20 Apps Like Instacart for Making Extra Money

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While I share money-making strategies, nothing is “typical”, and outcomes are based on each individual. There are no guarantees.

If you’ve been shopping with Instacart and you’re thinking about branching out — whether you want to earn more as a driver or just find better delivery options as a customer — I’ve got you covered. I’ve tested and researched a ton of these platforms myself, and there are some seriously great alternatives out there right now.

Whether you’re looking for higher pay, more flexible hours, or just a different vibe, these 20 apps like Instacart are worth checking out in 2026.

Why Look for Instacart Alternatives?

Instacart is still one of the biggest names in grocery delivery, no question. But it’s not the only game in town anymore. Some drivers find the pay inconsistent, and some customers want more options or lower fees. The gig economy has evolved so much over the last couple of years that you’d be leaving money on the table if you didn’t at least explore what else is available.

I’ve seen people double their weekly income just by adding one or two more platforms to their rotation. And as a customer, switching between apps can save you real money on delivery fees and markups. So let’s get into it.

20 Best Apps Like Instacart (2026)

1. Shipt: Best for Consistent Earnings

Shipt is probably the closest direct competitor to Instacart, and honestly, a lot of shoppers prefer it. You shop and deliver groceries from stores like Target, Meijer, and H-E-B. The pay structure tends to be more predictable than Instacart — you’ll typically earn between $16 and $25 per hour depending on your market.

What I love about Shipt is the member matching feature. Once customers love your service, they can request you specifically, which builds a loyal client base and consistent tips. You do need to pass a background check and have a reliable vehicle to get started.

2. DoorDash Grocery Delivery: Best for Multi-Category Orders

DoorDash has really expanded beyond restaurant food delivery. Their grocery delivery service partners with stores like Albertsons, Safeway, and local markets. As a Dasher, you can toggle between food and grocery orders to keep busy throughout the day.

Earnings vary, but many drivers report making $15 to $22 per hour with grocery orders, especially when you factor in tips. The DashPass subscription gives customers free delivery on orders over $12, which means more frequent orders for you.

3. Uber Eats Grocery: Best for Flexibility

Uber Eats has gone all-in on grocery delivery, and if you’re already driving for Uber, it’s the easiest add-on. You can accept grocery orders right alongside restaurant deliveries, which keeps your schedule full. Pay ranges from $14 to $20 per hour.

The best part is the flexibility — you can work whenever you want with zero scheduling requirements. Uber One subscribers get free delivery, which drives a lot of repeat orders your way.

4. Amazon Fresh: Best for High Volume

Amazon Fresh is Amazon’s grocery delivery arm, and it’s grown significantly. Drivers earn between $18 and $25 per hour, and Prime members get free delivery on orders over $50, which means the order volume stays high.

You’ll need to be at least 21 with a clean driving record. The nice thing about Amazon Fresh is that the orders are typically pre-packed at the warehouse, so you’re just delivering — no in-store shopping required. That saves a lot of time per delivery.

5. Walmart Spark: Best for Steady Pay

Walmart’s Spark delivery driver program has become one of the more reliable gig platforms out there. You’re delivering directly from Walmart stores, and because Walmart has such massive inventory, the orders tend to be large and frequent.

Spark drivers report earning $18 to $25 per hour, and Walmart Plus members get free delivery, which keeps the orders flowing. The app has improved significantly, and the incentive bonuses during peak hours can really add up.

6. Gopuff: Best for Quick Delivery Runs

Gopuff is different from traditional grocery delivery because they operate out of their own micro-fulfillment centers — over 500 of them across the country. That means no in-store shopping. You just pick up pre-packed orders and deliver them. Most deliveries take 15 to 30 minutes.

Drivers earn between $13 and $20 per hour, and because the deliveries are so fast, you can squeeze in more runs per hour. Gopuff also guarantees a minimum hourly rate in many markets, which takes some of the risk out of slow periods. They’ve expanded into over 1,000 cities now, so availability is better than ever.

7. Cornershop by Uber: Best for Store Variety

Cornershop, now fully owned by Uber, operates in several markets and has become a go-to platform in areas where other delivery services have limited store partnerships. It benefits from Uber’s technology and logistics infrastructure, which means a smooth experience for both shoppers and customers.

Shoppers earn competitive rates, and the platform stands out for offering delivery from a wide range of stores — not just major chains. If Cornershop operates in your market, it’s definitely worth signing up as a complement to your other apps.

8. Dumpling: Best for Building Your Own Business

This one is different, and I love it. Dumpling lets you run your own personal shopping business. Instead of working for a platform, you set your own prices, choose your own clients, and keep 100% of your earnings plus tips.

The tradeoff is that you need to build your own client base, but Dumpling gives you the tools — a personalized storefront, payment processing, a business credit card for shopping orders, and marketing features. Some Dumpling shoppers earn $30+ per hour once they’ve built up their client list. If you’re entrepreneurial, this is the one.

