competition during peak hours in major metro areas.
Or skip the car entirely and earn from your couch
Not everyone wants to drive for hours. If you want extra income without the vehicle expenses, sign up for I am Beezy and start earning from your phone. Many gig workers combine Beezy with their delivery work, earning on the app during wait times between orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do Instacart and DoorDash at the same time?
Yes. Many gig workers run both apps simultaneously and accept whichever order pays better at any given moment. This is called multi-apping and it is legal, though you need to manage your time carefully to avoid late deliveries.
Which platform pays faster, Instacart or DoorDash?
Both offer instant cashout options. DoorDash has DasherDirect, a free debit card with instant payouts. Instacart offers instant cashout for a small fee. Standard weekly deposits are free on both platforms.
Do I need special insurance for delivery driving?
Yes. Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover commercial delivery work. Check with your insurer about adding a rideshare or delivery endorsement, which typically costs $15 to $30 extra per month. Driving without proper coverage can leave you personally liable in an accident.
How much do gig drivers pay in taxes?
As an independent contractor, you owe self-employment tax (15.3%) plus your regular income tax rate. If you earn over $600 from either platform, you will receive a 1099 form. Track your mileage and deduct business expenses to reduce your tax bill significantly.
Conclusion
The Instacart vs DoorDash debate comes down to personal preference: higher tips and grocery shopping versus faster deliveries and restaurant pickups. Both can earn you $15 to $25 per hour before expenses in 2026, making either one a solid side hustle. But if you want to earn without the car costs, the wear on your vehicle, and the unpredictability of delivery gigs, there is an easier path. Join I am Beezy for free and start generating income from your cell phone today — no gas money required.
