11 Key Results from Our Food Delivery Apps Comparison

5. Subscription Programs: Useful for frequent orders, but not universally worth it

Subscription plans such as DashPass, Grubhub+, and similar offerings promise reduced or waived delivery fees and fewer service charges for eligible orders. Their value depends on how often you order, your typical basket size, and whether your local restaurants qualify for the membership perks. If you order weekly and frequently meet the minimums for free delivery, a monthly or annual plan can quickly pay for itself. Conversely, if you order rarely or only for small items, the subscription cost may exceed the fees you’d otherwise pay. A quick calculator helps: multiply your average per-order saved fees by your typical monthly order count, subtract the subscription cost, and you’ll see whether the plan is an investment or an extra expense. Trial months or limited promotions are a low-risk way to test value before committing.