Best Grocery Delivery Services in the US

If you want the best overall grocery delivery service in the US right now, Walmart+ is the top pick for most households—it combines low prices, a huge product range, and fast delivery for a flat annual fee. It beats competitors on value per dollar, especially for families and budget shoppers. For same-day speed and premium produce, Instacart is the best choice if you don’t mind paying for convenience.

What to Look For

Before you pick a grocery delivery service, focus on these criteria—they matter more than flashy features:

• Delivery fees and minimums: Some services charge per order, others offer free delivery over a threshold, and subscription models (like Walmart+ or Amazon Fresh) waive fees entirely. Calculate your typical order size to see which works out cheaper.
• Product selection and freshness: Does the service carry the brands you buy? Can you get organic produce, specialty items, or household goods in the same order? Check if they source from local stores or their own warehouses.
• Delivery windows and speed: Look for same-day or next-day options, and whether you can schedule a specific time slot. Some services deliver within 2 hours, others take a full day.
• Substitution policy: When an item is out of stock, does the shopper replace it automatically, or do you get to approve swaps? Good services let you set preferences (e.g., “replace with similar” or “don’t substitute”).
• Customer service and reliability: Check how easy it is to get refunds for missing or damaged items. Read recent reviews to see if late deliveries or poor replacements are common.
• Payment and membership flexibility: Some services require a monthly fee, others are pay-per-order. Make sure they accept your preferred payment method and offer a free trial if you’re unsure.

Walmart+

Strengths: Walmart+ offers unlimited delivery on orders over $35 for a flat annual fee (about $98/year or $12.95/month). You get access to Walmart’s everyday low prices, which are often cheaper than other grocers. Delivery windows are usually available within a few hours, and the service covers a wide range of products—from fresh groceries to electronics. You also get perks like free shipping on other Walmart items and fuel discounts.

Trade-offs: The product selection is limited to what’s in Walmart stores, so you won’t find niche organic brands or specialty items. Substitutions are common when items are out of stock, and you can’t always approve them in real time (though you can set preferences). Delivery is not available in all areas—check your zip code.

Who it suits best: Budget-conscious families, people who already shop at Walmart, and anyone who wants predictable, low-cost delivery without paying per-order fees.

Instacart

Strengths: Instacart partners with multiple local stores (Kroger, Costco, Aldi, and many regional chains), so you can order from the store you prefer. It offers same-day delivery in as little as 1–2 hours, and you can schedule orders in advance. The app is user-friendly, with real-time shopper updates and the ability to approve substitutions as they happen. You can also add items while your shopper is in the store.

Trade-offs: Costs add up: delivery fees start around $3.99–$7.99 per order, plus a service fee (usually 5–10% of the order) and an optional tip. Prices are marked up slightly compared to in-store, and the total can be 20–30% higher than shopping yourself. A membership (Instacart+) reduces delivery fees but still charges service fees.

Who it suits best: People who want speed and choice, especially those who need groceries from a specific store (like Costco or a local chain) and are willing to pay for convenience.

Amazon Fresh

Strengths: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, Amazon Fresh offers free delivery on orders over $100 (or $9.99 for smaller orders) in eligible areas. You get Amazon’s massive selection, including Whole Foods Market items, and delivery windows are often available within 2–4 hours. The integration with your Amazon account makes ordering and tracking seamless, and you can use Alexa to add items to your cart.

Trade-offs: Amazon Fresh is only available in select metropolitan areas, and the product selection can vary by location. Prices are competitive but not always the lowest, and you may find limited stock for some items. Substitutions are handled automatically unless you opt out, and customer service can be hit-or-miss for grocery issues.

Who it suits best: Prime members who want a one-stop shop for groceries and household items, especially if they already rely on Amazon for other shopping.

Kroger Delivery

Strengths: Kroger’s delivery service (powered by Ocado) operates from automated warehouses in several states, offering fresh produce, meat, and pantry staples. It has a strong focus on quality and freshness, with a wide selection of organic and private-label items. Delivery fees are reasonable (around $9.99 per order, with free delivery over $35 if you subscribe to Kroger Boost). You can schedule delivery windows up to a week in advance.

Trade-offs: Availability is limited to regions where Kroger has its automated fulfillment centers—not all states are covered. The service doesn’t offer the same-day speed as some competitors (usually next-day or two-day). You may need to meet a minimum order of $35 to get delivery.

