Shipt vs Instacart: Which One Is Better to Work For in 2025?

Over the past few years, the internet has made it easier to earn extra income through apps like rideshare, restaurant delivery, online shopping, and other freelance platforms. These gigs offer flexible schedules and steady pay.

One standout option is grocery delivery from local grocery stores. While several grocery delivery services exist, Shipt and Instacart are two of the most popular and fastest-growing platforms.

These apps, available on smartphones and online, let customers order groceries easily while giving delivery drivers a chance to earn on the side. Some shoppers even make it their full-time job. It’s a major part of the growing gig economy.

If you’re considering working for one of them, the big question is simple. Shipt vs Instacart — which of these two grocery delivery services offers better pay, flexibility, and overall value?

Shipt Vs Instacart: Which Is Best To Work For?

Both Shipt and Instacart have some unique quirks that will fit differently for each prospective shopper’s lifestyle.

What Is Shipt?

Shipt was created in 2014 and quickly asserted itself as one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry. In fact, it was acquired by Target in 2017 for $550 million. It reported a revenue of $1 billion in 2018.

But Shipt isn’t just about food. Thanks to partnerships with stores like CVS, Costco, and Office Depot, shoppers can also deliver household items, electronics, and other essentials, not just groceries.

Using the Shipt app is easy. It works on both Apple and Android devices, or you can shop on the Shipt website.

Just type in your ZIP code to check availability in your area. If Shipt operates there, it will show you a list of local grocery stores and retailers you can shop from.

From there, select a store, add your items, and head to checkout.

You can choose delivery or pickup, and even set a specific time for your grocery order. I haven’t tried Shipt yet, but hearing how flexible the scheduling is makes it something I’d definitely consider.

How Do I Become A Shipt Shopper?

Applying to become a Shipt shopper is pretty straightforward. You can apply directly on the Shipt website, and here’s what you’ll need:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a valid U.S. driver’s license and auto insurance
• Own a reliable car from 1997 or newer
• Be able to lift 40 pounds
• Know how to choose fresh produce
• Use an iPhone (iOS 10 or newer) or Android (5.1 or newer)

The whole process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Once you’re accepted, you can start delivering and earning through the Shipt app.

I was surprised at how low the barrier to entry is. If you already meet the basic requirements, it seems like a no-brainer way to make extra income, especially if you’re already out running errands or know your local stores well.

Check out Shipt here!

How Does Shipt Make Money?

Shipt makes most of its money from membership fees. Customers typically pay around $14 per month, which helps fund the company’s services and operations. On top of that, grocery prices on the Shipt app are often slightly higher than in-store pricing. It’s a small markup that adds up over time.

There’s also a $7 delivery fee for orders under $35, which encourages shoppers to buy more in one go.

You’re really paying for the ease of not having to go out, walk the aisles, or stand in line. I haven’t used Shipt yet, but I’ve paid similar markups through other apps, and honestly, the convenience was worth it. When life gets hectic, paying a little more to have everything brought to your door can feel like a small price for peace of mind.

What Is Instacart?

While Shipt’s 2018 revenue of $1 billion is impressive, Instacart takes the lead with an estimated annual revenue just under $3 billion. The company is currently valued at around $8 billion, showing just how big it has become in the grocery delivery space.

In the Shipt vs Instacart comparison, Instacart stands out for its availability. It serves more areas across the United States, which helps explain its higher revenue and massive valuation. Instacart also had a head start. Founded in 2012, it was one of the first major grocery delivery services and helped set the stage for the industry’s growth.

Today, around 85% of U.S. households have access to Instacart services. It’s also available in Canada, reaching about 70% of homes there.

We used Instacart while traveling, and it was available in every city we visited. That kind of coverage definitely makes it the more accessible option if you’re always on the go.

Customers can choose for their Grocery delivery window to be in as little as an hour delivery (same day delivery) or as far away as five days from the order date. While Instacart offers more than just a grocery delivery service, Instacart is strictly for home delivery of food.

How Do I Become An Instacart Shopper?

Becoming an Instacart shopper starts with applying on the Instacart website. Along with entering your personal details and location, you’ll need to choose between two types of shopper roles.

• Full-Service Shopper: This option works a lot like a rideshare job. You’ll receive delivery requests through the Instacart app, go to the assigned grocery store, shop for the items, and then deliver the order to the customer’s home. Once you complete a delivery, you can accept another.
• In-Store Shopper: This role is based inside one specific local grocery store. You’ll pick items for customer orders and prepare them for pickup. There’s no driving involved, just walking through the aisles and getting everything ready for checkout.

