McDonald's vs Burger King
type: Article
description: McDonald's dominates globally with 40,000+ locations and higher profitability ($23.2B revenue), while Burger King differentiates through flame-grilling and customization but operates 18,000 locations with lower margins. McDonald's is the world's largest fast-food chain by revenue and scale, whereas Burger King competes on product quality and brand positioning.
language: en-US
date published: 2025-06-01T00:00:00.000Z
date created: 2025-06-01T00:00:00.000Z
date modified: 2026-06-15T18:04:00.110Z
content reference time: 2026-06-15T18:04:00.110Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: McDonald's
about: Burger King
abstract: McDonald's dominates globally with 40,000+ locations and higher profitability ($23.2B revenue), while Burger King differentiates through flame-grilling and customization but operates 18,000 locations with lower margins. McDonald's is the world's largest fast-food chain by revenue and scale, whereas Burger King competes on product quality and brand positioning.
text: Global Restaurant Count. Annual Revenue (2023). Cooking Method. Signature Burger. Customization Philosophy. Operating Margin (2023). Brand Recognition (Global)
conclusion text: McDonald's wins for investors, franchisees, and those prioritizing consistency, scale, and profitability—it's the undisputed market leader with superior margins and 2.2x more locations. Choose Burger King if you value flame-grilled flavor, customization flexibility, and a smaller brand with more direct control over your franchise operations, though expect lower revenue potential and less brand ubiquity.
additional property: Global Restaurant Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 40,000+ | Burger King: N/A
additional property: 2026 Revenue Growth
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: +3% | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Beef Freshness
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Frozen patties standard | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Drive-Thru Technology Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: AI-powered order systems 2026 | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Average Burger Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: $5-7 | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Menu Item Customization Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Standard options | Burger King: N/A
additional property: New Restaurant Openings 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Expansion planned | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Chicken Sandwich Quality Focus
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Standard offerings | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Number of Global Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 40,000+ | Burger King: 18,000+
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Average Chicken Sandwich Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: $6.99 | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Operating Days Per Year
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 365 days | Burger King: 365 days
additional property: Menu Item Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 80+ items | Burger King: 120+
  value reference: Burger King
additional property: 2026 New Location Growth Target
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 8,000 | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Value Meal Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: £3.89 | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Chicken Preparation Method
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Frozen patties + fresh beef option | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Drive-Thru AI Technology
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Voice-activated with AI accuracy scaling | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Beef Freshness Standard
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Frozen beef (100% beef) | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Average Customer Transaction Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 3.8 minutes | Burger King: N/A
additional property: New Menu Items Per Year
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 2-3 items | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Drive-Thru Technology (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: AI voice-activated with accuracy scaling | Burger King: N/A
additional property: New Location Expansion (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 8,000 new locations planned | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Restaurant Design Innovation
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Optimized drive-thru layout | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Price Advantage for Value Seekers
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 105% cheaper than Wendy's | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Global Store Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 3,000+ | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Quality Ranking (YouGov 2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: #1 fries only | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Annual Operating Days
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 340 days | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Price Premium vs. Competitor
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: baseline | Burger King: N/A
additional property: 2025 Sales Tier
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: Top 3 ($107B trifecta) | Burger King: N/A
additional property: International Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: U.S. only | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Total Global Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 40,575 | Burger King: 18,000+
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Annual Corporate Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: $23.2B | Burger King: $6.5B
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Franchisee Average Unit Volume
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: $2,900 | Burger King: $1,650
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Initial Franchise Investment
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: $1.3 - $2.2 million | Burger King: $316-$550
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Big Mac / Whopper Calories
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 563 cal (Big Mac) | Burger King: 660 cal (Whopper)
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Global Brand Awareness
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 97% | Burger King: 89%
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Loyalty Program Members
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 40M+ (McDonald's Rewards) | Burger King: 8M+ (BK Rewards)
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Customization Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: ~200 menu variations | Burger King: ~1000+ 'Have it Your Way' combos
  value reference: Burger King
additional property: US Restaurant Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 13,000+ | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Global Market Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 100+ | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Breakfast Revenue Contribution
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 35% | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Mobile Loyalty Program Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 50M+ | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Menu Item Categories
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: All-day breakfast/lunch/dinner | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Brand Unaided Awareness (US)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 69% | Burger King: N/A
additional property: Average Customer Service Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 3-5 | Burger King: 6-8
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Average Burger Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: $8.50-10.50 | Burger King: $7.50-9.50
  value reference: Burger King
additional property: Menu Customization Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 5/10 | Burger King: 9/10
  value reference: Burger King
additional property: Countries with Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 100+ countries | Burger King: 90+ countries
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Digital Ordering Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 80% | Burger King: 65%
  value reference: McDonald's
additional property: Global Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: McDonald's: 40,275 locations | Burger King: 18,500+
  value reference: McDonald's
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/mcdonald-s
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/mcdonald-s
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/burger-king
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/burger-king
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/mcdonalds-vs-burger-king
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/mcdonalds-vs-burger-king
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/burger-king-vs-mcdonalds
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/burger-king-vs-mcdonalds)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mcdonalds-vs-burger-king)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mcdonalds-vs-burger-king))
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/dunkin-vs-mcdonalds
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mcdonald-s-vs-wendy-s
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/burger-king-vs-five-guys
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/chick-fil-a-vs-mcdonalds
teaches: How to choose between McDonald's and Burger King
genre: Brands

