Top Apps Like Instacart: Grocery Delivery Alternatives Compared

On demand app development has risen since the pandemic of 2020 and it’s never going down. Successful adoption of grocery delivery apps has changed the way consumers buy essential items. Instacart leads the pack with its annual revenue of ~$4.63 Billion and ~14.9 million monthly active users as of 2026. So, naturally, building apps like Instacart makes sense.

However, if you’re contemplating building an app like Instacart, it’s important that you go through the list of its competitors first. There are other apps like Instacart available in the market, which are also growing in terms of revenue and users. Studying their approach to delivering faster, smarter, and highly localized experiences will help you develop a mobile app that can outmaneuver the hold of other apps like Instacart.

Here’s a list of 10 Instacart alternatives that we, at aPurple, think are the best and worth exploring to help your decision-making process. Find out what other apps like Instacart understand, their features, ratings, what they’re best for, and their direct comparison with Instacart to get better clarity.

13 Best Apps Like Instacart in 2026: Grocery Delivery Alternatives Compared

Explore proven Instacart alternatives that match or exceed its service quality. Learn how different platforms adapt the Instacart business model to serve specific markets, price points, and delivery speeds better than the original.

1. Shipt

Shipt is considered the closest Instacart alternative on this list. Operating in more than 5,000 cities, Shipt offers same-day delivery. Shipt gives flexibility to customers and gig workers, making it a direct competitor to Instacart.

Features:

• Same-day delivery
• Real-time update and shopping personalization
• Membership for unlimited delivery

App Store Ratings :

4.9

Google Play Ratings :

4.5

Best For :

Personalized shopper communication, variety of retailers, quality-focused

Difference Between Shipt & Instacart

2. Amazon Fresh

Incorporated with Amazon Prime, Amazon Fresh is a big competitor in the list of apps like Instacart. Using Amazon’s fulfillment centres, they offer same-day delivery.

Features:

• Options like same-day and next-day delivery
• Wide range of products (fresh dairy products, meat, household essentials, etc.)
• Free delivery for Amazon Prime members

App Store Ratings :

4.8

Google Play Ratings :

4.5

Best For :

Prime members and families who want convenient, all-in-one grocery shopping.

Difference Between Amazon Fresh & Instacart

3. Walmart Grocery

This alternative to Instacart is known for being low-priced and the most affordable app on the list. Walmart delivers groceries and general merchandise straight from stores. Customers get same-day delivery at in-store prices.

Features:

• Competitive pricing with a wide range of grocery items.
• Groceries are free with delivery on a monthly subscription.
• Smart tools to scan in-stock items.

App Store Ratings :

4.8

Google Play Ratings :

4.7

Best For :

Pharmacy & savings, smart In-store tools, convenient shopping

Difference Between Walmart Grocery & Instacart

4. FreshDirect

An app like Instacart, but focused on the Northeast US. FreshDirect is known for providing products direct from farms, such as meat and prepared meals. The service focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and quality standards. Strong refrigeration and hand-picked items bring a farmers’ market experience to customers’ doors.

Features:

• Fresh delivery of meat and seafood.
• Competitive range of subscription.
• Same day or next day delivery.

App Store Ratings :

4.8

Google Play Ratings :

4.6

Best For :

Busy individuals and families in the NYC area seeking fresh, high-quality ingredients, diverse options, and convenient prepared meals.

Difference Between FreshDirect & Instacart:

5. Grubhub

Grubhub connects users with thousands of local restaurants with an app. Real-time tracking and exclusive deals make ordering food simple. The Grubhub business model shows how convenience, partnerships, and delivery logistics drive success.

Features:

• Grocery with restaurant delivery with various types of cuisines.
• Zero subscription fees, instead service fees (USD 5.39 – USD 6.99).
• Vast network of local grocery stores and restaurants.

App Store Ratings :

4.8

Google Play Ratings :

4.5

Best For :

Advanced schedule, discount and deals, range of selections

Difference Between Grubhub & Instacart

6. Postmates

Merged with Uber Eats, Postmates is a direct competitor of Instacart. Postmates offers flexible delivery options with no minimum order. Postmates offers flexibility in deliveries, such as no minimum requirements.

Features:

• Flexibility in delivery with options like bike or car.
• Wide range of groceries, including alcohol and food.
• Real-time tracking, including options like contactless delivery.

App Store Ratings :

4.8

Google Play Ratings :

4.4

Best For :

Flexible delivery, unique local store network, range of selections

Difference Between Postmates & Instacart

7. Doordash

Expand their business after establishing a restaurant food delivery service. DoorDash’s working strategy leads the grocery delivery business, offering retail and grocery delivery services.

Features:

• User-friendly layouts and easy to track.
• No subscription and flexible pricing
• Real-time tracking, including options like contactless delivery.

