If you’re looking to earn extra income on a flexible schedule, delivery apps offer a fantastic opportunity. This guide highlights the best delivery apps to work for in 2025, focusing on their key features, benefits, and what sets them apart.
Our top pick, Lyft, stands out because drivers can cash out earnings at any time, plus new drivers (of any gender) can earn a $400 bonus by giving 40 rides in 7 days. Terms apply.
Whether you’re looking to deliver food, groceries, or a variety of items, there’s an app here that suits your needs. Read on to find the best fit for you.
🏆 Top Driving App: Lyft
You probably recognize Lyft as one of the leading rideshare platforms, and they launched a Women+ Connect* feature to help women and nonbinary drivers and riders feel more in-control of their ride experience. Drivers get all of the flexibility and bonus offers that Lyft is known for, with the added benefit of increased chances to match with women and nonbinary riders.
Drivers can cash out earnings at any time, plus new drivers (of any gender) can earn a $400 bonus by giving 40 rides in 7 days. Terms apply.
If you’re interested in driving with Lyft, you must meet the following requirements:
- You’re at least 25 years old
- You own an iPhone or Android smartphone
- You have a clean driving record and auto insurance
- You have an eligible 4-door vehicle (car year varies by region)
- You consent to a criminal background check and review of your driving record
How to Get Started:
New drivers (of any gender) can earn a $400 bonus with 40 rides in 7 days. Terms apply.Other Delivery Apps to Consider:
1. DoorDash
Why DoorDash?
DoorDash is one of the best choices for delivery apps. With DoorDash, you can set your own hours and be your own boss. Dashers also benefit from DasherDirect, which allows for instant payment upon approval, and Fast Pay, which lets you cash out daily (fees apply).
Key Features:
- Flexible schedule: Work when you want, around your own schedule.
- Be your own boss: Enjoy the independence of managing your own work.
- DasherDirect: Get paid instantly (subject to approval).
- Fast Pay: Cash out daily (fees apply).
- Dasher Pay Model: You’ll always earn Base Pay for any offer accepted on DoorDash. Base Pay is calculated based on the estimated time, distance, and desirability of the offer.
- Time Earnings Mode: Pilot option to earn a guaranteed hourly rate while delivering, plus 100% of tips.
How to Get Started:
Sign up for DoorDash2. Uber Eats
Uber Eats offers flexible scheduling and the opportunity to earn good money. It’s easy to sign up and get started. The app is available in many cities, making it a convenient choice for many people.
Key Features:
- Flexible work hours.
- Competitive pay.
- Wide availability in many cities.
3. Instacart
Instacart shoppers can earn money by delivering groceries. It’s a great option if you prefer shopping over delivering food. You can choose your own hours and potentially earn tips from customers.
Key Features:
- Earn money shopping for and delivering groceries.
- Flexible hours.
- Potential for tips from customers.
4. Postmates
Postmates allows you to deliver a variety of items, not just food. This can mean more delivery opportunities and potentially higher earnings. The flexibility of working with Postmates makes it a popular choice among gig workers.
Key Features:
- Deliver food, groceries, and other items.
- High flexibility.
- Potential for good earnings with tips.
5. Grubhub
Grubhub is another popular food delivery app that offers flexible hours and good earning potential. It’s known for its extensive customer base, providing many delivery opportunities.
Key Features:
- Flexible schedule.
- Competitive pay.
- Wide customer base.
Driving App Comparison:
| Delivery App | Flexibility | Tips | Bonuses |
| DoorDash | Very High | Yes | Yes |
| Lyft | High | Yes | Yes |
| Uber Eats | High | Yes | Yes |
| Instacart | Moderate | Yes | No |
| Postmates | High | Yes | Yes |
| Grubhub | High | Yes | Yes |
Why Choose DoorDash?
- Flexibility: Set your own schedule and work when you want with DoorDash.
- Be your own boss: Enjoy the independence of managing your own work.
- DasherDirect: Get paid instantly (subject to approval).
- Fast Pay: Cash out daily (fees apply).
- Dasher Pay Model: You’ll always earn Base Pay for any offer accepted on DoorDash. Base Pay is calculated based on the estimated time, distance, and desirability of the offer.
- Time Earnings Mode: Pilot option for a guaranteed hourly rate while delivering, plus 100% of tips.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a delivery app to work for, DoorDash stands out for its flexibility, independence, and ease of use. If you’re looking to maximize your earnings and enjoy a flexible work schedule, DoorDash is the way to go.
Sign Up for DoorDash TodayDoorDash disclaimer:
- Earning more on certain types of orders (ex. alcohol): Earn more per order as compared to restaurant orders. Actual earnings may differ and depend on factors like number of deliveries you accept and complete, time of day, location, and any costs. Hourly pay is calculated using average Dasher payouts while on a delivery (from the time you accept an order until the time you drop it off) over a 90-day period and includes compensation from tips, peak pay, and other incentives.
- Get paid instantly (DasherDirect): Subject to approval
- Cash out daily (Fast Pay): Fees apply
- Start dashing today: Subject to background check and availability
- Dash anytime: Subject to availability
*This is not a safety feature and cannot guarantee safety, but it can help women and non-binary users have more choice.