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: McDonald's vs Burger King — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

McDonald's
type: Thing
alternate name: Mcdonald S
language: en-US
description: Global fast-food chain with 13,574 U.S. locations and 24/7 availability, serving 69 million daily customers.
image: ImageObject
  caption: McDonald's
subject of: McDonald's vs Burger King
image: ImageObject
  caption: McDonald's

Burger King
type: Brand
alternate name: BK
language: en-US
description: Global fast-food chain specializing in flame-grilled burgers with diverse menu offerings
image: ImageObject
  caption: Burger King
subject of: McDonald's vs Burger King
image: ImageObject
  caption: Burger King

McDonald's vs Burger King — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for McDonald's vs Burger King. Contains 132 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Global Restaurant Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scale & Reach
variable measured: 2026 Revenue Growth
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Beef Freshness
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ingredient Quality
variable measured: Drive-Thru Technology Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Innovation
variable measured: Average Burger Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Value & Pricing
variable measured: Menu Item Customization Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Flexibility
variable measured: New Restaurant Openings 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Expansion
variable measured: Chicken Sandwich Quality Focus
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Product Quality
variable measured: Number of Global Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Availability
variable measured: Average Chicken Sandwich Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Operating Days Per Year
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Availability
variable measured: Menu Item Count
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Variety
variable measured: 2026 New Location Growth Target
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Expansion
variable measured: Value Meal Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Chicken Preparation Method
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Quality Standards
variable measured: Drive-Thru AI Technology
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Innovation
variable measured: Beef Freshness Standard
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Product Quality
variable measured: Average Customer Transaction Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: New Menu Items Per Year
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Menu Innovation
variable measured: Drive-Thru Technology (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technology & Innovation
variable measured: New Location Expansion (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Growth & Expansion
variable measured: Restaurant Design Innovation
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Brand Experience
variable measured: Price Advantage for Value Seekers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing Comparison
variable measured: Global Store Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Accessibility
variable measured: Quality Ranking (YouGov 2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Quality Perception
variable measured: Annual Operating Days
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Availability
variable measured: Price Premium vs. Competitor
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: 2025 Sales Tier
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Business Performance
variable measured: International Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Global Reach
variable measured: Total Global Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scale
variable measured: Annual Corporate Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Franchisee Average Unit Volume
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Franchise Economics
variable measured: Initial Franchise Investment
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Startup Cost
variable measured: Big Mac / Whopper Calories
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Nutrition
variable measured: Global Brand Awareness
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Marketing
variable measured: Loyalty Program Members
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Customer Engagement
variable measured: Customization Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Menu Flexibility
variable measured: US Restaurant Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Availability
variable measured: Global Market Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Distribution
variable measured: Breakfast Revenue Contribution
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Revenue Mix
variable measured: Mobile Loyalty Program Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Customer Engagement
variable measured: Menu Item Categories
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Product Offering
variable measured: Brand Unaided Awareness (US)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Brand Strength
variable measured: Average Customer Service Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Operational Efficiency
variable measured: Average Burger Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Menu Customization Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Flexibility
variable measured: Countries with Presence
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Global Reach
variable measured: Digital Ordering Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technology Integration
variable measured: Global Locations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Reach
variable measured: Annual System-Wide Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Average Unit Volume
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Average Transaction Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Service
variable measured: Average Check Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Revenue Per Transaction
variable measured: US Brand Awareness (Unaided)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Brand Strength
variable measured: Gen Z Customer Preference
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Demographic Appeal
variable measured: Total Global Restaurants
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Operations
variable measured: Annual Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Average Unit Volume (AUV)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Financial Performance
variable measured: Countries of Operation
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scale
variable measured: Signature Burger Price (USD)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Average Service Time
variable measured: Franchise Startup Cost
variable measured: Annual Global Revenue
variable measured: Total Global Restaurant Count
variable measured: Mobile App Daily Active Users
variable measured: Franchise Startup Investment Range
variable measured: Breakfast Menu Item Count
variable measured: Primary Burger Cooking Method
variable measured: Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mcdonalds-vs-burger-king

McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for McDonald's vs Burger King.
has defined term: Scale & Reach
has defined term: Financial Performance
has defined term: Ingredient Quality
has defined term: Innovation
has defined term: Value & Pricing
has defined term: Flexibility
has defined term: Expansion
has defined term: Product Quality
has defined term: Availability
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Variety
has defined term: Quality Standards
has defined term: Efficiency
has defined term: Menu Innovation
has defined term: Technology & Innovation
has defined term: Growth & Expansion
has defined term: Brand Experience
has defined term: Pricing Comparison
has defined term: Accessibility
has defined term: Quality Perception
has defined term: Business Performance
has defined term: Global Reach
has defined term: Scale
has defined term: Franchise Economics
has defined term: Startup Cost
has defined term: Nutrition
has defined term: Marketing
has defined term: Customer Engagement
has defined term: Menu Flexibility
has defined term: Distribution
has defined term: Revenue Mix
has defined term: Product Offering
has defined term: Brand Strength
has defined term: Operational Efficiency
has defined term: Technology Integration
has defined term: Market Reach
has defined term: Service
has defined term: Revenue Per Transaction
has defined term: Demographic Appeal
has defined term: Operations
has defined term: Speed & Efficiency
has defined term: Financial
has defined term: Digital Engagement
has defined term: Financial Investment
has defined term: Product Offerings
has defined term: Business
has defined term: Customer Satisfaction
has defined term: Menu
has defined term: Location Profitability
has defined term: Service Hours
has defined term: Quality
has defined term: Price
has defined term: Convenience
has defined term: Technology
has defined term: Service Quality
has defined term: Product Variety
has defined term: Size & Scale
has defined term: Quality & Experience
has defined term: Employment
has defined term: Cost
has defined term: Preparation
has defined term: Menu Items
has defined term: Experience
has defined term: Value
has defined term: Service Efficiency
has defined term: Speed
has defined term: Customization
has defined term: Menu Diversity
has defined term: Operations Quality
has defined term: Customer Reviews

