Zomato is typically 5-15% cheaper than Swiggy for occasional users due to lower platform fees (₹3-5 vs ₹5-8). However, if you order 8+ times per month, Swiggy One (₹149/month) saves more money overall than Zomato Gold. Direct restaurant apps like Domino’s or McDonald’s often beat both with zero delivery fees during offers. Prices vary significantly by city, time of day, and surge pricing always compare the final checkout amount, not just menu prices.
Food delivery app pricing is confusing as hell. The same restaurant shows different prices on different apps. Then there are delivery fees, platform fees, surge charges, and suddenly your ₹180 biryani costs ₹265 at checkout.
Even I’ve seen the same biryani costing ₹180 on one app and ₹230 on another at the same time. Same restaurant, same dish, literally ordered 5 minutes apart to test. The difference? One app had surge pricing, the other had a platform fee I didn’t notice.
Customers today care more about the “final payable amount” than the menu price. You don’t eat menu prices you pay the checkout total. That ₹50 delivery fee and ₹6 platform fee add up fast when you’re ordering 10 times a month.
This guide compares all major food delivery apps based on real costs, not marketing claims. We’ll look at actual fees, hidden charges, and when each app is genuinely the cheapest option.
Key Factors That Decide Which App Is Cheapest
Before comparing apps, understand what actually affects your final bill. Most people only look at menu prices and miss the real cost drivers.
Delivery fee: Ranges from ₹0 to ₹80+ depending on distance, time, and restaurant. Some apps charge more during peak hours (lunch/dinner). Closer restaurants = lower fees, but not always.
Platform fee or convenience fee: This is the sneaky one. Swiggy charges ₹5-8, Zomato charges ₹3-6. Doesn’t sound like much until you multiply by 10 orders a month—that’s ₹50-80 extra. Some apps waive this with subscriptions.
Surge pricing: During rain, peak hours, or high demand, apps add surge charges. Can be ₹10-40 extra. Zomato calls it “high demand,” Swiggy just adds it to delivery fees. Weekend evenings? Expect surge almost always.
Packing charges: Charged by restaurants, not apps, but varies across platforms. Same restaurant might charge ₹20 packing on Swiggy and ₹15 on Zomato. Check the bill breakdown carefully.
Restaurant markup: Restaurants list higher prices on delivery apps than dine-in. A ₹150 dish in-store becomes ₹180 on the app. This markup varies—some restaurants mark up 15%, others go 30%+. Apps don’t control this, but it affects which platform ends up cheaper.
Coupons and wallet offers: Discounts change daily. One day Zomato has “50% off up to ₹100,” next week Swiggy does. Bank card offers add another layer. Timing your orders around good coupons genuinely saves ₹100-200 per order.
Subscription savings: Swiggy One (₹149/month) and Zomato Gold (varies) remove platform fees and offer free delivery on many restaurants. If you order frequently, subscriptions flip the “which is cheapest” equation completely.
The cheapest app for one person might be expensive for another based on order frequency, location, and timing. There’s no universal answer—only situational winners.
Major Food Delivery Apps to Compare (2026)
Let’s break down each platform honestly, with real pros and cons.
4.1 Swiggy
What it is: India’s largest food delivery app with widest restaurant selection in most cities.
Typical charges:
- Delivery fee: ₹25-60 (varies by distance)
- Platform fee: ₹5-8 per order
- Surge pricing: ₹10-35 during peak hours
- Swiggy One: ₹149/month (free delivery, no platform fee on eligible restaurants)
Pros:
- Best restaurant coverage in tier 2/3 cities
- Faster delivery in most areas (25-35 min average)
- Swiggy One offers genuine savings for frequent users
- Better customer support response time
- More accurate delivery time estimates
Cons:
- Higher platform fees than Zomato (₹5-8 vs ₹3-5)
- Restaurant prices sometimes marked up more
- Surge pricing can be aggressive during peak hours
- Fewer bank card offers compared to Zomato
Real example: Order of ₹350 from 3km away
- Menu price: ₹350
- Delivery: ₹35
- Platform fee: ₹6
- Packing: ₹20
- Total: ₹411 (₹461 with surge during dinner time)
When Swiggy is cheapest: If you have Swiggy One and order 8+ times monthly. In smaller cities where Zomato has limited restaurants. Late nights when Zomato surge is worse.
4.2 Zomato
What it is: Second-largest platform, strong in metro cities, aggressive with discounts.
