McDonald's dominates globally with $23.2B in annual revenue and 40,000+ locations, while Burger King operates 18,000+ locations with $6.5B in revenue. McDonald's leads in market share and brand recognition, but Burger King differentiates with flame-grilled burgers and customization options.
McDonald's vs Burger King — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
McDonald's wins for accessibility, speed, and market dominance with nearly 3x the locations and 3.5x the revenue globally. Choose McDonald's if you prioritize consistency, loyalty programs (MyMcDonald's app), and quick service; choose Burger King if you prefer flame-grilled taste, customization freedom, and are willing to wait slightly longer.
Global fast-food chain specializing in burgers, fries, and quick service with 40,575 locations worldwide.
Second-largest burger chain with 18,000+ locations known for flame-grilled burgers and customization.
McDonald's vs Burger King — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for McDonald's vs Burger King with 120 attributes.
McDonald's vs Burger King — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for McDonald's vs Burger King.
McDonald's edges ahead nutritionally—the Big Mac (550 cal, 28g fat) contains 110 fewer calories and 12g less fat than the Whopper (660 cal, 40g fat). However, both are calorie-dense fast food. McDonald's offers more salad options (5 varieties), while Burger King focuses on customization to reduce sodium/fat by request.
McDonald's MyMcDonald's app (100M+ downloads) offers point-based rewards, free items at thresholds, and exclusive daily deals. Burger King's Royal Perks app personalizes offers based on purchase history and provides 1% cashback. McDonald's has broader integration with delivery apps; Burger King's rewards tier faster for frequent visitors.
Burger King flame-grills patties over open flame, creating a charred exterior and smoky flavor. McDonald's deep-fries and uses heat lamps, producing a consistent but less charred taste. The flame-grilling method is intentional branding ('flame-grilled, not fried') but takes 25-33% longer to prepare.
McDonald's added 1,500+ locations annually (2020-2024) but focuses on mature markets and tech integration. Burger King franchises are growing in emerging markets (India, Brazil) due to lower startup costs ($250K-$550K vs. McDonald's $1M-$2.3M), making it faster-growing in developing nations.
Which is better for franchise opportunities?
Burger King requires significantly lower initial investment ($250K-$550K) and offers faster ROI in developing markets. McDonald's demands $1M-$2.3M upfront but provides superior brand recognition, higher average unit volumes ($2.8M annually), and proven operational systems—better for established entrepreneurs.