Both types of shoppers must be at least 18 years old and have a working smartphone, either an Android or an iPhone. Full-service shoppers also need a reliable car to complete deliveries.

When I looked into it, the in-store role appealed to me more. I liked the idea of staying in one place and focusing on organizing orders without the stress of driving.

See our comparison of Instacart vs Doordash!

How Does Instacart Make Money?

Instacart has a different pricing system than Shipt. While Shipt requires membership for delivery service to attempt to be profitable, Instacart does not and instead requires a delivery fee to be paid. For non-members, delivery fees are $3.99 plus an extra 5% per order, but that delivery fee raises to $5.99 if you live in New York or Canada.

Service fees like busy pricing fees can be charged if the time of day and other factors contribute to a tougher delivery run, and alcohol fees can range up to $10.

Membership cost $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month. For orders over $35 using a membership, there is no extra delivery fee put upon the buyer. It’s free delivery!

Like Shipt, Instacart makes its money mostly through membership fees. Both typically require a minimum order price, too.Instacart uses a different pricing model compared to Shipt. While Shipt requires a membership to access delivery services, Instacart allows non-members to place orders by paying standard delivery and service fees. For most non-members, that fee starts at $3.99 plus 5% of the order total. If you’re ordering from New York or Canada, the fee usually increases to $5.99.

Additional service fees may apply depending on demand, order complexity, or if the order includes alcohol, which can add up to $10 more.

Instacart does offer a membership option $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. With it, you get free grocery delivery on orders over $10, down from the previous $35 threshold, which can really add up in savings if you use the service often.

Like Shipt, Instacart earns most of its revenue from membership fees. Both apps also usually require a minimum grocery order amount to unlock free or discounted delivery.

Personally, I like having the flexibility to use it without committing upfront. That made Instacart feel more approachable when I first tried it.

What is the Difference Between Shipt and Instacart?

While both Shipt and Instacart are very similar delivery services, there are certain differences that are integral parts of both foundations.

Pros of Working for Shipt

The biggest draw of freelance platforms like Uber, Lyft, Instacart, or the Shipt app is the ability to be your own boss. You set your own hours, and how much you earn depends entirely on how much effort you put in. That’s great for people who are self-motivated, but it can be tough for those who struggle with time management or staying consistent.

Shipt works the same way. You control your schedule and work when it fits your life.

The pay is solid, too. Top-performing Shipt shoppers can earn around $22 per hour, and that’s before factoring in tips. Some tips might be small, but many customers are generous, especially when you deliver excellent service.

Another perk is the free Shipt membership you get as a shopper. After a long week of deliveries, it’s nice knowing you can use the service yourself without the extra cost. I think that’s a cool benefit, it’s like getting rewarded for your hard work by skipping your own grocery run.

Cons of Working for Shipt

One of the biggest cons of working for the Shipt app comes with the service industry itself. Not all customers are kind; some won’t tip, might complain, or ignore your effort completely. It can be discouraging, but it comes with the territory.

Missing items are another hassle. Even with backup choices, both options can be out of stock. You’ll need to decide on a replacement or contact the customer mid-shop.

There’s also the wear and tear on your car, plus gas and time on the road.

It’s something I really had to think about, those hidden costs can sneak up if you’re not tracking them.

Pros of Working for Instacart

With Instacart, you can choose to work as a full-service shopper (like a freelancer) or an in-store shopper (part-time employee). In the Instacart vs Shipt debate, this flexibility gives Instacart an edge. Once you sign up and set your hours, you control how much you work.

Both roles let you choose your schedule. In-store shoppers can work up to 29 hours per week.

Instacart doesn’t pay by commission. Instead, you’re paid hourly, no matter how many orders you complete. So if you deliver five orders in eight hours, you still get paid for those full eight hours.

You also get paid weekly, which makes it easier to stay on top of bills or save faster. That weekly payout is a big plus I like knowing I won’t wait long to see the results of my work.

Cons of Working for Instacart

Many of Instacart’s cons are similar to Shipt’s. You’ll still deal with tough customers and put wear and tear on your car unless you choose to be an in-store shopper, where no driving is required.

Instacart does have some unique downsides. The app can run into connectivity issues, which makes things difficult when you’re trying to contact a customer mid-shop. Even a short glitch can slow you down.

