Top Apps Like Instacart: Best Alternatives for Grocery Delivery

Grocery delivery apps have become a staple in everyday life. After unprecedented doses of usage during the pandemic, millions of households are utilizing apps like Instacart to save time, alleviate stress, and make their budgets go further. 

But let’s be honest, nobody said they were the only option!  With rising competition, there are now many other shopping apps like Instacart offering unique features, flexible pricing, and faster delivery. 

With prices rising due to inflation and lifestyles becoming increasingly busy, consumers are leaning towards utilizing delivery apps like Instacart with cheaper prices, better coverage, or gig workers earning more.

In a report from the USDA, online grocery shopping, evidently, is expected to increase over the next five years, with a steady increase in households turning their shopping habits digital-first. 

So, regardless of whether you are a consumer looking for the best convenience or a side hustler asking yourself what apps similar to Instacart you can make money with, our guide covers the best Instacart alternatives in 2025, including thorough comparisons and tips to help you decide.

Rapid Expansion of Apps Like Instacart

Convenience is king

People want convenience in their lives. That is also why grocery delivery services in the US went from 16% adoption in 2022 to 25% in 2024, a 56% increase according to Drive Research. These results reflect the speed at which shoppers are adapting to digital grocery provisions, thanks to the time savings and the elimination of long grocery store lines.

It can be safely said that for busy parents, busy students, and busy professionals, convenience is not just a nicety; it is a must.

Businesses need diversification

The gig economy is huge, with a value of $455 billion in 2025, which is growing at 17% a year, meaning more gig economy workers are seeking to earn money using apps like Instacart. Delivery work has become a very popular side hustle that allows people to earn extra income while still working flexibly. 

As Instacart changes its shopper pay structure and implements a scheduling system, many gig workers are working multiple platforms so they can create a more reliable income.

For entrepreneurs and startups looking to enter this space, it is important to invest in new mobile solutions. The app development teams in Los Angeles are helping businesses build scalable gig economy apps that can shift with the changes in the market to support both their users and workers.

Tech giants are scaling up

Amazon is a prime example of why competition is heating up. According to AP News and The Times of India, Amazon Fresh is already offering same-day delivery of perishable groceries in 1,000 U.S. cities with plans to cover 2,300 locations worldwide by the end of the year. 

The pace of Amazon Fresh’s growth is a possible justification for why Instacart’s competitors seem to be not only surviving in the demand for same-day grocery delivery but thriving as well, perhaps altering the landscape for future grocery deliveries. 

As demand for ultimate convenience and delivery speed increases, businesses are going to increasingly turn to the strategic development of e-commerce websites to produce powerful and scalable solutions that can compete in this rapid-speed, high-demand industry.

Why are People Searching for Alternative Apps Like Instacart?

If you’re asking, is there an app similar to Instacart? The answer is yes, and here’s why people are looking for Instacart alternatives:

• High Fees for Customers
  Instacart charges service fees, delivery fees, and sometimes hidden markups. Over time, this can make groceries more expensive.
• Shopper Struggles
  Many apps like Instacart shopper gigs face complaints about unpredictable batches, removed scheduling options, and fluctuating pay.
• Better Variety with Competitors
  Some companies, like Instacart, partner with more local farmers, specialty grocers, or discount chains.
• More Earning Flexibility
  Gig workers often run multiple shopping services like Instacart to maximize income.

Best Apps Like Instacart in 2025 (Quick Comparison)

Here’s a side-by-side look at 10 popular Instacart competitors you can try today:

Detailed Reviews of Shopping Services Like Instacart

Here’s a closer look at each alternative, so you can decide which one works best for you.

1. Shipt

Shipt is a major Instacart competitor owned by Target, known for same-day grocery delivery. It has flexible membership options. Shipt shoppers earn well, making it one of the best apps like Instacart to make money for gig workers.

Pros

• Strong Target integration.
• High shopper earnings potential.

Cons

• Membership fee required.
• Limited outside major US cities.

