food_and_drink
Burger King vs Five Guys 2026: Quality vs Value
Five Guys ranks as America's top-rated fast-food burger in 2026 (15.5% of consumers) with customizable patties and premium quality, while Burger King offers faster service, lower prices, and broader menu variety at roughly one-third the cost per burger.
Burger King
Second-largest burger chain with 18,000+ locations known for flame-grilled burgers and customization.
Budget-conscious consumers, travelers seeking quick meals, those wanting menu variety and accessibility
Score67%
VS
Five Guys
Premium fast-casual burger chain specializing in fresh beef and extensive customization.
Burger enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices, quality-focused consumers, those seeking customization and fresh ingredients
Score67%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryFive Guys ranks as America's top-rated fast-food burger in 2026 (15.5% of consumers) with customizable patties and premium quality, while Burger King offers faster service, lower prices, and broader menu variety at roughly one-third the cost per burger.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Burger King if you prioritize affordability, speed, menu variety, and accessibility across 7,000+ locations worldwide—ideal for quick meals on a budget. Choose Five Guys if you're willing to pay premium prices (2x the cost) for America's highest-rated fast-food burger quality, fresh never-frozen beef, and extensive customization options.
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Burger King
9.1/10
Five Guys
5.9/10
Choose Burger King if
Best pickBudget-conscious consumers, travelers seeking quick meals, those wanting menu variety and accessibility
Choose Five Guys if
Burger enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices, quality-focused consumers, those seeking customization and fresh ingredients
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Key Differences at a Glance
- 2026 YouGov Burger Quality Ranking:✓ Five Guys wins(1st place (15.5% of votes) vs Not ranked in top position)
- Classic Cheeseburger Price:✓ Burger King wins($5.99-$6.99 vs $12.99)
- Customization Options:✓ Five Guys wins(Extensive (patty count, toppings, sauces) vs Standard toppings (limited))
Key Facts & Figures
71 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Burger King | Five Guys | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Locations(number of restaurants) | 18,000+ | 1,500+ | |
| System-Wide Revenue(USD) | $1.8 Billion | — | — |
| Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)(GBP) | £5.99 | — | — |
| Price Difference(USD) | Saves £2.00 | — | — |
| Signature Burger Flame-Grill Time(seconds) | ~40 seconds per Whopper | — | — |
| Global Restaurant Locations(count) | 18,000+ | — | — |
| Meal Deal Customization Options(burger choices) | 5+ burger options at £5.99 | — | — |
| Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions) | $6.5B | — | — |
| Franchisee Average Unit Volume(USD thousands) | $1,650 | — | — |
| Initial Franchise Investment(USD millions) | $316-$550 | — | — |
| Big Mac / Whopper Calories(calories) | 660 cal (Whopper) | — | — |
| Global Brand Awareness(percent) | 89% | — | — |
| Loyalty Program Members(millions) | 8M+ (BK Rewards) | — | — |
| Total Global Locations(stores) | 18,000+ | — | — |
| Annual Revenue per Restaurant(USD millions) | $1.2M | — | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(points (J.D. Power 2024)) | 74/100 | — | — |
| Average Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 4.5 minutes | — | — |
| Signature Item Calories(calories) | Whopper: 660 cal | — | — |
| Average Meal Price(USD) | $6.50 | — | — |
| Operating Days Per Year(days) | 365 days | — | — |
| Menu Item Count(items) | 120+ | 12 core items | |
| Average Customer Service Time(minutes) | 6-8 | — | — |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $7.50-9.50 | $15.29 | |
| Menu Customization Level(scale 1-10) | 9/10 | — | — |
| Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations) | 65% | — | — |
| Total Global Restaurants(locations) | 18,291 | — | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD Billions) | $6.5B | — | — |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD millions) | $1,200 | — | — |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 95 | — | — |
| Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD) | $5.49 (Whopper) | — | — |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 4-5 minutes | 8-12 minutes | |
| Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands) | $250-$550 | — | — |
| Single Burger Base Price(USD) | $7.25 | $16.00 | |
| Number of Global Locations(restaurants) | 18,000+ | 1,700+ | |
| Average Customer Rating(out of 5) | 3.8/5.0 | 4.5/5.0 | |
| Average Service Wait Time(minutes) | 6 minutes | 13 minutes | |
| Topping Customization Options(toppings) | 6 standard toppings | 15+ customizable toppings | |
| Drive-Thru Availability(percent of locations) | 95% | 5% | |
| Price Per Pound of Beef(USD) | $2.10/lb | $4.80/lb | |
| Annual Global Revenue(USD billions) | $6.5 billion | — | — |
| Total Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 18,000 | — | — |
| Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions) | $1.62M | — | — |
| Mobile App Daily Active Users(millions) | 4.2M DAU | — | — |
| Breakfast Menu Item Count(items) | 6 items | — | — |
| Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent) | 89% | — | — |
| Number of Locations(restaurants) | 18,000+ | — | — |
| Brand Value Ranking(USD billions) | $19.3 billion | — | — |
| Signature Burger Calories(calories) | 660 (Whopper) | — | — |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 90+ countries | — | — |
| Classic Cheeseburger Price(USD) | $12.99 | $12.99 | |
| 2026 YouGov Quality Ranking(Percentile (% voting for top burger)) | 1st place - 15.5% | 1st place - 15.5% | |
| Menu Item Categories(primary daypart focus) | 3 (burgers, hot dogs, fries) | 3 (burgers, hot dogs, fries) | |
| Price Per Ounce of Beef(USD per oz) | $1.95/oz | $1.95/oz | |
| Total Locations(count) | 1,500+ | 1,500+ | |
| States/Regions Present(count) | 40+ states plus international | 40+ states plus international | |
| Menu Items(count) | 15+ customizable options | 15+ customizable options | |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 12-15 minutes | 12-15 minutes | |
| Drive-Thru Availability(%) | 25% | 25% | |
| Founded Year | 2000 | 2000 | |
| Number of Global Locations(locations) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Topping Customization Options(toppings) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Founding Year(year) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Average Fries Portion Size(oz) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Service Speed (Avg Wait)(minutes) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Menu Item Count(items) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 12-15 minutes | 12-15 minutes | |
| Customization Options per Burger(toppings) | 15+ toppings | 15+ toppings | |
| US Locations(locations) | 1,700+ | 1,700+ | |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5) | 89% | 89% | |
| Average Meal Cost (Burger + Fries + Drink)(USD) | $22.99 | $22.99 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
Burger King leads
Burger King
Attribute
Five Guys
- Not ranked in top position2026 YouGov Burger Quality Ranking1st place (15.5% of votes)(winner)
- $5.99-$6.99(winner)Classic Cheeseburger Price$12.99
- Standard toppings (limited)Customization OptionsExtensive (patty count, toppings, sauces)(winner)
- 7,000+ worldwide(winner)Number of Locations (2026)1,500+ worldwide
- 3-4 minutes average(winner)Service Speed8-12 minutes average
- Chicken, sandwiches, breakfast, salads(winner)Menu VarietyBurgers, fries, hot dogs, drinks
- Flame-grilled frozen pattiesPatty FreshnessFresh (never frozen) beef(winner)
