Yes, we said it. Saturdays and Sundays are officially for takeouts! Now, with such great nutritional meal kits delivered to your doorstep. Nobody wants to cook an extensive meal in the kitchen on weekends. But, as the dumpling soup and butter chicken with naan become more regular, food delivery is becoming more expensive.
With so many food delivery apps available in 2025, it’s completely normal and even smart to want to find the cheapest food delivery app. You may find yourself searching on the web and public forums like Reddit or Quora: “What is the cheapest food delivery app?”, “cheapest way to get food delivered” and “most affordable food delivery app.”
Even though it’s convenient to have your comfort food delivered to your doorstep on weekends, the delivery fees always sting a little. But you are not alone!
There are three types of people. First are those who stick to cooking at home. Second are those who do extensive meal prepping for the entire week. Third are those who simply order takeout as usual and actively search for ways to reduce the delivery fee. If you lie in the third one, this blog is what you need!
In this blog, we will discuss everything. From the cheapest way to get food delivered to cheap food delivery apps, we will uncover it all. We will also give you a detailed list of cheap food delivery apps so you can actually enjoy your takeout without leaving a dent in your savings. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
What’s the Cheapest Way to Get Food Delivered?
If you are actually serious about saving those extra dollars. The answer is obvious. Simply call the restaurant directly to place your food order and pick it up yourself.
It’s no surprise that apps are very convenient. But they come with their extra delivery fees, service charges, and even higher menu prices. All those little add-ons can quickly turn your simple $10 burger into an expensive $20 one.
At the same time, placing order on call or from the restaurant’s website usually means:
- No service or delivery fees
- Menu prices that haven’t been added up
- More of your money goes straight to the restaurant
But here’s the thing: not every restaurant takes phone orders or has its own delivery system. These days, many restaurants rely completely on apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub to handle their orders and deliveries. And, sometimes, your go-to takeaway restaurant might only be available through these food delivery apps.
So, in this case, skipping the food delivery apps is not an option. But don’t worry; you can still save some money by picking the cheapest delivery app.
Let’s talk about cheap food delivery apps so you can make up a smart choice for your next weekend takeout.
What is the Cheapest Food Delivery App?
Many people are actively searching for what is the cheapest food delivery app that won’t burn a hole in their wallet. We have good news for you! There are a lot of delivery apps out there. Some offer discounts, while others focus on pickup to cut costs. And, some even provide surprise deals!
So, whether you’re after the cheapest delivery app or a cheap food delivery service that supports local restaurants, this guide will help you find the best fit.
Let’s start with the most affordable and money-saving delivery apps available today in the U.S:
1. Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go isn’t your regular food delivery app. It helps reduce food waste by connecting you with restaurants and grocery stores that sell leftover, unsold food at a discount. So instead of ordering a specific meal, you purchase a “Surprise Bag”. It is filled with random food items that would otherwise be thrown out. These bags often cost as little as $4 or $5.
Though its not a usual delivery service, Too Good To Go is a favorite of budget-conscious users who want to save money and help the environment. It’s available in many U.S. cities and works with bakeries, cafes, and grocery stores.
Key Highlights
- Discounted “Surprise Bags” of unsold food
- Focus is on reducing food waste
- Pick up the order yourself (no delivery fees)
- Available in most U.S. urban areas
Who Should Use It?
Anyone looking for super cheap food and doesn’t mind picking it up.
2. DoorDash
DoorDash is a big name in the food delivery apps. It offers a wide range of options. Be it fast food or fine dining. While usual delivery and service fees can cost much, subscribing to DashPass ($9.99/month) significantly lowers the costs. There is $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on selected orders. This makes it one of the most affordable food delivery apps for users who order often.
It also runs regular promos and offers, especially for its new users. Although it may not be the absolute cheapest delivery app on every single order. It becomes a cheap food delivery service when you use DashPass and combine it with available discounts.
Key Highlights
- DashPass sub helps reduce delivery fees
- Offers delivery from restaurants, stores, and more places
- You can track your order in real-time
- Avail exclusive offers
- Frequent promos for new and returning users
Who Should Use It?