Typical charges:
- Delivery fee: ₹20-50 (generally lower than Swiggy)
- Platform fee: ₹3-5 per order (cheaper than Swiggy)
- Surge pricing: Called “high demand charges,” ₹10-30
- Zomato Gold: ₹299-399/year (free delivery limited times, complimentary dishes)
Pros:
- Lower platform fees (saves ₹2-3 per order)
- Better discount coupons on average
- More bank card offers (ICICI, HDFC, SBI)
- Zomato Gold is cheaper than Swiggy One annually
- Restaurant ratings are more reliable
Cons:
- Slower delivery in some areas
- Fewer restaurants in tier 2/3 cities
- Zomato Gold benefits are limited compared to Swiggy One
- Customer support is hit-or-miss
- Delivery fees can spike unexpectedly
Real example: Same ₹350 order from 3km away
- Menu price: ₹350
- Delivery: ₹30
- Platform fee: ₹4
- Packing: ₹20
- Total: ₹404 (₹424 with surge)
When Zomato is cheapest: For occasional users (3-6 orders monthly). When good coupons are running. In metro cities with strong Zomato presence. If you have bank card offers.
4.3 Dunzo Food / Genie (City-Specific)
What it is: Hyperlocal delivery, available in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, few others.
Typical charges:
- Delivery fee: ₹20-40
- Platform fee: ₹0-3
- Surge: Rarely applied
- Dunzo Daily: ₹149/month (unlimited free delivery)
Pros:
- Lower fees in cities where available
- Can deliver from anywhere (not just partner restaurants)
- Dunzo Daily offers unlimited delivery for ₹149
- No restaurant markup if ordering from local eateries
Cons:
- Limited city availability
- Smaller restaurant network
- Slower delivery (40-60 mins often)
- Less reliable during peak hours
- Not all restaurants listed
When Dunzo is cheapest: If you’re in Bangalore/Mumbai and ordering from local non-chain restaurants. When Swiggy/Zomato have surge but Dunzo doesn’t. For non-food items bundled with food (saves a separate order).
4.4 Blinkit/Instamart Ready-to-Eat (Alternative Option)
What it is: Quick commerce apps (Blinkit, Instamart, Zepto) now sell ready-to-eat meals, frozen foods, instant meals.
Typical charges:
- Delivery fee: ₹0-25 (often free above ₹200)
- Platform fee: ₹0
- Surge: Rare
- Prices: 10-20% cheaper than restaurant food
Pros:
- Fastest delivery (10-15 mins)
- Zero platform fees
- Often free delivery
- Ready-to-eat meals cheaper than restaurant equivalents
- No surge pricing
Cons:
- Limited food variety (no fresh cooked meals from restaurants)
- Only packaged/frozen foods
- Not the same as restaurant-quality food
- Smaller portions sometimes
When this is cheapest: Need quick, cheap meal and don’t care about restaurant experience. Late night when surge is high everywhere. Budget is tight—ready-to-eat biryani for ₹120 vs restaurant biryani ₹200+.
4.5 Direct Restaurant Apps (Domino’s, McDonald’s, KFC, etc.)
What it is: Ordering directly from restaurant apps/websites.
Typical charges:
- Delivery fee: ₹0-40 (many offer free delivery on orders above ₹300-400)
- Platform fee: ₹0
- Surge: None
- Prices: Same as dine-in, no markup
Pros:
- Zero platform fee
- No markup on food prices
- Direct restaurant loyalty points
- Better offers (Buy 1 Get 1, flat 50% off)
- More reliable delivery tracking
- Better packaging
Cons:
- Need separate apps for each restaurant
- Can’t bundle orders from multiple places
- Payment options sometimes limited
- Delivery might be slower
- Customer support through restaurant only
When this is cheapest: Ordering from chains like Domino’s, McDonald’s, Burger King. During their direct app-exclusive offers. When delivery apps have surge. If you’re ordering ₹400+ (usually gets free delivery).
Price Comparison Table
Here’s a realistic comparison for a ₹250 food order from 3km away during regular hours (no surge):
| App | Menu Price | Delivery Fee | Platform Fee | Packing | Final Cost | With Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiggy | ₹250 | ₹35 | ₹6 | ₹20 | ₹311 | ₹285 (Swiggy One) |
| Zomato | ₹250 | ₹30 | ₹4 | ₹20 | ₹304 | ₹274 (Gold) |
| Dunzo | ₹250 | ₹25 | ₹2 | ₹20 | ₹297 | ₹272 (Daily) |
| Direct App | ₹220* | ₹0** | ₹0 | ₹15 | ₹235 | N/A |
*No restaurant markup on direct apps
**Free delivery on orders above ₹199 (varies by restaurant)
Same order during peak hours (8 PM Friday):
| App | Base Cost | Surge/High Demand | Final Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swiggy | ₹311 | +₹25 | ₹336 |
| Zomato | ₹304 | +₹20 | ₹324 |
| Dunzo | ₹297 | +₹0 | ₹297 |
| Direct App | ₹235 | +₹0 | ₹235 |
Key takeaway: Direct restaurant apps are cheapest when available. Among delivery platforms, Zomato edges out for occasional users, Swiggy One wins for heavy users.
Detailed Comparison
Let’s get specific about when each app actually saves you money.
