You don’t open a food delivery app planning to spend a lot. Most of the time, you’re just hungry, tired, or busy. Maybe you want a quick lunch, maybe you don’t feel like cooking, or maybe it’s one of those evenings when ordering food feels easier than thinking.
But somewhere between selecting the dish and tapping “Pay, the excitement drops. A ₹199 meal suddenly turns into ₹320. Delivery fee, platform fee, packaging charge, and small order fee, none of them felt obvious when you added the item to your cart. And the worst part? Yesterday, the same order felt cheaper. This confusion is exactly why people now search for the cheapest food delivery app, not the most popular one.
The problem is, “cheap” isn’t the same for everyone. Some apps are cheaper for small orders, some reward frequent users, some work best for family meals, and some are only useful if the restaurant is nearby. If you rely on just one app, you’re almost certainly paying more than you need to.
This blog breaks down the cheapest food delivery apps currently available. No hype, no promotional fluff, just clarity.
What Makes a Food Delivery App Cheap
Before diving into apps, one thing needs to be clear: discounts alone don’t decide whether an app is cheap.
A food delivery bill usually includes:
- Food price (sometimes marked up)
- Delivery fee (distance + demand)
- Platform or service fee
- Packaging charges
- Small order surcharge
- Optional tip nudges
An app might show “₹150 OFF”, but still cost more after fees. Another app may show no flashy discount, but end up cheaper overall.
When we say “cheapest” in this blog, we mean:
- Lower final payable amount
- Fewer hidden or fluctuating fees
- Consistent pricing across orders
- Real savings over time, not just once
How Food Delivery Apps Actually Decide Their Charges
Food delivery prices aren’t random, even though they often feel that way. Most platforms calculate costs based on distance, demand, and order value. A nearby restaurant usually costs less to deliver from, while peak hours like lunch, dinner, weekends, or rainy evenings push prices up because riders are limited.
Along with delivery fees, platforms add service or platform charges to cover operations and payments. These may seem small, but they make a big difference on low-value orders, which is why small cart fees exist. Another hidden factor is menu pricing itself; many restaurants increase online prices slightly to cover commissions, even before fees are added.
Discounts can reduce these costs, but they don’t always cancel them out. Once you understand these elements, it becomes easier to tell when an order is genuinely affordable and when it only looks cheap at first glance.
How to Choose the Cheapest Food Delivery App for Your Needs
The cheapest food delivery app isn’t the same for everyone. What you end up paying depends less on the app itself and more on how you usually order food. Before jumping into the list, it helps to look at your own habits.
Here are a few simple ways to decide what works best for you:
1. How Often do You Order
If you order food multiple times a week, platforms with memberships or loyalty benefits usually bring the overall cost down over time.
2. Order Size Matters
Small orders are often cheaper on distance-based or local-focused platforms, while larger or group orders benefit more from combo pricing.
3. Distance From the Restaurant
Nearby restaurants usually cost less to deliver, especially on services that calculate fees based on distance instead of flat slabs.
4. Planned Meals vs Impulse Orders
Some platforms are better for planned lunches or family dinners, while others work best when you just want something quick.
5. Flexibility With Pickup or Timing
If you’re open to pickup or off-peak ordering, certain platforms can reduce your total bill significantly.
List of 10 Best Cheap Food Delivery Apps
1. Swiggy
Swiggy is often the first app people install when they start ordering food online, mainly because of its wide availability and reliable delivery network. It works well across metros and many tier-2 cities, which makes it convenient, but convenience doesn’t always mean cheap. Swiggy becomes affordable mainly when you order frequently and use its membership. Without that, delivery fees, surge charges, and small-order fees can quietly push the bill higher than expected. For regular users, though, Swiggy can average out to reasonable pricing over time.
Key points
- Delivery fees vary by distance and demand
- Platform/service fee added to most orders
- Small-order fee below minimum cart value
- Swiggy One membership reduces delivery + surge
- Frequent time-based and city-based offers
- Can become expensive during peak hours
- Best savings for users ordering multiple times a month
2. Zomato
Zomato feels cheaper than Swiggy for many people because discounts are more visible upfront. You often see flat ₹100–₹200 off offers directly on restaurant listings, which makes single orders attractive. Zomato also helps users discover local restaurants that price food lower than big chains, indirectly saving money, making it one of the cheapest food delivery apps. However, the final amount can still fluctuate because delivery and service fees change based on timing and demand. It’s a good app for deal-hunters, but not the most predictable in terms of final billing.