Regular takeout users who want to save costs through a delivery subscription.
3. Foodosti
Foodosti is a newer food delivery app that does things a little differently. Instead of fixed delivery fees, it lets drivers bid on your order. And ultimately, you get to choose the cheapest delivery offer. You can order from restaurants, home chefs, caterers, or even grocery stores, all in one app. It’s currently available in London, Kentucky, and focuses on supporting local businesses and independent cooks.
This app is a great pick if you’re tired of random fees and want more control over how much you pay. Because prices are set by the driver’s bids, some deliveries can cost as little as 99 cents.
Key Highlights
- Driver bidding system lessens delivery costs
- Includes food from restaurants, home chefs, and groceries
- Available in London, Kentucky
- Supports small and local businesses
Who Should Use It?
People in London, KY looking for flexible, low-cost delivery from local restaurants and independent chefs.
4. Uber Eats
Uber Eats is another widely-used delivery app with a huge range of restaurant options. Like DoorDash, it can be pricey without a subscription, but Uber Eats offers Uber One for $9.99/month. This gives you free delivery on eligible orders and 5% off meals, making it a cheaper way to order food regularly. It also lets you filter by price and sort options to find low-cost meals.
Although the fees vary depending on your distance from the restaurant and order size, Uber Eats becomes one of the cheapest food delivery apps for frequent users with Uber One. You can also earn reward points and find special deals, helping cut down the total cost of your orders over time.
Key Highlights
- Offers Uber One sub for lesser fees and discounts
- Filters for price, delivery time, and dietary needs
- Available in most U.S. cities
- Combines with the regular Uber ride app
Who Should Use It?
People who order food often and already use Uber
5. ChowNow
ChowNow is also a great alternative if you are tired of high delivery fees and third-party charges to get your food. So, how does this app work? This app directly connects you to local restaurants without increasing prices or charging high service fees. Some restaurants offer their own delivery, while others are pickup-only. This setup makes it one of the cheap food delivery apps for supporting small businesses.
If you’re searching for what is the cheapest app to order food while still getting quality meals, ChowNow might be your best bet. It doesn’t have as many restaurants as other apps have, but you’ll often find better pricing and menu accuracy from local restaurants that partner directly with the app.
Key Highlights
- Direct orders to local restaurants (no hidden markups)
- Some offer delivery, many offer pickup only
- Supports small and independently owned restaurants
- Lower overall cost than major platforms
Who Should Use It?
People who want affordable meals and prefer supporting local restaurants
6. Caviar
Caviar is another app that DoorDash now owns. It focuses on premium or hard-to-find restaurants. Although it usually has high-end places, the delivery and service fees are often less than expected.
Thanks to DoorDash’s infrastructure, Caviar users get fast service with fewer delays. It’s available in select U.S. cities and caters to foodies who want unique meals without high delivery costs. While not always the cheapest food delivery app, Caviar can actually be more affordable than others when ordering from certain mid-range restaurants.
Key Highlights
- Has a list of high-quality restaurants
- Owned and supported by DoorDash
- Can be cheaper for premium restaurants
- Track your order in real-time
Who Should Use It?
People looking for quality food delivery at fair prices.
7. Delivery.com
Delivery.com is like your ultimate shop for all essential items. In most US cities, you can order from restaurants, liquor stores, dry cleaners, and even groceries. While obviously the fees would depend on the size of order and your location. The app also offers more discounts and promotions to reduce costs. Not to mention, they have a rewards program that gives you points for whatever you spend.
So, if you’re comparing options and wondering what’s the cheapest food delivery app that lets you get both food and other items, Delivery.com is probably your best choice. It’s very cost-effective when ordering from restaurants that are located nearby or when you can group orders like food and groceries together.
Key Highlights
- Delivers from restaurants, liquor stores, and grocery shops
- Offers non-food items like laundry services
- Loyalty rewards program for loyal users
- More promotions and order-based discounts
Who Should Use It?
