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Delivery apps are one of the quickest ways to turn spare time into real side hustle cash without needing a fancy resume or a “perfect” schedule.
You can drive a couple evenings, run a few weekend errands, or stack short trips between classes and still see money coming in.
The problem is… choosing the wrong app (or using the right app the wrong way) can leave you tired, underpaid, and wondering why your gas tank is always crying.
Different apps pay differently, boost earnings in different hours, and fit different personalities—some people love food runs, others prefer groceries, packages, or pharmacy pickups.
If you want extra ideas for earning beyond delivery (especially when driving isn’t the vibe), you’ll also like this list of money-making apps you can start using today.
In this post, discover 11 of the best delivery apps for side hustle cash, how each one works, who it fits best, and the simple tactics that help you keep more of what you earn.
Let’s get you paid without burning out.
WHAT MAKES A DELIVERY APP ACTUALLY “GOOD” FOR SIDE HUSTLE CASH
Before we jump into the apps, let’s be real: not every “popular” app is good for your life.
A great delivery app is the one that matches your city, your schedule, and your tolerance for chaos.
Here’s what I’d look at first (because vibes don’t pay the bills):
- Demand in your area: An app can be amazing… in someone else’s city.
- Type of deliveries: Food, groceries, packages, pharmacy, convenience items—each feels different.
- Work style: Some apps reward speed, others reward planning and big orders.
- Flexibility: True “log in whenever” is not the same as “log in whenever and actually get orders.”
- Earning controls: Promotions, busy-time boosts, tips, batch orders, and scheduling can make a huge difference.
Now let’s get into the good stuff.
11 BEST DELIVERY APPS FOR SIDE HUSTLE CASH
1) DOORDASH
DoorDash usually wins on sheer volume in a lot of places, which matters because more orders = more chances to earn.
It’s great if you want fast food runs, short trips, and the ability to hop on during busy hours.
The game here is timing. Lunch, dinner, weekends, and event nights tend to matter more than “working longer.”
If you want a mainstream option with lots of order flow, check out DoorDash delivery opportunities.
Best for: People who want quick food deliveries, especially during peak hours.
2) UBER EATS
Uber Eats can be strong in dense areas where restaurants cluster and trips stack nicely.
Also, if you already use Uber’s ecosystem, you’ll like how everything lives in one place.
Uber Eats can feel more “surge-driven,” meaning you can do well when demand spikes—if you’re strategic about when you work.
If you want the flexibility of a huge platform, explore Uber’s app-based earning options.
Best for: City drivers, late-night grinders, and anyone who likes chasing high-demand windows.
3) INSTACART
Instacart isn’t just delivery—it’s shopping + delivery, which can pay better when you get efficient.
You’ll do best if you:
- Know your stores
- Move fast without rushing
- Learn which items slow you down (hello, deli counter)
The biggest upside is that bigger baskets can mean bigger earnings, especially if you pick your orders carefully.
If grocery runs feel more your style than restaurant pickups, look into Instacart’s grocery delivery platform.
Best for: Organized people who like bigger orders and don’t mind shopping.
4) SHIPT
Shipt feels similar to Instacart, but it can lean more toward customer relationships and repeat orders depending on your market.
It can be a great fit if you like being consistent, learning your regular stores, and building a routine.
Some people prefer Shipt because the workflow can feel less frantic once you get the hang of it.
If you like grocery delivery but want a different “style” than Instacart, check Shipt’s platform.
Best for: Routine-lovers, grocery pros, and anyone who enjoys a more structured shopping flow.
5) GRUBHUB
Grubhub is a classic for restaurant delivery, and in some areas it still has a loyal customer base.
Where it shines is when your city has steady order volume and decent tipping culture (yes, that varies a lot).
If DoorDash feels too crowded in your area, Grubhub can sometimes be a solid alternative lane.
To see what it’s about, visit Grubhub’s food delivery service.
Best for: Restaurant delivery drivers who want another major app option in their rotation.
6) AMAZON FLEX
Amazon Flex is package delivery, not food, which changes the whole vibe.
You’ll typically pick up blocks (scheduled work windows) and deliver packages on routes.
If you like knowing what you’re doing ahead of time instead of waiting for random orders, Flex can feel refreshingly predictable.
Best for: People who prefer structured blocks and don’t mind lots of stops.
Watch out for: Route distance, stairs/apartments, and the time it takes to load/unload.
7) WALMART SPARK DRIVER
Spark is big in many areas because Walmart has massive order volume—especially groceries and curbside-style deliveries.