Swiggy: When It’s Cheapest vs. Expensive
When Swiggy is cheapest:
- You have Swiggy One subscription (₹149/month) and order 8+ times monthly
- In tier 2/3 cities where Zomato coverage is weak
- Late nights (11 PM – 2 AM) when Zomato’s surge hits harder
- Ordering from distant restaurants where Swiggy’s delivery network is faster
- When Swiggy-exclusive restaurant deals are running
When Swiggy becomes expensive:
- Ordering 1-3 times monthly without subscription (platform fee adds up)
- Peak dinner hours (7-10 PM) with aggressive surge pricing
- Short distances where ₹6 platform fee feels excessive
- When Zomato has better bank card offers that week
- Restaurants that mark up prices more on Swiggy
Effect of Swiggy One (₹149/month): Removes platform fee (saves ₹5-8 per order) and offers free delivery on many restaurants.
Break-even math:
- Order 6 times/month with avg platform fee ₹6 and delivery ₹30 = saves ₹36 × 6 = ₹216/month
- Minus subscription cost ₹149 = net savings ₹67/month
- Order 10 times/month = saves ₹211/month after subscription cost
Real example: I tracked my costs for a month:
- Without Swiggy One: 12 orders, avg total ₹378/order = ₹4,536
- With Swiggy One: Same 12 orders, avg total ₹326/order + ₹149 subscription = ₹4,061
- Saved ₹475 (10.5% cheaper)
Swiggy One makes sense if you order dinner/lunch regularly. For occasional users, skip it.
Zomato: When It’s Cheaper
When Zomato is cheaper:
- Ordering 3-6 times monthly without any subscription
- In metro cities (Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi) with strong coverage
- When bank card offers align (ICICI Fridays, HDFC weekends)
- Lunch hours when surge is lower than Swiggy
- Short distances (under 2km) where lower platform fee matters more
How Zomato Gold changes cost: Costs ₹299-399/year (vs Swiggy One’s ₹149/month = ₹1,788/year). Zomato Gold offers:
- Free delivery (limited uses per month, usually 5-8)
- Complimentary dish at select restaurants
- Priority customer support
- Exclusive access to events
Is Gold worth it? Honestly, not for most people. You need to order 15+ times/month AND use the complimentary dishes to break even. Swiggy One offers better pure delivery value.
Common hidden fees on Zomato:
- “High demand charges” aren’t always clearly shown until checkout
- Some restaurants have distance-based fees on top of delivery charges
- Peak time fees can appear even outside obvious peak hours
- Cancellation charges if you cancel after restaurant confirms (₹50-100)
Real example: Same ₹250 order scenario:
- Zomato without Gold: ₹304
- Zomato with Gold (free delivery): ₹274
- But Gold costs ₹299/year, so you need 13+ orders to break even just on delivery savings
Bottom line: Zomato is cheapest for moderate users who don’t want monthly subscription commitment. Their lower platform fee (₹3-5 vs ₹6-8) adds up across occasional orders.
Others: When They Win
City-based apps (Dunzo, local startups): Sometimes offer aggressive pricing to gain market share in specific cities. In Bangalore, Dunzo Daily (₹149/month unlimited delivery) can be cheapest if you order 10+ times. Limited availability kills this for most people.
Direct restaurant apps: Almost always cheaper when ordering from chains (Domino’s, McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Starbucks).
Why? Zero platform fee + zero restaurant markup = 15-25% cheaper than Swiggy/Zomato for the same items. Plus restaurants run better offers on direct channels (2 for 1 pizzas, flat 50% off).
Example – Domino’s Pizza:
- Swiggy: Medium pizza ₹499, delivery ₹35, platform fee ₹6, packing ₹15 = ₹555
- Domino’s app: Medium pizza ₹399 (app-exclusive price), free delivery above ₹400 = ₹399
- Saved ₹156 (28% cheaper)
Grocery apps selling ready-to-eat: Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart now stock ready-to-eat meals, frozen foods, instant noodles/rice boxes. These cost ₹80-150 for a meal vs ₹200-300 for restaurant equivalent.
When to use: Budget is super tight, need food fast (10-15 min delivery), don’t care about restaurant-quality. A frozen biryani for ₹120 delivered in 12 minutes beats waiting 40 mins and paying ₹280 for restaurant version.
Limitation: It’s not restaurant food. You’re trading experience for convenience and price.
Which App Is Actually the Cheapest? (Realistic Summary)
There’s no single answer, so here’s the breakdown by actual use-case:
Cheapest overall (no subscription): Zomato edges out due to lower platform fees (₹3-5 vs Swiggy’s ₹6-8). Over 10 orders, that’s ₹30-50 saved. Direct restaurant apps beat both when available.
Cheapest for heavy users (8+ orders/month): Swiggy One (₹149/month). Removes platform fees and offers free delivery on many restaurants. Saves ₹200-400/month compared to paying per-order fees.