Key points
- Strong restaurant-level discounts
- Delivery fee varies by time and distance
- Service/platform fee applies
- Packaging charges differ by restaurant
- Pro membership reduces delivery cost
- Final bill can change depending on timing
- Good for one-off discounted orders
3. EatSure
EatSure is different because it doesn’t aggregate independent restaurants. Instead, it delivers food from its own cloud kitchen brands. This control over the entire process allows EatSure to avoid heavy commissions, which is why combo meals and family orders are often cheaper here than on aggregator apps. Pricing feels more stable, and delivery charges are usually lower or bundled into the price. The trade-off is limited variety, but for planned meals, EatSure offers strong value.
Key points
- Operates own brands (Faasos, Behrouz, etc.)
- Combo-focused pricing
- Lower or bundled delivery fees
- Fewer hidden charges
- Good for family and group orders
- Limited restaurant variety
- Coverage depends on city
4. Magicpin
Magicpin approaches food delivery from a savings perspective rather than speed or scale. It focuses heavily on local restaurants and cashback-based deals. Its ONDC integration helps reduce platform commissions, which often results in lower menu prices compared to big aggregators, making it one of the cheapest food delivery apps for cost-conscious users. Magicpin can look slightly confusing at first because savings often come as cashback after the order, not instant discounts. If you’re patient and cost-focused, it can be one of the cheapest options.
Key points
- Cashback-driven savings model
- ONDC integration lowers prices
- Strong local restaurant presence
- Heavy discounts on pickup orders
- Delivery speed can vary
- Cashback is post-order, not instant
- Good for budget-focused users
5. Dunzo
Dunzo works best when the restaurant is nearby. Instead of commission-based pricing, it uses distance-based delivery fees, which are calculated based on exact kilometers rather than flat rates. For short distances, this can be cheaper than Swiggy or Zomato, especially for small orders that would otherwise incur minimum cart fees. Dunzo also lets you order from places not listed on food aggregators, which opens access to cheaper local food and hidden neighborhood favorites. Costs rise quickly with distance, though, so it works best for nearby restaurants or urgent small orders where speed and convenience matter.
Key points
- Distance-based delivery pricing
- Useful for nearby restaurants
- Allows ordering from unlisted eateries
- Fewer discounts than food apps
- Can get expensive over long distances
- No structured combo deals
- Best for small, local orders
Also Read: Food Companies in India
6. EatClub
EatClub is a food delivery service that focuses on providing affordable, ready-to-eat meals through its own network of cloud kitchens. By preparing meals in-house, EatClub can control costs and offer budget-friendly pricing, making it one of the cheapest food delivery apps in cities where it operates. The platform is particularly popular among office-goers and daily commuters looking for convenient, filling meals without overspending. While its menu may be more limited compared to larger food delivery platforms, EatClub’s emphasis on consistent quality, fixed-price combos, and minimal delivery charges makes it an attractive option for cost-conscious customers.
Key points
- Fixed-price meal boxes
- Direct kitchen-to-customer model
- Low delivery fees
- Predictable billing
- Limited cuisine options
- Not available in all cities
- Best for daily meals
7. Domino’s India App
If pizza is what you want, ordering directly from Domino’s is almost always cheaper than using aggregators. The Domino’s app avoids third-party commissions and runs exclusive combos and app-only discounts, giving customers better control over savings. For group orders or parties, this can lead to significant cost reductions and added convenience. The app also provides easy tracking, timely notifications, and loyalty rewards, making the overall experience smooth and user-friendly. Outside of pizza, though, its usefulness is obviously limited, as it doesn’t offer the variety that full-service food delivery platforms provide.