Scale & Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scale-&-reach
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial-performance
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ingredient Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ingredient-quality
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Innovation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: innovation
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Value & Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: value-&-pricing
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Flexibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: flexibility
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Expansion
type: DefinedTerm
term code: expansion
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product-quality
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Availability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: availability
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Variety
type: DefinedTerm
term code: variety
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Quality Standards
type: DefinedTerm
term code: quality-standards
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: efficiency
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Menu Innovation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: menu-innovation
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technology & Innovation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technology-&-innovation
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Growth & Expansion
type: DefinedTerm
term code: growth-&-expansion
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Brand Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: brand-experience
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing Comparison
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing-comparison
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Accessibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: accessibility
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Quality Perception
type: DefinedTerm
term code: quality-perception
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Business Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: business-performance
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Global Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: global-reach
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scale
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Franchise Economics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: franchise-economics
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Startup Cost
type: DefinedTerm
term code: startup-cost
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Nutrition
type: DefinedTerm
term code: nutrition
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Marketing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: marketing
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Engagement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-engagement
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Menu Flexibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: menu-flexibility
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Distribution
type: DefinedTerm
term code: distribution
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Revenue Mix
type: DefinedTerm
term code: revenue-mix
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product Offering
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product-offering
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Brand Strength
type: DefinedTerm
term code: brand-strength
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Operational Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: operational-efficiency
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technology Integration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technology-integration
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-reach
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Service
type: DefinedTerm
term code: service
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Revenue Per Transaction
type: DefinedTerm
term code: revenue-per-transaction
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Demographic Appeal
type: DefinedTerm
term code: demographic-appeal
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Operations
type: DefinedTerm
term code: operations
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Speed & Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: speed-&-efficiency
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Digital Engagement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: digital-engagement
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial Investment
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial-investment
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product Offerings
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product-offerings
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Business
type: DefinedTerm
term code: business
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Satisfaction
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-satisfaction
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Menu
type: DefinedTerm
term code: menu
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Location Profitability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: location-profitability
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Service Hours
type: DefinedTerm
term code: service-hours
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: quality
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Price
type: DefinedTerm
term code: price
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Convenience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: convenience
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technology
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technology
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Service Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: service-quality
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product Variety
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product-variety
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Size & Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: size-&-scale
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Quality & Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: quality-&-experience
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Employment
type: DefinedTerm
term code: employment
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cost
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cost
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Preparation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: preparation
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Menu Items
type: DefinedTerm
term code: menu-items
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: experience
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: value
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Service Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: service-efficiency
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Speed
type: DefinedTerm
term code: speed
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customization
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Menu Diversity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: menu-diversity
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Operations Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: operations-quality
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customer Reviews
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customer-reviews
in defined term set: McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-06-15T18:04:00.110Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: mcdonalds-vs-burger-king
main entity: Which fast-food chain is more profitable for franchisees?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: McDonald's franchisees earn higher average unit volumes ($2.9M annually) compared to Burger King ($1.65M annually), resulting in 38% operating margins vs Burger King's 28%. However, McDonald's requires $1-2.2M initial investment versus Burger King's $316-550K, making Burger King accessible to capital-constrained entrepreneurs despite lower profit ceilings.
    language: en-US
main entity: What's the difference between flame-grilled and McDonald's cooking method?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Burger King flame-grills patties over an open flame, creating a charred exterior and smoky flavor that Burger King emphasizes as superior taste. McDonald's uses a flat griddle for deep-fried cooking, producing consistent, faster results. Taste preference is subjective, but flame-grilling is associated with higher-quality burger restaurants, while griddle cooking enables McDonald's volume efficiency.
    language: en-US
main entity: How many locations does each chain have and where are they strongest?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: McDonald's operates 40,275 locations globally with 13,000+ in the US alone, dominating North America and Europe. Burger King has 18,438 locations with stronger penetration in Latin America (6,000+) and Europe (4,500+), but significantly fewer locations in developed markets limits competitive reach against McDonald's ubiquity.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which has better customer loyalty programs?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: McDonald's Rewards app boasts 40M+ active members with digital ordering integration, push notifications, and personalized offers driving repeat purchases. Burger King Rewards has 8M members with similar features but smaller scale. McDonald's program's 5x larger membership base creates stronger network effects and data advantages for targeted marketing.
    language: en-US
main entity: Is McDonald's or Burger King healthier?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: The Big Mac (563 calories, 30g fat) is slightly lighter than the Whopper (660 calories, 40g fat), but both are high-calorie indulgences. Burger King offers more customization to reduce calories (remove mayo, add vegetables), while McDonald's has expanded salad and wraps. Neither is positioned as a health-focused option; moderation and customization matter more than brand choice.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between McDonald's and Burger King
type: HowTo
description: McDonald's dominates globally with 40,000+ locations and higher profitability ($23.2B revenue), while Burger King differentiates through flame-grilling and customization but operates 18,000 locations with lower margins. McDonald's is the world's largest fast-food chain by revenue and scale, whereas Burger King competes on product quality and brand positioning.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Global Restaurant Count
step: Consider: Annual Revenue (2023)
step: Consider: Cooking Method
step: Consider: Signature Burger
step: Consider: Customization Philosophy
step: Consider: Operating Margin (2023)
step: Consider: Brand Recognition (Global)
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: McDonald's wins for investors, franchisees, and those prioritizing consistency, scale, and profitability—it's the undisputed market leader with superior margins and 2.2x more locations. Choose Burger King if you value flame-grilled flavor, customization flexibility, and a smaller brand with more direct control over your franchise operations, though expect lower revenue potential and less brand ubiquity.