Cheapest at night (10 PM – 2 AM): Dunzo in cities where available, or direct restaurant apps for chains open late. Swiggy and Zomato both apply surge, though Swiggy’s tends to be slightly lower late night.
Cheapest in small towns: Swiggy has better restaurant coverage and delivery network in tier 2/3 cities. Zomato’s selection drops off significantly outside metros.
Cheapest without subscription: Zomato for 3-7 orders monthly. Below 3 orders, differences are too small to matter—use whichever has better coupons that day.
Cheapest ready-to-eat option: Blinkit/Zepto/Instamart meals at ₹80-150 with free delivery. Not restaurant quality, but 40-50% cheaper than Swiggy/Zomato.
Cheapest for chain restaurants: Direct apps (Domino’s, McDonald’s, etc.) by 20-30%. Zero platform fee, no markup, better offers.
Keep it real: The “cheapest” app changes based on what you’re ordering, when, and from where. Anyone claiming one app is always cheapest is oversimplifying. Smart ordering means checking both Swiggy and Zomato before placing orders.
What’s the Cheapest Food Delivery App? (2026 Real Comparison)
Quick Answer
Zomato is typically 5-15% cheaper than Swiggy for occasional users due to lower platform fees (₹3-5 vs ₹5-8). However, if you order 8+ times per month, Swiggy One (₹149/month) saves more money overall than Zomato Gold. Direct restaurant apps like Domino’s or McDonald’s often beat both with zero delivery fees during offers. Prices vary significantly by city, time of day, and surge pricing—always compare the final checkout amount, not just menu prices.
Introduction
Food delivery app pricing is confusing as hell. The same restaurant shows different prices on different apps. Then there are delivery fees, platform fees, surge charges, and suddenly your ₹180 biryani costs ₹265 at checkout.
Even I’ve seen the same biryani costing ₹180 on one app and ₹230 on another at the same time. Same restaurant, same dish, literally ordered 5 minutes apart to test. The difference? One app had surge pricing, the other had a platform fee I didn’t notice.
Customers today care more about the “final payable amount” than the menu price. You don’t eat menu prices—you pay the checkout total. That ₹50 delivery fee and ₹6 platform fee add up fast when you’re ordering 10 times a month.
This guide compares all major food delivery apps based on real costs, not marketing claims. We’ll look at actual fees, hidden charges, and when each app is genuinely the cheapest option.
Key Factors That Decide Which App Is Cheapest
Before comparing apps, understand what actually affects your final bill. Most people only look at menu prices and miss the real cost drivers.
Delivery fee: Ranges from ₹0 to ₹80+ depending on distance, time, and restaurant. Some apps charge more during peak hours (lunch/dinner). Closer restaurants = lower fees, but not always.
Platform fee or convenience fee: This is the sneaky one. Swiggy charges ₹5-8, Zomato charges ₹3-6. Doesn’t sound like much until you multiply by 10 orders a month—that’s ₹50-80 extra. Some apps waive this with subscriptions.
Surge pricing: During rain, peak hours, or high demand, apps add surge charges. Can be ₹10-40 extra. Zomato calls it “high demand,” Swiggy just adds it to delivery fees. Weekend evenings? Expect surge almost always.
Packing charges: Charged by restaurants, not apps, but varies across platforms. Same restaurant might charge ₹20 packing on Swiggy and ₹15 on Zomato. Check the bill breakdown carefully.
Restaurant markup: Restaurants list higher prices on delivery apps than dine-in. A ₹150 dish in-store becomes ₹180 on the app. This markup varies—some restaurants mark up 15%, others go 30%+. Apps don’t control this, but it affects which platform ends up cheaper.
Coupons and wallet offers: Discounts change daily. One day Zomato has “50% off up to ₹100,” next week Swiggy does. Bank card offers add another layer. Timing your orders around good coupons genuinely saves ₹100-200 per order.
Subscription savings: Swiggy One (₹149/month) and Zomato Gold (varies) remove platform fees and offer free delivery on many restaurants. If you order frequently, subscriptions flip the “which is cheapest” equation completely.
The cheapest app for one person might be expensive for another based on order frequency, location, and timing. There’s no universal answer—only situational winners.
Major Food Delivery Apps to Compare (2026)
Let’s break down each platform honestly, with real pros and cons.
4.1 Swiggy
What it is: India’s largest food delivery app with widest restaurant selection in most cities.
Typical charges:
- Delivery fee: ₹25-60 (varies by distance)
- Platform fee: ₹5-8 per order
- Surge pricing: ₹10-35 during peak hours
- Swiggy One: ₹149/month (free delivery, no platform fee on eligible restaurants)
Pros:
- Best restaurant coverage in tier 2/3 cities
- Faster delivery in most areas (25-35 min average)
- Swiggy One offers genuine savings for frequent users
- Better customer support response time
- More accurate delivery time estimates
Cons:
- Higher platform fees than Zomato (₹5-8 vs ₹3-5)
- Restaurant prices sometimes marked up more
- Surge pricing can be aggressive during peak hours
- Fewer bank card offers compared to Zomato
Real example: Order of ₹350 from 3km away
- Menu price: ₹350
- Delivery: ₹35
- Platform fee: ₹6
- Packing: ₹20
- Total: ₹411 (₹461 with surge during dinner time)
When Swiggy is cheapest: If you have Swiggy One and order 8+ times monthly. In smaller cities where Zomato has limited restaurants. Late nights when Zomato surge is worse.