Also, declining too many low-paying orders can affect your standing. It’s frustrating when you want to focus on better-paying deliveries but feel pressured to accept all of them.

For me, knowing that in-store roles avoid the car costs is a major bonus. The differences between the apps are subtle, but they matter depending on your goals.

Shipt vs Instacart FAQs

Does Shipt or Instacart Pay More?

Like most things, it really depends on your work style. If you’re someone who likes to move fast and complete orders efficiently, a commission-based service like Shipt pay might be a better fit. If you prefer a steady pace and longer work hours, Instacart pay with hourly rates could suit you more.

So in the Shipt vs Instacart debate, here’s how their pay structures differ:

Shipt no longer follows the old “$5 plus 7.5%” commission model. Instead, pay is determined by an algorithm that considers order complexity, distance, and demand. The exact formula isn’t public, but it aims to reward effort fairly.

Most shoppers earn between $16 and $22 per order, not including tips. You keep 100% of your tips, which can significantly boost your earnings. For example, on a $100 grocery order with a 15% tip, you could earn $30 or more.

Instacart’s pay is more complex and varies based on batch size, delivery distance, and location. In-store shoppers earn a steadier hourly wage, around $17–18 per hour in 2025. These grocery delivery jobs can be rewarding, with strong customer service and timing.

Tips make a big difference, so great service really pays off. If you’re exploring the best delivery service to work for, the commission model works best if you’re fast and efficient; otherwise, hourly might be the safer bet.

Is Shipt Worth It?

It’s what you make of it. Obviously, that’s not the answer some people may want to hear, but it’s going to end up in your hands whether or not you want to be in this industry and then what company to work for. Shipt has a great customer service team, which is another incentive for them.

Shipt is good because of its commission-based pay and its relatively good track record. It’s smaller, and it’s available in fewer cities, but it’s a worthy competitor that may be worth your time over Instacart right now.

What is Shipt Shopper Pay?

Shipt shoppers are estimated to make $16-$22 per order. They are able to keep 100% of their tips, and Shipt says it encourages its customers to tip well for their shopper’s service.

It’s a pretty high mark for this business. Compare both Shipt vs. Instacart, and it’s a definite pro. With the company being much smaller than Instacart, it might be a matter of its size that it is able to pay this well per order.

Do Shipt Shoppers Bring Groceries Inside?

Shipt doesn’t require shoppers to bring groceries, whether it’s produce, meat, bakery items, or nonperishables, inside a customer’s home. It’s entirely up to the shopper and customer to agree on how the handoff happens. Most of the time, the customer meets you at the door, and you simply pass the bags over.

While it might seem more convenient for the customer to have you bring items inside, you’re never obligated to enter someone’s home, especially if it makes you uncomfortable.

Again, it’s up to you and the customer.

Can You Work for Shipt and Instacart?

Yes! You absolutely can work for both Shipt and Instacart grocery delivery services. While there is a lot of Shipt vs. Instacart talk, both can come together. Many people currently do that and they find the benefits in both.

You’ll usually get more per order with Shipt and more per hour with Instacart. It depends on how many orders you make in a given timeframe to understand what is best for you, but you could make full-time work for yourself with both companies.

Is it better than doing just one? We’re not sure. But it’s certainly something you can do.

Is Instacart Worth It?

Instacart is worth it if you are a go-getter that weighs their worth more on an hourly basis more than a per-order basis. While you stand to make more if you have a reputation as a fast shopper when a customer wants to place an order, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to make more.

Instacart probably works with more of the unknown compared to Shipt because the amount you make is dependent on many factors. Shipt only focuses on strict numbers, which is much easier to follow.

What Does Instacart Pay?

It’s unknown exactly how much shoppers make. Glassdoor puts the average around $10, which is around minimum-wage in many places. Some shoppers get around $17.

There’s just no knowing how much you will make per hour unless you are actually working for the company and seeing your paycheck each week.

InstaShipt: Which is Best for You?

Both Shipt and Instacart are popular and fast-growing grocery delivery services. Shipt delivers groceries and other household items and pays shoppers on commission, while Instacart focuses strictly on groceries and uses an algorithm-based hourly rate.

Instacart is available across most of North America, while Shipt is more common in major cities and metropolitan areas.

Both platforms offer solid opportunities for shoppers and convenience for customers. After comparing the details, one may already feel like the better fit for your needs.

Your grocery delivery services are just clicks away. What will you choose?

Shipt vs Instacart – Have you worked for either? Tell us about your experiences with grocery delivery services in the comments!