Grocery delivery platforms have changed the way we shop, offering convenience, variety, and speed with just a few taps on a smartphone. Two of the biggest players in the game are Shipt and Instacart. But which one is better for your needs? Whether you’re someone who hates grocery store runs or you’re trying to make smarter time-saving choices, understanding the differences between these services is crucial.
TL;DR
Both Shipt and Instacart offer fast, reliable grocery delivery, but they shine in different areas. Shipt is known for its personalized service and subscription-based pricing, while Instacart provides broader store selection and the option to pay per order. If long-term savings and human interaction matter to you, Shipt might be the better pick. For widest selection and flexibility, go with Instacart.
Overview of Shipt and Instacart
Shipt was founded in 2014 and is now owned by Target. It quickly became known as a premium grocery delivery service that focuses on customer satisfaction and personalization.
Instacart, founded in 2012, has a wider presence across the United States and partners with numerous grocery chains, from local stores to large franchises like Costco, Kroger, and Aldi.
Availability and Coverage
- Instacart: Available in over 5,500 cities across the United States and Canada, Instacart has a massive footprint with widespread availability.
- Shipt: Covers more than 5,000 U.S. cities but tends to be less available in rural areas compared to Instacart.
If you’re located in an urban area, either service is likely to be accessible. For remote or less populous regions, Instacart may have the edge in availability.
Store Selection
One of the most significant differences lies in the number and types of stores each platform supports:
- Instacart: Offers greater variety, connecting users with major retailers such as Costco, Target, Safeway, Aldi, Sprouts, and more.
- Shipt: While it partners well with Target (its parent company), Publix, Meijer, and H-E-B, its store selection is more limited in certain areas.
Want more store choices, including bulk warehouse options? Instacart delivers the goods—figuratively and literally.
Pricing and Membership
Both platforms offer different pricing structures to appeal to unique user needs.
Instacart
- Pay-per-order option: No membership required. Delivery fees start at $3.99 per order.
- Instacart+ Membership: Costs $99/year or $9.99/month, offering free deliveries on orders over $35 and decreased service fees.
Shipt
- Membership-based: A subscription is required for most usage. Costs $99/year or $10.99/month.
- Free deliveries on orders over $35. Orders below this amount have a $7 fee.
- Occasional pay-per-order options available only in limited cases.
If you prefer no commitment and occasional ordering, Instacart offers more flexibility. But if you’re a frequent user, Shipt’s membership could save you money in the long term.
Shopping and Delivery Experience
Here’s where Shipt starts to differentiate itself with a more personalized approach.
Shipt
- Personal Shoppers communicate via SMS and are open to substitutions and requests.
- Many users report friendly, consistent experiences and even build relationships with favorite shoppers.
Instacart
- More automated but still offers communication between users and shoppers.
- Substitution recommendations are prompted in-app, and the process feels more tech-driven.
Prefer human touch and real-time updates? Shipt is arguably more personal. Tech-savvy users may find Instacart more straightforward and streamlined.
Speed and Delivery Times
Both promise fast deliveries, typically within an hour or two. However, real-world scenarios can vary.
- Shipt: Often praised for punctual, same-day deliveries. Since shoppers get to know your preferences, speed and accuracy often improve over time.
- Instacart: Also offers real-time, same-day delivery in many areas, but user reviews indicate a slightly higher rate of delays, especially during peak periods.
In head-to-head comparisons, Shipt may be more consistent for on-time, personalized deliveries; Instacart has higher volume, which sometimes means slower service during busy times.
App Usability and Features
Both apps are available on iOS and Android and are user-friendly, though there are some differences.
Instacart
- Robust filtering by brand, dietary needs, or product type
- Integrates coupons and store promotions
- Real-time tracking of shopper’s progress
Shipt
- Simpler layout, which some find easier to navigate
- Customization options for recurring orders
- Direct text updates from your personal shopper
Tech lovers might lean Instacart for its advanced filters and UI. If you prefer simplicity and warmth, Shipt delivers (literally and metaphorically).
Customer Service
When things go awry, good customer service is crucial.
- Shipt: Known for fast, friendly, and thorough customer response. Many users accentuate the brand’s desire to “make it right.”
- Instacart: Has improved over the years, but some users still report issues with refunds and responses being slow or impersonal.
Shipt wins in customer service reliability, frequently going above and beyond to resolve issues.
Pros and Cons Summary
Shipt
- Pros:
- Personalized shopper interactions
- Great customer support
- Consistent delivery experience
- Cons:
- Smaller store selection
- Requires a membership for most orders
Instacart
- Pros:
- Larger selection of stores
- Pay-per-order and membership options
- Technologically robust platform
- Cons:
- Customer service can be inconsistent
- Less personalization in shopper experience
Final Verdict: Which One Is Better?
Ultimately, whether Shipt or Instacart is “better” depends heavily on what you’re looking for.
- Choose Shipt if: You value personalized service, predictability, and you’re willing to commit to a membership fee for overall savings.
- Choose Instacart if: You prefer flexibility, wider store access, and don’t mind a more automated system for frequent on-demand orders.
Both platforms are excellent in their own way, and many users even choose to use both depending on their specific grocery needs or store preferences. Whichever path you take, one thing’s for sure: the age of grocery aisles may finally be giving way to the age of apps.