4.2 Zomato
What it is: Second-largest platform, strong in metro cities, aggressive with discounts.
Typical charges:
- Delivery fee: ₹20-50 (generally lower than Swiggy)
- Platform fee: ₹3-5 per order (cheaper than Swiggy)
- Surge pricing: Called “high demand charges,” ₹10-30
- Zomato Gold: ₹299-399/year (free delivery limited times, complimentary dishes)
Pros:
- Lower platform fees (saves ₹2-3 per order)
- Better discount coupons on average
- More bank card offers (ICICI, HDFC, SBI)
- Zomato Gold is cheaper than Swiggy One annually
- Restaurant ratings are more reliable
Cons:
- Slower delivery in some areas
- Fewer restaurants in tier 2/3 cities
- Zomato Gold benefits are limited compared to Swiggy One
- Customer support is hit-or-miss
- Delivery fees can spike unexpectedly
Real example: Same ₹350 order from 3km away
- Menu price: ₹350
- Delivery: ₹30
- Platform fee: ₹4
- Packing: ₹20
- Total: ₹404 (₹424 with surge)
When Zomato is cheapest: For occasional users (3-6 orders monthly). When good coupons are running. In metro cities with strong Zomato presence. If you have bank card offers.
4.3 Dunzo Food / Genie (City-Specific)
What it is: Hyperlocal delivery, available in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, few others.
Typical charges:
- Delivery fee: ₹20-40
- Platform fee: ₹0-3
- Surge: Rarely applied
- Dunzo Daily: ₹149/month (unlimited free delivery)
Pros:
- Lower fees in cities where available
- Can deliver from anywhere (not just partner restaurants)
- Dunzo Daily offers unlimited delivery for ₹149
- No restaurant markup if ordering from local eateries
Cons:
- Limited city availability
- Smaller restaurant network
- Slower delivery (40-60 mins often)
- Less reliable during peak hours
- Not all restaurants listed
When Dunzo is cheapest: If you’re in Bangalore/Mumbai and ordering from local non-chain restaurants. When Swiggy/Zomato have surge but Dunzo doesn’t. For non-food items bundled with food (saves a separate order).
4.4 Blinkit/Instamart Ready-to-Eat (Alternative Option)
What it is: Quick commerce apps (Blinkit, Instamart, Zepto) now sell ready-to-eat meals, frozen foods, instant meals.
Typical charges:
- Delivery fee: ₹0-25 (often free above ₹200)
- Platform fee: ₹0
- Surge: Rare
- Prices: 10-20% cheaper than restaurant food
Pros:
- Fastest delivery (10-15 mins)
- Zero platform fees
- Often free delivery
- Ready-to-eat meals cheaper than restaurant equivalents
- No surge pricing
Cons:
- Limited food variety (no fresh cooked meals from restaurants)
- Only packaged/frozen foods
- Not the same as restaurant-quality food
- Smaller portions sometimes
When this is cheapest: Need quick, cheap meal and don’t care about restaurant experience. Late night when surge is high everywhere. Budget is tight—ready-to-eat biryani for ₹120 vs restaurant biryani ₹200+.
4.5 Direct Restaurant Apps (Domino’s, McDonald’s, KFC, etc.)
What it is: Ordering directly from restaurant apps/websites.
Typical charges:
- Delivery fee: ₹0-40 (many offer free delivery on orders above ₹300-400)
- Platform fee: ₹0
- Surge: None
- Prices: Same as dine-in, no markup
Pros:
- Zero platform fee
- No markup on food prices
- Direct restaurant loyalty points
- Better offers (Buy 1 Get 1, flat 50% off)
- More reliable delivery tracking
- Better packaging
Cons:
- Need separate apps for each restaurant
- Can’t bundle orders from multiple places
- Payment options sometimes limited
- Delivery might be slower
- Customer support through restaurant only
When this is cheapest: Ordering from chains like Domino’s, McDonald’s, Burger King. During their direct app-exclusive offers. When delivery apps have surge. If you’re ordering ₹400+ (usually gets free delivery).