- 2026 YouGov Burger Quality Ranking
Burger King
Not ranked in top position
Five Guys
1st place (15.5% of votes)(winner)
- Classic Cheeseburger Price
Burger King
$5.99-$6.99(winner)
Five Guys
$12.99
- Customization Options
Burger King
Standard toppings (limited)
Five Guys
Extensive (patty count, toppings, sauces)(winner)
- Number of Locations (2026)
Burger King
7,000+ worldwide(winner)
Five Guys
1,500+ worldwide
- Service Speed
Burger King
3-4 minutes average(winner)
Five Guys
8-12 minutes average
- Menu Variety
Burger King
Chicken, sandwiches, breakfast, salads(winner)
Five Guys
Burgers, fries, hot dogs, drinks
- Patty Freshness
Burger King
Flame-grilled frozen patties
Five Guys
Fresh (never frozen) beef(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Burger King | Five Guys |
|---|---|---|
| Global Locations(number of restaurants) | 18,000+(winner) | 1,500+ |
| Global Restaurant Locations(count) | 18,000+ | — |
| Total Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 18,000 | — |
| System-Wide Revenue(USD) | $1.8 Billion | — |
| Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)(GBP) | £5.99 | — |
| Average Meal Price(USD) | $6.50 | — |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $7.50-9.50(winner) | $15.29 |
| Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD) | $5.49 (Whopper) | — |
| Single Burger Base Price(USD) | $7.25(winner) | $16.00 |
Show 2 more attributesClassic Cheeseburger Price(USD) $12.99 — Average Meal Cost (Burger + Fries + Drink)(USD) $22.99 — | ||
| Price Difference(USD) | Saves £2.00 | — |
| Beef Freshness | Flame-grilled (quality varies by location) | Fresh never-frozen daily |
| Beef Sourcing Method | Flame-grilled frozen patties | Fresh, never-frozen daily |
| Signature Burger Flame-Grill Time(seconds) | ~40 seconds per Whopper | — |
| Core Menu Dessert Innovation (2026) | Standard Frosty-style offerings | — |
| Restaurant Design Update | Traditional format | — |
| Meal Deal Customization Options(burger choices) | 5+ burger options at £5.99 | — |
| Price Per Pound of Beef(USD) | $2.10/lb(winner) | $4.80/lb |
| Price Per Ounce of Beef(USD per oz) | $1.95/oz | — |
| Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions) | $6.5B | — |
| Annual Revenue per Restaurant(USD millions) | $1.2M | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD Billions) | $6.5B | — |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD millions) | $1,200 | — |
| Annual Global Revenue(USD billions) | $6.5 billion | — |
| Franchisee Average Unit Volume(USD thousands) | $1,650 | — |
| Initial Franchise Investment(USD millions) | $316-$550 | — |
| Big Mac / Whopper Calories(calories) | 660 cal (Whopper) | — |
| Signature Item Calories(calories) | Whopper: 660 cal | — |
| Signature Burger Calories(calories) | 660 (Whopper) | — |
| Global Brand Awareness(percent) | 89% | — |
| Loyalty Program Members(millions) | 8M+ (BK Rewards) | — |
| Customization Options(combinations) | ~1000+ 'Have it Your Way' combos | Patty count, proteins, toppings, sauces |
| Total Global Locations(stores) | 18,000+ | — |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 95 | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(points (J.D. Power 2024)) | 74/100 | — |
| Average Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 4.5 minutes | — |
| Operating Days Per Year(days) | 365 days | — |
| Number of Global Locations(restaurants) | 18,000+(winner) | 1,700+ |
| Menu Item Count(items) | 120+(winner) | 12 core items |
| Menu Items(count) | 15+ customizable options | — |
| Average Customer Service Time(minutes) | 6-8 | — |
| Menu Customization Level(scale 1-10) | 9/10 | — |
| Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations) | 65% | — |
| Total Global Restaurants(locations) | 18,291 | — |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 4-5 minutes(winner) | 8-12 minutes |
| Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands) | $250-$550 | — |