App Store Ratings :

4.8

Google Play Ratings :

4.7

Best For :

Small order friendly, grocery convenience, range of selections (alcohol, flowers, pet essentials)

Difference Between DoorDash & Instacart

8. Uber Eats

Uber Eats is one of the high-demand Instacart alternatives, operating in more than 500 cities. With an established Uber driver network, Uber Eats has the advantage of flexible delivery options. You can also explore Uber Eats business model if you are planning to hop into this industry.

Features:

• Flexible delivery with different vehicles (bike, car, scooter)
• No subscription and flexible pricing
• Real-time delivery tracking and contactless delivery.

App Store Ratings :

4.8

Google Play Ratings :

4.6

Best For :

Delivery during peak meal time, grocery convenience, range of selections (grocery, food, alcohol)

Difference Between Uber Eats & Instacart

Read Also : You can also check Uber Eats vs DoorDash

9. Gopuff

Gopuff is competing with Instacart alternative apps with its 30 min delivery promise. Operating in more than 1,000 cities, Gopuff offers a wide range of products without a membership. Gopuff works and makes money through a network of independent contract drivers.

Features:

• 24 hrs delivery, including a 1.95 USD delivery fee.
• Exclusive deals named Gopuff Fam in USD 7.99 monthly
• Gopuff is 30-min delivery app like Instacart

App Store Ratings :

4.8

Google Play Ratings :

4.5

Best For :

24/7 delivery, lower cost, range of selections (grocery, food, alcohol)

Difference Between Gopuff & Instacart

10. Thrive Market

Thrive Market is an app like Instacart, but specifically for organic health products. Thrive Market is known for its non-GMO products with competitive prices.

Features:

• Eco-friendly packaging with delivery in 2-3 days.
• Offers exclusive discounts of up to 30% on healthy products.
• Offers membership for exclusive deals.

App Store Ratings :

4.9

Google Play Ratings :

4.8

Best For :

Budget-friendly organic products, lifestyle products (gluten-free, keto, vegan)

Difference Between Thrive Market & Instacart

11. Dumpling

Dumpling is an app like Instacart with a unique concept of personal shoppers. This app allows personal shoppers to connect with customers, enabling them to run their flexible shopping business independently. Shoppers can set their own price and customized service.

Features:

• Flexibility to set service fees at a competitive price.
• No subscription service, as it connects users locally.
• Discount offers according to the shopper’s service.

App Store Ratings :

4.9

Google Play Ratings :

3.8

Best For :

Transparent pricing, supports local, shoppers are independent bosses.

Difference Between Dumpling & Instacart

12. Lyft

Lyft is an Instacart alternative that runs through a strong network of drivers. Lyft’s business model for drivers makes it a more stable gig app like Instacart and Uber. There is no subscription option, so users get more flexibility in time and pricing.

Features:

• Real-time tracking of Lyft drivers.
• No subscription service, delivery fee from USD 3.99.
• Delivery flexibility at any time, same day.

App Store Ratings :

4.9

Google Play Ratings :

4.1

Best For :

24/7 delivery, Lower cost with driver network, Range of selections (Grocery, food, alcohol)

Difference Between Lyft & Instacart

13. Peapod

Peapod is an app like Instacart that offers multiple grocery store chains in a single store. Peapod is known for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing. Users compare products, brands, and prices in one place. Delivery options and regular deals save time and money.

Features:

• No subscription service, instead a pass for free delivery.
• Weather control delivery for products.
• In-store pricing with a delivery fee.

App Store Ratings :

4.6

Google Play Ratings :

3.8

Best For :

Budget-friendly tools, personalized reordering, scheduling flexibility

Difference Between Peapod & Instacart

How to Choose the Right Grocery Delivery App for Your Online Business

Choosing the right app, like Instacart, to earn money in the B2C industry depends on a few requirements. You have to figure out if the delivered products need specific delivery or require huge offers. Here are a few factors you should consider before developing an Instacart-like app:

• Start with your main focus

Ask for what you want from your business: faster delivery, lower prices, specific products, or local focus.

• Know the user base

Each app serves different users, like families who order weekly and users who want quick delivery on a daily basis.

• Choose how delivery will work

You want to deliver through a warehouse, use an independent shopper, or use a gig shopper for fast scale. This will decide the delivery timeline and budget.

• Verify market fit

A local store that worked in one region may not work in another. Look where apps succeed and compare population and average delivery distance.

Launch Your Own App Like Instacart Today!

If you are planning to build an app like Instacart but don’t know where to start. Partnering with a grocery app development company will help you to execute your idea into a stable business.

As an experienced startup app development company, aPurple knows what makes grocery app development successful. With 10+ years of experience and 300+ successful projects, our team of experts is adept at app design & development.

If you want to create a grocery app, aPurple offers several good reasons. We offer:

• Custom development approach
• Cost-focused delivery
• Structured development process
• Ongoing support and maintenance
• User-first design
• Dedicated team of experts

So, if you are looking for reliable grocery app development services, contact us now!

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