Price Comparison Table
Here’s a realistic comparison for a ₹250 food order from 3km away during regular hours (no surge):
| App | Menu Price | Delivery Fee | Platform Fee | Packing | Final Cost | With Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiggy | ₹250 | ₹35 | ₹6 | ₹20 | ₹311 | ₹285 (Swiggy One) |
| Zomato | ₹250 | ₹30 | ₹4 | ₹20 | ₹304 | ₹274 (Gold) |
| Dunzo | ₹250 | ₹25 | ₹2 | ₹20 | ₹297 | ₹272 (Daily) |
| Direct App | ₹220* | ₹0** | ₹0 | ₹15 | ₹235 | N/A |
*No restaurant markup on direct apps
**Free delivery on orders above ₹199 (varies by restaurant)
Same order during peak hours (8 PM Friday):
| App | Base Cost | Surge/High Demand | Final Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swiggy | ₹311 | +₹25 | ₹336 |
| Zomato | ₹304 | +₹20 | ₹324 |
| Dunzo | ₹297 | +₹0 | ₹297 |
| Direct App | ₹235 | +₹0 | ₹235 |
Key takeaway: Direct restaurant apps are cheapest when available. Among delivery platforms, Zomato edges out for occasional users, Swiggy One wins for heavy users.
Detailed Comparison
Let’s get specific about when each app actually saves you money.
Swiggy: When It’s Cheapest vs. Expensive
When Swiggy is cheapest:
- You have Swiggy One subscription (₹149/month) and order 8+ times monthly
- In tier 2/3 cities where Zomato coverage is weak
- Late nights (11 PM – 2 AM) when Zomato’s surge hits harder
- Ordering from distant restaurants where Swiggy’s delivery network is faster
- When Swiggy-exclusive restaurant deals are running
When Swiggy becomes expensive:
- Ordering 1-3 times monthly without subscription (platform fee adds up)
- Peak dinner hours (7-10 PM) with aggressive surge pricing
- Short distances where ₹6 platform fee feels excessive
- When Zomato has better bank card offers that week
- Restaurants that mark up prices more on Swiggy
Effect of Swiggy One (₹149/month): Removes platform fee (saves ₹5-8 per order) and offers free delivery on many restaurants.
Break-even math:
- Order 6 times/month with avg platform fee ₹6 and delivery ₹30 = saves ₹36 × 6 = ₹216/month
- Minus subscription cost ₹149 = net savings ₹67/month
- Order 10 times/month = saves ₹211/month after subscription cost
Real example: I tracked my costs for a month:
- Without Swiggy One: 12 orders, avg total ₹378/order = ₹4,536
- With Swiggy One: Same 12 orders, avg total ₹326/order + ₹149 subscription = ₹4,061
- Saved ₹475 (10.5% cheaper)
Swiggy One makes sense if you order dinner/lunch regularly. For occasional users, skip it.
Zomato: When It’s Cheaper
When Zomato is cheaper:
- Ordering 3-6 times monthly without any subscription
- In metro cities (Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi) with strong coverage
- When bank card offers align (ICICI Fridays, HDFC weekends)
- Lunch hours when surge is lower than Swiggy
- Short distances (under 2km) where lower platform fee matters more
How Zomato Gold changes cost: Costs ₹299-399/year (vs Swiggy One’s ₹149/month = ₹1,788/year). Zomato Gold offers:
- Free delivery (limited uses per month, usually 5-8)
- Complimentary dish at select restaurants
- Priority customer support
- Exclusive access to events
Is Gold worth it? Honestly, not for most people. You need to order 15+ times/month AND use the complimentary dishes to break even. Swiggy One offers better pure delivery value.
Common hidden fees on Zomato:
- “High demand charges” aren’t always clearly shown until checkout
- Some restaurants have distance-based fees on top of delivery charges
- Peak time fees can appear even outside obvious peak hours
- Cancellation charges if you cancel after restaurant confirms (₹50-100)
Real example: Same ₹250 order scenario:
- Zomato without Gold: ₹304
- Zomato with Gold (free delivery): ₹274
- But Gold costs ₹299/year, so you need 13+ orders to break even just on delivery savings
Bottom line: Zomato is cheapest for moderate users who don’t want monthly subscription commitment. Their lower platform fee (₹3-5 vs ₹6-8) adds up across occasional orders.
Others: When They Win
City-based apps (Dunzo, local startups): Sometimes offer aggressive pricing to gain market share in specific cities. In Bangalore, Dunzo Daily (₹149/month unlimited delivery) can be cheapest if you order 10+ times. Limited availability kills this for most people.
Direct restaurant apps: Almost always cheaper when ordering from chains (Domino’s, McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Starbucks).
Why? Zero platform fee + zero restaurant markup = 15-25% cheaper than Swiggy/Zomato for the same items. Plus restaurants run better offers on direct channels (2 for 1 pizzas, flat 50% off).
Example – Domino’s Pizza:
- Swiggy: Medium pizza ₹499, delivery ₹35, platform fee ₹6, packing ₹15 = ₹555
- Domino’s app: Medium pizza ₹399 (app-exclusive price), free delivery above ₹400 = ₹399
- Saved ₹156 (28% cheaper)
Grocery apps selling ready-to-eat: Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart now stock ready-to-eat meals, frozen foods, instant noodles/rice boxes. These cost ₹80-150 for a meal vs ₹200-300 for restaurant equivalent.