| Average Customer Rating(out of 5) | 3.8/5.0 | 4.5/5.0(winner) |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5) | 89% | — |
| Average Service Wait Time(minutes) | 6 minutes(winner) | 13 minutes |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 12-15 minutes | — |
| Topping Customization Options(toppings) | 6 standard toppings | 15+ customizable toppings(winner) |
| Drive-Thru Availability(percent of locations) | 95%(winner) | 5% |
| Drive-Thru Availability(%) | 25% | — |
| Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions) | $1.62M | — |
| Mobile App Daily Active Users(millions) | 4.2M DAU | — |
| Franchise Startup Investment Range(USD) | $316K - $516K | — |
| Breakfast Menu Item Count(items) | 6 items | — |
| Primary Burger Cooking Method | Flame-grilled (smoky flavor) | — |
| Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent) | 89% | — |
| Brand Value Ranking(USD billions) | $19.3 billion | — |
| Number of Locations(restaurants) | 18,000+ | — |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 90+ countries | — |
| 2026 YouGov Quality Ranking(Percentile (% voting for top burger)) | 1st place - 15.5% | — |
| Menu Item Categories(primary daypart focus) | 3 (burgers, hot dogs, fries) | — |
| Total Locations(count) | 1,500+ | — |
| Number of Global Locations(locations) | Five Guys | — |
| States/Regions Present(count) | 40+ states plus international | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(relative ranking) | 4.4 | — |
| Founded Year | 2000 | — |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | Five Guys | — |
| Topping Customization Options(toppings) | Five Guys | — |
| Menu Item Count(items) | Five Guys | — |
| Founding Year(year) | Five Guys | — |
| Average Fries Portion Size(oz) | Five Guys | — |
| Alcohol Beverage Offering | Five Guys | — |
| Service Speed (Avg Wait)(minutes) | Five Guys | — |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 12-15 minutes | — |
| Customization Options per Burger(toppings) | 15+ toppings | — |
| US Locations(locations) | 1,700+ | — |
| Beef Sourcing Quality | Fresh, never frozen, daily ground | — |
Burger KingFive GuysGlobal Locations(number of restaurants)
18,000+
1,500+
Global Restaurant Locations(count)
18,000+
—
Total Global Restaurant Count(locations)
18,000
—
System-Wide Revenue(USD)
$1.8 Billion
—
Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)(GBP)
£5.99
—
Average Meal Price(USD)
$6.50
—
Average Burger Price(USD)
$7.50-9.50
$15.29
Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD)
$5.49 (Whopper)
—
Single Burger Base Price(USD)
$7.25
$16.00
Show 2 more attributes
Classic Cheeseburger Price(USD)
$12.99
—
Average Meal Cost (Burger + Fries + Drink)(USD)
$22.99
—
Price Difference(USD)
Saves £2.00
—
Beef Freshness
Flame-grilled (quality varies by location)
Fresh never-frozen daily
Beef Sourcing Method
Flame-grilled frozen patties
Fresh, never-frozen daily
Signature Burger Flame-Grill Time(seconds)
~40 seconds per Whopper
—
Core Menu Dessert Innovation (2026)
Standard Frosty-style offerings
—
Restaurant Design Update
Traditional format
—
Meal Deal Customization Options(burger choices)
5+ burger options at £5.99
—
Price Per Pound of Beef(USD)
$2.10/lb
$4.80/lb
Price Per Ounce of Beef(USD per oz)
$1.95/oz
—
Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions)
$6.5B
—
Annual Revenue per Restaurant(USD millions)
$1.2M
—
Annual Revenue(USD Billions)
$6.5B
—
Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD millions)
$1,200
—
Annual Global Revenue(USD billions)
$6.5 billion
—
Franchisee Average Unit Volume(USD thousands)
$1,650
—
Initial Franchise Investment(USD millions)
$316-$550
—
Big Mac / Whopper Calories(calories)
660 cal (Whopper)
—
Signature Item Calories(calories)
Whopper: 660 cal
—
Signature Burger Calories(calories)
660 (Whopper)
—
Global Brand Awareness(percent)
89%
—
Loyalty Program Members(millions)
8M+ (BK Rewards)
—
Customization Options(combinations)
~1000+ 'Have it Your Way' combos