9. Veho: Best for Last-Mile Package Delivery

Veho is a fast-growing last-mile delivery platform that partners with major e-commerce brands and retailers. As a driver, you get access to a steady stream of package deliveries with flexible scheduling — you can pick delivery windows that work for your life.

Pay ranges from $16 to $25 per hour, and the platform is known for its driver-friendly approach. Routes are pre-optimized, which makes multi-stop deliveries efficient. While it’s not strictly grocery delivery, many gig workers pair Veho with a grocery delivery app to fill their schedule and maximize earnings throughout the day.

10. Roadie: Best for Large Item Deliveries

Roadie is owned by UPS and specializes in same-day delivery, including large and bulky items that other platforms won’t handle. Think furniture, appliances, and oversized packages alongside regular grocery runs.

Earnings vary widely — standard deliveries pay $8 to $20, but large item deliveries can pay $50 or more. If you have an SUV or truck, Roadie can be incredibly lucrative. The platform also handles pet transport in some markets, which is a unique perk.

11. Instacart Heavy Pay: Best for Existing Instacart Shoppers

If you’re already on Instacart, make sure you’re taking advantage of heavy pay orders. These are orders that include bulky items like cases of water, pet food, or large household goods. Instacart adds a bump to your base pay for these orders.

It’s not a separate app, but it’s a strategy a lot of shoppers overlook. Filtering for heavy pay orders can significantly boost your hourly rate without any additional sign-up or effort.

12. Favor Delivery: Best for Texas-Based Gig Workers

If you’re in Texas, Favor is a must. It’s a local delivery platform owned by H-E-B that handles everything from groceries to restaurant food to retail items. Runners earn between $10 and $20 per hour plus tips, and the flexibility is excellent.

What makes Favor stand out is the variety — you’re not limited to just groceries. Customers can request deliveries from any local store, which keeps things interesting and keeps your earnings consistent.

13. Mercato: Best for Specialty and Local Grocers

Mercato partners with independent and specialty grocery stores to offer delivery. If you love supporting local businesses, this is a great platform. The orders tend to be smaller but higher-value, and customers who shop at specialty stores often tip well.

Delivery drivers earn competitive rates, and the platform has been growing steadily as more people seek out local and artisanal food options.

14. Vons/Albertsons Delivery: Best for West Coast Workers

Albertsons Companies — which includes Vons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, and several other chains — runs its own delivery service. You can sign up as a driver directly through their platform, which sometimes offers better rates than third-party services.

Drivers report earning $16 to $23 per hour, and because you’re delivering from a single chain, the process is streamlined. These direct partnerships often mean less competition for orders too.

15. Fetch Rewards + Delivery Gigs: Best for Maximizing Every Dollar

This is a power move. Use Fetch Rewards alongside any delivery gig to earn points on your own grocery receipts and any purchases you make while working. It won’t replace your delivery income, but it adds up fast — I’m talking hundreds of dollars in gift cards per year just from scanning receipts.

Pair Fetch with your primary delivery app to squeeze every bit of value out of each trip to the store.

16. TaskRabbit Grocery Delivery: Best for Premium Pricing

TaskRabbit lets you set your own hourly rate for grocery shopping and delivery tasks. Some Taskers charge $25 to $60 per hour depending on their market and reviews. The key is building up a strong profile with great ratings.

TaskRabbit is ideal if you want more control over your pricing and prefer working with clients one-on-one rather than through an algorithm-driven platform.

17. Weee!: Best for Specialty Grocery Delivery

Weee! is the largest Asian and Hispanic e-grocery platform in the U.S., and it’s been growing fast. They deliver specialty groceries, fresh produce, and hard-to-find items from Asian, Hispanic, and other international cuisines directly to customers’ doors.

For drivers, Weee! offers competitive delivery rates and consistent routes. For customers, it fills a gap that mainstream grocery delivery apps often miss. If you’re in a market with a diverse population, this platform can be surprisingly busy and profitable.

18. HungryPanda: Best for Asian Cuisine Delivery

HungryPanda focuses on Asian cuisine and grocery delivery, serving a niche that mainstream platforms often overlook. If you’re in a city with a significant Asian population, this platform can be quite busy.

Drivers earn competitive rates, and the specialty focus means less competition from the major platforms. It’s a great add-on to your existing delivery rotation.

19. Imperfect Foods (by Misfits Market): Best for Subscription-Based Delivery

Imperfect Foods — now part of the Misfits Market family — delivers groceries that would otherwise go to waste. Think slightly imperfect produce, surplus pantry items, and sustainably sourced goods. Their delivery model is subscription-based, which means consistent weekly routes for drivers.

The predictability is the biggest advantage here. You’ll often run the same routes on the same days, which makes planning your week much easier than on-demand platforms. They currently deliver across the West Coast, Midwest, Northeast, and South Central regions.