When to use: Budget is super tight, need food fast (10-15 min delivery), don’t care about restaurant-quality. A frozen biryani for ₹120 delivered in 12 minutes beats waiting 40 mins and paying ₹280 for restaurant version.
Limitation: It’s not restaurant food. You’re trading experience for convenience and price.
Which App Is Actually the Cheapest? (Realistic Summary)
There’s no single answer, so here’s the breakdown by actual use-case:
Cheapest overall (no subscription): Zomato edges out due to lower platform fees (₹3-5 vs Swiggy’s ₹6-8). Over 10 orders, that’s ₹30-50 saved. Direct restaurant apps beat both when available.
Cheapest for heavy users (8+ orders/month): Swiggy One (₹149/month). Removes platform fees and offers free delivery on many restaurants. Saves ₹200-400/month compared to paying per-order fees.
Cheapest at night (10 PM – 2 AM): Dunzo in cities where available, or direct restaurant apps for chains open late. Swiggy and Zomato both apply surge, though Swiggy’s tends to be slightly lower late night.
Cheapest in small towns: Swiggy has better restaurant coverage and delivery network in tier 2/3 cities. Zomato’s selection drops off significantly outside metros.
Cheapest without subscription: Zomato for 3-7 orders monthly. Below 3 orders, differences are too small to matter—use whichever has better coupons that day.
Cheapest ready-to-eat option: Blinkit/Zepto/Instamart meals at ₹80-150 with free delivery. Not restaurant quality, but 40-50% cheaper than Swiggy/Zomato.
Cheapest for chain restaurants: Direct apps (Domino’s, McDonald’s, etc.) by 20-30%. Zero platform fee, no markup, better offers.
Keep it real: The “cheapest” app changes based on what you’re ordering, when, and from where. Anyone claiming one app is always cheapest is oversimplifying. Smart ordering means checking both Swiggy and Zomato before placing orders.
Tips to Always Pay Less on Food Delivery Apps
Stop overpaying. Here’s how to consistently get better deals:
Compare Swiggy vs Zomato before every order: Takes 30 seconds. Same restaurant shows different total costs on different apps. I’ve seen differences of ₹40-80 for identical orders. Check both, order from cheaper one.
Use coupon tracker websites/Telegram channels: Websites like CouponDunia, GrabOn list active codes. Telegram channels like “Zomato Coupons” or “Swiggy Offers” post new codes daily. Save ₹50-150 per order.
Try direct ordering when possible: For Domino’s, McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks—always check their app first. Usually 20-25% cheaper than delivery platforms. They want direct customers and price accordingly.
Use wallet cashback strategically: Paytm, PhonePe, Amazon Pay often run “get 20% cashback on food delivery” offers. Load wallet, use for payment, get cashback for next order. Stacks with other discounts.
Time your orders: Order slightly before/after peak hours (7-9 PM). At 6:30 PM or 9:30 PM, surge pricing is lower or absent. Saves ₹20-35 per order.
Use subscription only if ordering 7-10 times a month: Below that, per-order costs are cheaper. Above that, Swiggy One (₹149/month) or Dunzo Daily genuinely saves money. Don’t buy subscription for 3 orders/month.
Check bank card offers weekly: ICICI, HDFC, SBI cards have rotating offers with Swiggy/Zomato. “10% off up to ₹150 on Zomato Fridays” type deals. Mark calendar, order on those days.
Bundle orders with friends/family: Delivery and platform fees are per-order, not per-person. Ordering ₹500 together costs same fee as ordering ₹250 alone. Split the food, split the savings.
Avoid small orders: Platform fee on ₹150 order is ₹6 (4% markup). Same ₹6 on ₹400 order is 1.5%. Order slightly more to make fees proportionally smaller, or wait and bundle multiple cravings.
Track your spending: Use apps like Walnut or manual Excel sheet. Most people don’t realize they spent ₹6,000 on delivery in a month. Awareness alone cuts spending by 20-30%.
Founder-style insight: Most people waste money because they don’t compare the final bill—not the menu prices. A ₹180 biryani on Swiggy might be ₹155 on Zomato after all fees. You’re paying the final bill, not the menu card. Check checkout total, always.
Which Subscription Saves More Money?