Consider: Global Restaurant Count
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Global Restaurant Count: McDonald's has 40,275 locations, while Burger King has 18,438 locations.

Consider: Annual Revenue (2023)
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Annual Revenue (2023): McDonald's has $23.2 billion, while Burger King has $6.4 billion.

Consider: Cooking Method
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Cooking Method: McDonald's has Deep-fried griddle, while Burger King has Flame-grilled.

Consider: Signature Burger
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Signature Burger: McDonald's has Big Mac (563 calories), while Burger King has Whopper (660 calories).

Consider: Customization Philosophy
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Customization Philosophy: McDonald's has Limited 'Have it Your Way' options, while Burger King has 'Have it Your Way' - full customization.

Consider: Operating Margin (2023)
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Operating Margin (2023): McDonald's has 38% average franchisee margin, while Burger King has 28% average franchisee margin.

Consider: Brand Recognition (Global)
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Brand Recognition (Global): McDonald's has 99% awareness in developed markets, while Burger King has 94% awareness in developed markets.

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: McDonald's vs Burger King
review body: McDonald's dominates globally with 40,000+ locations and higher profitability ($23.2B revenue), while Burger King differentiates through flame-grilling and customization but operates 18,000 locations with lower margins. McDonald's is the world's largest fast-food chain by revenue and scale, whereas Burger King competes on product quality and brand positioning.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: McDonald's vs Burger King

Annual System-Wide Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $23.2 billion | Burger King: N/A

Average Unit Volume
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $2.8 million | Burger King: $1.2 million
value reference: McDonald's

Average Transaction Time
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 4-5 | Burger King: N/A

Average Check Size
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $9.42 | Burger King: N/A

US Brand Awareness (Unaided)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 93% of US consumers | Burger King: N/A

Gen Z Customer Preference
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 28% of customer base | Burger King: N/A

Total Global Restaurants
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 40,575 | Burger King: 18,291
value reference: McDonald's

Annual Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $23.2B (2024) | Burger King: $6.5B
value reference: McDonald's

Average Unit Volume (AUV)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $2,700 | Burger King: $1,200
value reference: McDonald's

Countries of Operation
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 100+ | Burger King: 95
value reference: McDonald's

Signature Burger Price (USD)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $5.99 (Big Mac) | Burger King: $5.49 (Whopper)
value reference: Burger King