Depending on your market, you may see a mix of grocery deliveries, store pickups, and batch-style trips.
This one can be strong for people who like fewer restaurant headaches and more straightforward deliveries.
Best for: Suburban drivers and anyone who prefers groceries/retail over food.
8) ROADIE
Roadie leans into “deliver random stuff,” which can be surprisingly profitable when you pick the right gigs.
Think: pharmacy items, home improvement store deliveries, or longer-distance drop-offs.
The key is selectivity. You’re not trying to do everything—you’re trying to do the gigs that pay well for the time and miles.
Best for: Drivers who want variety and don’t mind occasional longer trips.
9) FAVOR
Favor is more regional, but where it’s popular, it can be a legit earner.
It often combines food delivery with “runner” tasks, like grabbing items from local stores.
If you’re in a place where Favor has strong demand, it can feel like a local powerhouse instead of a national mega-app.
Best for: People in Favor-heavy areas who like both food and errands.
10) DELIVEROO
Deliveroo is a big name in several countries outside the U.S., and it’s especially popular in busy metro areas.
If you’re in a Deliveroo market, it can be a strong option for consistent restaurant demand.
Some couriers prefer it for the way orders stack in dense areas (especially for bike/scooter delivery).
Best for: City couriers, especially in markets where Deliveroo is widely used.
11) JUST EAT
Just Eat (and related regional brands) can be a major player depending on where you live.
Like Deliveroo, it’s often strongest in urban areas with lots of restaurants and steady demand.
If you’re outside the U.S., don’t assume the “best” apps are the American ones—local winners can pay just as well or better.
Best for: Non-U.S. markets where Just Eat has strong restaurant coverage.
HOW TO MAKE MORE MONEY ON DELIVERY APPS WITHOUT WORKING 12 HOURS A DAY
You don’t need to live in your car to earn decent side hustle cash.
You need a plan.
STACK THE RIGHT HOURS, NOT JUST MORE HOURS
Most delivery earnings come from peak demand, not random mid-afternoon wandering.
Try:
- Lunch rush (weekday)
- Dinner rush (weekday + weekend)
- Friday/Saturday evenings
- Bad weather (if you’re comfortable driving)
STOP ACCEPTING TRIPS THAT “FEEL BAD”
If an order looks like a headache for low pay, it usually is.
A quick mental filter helps:
- How many miles?
- How long will it take?
- Is parking going to be awful?
- Is this drop-off likely to be slow (apartments, malls, campuses)?
You don’t have to be picky to the point you earn nothing.
But you should be picky enough that you don’t hate your life.
MULTI-APP… BUT DON’T MULTI-CHAOS
Yes, you can run multiple apps.
No, you shouldn’t turn it into a panic simulator.
A simple approach:
- Use one “main” app (most demand)
- Use one “backup” app (fills gaps)
- Don’t accept orders that overlap in a way that ruins ratings
TREAT EXPENSES LIKE A REAL BUSINESS
Delivery income feels awesome until you forget gas, maintenance, and taxes exist.
Basic habits that help:
- Track miles (for deductions where applicable)
- Put aside a percentage for taxes if you’re self-employed
- Don’t ignore car maintenance until your car forces you to care
If you want more app ideas that aren’t delivery-based (but can still pay fast), this roundup of freelancing apps that can pay you $1,000 fast is a smart add-on to your side hustle plan.
WHICH DELIVERY APP SHOULD YOU START WITH
If you’re brand new, start simple:
- Want quick restaurant runs? Try DoorDash or Uber Eats first.
- Prefer shopping and bigger orders? Instacart or Shipt can fit better.
- Want structure and blocks? Amazon Flex can feel more predictable.
- Want retail/grocery volume? Spark can be strong in many areas.
Then test for two weeks, compare your results, and keep the winner(s).
You’re not marrying the app. You’re dating it to see if it pays you well.
Delivery side hustles can be a solid way to earn extra cash fast, but your results depend on choosing the right app and driving with a strategy.
Pick one or two apps that match your style, focus on peak hours, and stop taking low-paying trips that quietly drain your time and gas.
Once you get consistent, you can add a second lane (groceries, packages, or retail) so your income doesn’t depend on one app’s mood swings.
And if you want a delivery option that’s more “convenience store meets quick drops,” Gopuff’s on-demand delivery service can be worth a look in markets where it’s active.
Go make your side hustle money… and don’t forget to keep snacks in the car. You’re welcome.