Let’s compare Swiggy One vs Zomato Gold with real math:
Swiggy One (₹149/month)
What you get:
- Free delivery on orders from eligible restaurants (most popular ones included)
- Zero platform fee (saves ₹5-8 per order)
- Extra discounts on select restaurants
- Priority customer support
Cost: ₹149/month = ₹1,788/year
Savings per order: Avg ₹35 delivery + ₹6 platform fee = ₹41 saved per order
Break-even: 149 ÷ 41 = 4 orders/month to break even
Real savings example:
- 8 orders/month: Save ₹41 × 8 = ₹328, minus ₹149 cost = ₹179 net savings/month (₹2,148/year)
- 12 orders/month: Save ₹41 × 12 = ₹492, minus ₹149 cost = ₹343 net savings/month (₹4,116/year)
Zomato Gold (₹299-399/year)
What you get:
- Free delivery (limited to 5-8 orders per month)
- 1 complimentary dish at select restaurants (dine-in/delivery)
- Priority customer support
- Exclusive access to events
Cost: ₹299-399/year (varies by city)
Savings per order: ₹30 delivery saved (only 5-8 times/month max)
Limitations: After 5-8 free deliveries, you pay regular fees. Complimentary dish sounds good but limited restaurant selection and menu restrictions apply.
Real savings example (assuming ₹299 version):
- 8 orders/month using free delivery: Save ₹30 × 8 = ₹240/month
- Minus cost: ₹299 ÷ 12 months = ₹25/month
- Net savings: ₹215/month (₹2,580/year)
But only if you max out free delivery limit. Most people use 4-6 per month = actual savings around ₹90-120/month.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Swiggy One | Zomato Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ₹149/month | ₹299-399/year |
| Annual cost | ₹1,788 | ₹299-399 |
| Free delivery | Unlimited | 5-8/month |
| Platform fee waiver | Yes, always | No |
| Break-even | 4 orders/month | 10-12 orders/month |
| Best for | Frequent users (8+ orders/month) | Moderate users who dine out too |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Swiggy One if:
- You order 7+ times per month
- You want unlimited free delivery
- Platform fee annoys you (it should)
- You rarely dine out at restaurants
Choose Zomato Gold if:
- You order 8-15 times per month
- You also dine out regularly (complimentary dish is useful)
- You’re okay with limited free delivery uses
- ₹299/year feels less commitment than ₹149/month
Choose neither if:
- You order less than 6 times per month
- You prefer paying per order
- You often use direct restaurant apps instead
- You’re disciplined about comparing prices and using coupons
Real example – My usage: I order 10-12 times per month. Tested both subscriptions for 3 months each:
- Swiggy One: Saved avg ₹340/month (₹41 × 10 orders = ₹410, minus ₹149 cost = ₹261; plus extra discounts added ~₹80)
- Zomato Gold: Saved avg ₹180/month (₹30 × 8 free deliveries = ₹240, minus ₹25 cost, but I couldn’t always use all free delivery slots)
For my usage pattern, Swiggy One saved ₹160 more per month. Your math might differ based on order frequency and restaurant choices.
Bottom line: If you order 8+ times monthly, Swiggy One usually saves ₹120-350 more than Zomato Gold. Below 8 orders, Zomato Gold’s annual model might feel less burdensome. Below 5 orders, skip both.
Final Verdict
Let me be direct about what’s actually cheapest in different scenarios:
For occasional users (3-6 orders/month): Zomato wins by ₹20-40 per order due to lower platform fees. No subscription needed. Use bank card offers when available.
For frequent users (8-15 orders/month): Swiggy One (₹149/month) saves ₹200-400/month compared to paying per-order fees on either platform. Clear winner for heavy users.
For chain restaurant lovers: Direct apps (Domino’s, McDonald’s, KFC) beat everyone by 20-30%. Zero platform fee, better offers, no markup. Always check their app first.
For budget-conscious: Blinkit/Zepto ready-to-eat meals at ₹80-150 are 40-50% cheaper than restaurant delivery. Not the same experience, but stretches your rupee furthest.
For small town users: Swiggy has better restaurant coverage and delivery network outside metros. Zomato’s selection drops significantly in tier 2/3 cities.
For late-night cravings: Swiggy or direct restaurant apps for 24-hour chains. Zomato’s late-night surge tends to be higher. Dunzo works if available in your city.
For zero surge guarantee: Direct restaurant apps or grocery app meals. They don’t do surge pricing. Delivery platforms will always surge during peak demand.
The honest truth: There’s no “always cheapest” app. It depends on what you’re ordering, when, and how often. The real money-saving hack isn’t picking one app it’s checking both Swiggy and Zomato before every order and choosing based on final checkout amount.
Most people waste ₹200-500 monthly simply because they stick to one app out of habit. Break the loyalty. Apps aren’t loyal to you—they change prices daily based on algorithms trying to maximize their revenue.
My practical advice:
- Install both Swiggy and Zomato
- Always compare final checkout price, not menu price
- Use Swiggy One if ordering 8+ times monthly
- Check direct restaurant apps for chains
- Use bank card offers when they align with your order day
- Don’t overthink it for orders under ₹300 time spent comparing isn’t worth ₹15 saved
The cheapest app is whichever one charges less when you’re actually ready to order. Stop being loyal to apps. Be loyal to your wallet.
Prices mentioned are based on December 2025 data from Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi. Your city’s pricing might vary slightly. Always check current rates before ordering.
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