Who it suits best: Shoppers who prioritize fresh, high-quality groceries and live in areas where Kroger operates its delivery network.

Thrive Market

Strengths: Thrive Market is an online-only grocery store focused on organic, non-GMO, and specialty diet products (vegan, gluten-free, keto). It offers membership-based pricing (about $60/year) that gives you access to wholesale-like discounts, often 25–50% below retail. Shipping is free on orders over $49, and the selection is curated for health-conscious shoppers.

Trade-offs: This is not a same-day service—orders ship via UPS and take 2–5 days to arrive. You won’t find fresh produce or perishables (they only carry shelf-stable items and frozen goods). The membership fee is a barrier if you don’t shop regularly.

Who it suits best: Health-focused individuals who buy pantry staples in bulk and want to avoid processed foods, especially those on specific diets.

Shipt

Strengths: Shipt is a personal shopper service that partners with stores like Target, CVS, and many regional grocers. It offers same-day delivery in as little as 1 hour, with a flat annual fee (around $99/year) for unlimited orders over $35. The app allows you to communicate with your shopper in real time, and you can add items during the shop. Shipt’s customer service is generally responsive, and they offer a free trial.

Trade-offs: Prices are marked up slightly (typically 5–10% above in-store), and you’ll need to tip your shopper. Delivery windows can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Availability varies by location—check if your area is covered.

Who it suits best: People who want a personal shopper experience from stores like Target, and who order enough to justify the membership fee.

How to Choose

Start by setting a budget. If you order $150+ of groceries per week, a subscription service like Walmart+ or Amazon Fresh will save you money on delivery fees. If you only order occasionally, pay-per-order services like Instacart may be cheaper despite the fees.

Consider your use case: for a large family needing weekly staples, Walmart+ offers the best value. For a quick dinner tonight, Instacart or Shipt provide speed. For specialty diets, Thrive Market is unmatched. For premium freshness in select areas, Kroger Delivery is a strong contender.

Common trade-offs include price vs. speed (Instacart is fast but costly), selection vs. cost (Amazon Fresh has variety but not always low prices), and convenience vs. control (you may get substitutions with any service). Test a service with a small order first, and check if they offer a free trial—most do.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does grocery delivery cost?

Costs vary: pay-per-order services like Instacart charge $3.99–$7.99 for delivery plus a service fee (5–10% of order). Subscription services like Walmart+ ($12.95/month) or Amazon Fresh (free with Prime) waive delivery fees on qualifying orders. Budget for tips (15–20%) and potential price markups.

Can I use EBT/SNAP for grocery delivery?

Yes, many services accept EBT/SNAP for eligible items. Walmart+, Amazon Fresh, and Instacart (at participating stores) all accept EBT in most states. Delivery fees may not be covered by SNAP, but some services offer reduced fees for EBT users.

What happens if an item is out of stock?

Most services will substitute items based on your preferences. You can usually choose “replace with similar” or “don’t substitute” in the app. Some services (like Instacart) let you approve substitutions in real time via chat. If you’re not happy, you can request a refund for the item.

How do I get refunds for missing or damaged items?

Contact customer service within 48 hours of delivery. Most services offer automatic refunds for missing items, and you can report damaged goods through the app. Walmart+ and Amazon Fresh have easy refund processes; Instacart may require a photo for verification.

Is grocery delivery more expensive than shopping in-store?

Generally yes, due to delivery fees, service fees, and sometimes higher per-item prices. However, subscription services can offset this if you order frequently. Compare your typical order total with the service’s pricing to see if it’s worth it.

Can I schedule delivery in advance?

Yes, most services allow you to book a delivery window up to a week ahead. Instacart and Shipt offer same-day windows, while Kroger Delivery and Amazon Fresh let you pick a slot for the next day or later. Some services charge a small fee for peak-time slots.

Bottom Line

For most people, Walmart+ is the best overall grocery delivery service because it balances cost, selection, and reliability. If you need same-day speed and don’t mind paying extra, Instacart is the go-to. Amazon Prime members should try Amazon Fresh for its integration and variety. For specialty diets, Thrive Market is worth the membership. Start with a free trial, order a small batch, and see which service fits your routine.

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