Top 12 Delivery apps to make money in 2026: A Complete Guide

In today’s world, there are a number of people who are using delivery apps to make money on their own schedule. Companies like DoorDash, Uber Eats and Amazon support 10 million globally active drivers. It demonstrates the significant growth of this earning model. Most people use delivery driver apps as a side income and for some people, this is the main source of income. These delivery apps unlock the opportunities to earn more money.

On-demand delivery jobs have increased significantly in the United States. Due to the continuous demand for quick deliveries and convenient ordering. These delivery apps are developed by leading mobile app development company experts. For customers and delivery drivers, it offers an effective and user-friendly experience. On-demand delivery jobs, including food, grocery and package delivery, grew by 15% year-over-year.

If you are in search of earning extra income as a delivery driver in 2026? You are at the right place. In this guide, we have curated a list of the top 12 delivery apps to make money. In this guide, we included deep insight, real earning factors and clear information to help you decide which one is the perfect choice for you. So let’s explore.

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How To Choose A Delivery Job With Better Pay?

Choosing the right delivery jobs with better pay can be tough. Because different delivery jobs pay you different amounts. There are a lot of things that affect your pay. But understanding these factors helps you to choose the perfect delivery apps to make money without wasting time and fuel.

Delivery Type Matters

The type of delivery you choose affects your earning potential directly. Food delivery usually offers quicker trips and more frequent orders. Grocery delivery often pays more per order because it involves shopping time and larger baskets. Package delivery typically offers longer routes and fixed payouts. Depending on how much you value time and effort. Each option answers the question of which delivery job pays the highest.

Choose Flexibility or Stability

Some delivery apps let drivers work whenever they want, while other apps depend on scheduled blocks. Flexible platforms are best for those who work part-time. And for drivers who want consistent hours and pay, a stable platform is suitable for them. If you are consistent, then it may result in higher earnings weekly, even though per-order pay looks average.

The Unseen Budget Hit

You can’t compare profit with earnings. The fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance and depreciation reduce your income. If drivers ignore these expenses, they may overestimate their earnings. It’s important to compare net income rather than just display payouts while choosing delivery apps to make money. 

Physical Demands

Before choosing the delivery app to make money, make sure it suits you and your body. Food delivery apps require frequent stops and short walks. A grocery delivery app which is built by a reliable grocery delivery app development company, involves lifting and carrying heavy items. And package delivery requires long driving hours. So choose that job which is suitable for your physical comfort, it will help you stay productive and earn more over time.

Earning and Incentives

The highest paying delivery jobs occasionally pay differently than other jobs due to bonuses & incentives. Order streaks, peak-time pay and referral bonuses can all significantly increase income. Rather than offering occasional high payouts, the ideal delivery app often pays drivers consistently & clearly.

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Tips to Earn More as a Delivery Driver | Key Things That Impact Delivery Driver Earnings

If you make a smart choice, then you can maximize your earnings as a delivery driver. Your earnings do not just depend on the number of deliveries. If you work efficiently and take advantage of opportunities as they arise, then you will earn more.

Area and Location

• High-traffic cities provide more frequent orders and higher tips due to demand.
• In rural areas, the orders may be smaller, but long distances have to be covered, which affects earnings.

Tip: Choose areas with a good balance between order frequency and reasonable delivery distance.

Type of Delivery

• Food delivery usually pays less per order but is faster.
• Grocery and package delivery tends to pay more because of the extra time and effort involved.

Tip: Choose delivery types that suit your time and earnings goals.

Tips from Customers

• Tips can be 15-30% of your earnings.
• Large orders or deliveries that require extra effort (such as multiple stops or long distances) usually earn better tips.

Tip: Provide excellent service, be on time, be polite and keep customers informed.

Peak Hours & Surge Pricing

• Peak hours offer golden opportunities for drivers to make extra earnings.
• Drivers get higher pay rates during peak hours because most delivery apps implement surge pricing.

Tip: Work during peak hours to take advantage of high prices and high demand.

Company Bonuses

• Some delivery apps, such as DoorDash, offer bonuses for completing certain tasks, like a number of on-time deliveries.
• Orders during peak hours increase your hourly pay.

Tip: Always focus on complete targets for bonuses to earn more without working extra hours.

Delivery App Performance

• Different delivery apps have different pay structures.
• Some delivery apps focus on high volume, while others offer higher pay per order.

Tips: While choosing the best delivery apps to make money, as per your needs

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Top 12 Delivery Apps to Make Money in 2026

DoorDash

Founded: 2013

DoorDash is the largest food delivery platform in the United States. In urban, suburban and small-town markets, it connects nearby restaurants. It is one of the best delivery apps to make money because of its broad reach and consistent order volume.

Why It Is Best

DoorDash has a strong market presence and flexible scheduling. It helps drivers to sustain and earn a constant income by providing regular delivery orders.

