So, you’ve decided to jump into the world of gig driving—but now you’re faced with a big question:
Which app should you drive for?
With so many options out there, it can be hard to know which platforms are worth your time. Whether you want to deliver groceries, food, packages, or a little of everything, this post will help you figure out where to start based on your goals, location, and preferences.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular delivery apps in 2025:
Spark (Walmart)
Best for: Grocery and general merchandise delivery
Where it thrives: Suburban and rural areas
Spark is Walmart’s delivery service, and it’s becoming one of the top-earning apps for many drivers. You’ll deliver groceries, electronics, and home goods, often in bulk orders. It’s ideal if you live near a Walmart and prefer less fast-paced, higher-volume deliveries.
Pros:
- Higher payouts per trip
- Scheduled and on-demand offers
- Minimal customer interaction (mostly doorstep drop-offs)
Cons:
- Can require a larger vehicle for bulk orders
- Limited availability in some urban areas
Uber Eats
Best for: Fast food and restaurant delivery
Where it thrives: Cities and urban zones
Uber Eats is one of the easiest apps to get started with. It’s great for quick trips and constant order flow, especially in busy city centers. You can pair it with rideshare driving if you’re already on Uber.
Pros:
- Instant pay options
- Strong brand recognition
- Built-in tipping system
Cons:
- High competition in busy markets
- Short-distance orders can sometimes pay low
DoorDash
Best for: Volume and variety of orders
Where it thrives: Just about everywhere
DoorDash is the biggest name in food delivery and offers the highest order volume in many markets. It’s beginner-friendly and has opportunities to earn through promotions, challenges, and peak pay.
Pros:
- Lots of orders, especially during mealtimes
- “Dash Now” option means you can start anytime
- Great for stacking short trips
Cons:
- Not all orders are worth it—be ready to decline low-paying ones
- Can be inconsistent during off-peak hours
Amazon Flex
Best for: Structured, scheduled deliveries
Where it thrives: Urban and suburban areas
With Amazon Flex, you’ll deliver packages in set time blocks. It pays well for the time invested, but requires a good level of physical fitness and a dependable vehicle.
Pros:
- High earning potential
- No tip dependency
- Predictable schedules
Cons:
- Limited flexibility—you have to commit to blocks
- Heavy or bulky packages
Instacart
Best for: Grocery shopping and delivery
Where it thrives: Suburbs, mid-size cities
Instacart lets you shop for customers and deliver their groceries. It’s perfect if you’re detail-oriented and enjoy shopping. Tips can be huge, especially in affluent areas.
Pros:
- High tipping potential
- Flexible scheduling
- You can choose to just deliver (no shopping) in some cases
Cons:
- Shopping takes time and energy
- Replacements and out-of-stock items can slow you down
Shipt
Best for: Consistent customers and repeat business
Where it thrives: Target-heavy areas, suburbs
Shipt is like Instacart but is known for cultivating loyal customer relationships. Some drivers build a steady clientele and get requests directly.
Pros:
- Potential for repeat clients
- Friendly app and support
- Good tips for quality shoppers
Cons:
- Smaller user base than Instacart
- Less availability in smaller cities
Grubhub
Best for: Reliable food delivery with decent payouts
Where it thrives: College towns, mid-size cities
Grubhub is a solid food delivery platform with consistent orders and better-than-average payouts in some areas. It’s great for those who want a stable experience without the chaos of newer apps.
Pros:
- Reliable earnings
- Strong customer support
- Scheduled blocks or “on the fly” work
Cons:
- Can be slower in smaller towns
- Less app innovation compared to Uber Eats or DoorDash
Roadie
Best for: Long-distance and unique deliveries
Where it thrives: Highway corridors, airport zones, travelers
Roadie is the wild card—this app connects drivers with one-off delivery gigs ranging from lost luggage to lab samples. It’s ideal if you’re already planning a road trip or have free time between cities.
Pros:
- Unique jobs and less competition
- Perfect for people already on the road
- Some big-payout deliveries
Cons:
- Inconsistent gig availability
- Some deliveries can be awkward or oversized
Final Takeaway
The “best” app depends on you—your location, vehicle, schedule, and goals. Want high volume and fast cash? Try DoorDash or Uber Eats. Prefer scheduled blocks and fewer stops? Go for Amazon Flex or Spark. Like grocery shopping and high tips? Instacart or Shipt is the way to go. Already driving long distances? Roadie might surprise you.
And don’t forget—you don’t have to choose just one—most top earners multiapply to keep the orders (and money) flowing.
Thinking of getting started?
Use referral codes when you sign up—some offer up to $500 in bonuses!
And remember: track your mileage, decline low-paying orders, and always drive smart.