Average Service Time
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 3-4 minutes | Burger King: 4-5 minutes
value reference: McDonald's

Franchise Startup Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $1,000-$2,300 | Burger King: $250-$550
value reference: Burger King

Annual Global Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $23.2 billion | Burger King: $6.5 billion
value reference: McDonald's

Total Global Restaurant Count
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 40,275 | Burger King: 18,000
value reference: McDonald's

Mobile App Daily Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 28M DAU | Burger King: 4.2M DAU
value reference: McDonald's

Franchise Startup Investment Range
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $1.6M - $2.3M | Burger King: $316K - $516K

Breakfast Menu Item Count
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 12+ items | Burger King: 6 items
value reference: McDonald's

Primary Burger Cooking Method
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: Griddle-cooked (consistent) | Burger King: Flame-grilled (smoky flavor)

Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 97% | Burger King: 89%
value reference: McDonald's

Number of Locations Worldwide
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 40,576 | Burger King: N/A

Annual Revenue (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $23.2B | Burger King: N/A

Average Menu Item Price
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $9.75 | Burger King: N/A

Average Google Review Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 3.8 | Burger King: N/A

Breakfast Menu Items
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 15+ | Burger King: N/A

Locations Open Past Midnight
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 62% | Burger King: N/A

Mobile App Loyalty Members
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 40+ (McDonald's Rewards) | Burger King: N/A

Global Restaurant Locations
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 40,575 | Burger King: 18,000+
value reference: McDonald's

Average Unit Volume Per Location
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $2.7M | Burger King: $1.62M
value reference: McDonald's

Market Capitalization
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $195B | Burger King: N/A

Brand Recognition (Global)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 68% | Burger King: N/A

Breakfast Availability Hours
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 24 hours (all-day breakfast) | Burger King: N/A

Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 26.3M | Burger King: N/A

US Location Count
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 13,573 | Burger King: N/A

Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 74 | Burger King: N/A

Chicken Sandwich Price
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $6.79 | Burger King: N/A

Drive-Thru Speed
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 5.8 min | Burger King: N/A

Menu Items Available
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 150+ items | Burger King: N/A

Global Countries Served
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 100+ | Burger King: N/A

Average Employee Wage
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $13.50 | Burger King: N/A

Average Beverage Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 12 | Burger King: N/A

Average Transaction Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $10-14 | Burger King: N/A

Mobile App Order Penetration
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 29% | Burger King: N/A

Number of Locations
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 40,275 | Burger King: 18,000+
value reference: McDonald's

Brand Value Ranking
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $196.5 billion | Burger King: $19.3 billion
value reference: Burger King

Signature Burger Calories
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 550 (Big Mac) | Burger King: 660 (Whopper)
value reference: McDonald's

Average Order Fulfillment Time
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 3-4 minutes | Burger King: N/A

Beef Quality Grade
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: Frozen beef patties | Burger King: N/A

Menu Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: Limited (15-20 burger variations) | Burger King: N/A

International Country Presence
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 150+ countries | Burger King: N/A

Average Burger Calorie Content
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 550 cal (Big Mac) | Burger King: N/A

U.S. Restaurant Locations
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 13,574 | Burger King: N/A

Customer Satisfaction Score
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 75 | Burger King: 77
value reference: Burger King

Classic Chicken Sandwich Price
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $5.99 | Burger King: N/A

Operating Days Per Week
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 7 | Burger King: N/A

Average Meal Calorie Count
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 740 | Burger King: N/A

Core Menu Items
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: 145 | Burger King: N/A

Annual U.S. Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $23.2B | Burger King: N/A

Average Starting Wage
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: $13.50 | Burger King: N/A

System-Wide Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: $1.8 Billion

Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: £5.99

Price Difference
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: Saves £2.00

Beef Freshness
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: Flame-grilled (quality varies by location)

Signature Burger Flame-Grill Time
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: ~40 seconds per Whopper

Core Menu Dessert Innovation (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: Standard Frosty-style offerings