Advantages:

• High order quantity across the country
• Option for flexible scheduling
• Maximum pay during peak hours
• Solid tipping culture
• Easy-to-use driver app

Disadvantages:

• Lower base pay on certain orders
• High competition in urban areas
• Vehicle wear and tear
• Order access is affected by ratings
• Off-peak earnings decline

UberEats

Founded: 2014

Uber Eats is one of the most popular food delivery app and its parent company is Uber. This platform connects with thousands of restaurants and delivers food. It is one of the most used delivery driver apps to make money in busy urban areas.

Why is it Best

Uber Eats is known for its surge pricing, real-time demand and strong city coverage. It provide highest paying delivery jobs during peak hours without a fixed schedule.

Advantages

• Possibilities for surge pricing
• Large customer base
• Flexible working hours
• Transparent tracking of earnings
• Reliable app infrastructure

Disadvantages

• Location affects earnings
• Waiting time at the restaurant
• Tips are not guaranteed
• Customer reviews are important
• Issue with the app during high demand

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Grubhub

Founded: 2004

Grubhub is the oldest food delivery platform in the United States. It focuses on restaurant partnerships and allows drivers to schedule delivery blocks. This is one of the most preferred delivery driver apps to make money, who like regular working hours.

Why is it Best

Grubhub is a good fit for drivers who value fixed shifts. It offers income stability rather than chasing high volume or surge-based earnings.

Advantages

• Option for block scheduling
• Well-established restaurant network
• Reduce delivery pressure
• Stable income in selected markets
• Long industrial presence

Disadvantages

• Limited accessibility in smaller towns
• Low incentives
• Slow platform growth
• Lower off-peak order volume
• Outdated app interface

Postmates

Founded: 2011

In the beginning, Postmates was a multi-category delivery service and later merged with Uber Eats. It supports food, grocery and retail delivery. As compared to other food delivery apps, it provides drivers with a wider range of job types.

Why is it Best

In the list of top delivery apps to make money, one popular name is Postmates. They offer delivery diversity, allowing drivers to profit from food, retail and grocery orders. So you don’t have to depend solely on restaurant demand.

Advantages

• Different delivery categories
• Flexible order types
• High demand from customer
• Integrated Uber system
• High retail tips

Disadvantages

• Few features that stand alone
• Long delivery time
• Income depends on tips
• Less control distance
• Low bonus

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Shipt

Founded: 2014

Shipt primarily works with large stores and specializes in the shopping and delivery of groceries. Customers often place larger orders, which means higher chances of tipping. This platform is suitable for drivers who prefer fewer deliveries with higher payments.

Why is it Best

Shipt is one of the most famous delivery apps to make money. It works best for drivers who want high-value orders and strong tipping behavior rather than making many small deliveries.

Advantages

• Large order values
• Powerful customer tips
• Scheduled delivery
• Bonus opportunity
• Lower order saturation

Disadvantages

• Shopping takes a long time
• Physical effort is necessary
• Limited rural coverage
• Communication with the customer is necessary
• Long delivery time

Instacart

Founded: 2012

Instacart specializes in grocery shopping and delivery between major retailers. Drivers handle both purchases and deliveries, which increases revenue per order. This is often mentioned when discussing the best highest paying delivery jobs.

Why is it Best

Instacart offers a high earning potential per order. It is the best food delivery service to work for to earn extra money. Drivers who efficiently manage large grocery lots and build strong customer reviews.

Advantages

• High payment per order
• Large tips from customer
• Earning from batch orders
• Demand during the year
• Flexible scheduling

Disadvantages

• Involves heavy lifting
• Time-consuming shopping
• Dependence on tips
• Fuel expenses
• Priority based on ratings

Amazon Flex

Founded: 2015

Amazon Flex allows drivers to deliver Amazon packages with fixed pay through scheduled blocks. This is one of the most famous delivery driver apps to make money. Unlike food delivery services, the income does not depend on tips, which makes the income more predictable for the drivers.

Why is it Best

Amazon Flex is suitable for drivers who want guaranteed hourly wages and package delivery. You don’t have to rely on tips or frequent customer contact.

Advantages

• Hourly rates fixed
• No dependency on tips
• Reliable payment
• High demand for holidays
• Clear delivery routes

Disadvantages

• Limited block availability
• Extended driving distance
• Strict deadlines
• Vehicle wear and tear
• Less schedule flexibility

GoPuff

Founded: 2012

GoPuff delivers convenience items from local fulfillment centers. Drivers benefit from shorter routes and frequent bookings, especially late at night. This appeals to drivers who want fast, frequent deliveries.

Why is it Best

GoPuff is ideal for short-distance delivery and fast order turnover, so drivers can make more trips in less time.

Advantages

• Short delivery distance
• Central pick-up point
• Late night demand
• Higher order frequency
• Simple process

Disadvantages

• Low basic salary in some areas
• The tip variation
• Limited market access
• Repetitive tasks
• Demand fluctuations

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Curry

Founded: 2019

Curry specializes in delivering wholesale and large items to customers and consumers. From the list of top delivery apps to make money, this app is suitable for people with larger vehicles. Drivers make fewer deliveries with higher payments.

Why is it Best

Curry is the best option for drivers who prefer shorter jobs with higher pay. It gives the highest wages per delivery, which makes it attractive among drivers. Curry is the best food delivery service to work for.