Ratings & Requirements

• Google Play: 4.7/5
• App Store: 4.9/5
• Must be 18+, valid ID, car, smartphone

2. Walmart Grocery

Walmart is a giant in retail, and its grocery delivery service is growing rapidly. This option is affordable and convenient, and many call it one of the strongest companies like Instacart in the market.

Pros

• Affordable delivery fees.
• Huge product selection.

Cons

• Limited global availability.
• Customer support can be slow.

Ratings & Requirements

• Google Play: 4.5/5.
• App Store: 4.7/5.
• Available in the US & Canada.

3. Amazon Fresh

Consumers receive grocery and household items from Amazon Fresh through Prime membership. Although Amazon Fresh is one of the largest grocery delivery services in the U.S., it is comparable to Instacart as a trusted service for consumers who are already used to purchasing from Amazon.

Pros

• Free with Prime.
• Wide international reach.

Cons: 

• Only available in select cities.
• Quality varies by location.

Ratings & Requirements

• Google Play: 4.6/5.
• App Store: 4.8/5.
• Requires an Amazon Prime membership.

4. DoorDash Grocery

Originally designed to be a food delivery app, DoorDash now also delivers groceries. With strong connections to local and national stores, it has become a useful delivery app in the same vein as Instacart.

Pros

• Flexible delivery slots.
• Well-designed app.

Cons

• Surge pricing during peak times.
• Fees can stack up.

Ratings & Requirements

• Google Play: 4.6/5.
• App Store: 4.8/5.

5. Uber Eats

Uber Eats is one of the largest companies, like Instacart, covering more than 45 countries worldwide. Known for food delivery, it now brings groceries to millions of households. Its massive coverage makes it a reliable option for both shoppers and gig workers.

Pros

• Operates in 45+ countries.
• Multiple store options.

Cons

• High competition for drivers.
• Fees vary by location.

Ratings & Requirements

• Google Play: 4.6/5.
• App Store: 4.8/5.

6. Postmates

Postmates is a popular service that offers grocery delivery and is Instacart’s main competition. The delivery app provides meals, groceries, and household necessities. Another nice feature is that it is typically available 24/7 in most cities. This is great for those wanting a late-night delivery.

Pros

• 24/7 availability.
• Wide range of items.

Cons

• Higher fees at night.
• Limited to metro areas.

Ratings & Requirements

• Google Play: 4.4/5.
• App Store: 4.6/5.

7. FreshDirect

Operating mainly in the Northeast US, FreshDirect offers fresh groceries directly from suppliers. It is a premium option among shopping apps like Instacart for people who value freshness over cost.

Pros

• Fresh, high-quality produce.
• Eco-friendly sourcing.

Cons

• Limited to the Northeast US.
• More expensive than others.

Ratings & Requirements

• Google Play: 4.4/5.
• App Store: 4.6/5.

8. Peapod

Peapod is one of the earliest services like Instacart to deliver groceries by scheduled delivery on the East Coast. Customers love Peapod because they can plan their orders up to several days in advance before their scheduled deliveries.

Pros

• Flexible scheduling.
• Established service.

Cons

• Limited coverage outside the East Coast.
• Outdated app interface.

Ratings & Requirements

• Google Play: 4.2/5.
• App Store: 4.4/5.

9. Thrive Market

Thrive Market is a membership shopping service that provides organic and non-GMO products. Many health-conscious consumers use grocery delivery apps like Instacart. Thrive Market is a better shopping service for shoppers who want organic or non-GMO products.

Pros

• Affordable organic groceries.
• Membership discounts.

Cons

• Limited to packaged goods.
• No fresh produce in some regions.

Ratings & Requirements

• Google Play: 4.5/5.
• App Store: 4.7/5.

10. Boxed

Boxed offers bulk grocery shopping online, making it a digital alternative to warehouse clubs like Costco. It is an excellent option among Instacart competitors for families or businesses ordering in large quantities.

Pros

• Great for families.
• Wholesale discounts.

Cons

• Not ideal for small households.
• Shipping delays in rural areas.

Ratings & Requirements

• Google Play: 4.⅗.
• App Store: 4.5/5.

Why Companies Like Instacart Are Growing Fast?