20. Amazon Flex: Best for Package and Grocery Combo

Amazon Flex lets you deliver packages, Prime Now orders, and Amazon Fresh groceries all from one platform. Drivers earn between $18 and $25 per hour, with occasional surge pricing that can push rates even higher.

The variety of delivery types means you’re rarely sitting idle, and Amazon’s logistics technology optimizes your routes for maximum efficiency. You’ll need a mid-size or larger vehicle and to pass a background check.

How to Choose the Right Delivery App for You

With 20 options on the table, picking the right one comes down to a few key factors. Think about your market — not every app operates in every city, so check availability first. Then consider your vehicle situation. Some apps require larger vehicles for bulky orders, while others work fine with a compact car or even a bike.

Pay structure matters too. Some platforms offer guaranteed hourly minimums while others are purely per-delivery. If you’re risk-averse, go with platforms that guarantee a base rate. And don’t sleep on the tip culture — apps where customers tip well can dramatically change your effective hourly rate.

My biggest piece of advice? Sign up for two or three apps and run them simultaneously for a couple of weeks. You’ll quickly figure out which ones work best in your area.

Tips for Maximizing Your Earnings

After years of covering gig economy content, here are the strategies that consistently work for top earners:

Work the peak hours. Evenings, weekends, and the hours right before holidays are when demand spikes and tips get generous. Plan your schedule around these windows.

Stack your apps. Running two or three delivery apps at the same time lets you cherry-pick the best-paying orders. Just make sure you can deliver on time — late deliveries tank your ratings.

Know your stores. The faster you can navigate a store and find items, the more deliveries you can complete per hour. Regular shoppers at the same stores have a huge advantage.

Communicate proactively. Text the customer when you start shopping, when you’re checking out, and when you’re on the way. Good communication leads to better tips and repeat requests.

Track your expenses. Mileage, phone expenses, and insulated bags are all tax-deductible. Use an app like Stride or Everlance to track your mileage automatically — this can save you thousands at tax time.

Pros and Cons of Working Multiple Delivery Apps

Running multiple apps at once is a double-edged sword. On the plus side, you get access to more orders, higher earning potential, and you’re never stuck waiting for your next delivery. You also learn which platforms pay best in your specific area.

On the flip side, juggling multiple apps can be stressful. You have to keep track of different pay schedules, rating systems, and customer expectations. There’s also the risk of accepting too many orders and delivering late, which can get you deactivated.

My recommendation is to have one primary app that you know inside and out, and one or two secondary apps for filling in the gaps during slow periods.

Beyond Grocery Delivery: Other Gig Economy Opportunities

If you’re interested in the gig economy but want to branch beyond grocery delivery, there are plenty of avenues. Rideshare driving with Uber and Lyft is the obvious one, but also consider pet sitting through Rover, handyman work through TaskRabbit, or freelancing on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.

The gig workers I know who earn the most are the ones who diversify. Having income streams from two or three different types of gigs protects you from downturns in any single platform and keeps things from getting monotonous.

Staying Safe as a Delivery Driver

Safety should always come first, no matter which platform you’re working with. Keep your car doors locked between deliveries, be aware of your surroundings when delivering to unfamiliar areas, and trust your instincts — if an order feels sketchy, it’s okay to cancel.

Use contactless delivery whenever possible, keep hand sanitizer available, and make sure someone knows your general schedule and delivery area. Most platforms also have in-app safety features like emergency buttons and GPS tracking that you should familiarize yourself with.

Frequently Asked Questions

What app is most similar to Instacart?

Shipt is the closest direct competitor to Instacart. Both platforms use a personal shopper model where you shop in-store and deliver to the customer. Shipt tends to have slightly better pay consistency and a member matching feature that Instacart doesn’t offer.

Can you realistically make $1,000 a week doing grocery delivery?

Yes, but it takes strategy. Most full-time drivers who hit $1,000+ per week are running multiple apps, working peak hours, and have optimized their shopping speed. It’s not passive income — you have to hustle — but it’s absolutely achievable in most major markets.

Is it worth doing grocery delivery in 2026?

Absolutely. The grocery delivery market has continued to grow, and consumer demand for convenience isn’t slowing down. More people than ever are ordering groceries online, which means more opportunities for drivers. The key is choosing the right platform for your market and being strategic about when and how you work.

Do I need a special vehicle for grocery delivery?

For most platforms, a standard sedan works fine. However, apps like Roadie that handle large items benefit from having an SUV or truck. You’ll also want insulated bags to keep cold items at the right temperature — most platforms require or strongly recommend them.

How do grocery delivery apps compare to food delivery for earnings?

Grocery delivery generally pays more per order than restaurant food delivery because the orders are larger and take more time. However, food delivery can be faster per trip, so the hourly rates often end up similar. Many drivers find that combining both types gives them the best overall earnings.

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