Key points
- No aggregator commission
- App-only combo deals
- Predictable delivery pricing
- Good for bulk pizza orders
- Limited to Domino’s menu
- Not useful for mixed cuisines
- Reliable delivery tracking
8. McDelivery
McDelivery is McDonald’s official food delivery service, bringing your favorite burgers, fries, wraps, and beverages straight to your doorstep. It offers consistent pricing, reliable packaging, and access to exclusive McDonald’s deals and combos. Available through the McDonald’s app and partner delivery platforms, McDelivery ensures fast service and familiar taste without visiting the restaurant. It’s a convenient option for quick meals, late-night cravings, and family orders with trusted quality and standardized menus.
Key points
- Direct ordering from brand
- No aggregator platform fee
- App-exclusive combos
- Loyalty rewards in some apps
- Limited delivery radius
- Single-brand ordering only
- Good for fast-food regulars
9. Travelkhana
Travelkhana is a niche but extremely useful for train journeys. It allows passengers to order meals delivered directly to their train seats at selected stations. Compared to station vendors, pricing is often more reasonable, and meals are pre-ordered with clear pricing, making it one of the cheapest food delivery apps for travelers. The platform ensures timely delivery and hygienic packaging, which adds convenience and peace of mind during long journeys. While it’s not meant for everyday food delivery, within its use case, Travelkhana helps passengers save money and enjoy freshly prepared meals on the go.
Key points
- Food delivery to trains
- Fixed, transparent pricing
- Often cheaper than station food
- Station-based delivery
- Limited to train routes
- Not for city delivery
- Ideal for long journeys
10. Behrouz Biryani
Behrouz Biryani is a premium Indian biryani brand operated by Rebel Foods, known for delivering royal-style dum biryanis through a cloud kitchen model. The brand focuses on authentic Mughlai recipes made with long-grain basmati rice, rich gravies, and carefully selected spices. Popular menu items include chicken, mutton, and vegetarian biryanis, along with kebabs and desserts. Behrouz operates mainly through online delivery, ensuring consistent quality and hygienic preparation. Customers often get better value through combo meals and app-only offers when ordering directly, making Behrouz a reliable choice for flavorful, restaurant-quality biryani at reasonable prices.
Key points
- Premium biryani brand by Rebel Foods
- Cloud kitchen, delivery-only model
- Authentic Mughlai-style dum biryanis
- Consistent quality and hygiene
- Combo meals and app-only offers
Comparison Table
| App / Platform | Best Use Case | Delivery Cost Pattern | Ideal For |
| Swiggy | Frequent orders | Distance + surge based | Regular users |
| Zomato | One-off discounted orders | Variable by demand | Deal hunters |
| EatSure | Family & combo meals | Low or bundled | Group meals |
| Magicpin | Local restaurants | Low via ONDC | Budget users |
| Dunzo | Nearby food | Distance-based | Small orders |
| Box8 / EatClub | Daily meals | Minimal | Office lunches |
| Domino’s App | Pizza orders | Flat / predictable | Pizza lovers |
| Brand Apps (McD, KFC) | Fast food | Brand-set pricing | Fast-food regulars |
| Travelkhana | Train journeys | Fixed | Train passengers |
| Behrouz Biryani | Lowest possible price | Reduced commissions | Price-first users |
Conclusion
Ordering food online was meant to make life easier, yet delivery fees, service charges, and add-ons often inflate a simple order by the time you reach checkout. The problem isn’t that food delivery is expensive by default, but that prices change depending on how, when, and where you order. Some options work better for frequent orders, others make sense for nearby restaurants or planned meals.
People who save money usually do one thing differently: they look at the final bill, not the offer banner. Using the cheapest food delivery apps can also help you control costs. Once you understand how pricing works behind the scenes, food delivery stops feeling unpredictable and becomes a choice you control
FAQs
1. Which Food Delivery App is the Cheapest for Regular Users?
Swiggy or Zomato with membership plans usually work out cheaper for frequent orders.
2. Which App is Cheapest for Small Orders?
Dunzo and Magicpin are often cheaper for nearby, low-value orders.
3. Is EatSure Cheaper Than Swiggy and Zomato?
Yes, especially for combo meals and family-sized orders.
4. Are ONDC Food Delivery Apps Really Cheaper?
In many cases, yes, because they charge lower commissions to restaurants.
5. Which App Has the Lowest Delivery Fees Overall?
It depends on distance, but EatSure, ONDC apps, and brand apps often have the lowest fees.