Here’s why services like Instacart are booming: 

1. They’re insanely convenient. You can order your groceries without ever leaving the couch.
   
2. They work for everyone. From busy parents to seniors, these apps make grocery shopping easier for people with all kinds of schedules and needs.
3. The prices are getting better. As more Instacart competitors pop up, the pricing gets more competitive, which is great news for shoppers.
4. Contactless delivery still matters. Even post-pandemic, many people still prefer safe, hands-off options.
5. Some apps are going green. Eco-friendly packaging and support for local products are becoming big selling points.

All of this is powered by smart, user-friendly tech. If you’re thinking about building your own delivery app, choosing the right tools is key. Here’s a look at some of the best app development tools being used to create experiences just like this.

How do These Alternatives Benefit Shoppers?

Shifting to services such as Instacart is more than attempting to save a few bucks; it’s about choice, flexibility, and convenience since new entrants in the grocery delivery space are lowering fees, providing loyalty perks, and allowing quicker scheduling options, meaning consumers feel less restricted to a single platform.

The shift also benefits gig workers, as has been noted, as more platforms enter the ecosystem, drivers and shoppers have more paid opportunities, as well as more opportunities to attempt to avoid any downtime in such a service. 

By signing up for multiple platforms, they can earn as much as possible and pick bundles with better rates based on customer patterns and speed of service on the application.

This shift also exhibits the importance of developing on-demand apps for both businesses to create competitive platforms with great service offerings and app features to meet customer/seller expectations regarding real-time consumption and service delivery.

Tips to Earn More on Apps Like Instacart to Make Money

Thinking about jumping into the gig economy with apps like Instacart, or maybe its competitors? Great move.. but to maximize your earnings, you’ll need more than just a car and a smartphone. Here are some proven strategies to boost your income and stay ahead of the competition:

1. Sign up for multiple apps 

You do not want to put all your eggs in one basket. Sign up for Shipt, DoorDash, or Uber Eats alongside Instacart. If one app is slowing down, you have the alternative app for orders, and you can keep the paid deliveries rolling in all day.

2. Work during peak hours

Timing is everything. The greatest demand for grocery and other food deliveries happens on weekends, evenings, and holidays. If you can schedule your shifts around those times, then you are likely to have more batches, minimum pay, and larger tips.

3. Track expenses and taxes

Your real income isn’t just what the app shows but what you keep after gas, car maintenance, and taxes. Use apps like Stride or Everlance to track mileage and expenses. Gig workers can often deduct these costs, which adds up to significant savings at tax time.

4. Deliver with great customer service

A quick text when an item is out of stock, careful packaging, or a friendly tone can transform a basic order into a generous tip. Plus, high ratings on most platforms unlock better batches and priority assignments.

5. Target busy zones

Not all areas pay the same. Urban zones with higher population density usually mean shorter drives and more orders. If your app lets you see heat maps or demand zones, use that data to position yourself where the money is flowing.

These strategies don’t just help gig workers. They also reflect how much thought and planning go into successful on-demand platforms. If you’re building or launching a delivery app of your own, investing in high-quality mobile app development is essential to attract both users and gig workers with features that support flexibility, real-time data, and top-tier UX.

TekRevol: Building Future-Ready Apps Like Instacart

The demand for apps like Instacart is only getting bigger. Customers want convenience and savings, while gig workers want flexible ways to earn. From Shipt to Thrive Market, there’s a platform for everyone.

The TekRevol staff has helped entrepreneurs and businesses like yourself develop applications for shopping and grocery delivery that are scalable, user-friendly, and provide a robust solution. 

TekRevol began with years of expertise in building and designing apps, and specializes in services exactly like Instacart, integrating everything from seamless UI to secure payment and supply chain integrations. 

We drew upon local delivery services to guide a final product that will compete with enterprise delivery services like Instacart, GrubHub, and DoorDash, while maintaining compliance in a highly competitive market. 

If you’re thinking about launching your own app, now is the time. With the right strategy and a partner like TekRevol, you could be the one building the next big Instacart competitor in 2025.