Advantages

• High income per delivery
• Less competition
• Fewer daily trips
• Demand for business delivery
• flexible job choice

Disadvantages

• Physically demanding
• Requires larger vehicles
• Limited delivery quantity
• Longer loading time
• Restricted area

Caviar

Founded: 2011

Caviar focuses on premium restaurant delivery and operates under DoorDash. It caters to customers with higher incomes, which often leads to better tips and higher order values.

Why is it Best

Caviar works best for drivers who want quality orders and high tips. They don’t give high-volume, low-paying deliveries.

Advantages

• High-value orders
• Strong tipping behavior
• Short delivery distance
• Premium Restaurant
• Low driver saturation

Disadvantages

• Limited availability
• Small customer base
• Fewer recessions
• Low bonus
• City-dependent demand

Roadie

Founded: 2014

Roadie connects drivers with long distance and large delivery jobs. This works well for drivers who already travel between cities or want to earn extra money on each trip. That’s why Roadie is in the list of delivery driver apps to make money.

Why is it Best

Roadie is the best option for drivers who want to make a few deliveries and earn more money. It combines trips with pre-existing travel routes.

Advantages

• High income per trip
• Flexible concert selection
• Business partnership
• Long distance options
• Works with other apps

Disadvantages

• Irregular work flow
• Long driving hours
• Fuel cost
• No daily guarantee
• Limited urban demand

Favor

Founded: 2013

Favor focuses on local deliveries and mainly works in Texas. It gives a fixed payment, but a minimum pay per drive. But it provides local and part-time drivers regular income.

Why is it Best

Favor offers a predictable minimum income. It is a safe option for drivers who prefer local delivery and stable pay. 

Advantages

• Minimum wage guarantee
• Strong local demand
• Flexible schedule
• Simple distribution function
• Less competition

Disadvantages

• Limited to Texas
• Income depends on tips
• Small order size
• Slow expansion
• Not nationwide

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How Can You Earn More With Food Delivery Services

As a delivery driver, it requires multiple approaches to earn more with food delivery services. Here are some proven strategies that help you to maximize your income.

Work During Peak Hours

Busy hours such as lunch, dinner, weekends and holidays generally bring more orders and better pay. Many delivery apps offer a high price or top pay during this time, which means you’ll earn more for each delivery.

Keep Your Finances Organized

Always keep an eye on your earnings and expenses to make sure you are getting the most out of your profits. Use some apps to track fuel costs, vehicle maintenance and other business-related costs. This will give you a better understanding of your actual profits and assistance during tax season.

Use Multiple Delivery Apps

There are a lot of food delivery apps to make money, so why stick to one app when you can use many. Expand your sources of income by signing up and utilizing those apps. You can compare offers, choose high-paying orders and minimize downtime between jobs.

Prioritize High-Tip Orders

Although it’s tempting to accept every order, prioritize high-paying orders. Larger orders or deliveries from premium restaurants usually result in larger tips. This increases your hourly earnings.

Track and Control Expenses

It is important to understand your costs, such as gas, vehicle maintenance and insurance. The more you reduce your operating costs, the more of your income you save. Small savings can add up over time.

Maintain Strong Ratings

To get a better-paying order, it requires maintaining high customer ratings. Positive feedback can increase your chances of getting the best jobs. So, handle delivery with care, deliver on time and communicate nicely with customers & the restaurants.

Avoid Low-Value Deliveries

Not every delivery is worth your time. You can reject those deliveries that involve long-distance travel without sufficient compensation. You can earn more money if you focus on the highest-paying delivery jobs. Make sure your time is used profitably.

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Final Thoughts

In 2026, delivery applications will still provide opportunities to earn money. This is the best option for those who want flexibility and freedom. If you are questioning “what delivery job pays the most” then understanding how each app works helps you make a better choice to earn more money. While choosing, keep in mind that not every delivery driver app suits everyone. Your income will increase if you use this as a small business, not just a side job. So, make a smart choice and use these delivery apps to make money.

The growth of delivery apps shows that they have a bright future and for those who want to start this business, now is the right time. And if you want to build a food delivery app, then consider Apptechies. They have expertise in Android, iOS app development, cross-platform development and hybrid app development. Proven record of successfully delivering custom AI-powered solutions across multiple regions. Whether it’s food delivery, logistics, healthcare, ecommerce or taxi app development, they serve various industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What Food Delivery Service Pays the Most?

As per research, DoorDash and UberEats food delivery services that pay the highest. But still it depends on the other factors too, like location, peak hours, order size and tips. Choose those delivery apps to make money that are suitable for your comfort and worthy of time.

Q. What are the Requirements for Making Money with Delivery Apps?

The eligibility criteria is delivery driver is at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, an insured vehicle, and a smartphone. Some platforms require basic customer service skills and conduct background checks.

Q. Which Delivery is Best for Earning Money?

Uber Eats and DoorDash are among the top choices for making money. If you are still thinking “what delivery job pays the most,” then there are other delivery driver apps available that pay you more, like Instacart and Amazon Flex. If you want to build an app like DoorDash, then Apptechies is the best choice for food delivery app development.