Patty count, proteins, toppings, sauces
Total Global Locations(stores)
18,000+
—
Countries of Operation(countries)
95
—
Customer Satisfaction Score(points (J.D. Power 2024))
74/100
—
Average Drive-Thru Speed(minutes)
4.5 minutes
—
Operating Days Per Year(days)
365 days
—
Number of Global Locations(restaurants)
18,000+
1,700+
Menu Item Count(items)
120+
12 core items
Menu Items(count)
15+ customizable options
—
Average Customer Service Time(minutes)
6-8
—
Menu Customization Level(scale 1-10)
9/10
—
Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations)
65%
—
Total Global Restaurants(locations)
18,291
—
Average Service Time(minutes)
4-5 minutes
8-12 minutes
Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands)
$250-$550
—
Average Customer Rating(out of 5)
3.8/5.0
4.5/5.0
Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5)
89%
—
Average Service Wait Time(minutes)
6 minutes
13 minutes
Average Wait Time(minutes)
12-15 minutes
—
Topping Customization Options(toppings)
6 standard toppings
15+ customizable toppings
Drive-Thru Availability(percent of locations)
95%
5%
Drive-Thru Availability(%)
25%
—
Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions)
$1.62M
—
Mobile App Daily Active Users(millions)
4.2M DAU
—
Franchise Startup Investment Range(USD)
$316K - $516K
—
Breakfast Menu Item Count(items)
6 items
—
Primary Burger Cooking Method
Flame-grilled (smoky flavor)
—
Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent)
89%
—
Brand Value Ranking(USD billions)
$19.3 billion
—
Number of Locations(restaurants)
18,000+
—
Countries with Presence(countries)
90+ countries
—
2026 YouGov Quality Ranking(Percentile (% voting for top burger))
1st place - 15.5%
—
Menu Item Categories(primary daypart focus)
3 (burgers, hot dogs, fries)
—
Total Locations(count)
1,500+
—
Number of Global Locations(locations)
Five Guys
—
States/Regions Present(count)
40+ states plus international
—
Customer Satisfaction Rating(relative ranking)
4.4
—
Founded Year
2000
—
Average Burger Price(USD)
Five Guys
—
Topping Customization Options(toppings)
Five Guys
—
Menu Item Count(items)
Five Guys
—
Founding Year(year)
Five Guys
—
Average Fries Portion Size(oz)
Five Guys
—
Alcohol Beverage Offering
Five Guys
—
Service Speed (Avg Wait)(minutes)
Five Guys
—
Average Wait Time(minutes)
12-15 minutes
—
Customization Options per Burger(toppings)
15+ toppings
—
US Locations(locations)
1,700+
—
Beef Sourcing Quality
Fresh, never frozen, daily ground
—
Pros & Cons
12 pros·6 cons across both
Burger King
+6-3
Pros
- 7,000+ global locations for maximum convenience
- Classic Whopper with flame-grilled beef since 1954
- 2026 'Better Whopper' upgraded bun and creamier mayo
- Competitive pricing at $5.99-$6.99 per cheeseburger
- Diverse menu including chicken, breakfast, and salads
- Fast service averaging 3-4 minutes
Cons
- Uses flame-grilled frozen patties rather than fresh beef
- Ranked below Five Guys in 2026 YouGov burger quality survey
- Limited customization compared to Five Guys
Five Guys
+6-3
Pros
- 2026 YouGov's #1 rated fast-food burger (15.5% of American votes)
- Fresh never-frozen beef patties ground daily
- Extensive customization: dual patties, single patties, toppings, sauces
- Premium quality comparable to homemade backyard grilling
- Handcrafted approach with visible food preparation
- Consistent quality across 1,500+ locations
Cons
- Premium pricing at $12.99 for classic cheeseburger (2x Burger King)
- Slower service averaging 8-12 minutes
- Limited menu focused primarily on burgers, fries, and hot dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
According to a 2026 YouGov survey of American consumers, Five Guys ranked #1 for best quality fast-food burger with 15.5% of votes, beating Burger King and In-N-Out. Five Guys uses fresh never-frozen beef and offers extensive customization, earning it comparisons to homemade backyard grilling quality.
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