Restaurant Design Update
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: Traditional format

Meal Deal Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: 5+ burger options at £5.99

Annual Revenue per Restaurant
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: $1.2M

Average Drive-Thru Speed
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: 4.5 minutes

Signature Item Calories
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: Whopper: 660 cal

Average Meal Price
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: $6.50

Single Burger Base Price
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: $7.25

Average Customer Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: 3.8/5.0

Average Service Wait Time
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: 6 minutes

Beef Sourcing Method
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: Flame-grilled frozen patties

Topping Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: 6 standard toppings

Drive-Thru Availability
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: 95%

Price Per Pound of Beef
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: $2.10/lb

Average Transaction Value
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: $8.50

Core Menu Item Count
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: 150+

Operating Hours Per Week
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: 168 (24/7 at many locations)

Employee Turnover Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: 150%

Average Check-In Rating (Google/Yelp)
type: PropertyValue
value: McDonald's: N/A | Burger King: 3.8

SpeakableSpecification
css selector: #short-answer
css selector: #verdict
css selector: #key-differences
css selector: #faq
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McDonald's — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Burger King — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare McDonald's vs Burger King
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/mcdonalds-vs-burger-king
object: McDonald's
object: Burger King

Average Service Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Speed & Efficiency

Franchise Startup Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial

Annual Global Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Performance

Total Global Restaurant Count
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scale & Reach

Mobile App Daily Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Digital Engagement

Franchise Startup Investment Range
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Investment

Breakfast Menu Item Count
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Product Offerings

Primary Burger Cooking Method
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Product Quality

Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Brand Strength

Number of Locations Worldwide
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scale & Reach

Annual Revenue (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Business

Average Menu Item Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Average Google Review Rating
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Satisfaction

Breakfast Menu Items
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Menu

Locations Open Past Midnight
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Availability

Mobile App Loyalty Members
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Engagement

Global Restaurant Locations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scale & Reach

Average Unit Volume Per Location
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Location Profitability

Market Capitalization
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Performance

Brand Recognition (Global)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Brand Strength

Breakfast Availability Hours
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service Hours

Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Digital Engagement

US Location Count
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Availability

Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Quality

Chicken Sandwich Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Price

Drive-Thru Speed
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Convenience

Menu Items Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Variety

Global Countries Served
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Global Reach

Average Employee Wage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations

Average Beverage Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Menu

Average Transaction Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Mobile App Order Penetration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technology

Number of Locations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market Reach

Brand Value Ranking
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Brand Strength

Signature Burger Calories
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Nutrition

Average Order Fulfillment Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service Quality

Beef Quality Grade
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ingredient Quality

Menu Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Product Variety

International Country Presence
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Global Reach

Average Burger Calorie Content
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Nutrition

U.S. Restaurant Locations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Size & Scale

Customer Satisfaction Score
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Quality & Experience

Classic Chicken Sandwich Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Operating Days Per Week
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Availability

Average Meal Calorie Count
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Nutrition

Core Menu Items
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Menu

Annual U.S. Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial

Average Starting Wage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Employment

System-Wide Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Business

Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Price Difference
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Cost

Beef Freshness
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Quality

Signature Burger Flame-Grill Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Preparation

Core Menu Dessert Innovation (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Menu Items

Restaurant Design Update
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Experience

Meal Deal Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Value

Annual Revenue per Restaurant
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Performance

Average Drive-Thru Speed
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service Efficiency

Signature Item Calories
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Nutrition

Average Meal Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Single Burger Base Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Average Customer Rating
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Satisfaction

Average Service Wait Time
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Speed

Beef Sourcing Method
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Quality

Topping Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customization

Drive-Thru Availability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Convenience

Price Per Pound of Beef
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Value

Average Transaction Value
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Core Menu Item Count
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Menu Diversity

Operating Hours Per Week
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Availability

Employee Turnover Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Operations Quality

Average Check-In Rating (Google/Yelp)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customer Reviews