People who want to order food plus other everyday items at a cheaper rate.
8. Gopuff
Gopuff isn’t your traditional food delivery app. It offers convenience items such as snacks, frozen foods, drinks, and even toiletries. But what makes it different from others is the flat delivery fee of around $3. Plus, an optional Fam subscription for $7.99/month that removes delivery charges for orders over a certain amount. Everything is already stocked in local Gopuff warehouses. Meaning? Your order is delivered on time!
If your idea of food delivery means last-minute cravings or pantry staples, Gopuff is one of the cheapest delivery apps for essentials.
Key Highlights
- Flat $3 delivery fee (or free with Fam membership)
- Delivers essentials, snacks, and groceries quickly
- Operates from its own warehouses for faster service
- Ideal for late-night or emergency orders
Who Should Use It?
Anyone who needs cheap, fast delivery of snacks or daily essentials.
9. Postmates
Postmates is a popular food delivery app with flexible pricing. For partner restaurants, the delivery fee usually ranges from $0.99 to $3.99. While for non-partner places, it can go from $5.99 to $9.99. But during peak hours like lunch and dinner, you might pay more due to something called blitz pricing. This means that when a lot of people are ordering and there aren’t enough drivers, Postmates increases the delivery fee to handle the high demand.
If you order food often, the Postmates Unlimited subscription can help you save. For $9.99/month, you get free delivery on all orders over $12. The best part? You won’t be charged extra during busy times (even when blitz pricing kicks in). If you order just three times or more a month, the plan usually pays for itself.
Key Highlights
- Standard delivery: $0.99–$3.99 (partners), $5.99–$9.99 (others)
- Blitz pricing increases fees during busy hours
- Postmates Unlimited: $9.99/month for free delivery on $12+ orders
- No surge fees for Unlimited members
Who Should Use It
Frequent users who want to skip surge fees and save on every order
10. EatStreet
EatStreet is one of the few food delivery apps that focuses on small towns and colleges, rather than big urban cities. It all started in Madison, Wisconsin. Now, it has grown by helping restaurants in places where apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats aren’t that common. What makes EatStreet different is that it doesn’t handle the delivery itself. Instead, local restaurants or delivery providers manage that part. EatStreet only takes care of the ordering system.
Restaurants get free tools like tablets to receive orders and only pay a 12% fee per order. EatStreet also earns money through ads that help restaurants appear higher in app searches. It handles the payments and sends the restaurant’s earnings weekly. This makes it a good option for affordable and local food delivery in less populated areas.
Key Highlights
- Focuses on small towns and college cities
- Only handles ordering—delivery is done by restaurants
- Restaurants use it for free and pay a 12% order fee
- Weekly payouts to restaurant partners
Who Should Use It
People in small cities looking for local delivery options.
But, Why Are Delivery Fees So Much Different on Each App?
Did you notice how the same meal costs more on one app than the other? That’s because delivery fees change based on:
- How far you are from the restaurant
- How many drivers are available
- If the app has deals with the restaurant
- Whether it’s fast delivery or scheduled
Some apps like Too Good To Go or Snackpass are cheaper because they don’t deliver the usual way. Others like DoorDash or Uber Eats can charge more, especially during rush hours.
That’s why the smart thing to do is have a few apps and compare prices before you order. It can help you find the most affordable food delivery app for every meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest food delivery app right now?
It depends on where you live, but apps like Too Good To Go, Foodosti, ChowNow, or Snackpass often have the lowest costs.
What’s the cheapest way to get food delivered?
The cheapest way is to order pickup or go directly through the restaurant to skip delivery and service fees.
Which delivery app has the lowest fees?
ChowNow and Too Good To Go usually have lower fees because they work differently than apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash.
Is it cheaper to pick up food instead of getting delivery?
Yes, pickup is often much cheaper. Why? Because, you avoid all the extra fees from delivery apps.
What delivery app is the cheapest for big meals?
For large orders, apps with subscriptions like Uber One or DashPass can help you reduce the delivery costs.
