food_and_drink
Burger King vs Five Guys 2026: Price, Quality, Speed
Five Guys charges 2-3x more per burger ($15-17 vs $6-8) and uses fresh, never-frozen beef with customizable toppings, while Burger King offers faster service, lower prices, and flame-grilled burgers at a casual quick-service level. The choice depends on whether you prioritize premium quality or affordability and speed.
Burger King
Second-largest burger-focused fast-food chain, differentiated by flame-grilled cooking and Whopper signature product.
Budget-conscious diners seeking quick meals, commuters using drive-thru, families wanting affordable options
Score63%
VS
Five Guys
Premium fast-casual burger chain specializing in fresh beef and extensive customization.
Quality-focused diners willing to pay premium prices, burger enthusiasts seeking customization, occasion-based dining
Score63%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryFive Guys charges 2-3x more per burger ($15-17 vs $6-8) and uses fresh, never-frozen beef with customizable toppings, while Burger King offers faster service, lower prices, and flame-grilled burgers at a casual quick-service level. The choice depends on whether you prioritize premium quality or affordability and speed.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Burger King if you need quick, affordable burgers with maximum convenience and drive-thru access across most locations. Choose Five Guys if you prioritize premium-quality beef, extensive customization, and don't mind paying 2-3x more and waiting longer for a superior burger experience.
Community feedback
Was this verdict helpful?
Thanks — we'll use this to improve our verdicts.
Burger King
9.1/10
Five Guys
5.9/10
Choose Burger King if
Best pickBudget-conscious diners seeking quick meals, commuters using drive-thru, families wanting affordable options
Choose Five Guys if
Quality-focused diners willing to pay premium prices, burger enthusiasts seeking customization, occasion-based dining
Track this comparison
Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.
Triggers: price change new spec verdict update
No spam. Stop anytime.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Average Burger Price:✓ Burger King wins($6.50-$8.00 vs $15.00-$17.00)
- Beef Freshness:✓ Five Guys wins(Fresh, never-frozen beef delivered daily vs Flame-grilled from frozen patties)
- Customization Options:✓ Five Guys wins(Extensive (15+ topping choices per burger) vs Limited (standard toppings only))
Key Facts & Figures
68 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(GBP) | 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(restaurants) | 18,000+ | — | — |
| Annual Revenue per Restaurant(USD millions) | $1.2M | — | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(%) | 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(percentage of items customizable) | 85% | — | — |
| Countries with Presence(count) | 100+ | — | — |
| Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations) | 65% | — | — |
| Total Global Restaurants(locations) | 18,291 | — | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $6.5B | — | — |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD thousands) | $1,200 | — | — |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 95 | — | — |
| Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD) | $5.49 (Whopper) | — | — |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 4.8 | 8-12 minutes | |
| Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands) | $316-$550 | — | — |
| Single Burger Base Price(USD) | $7.25 | $16.00 | |
| Number of Global Locations(restaurants) | 18,000+ | 1,700+ | |
| Average Customer Rating(stars (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) | $9.5B | — | — |
| 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% | — | — |
| 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(stars 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
- $6.50-$8.00(winner)Average Burger Price$15.00-$17.00
- Flame-grilled from frozen pattiesBeef FreshnessFresh, never-frozen beef delivered daily(winner)
- Limited (standard toppings only)Customization OptionsExtensive (15+ topping choices per burger)(winner)
- 5-7 minutes(winner)Average Wait Time10-15 minutes
- 18,000+ restaurants(winner)Global Locations (2025)1,700+ restaurants
- 3.8/5.0 starsAvg Customer Satisfaction (Yelp Rating)4.5/5.0 stars(winner)
- 95% of locations(winner)Drive-Thru AvailabilityMinimal (mostly dine-in/walk-up only)
- Average Burger Price
Burger King
$6.50-$8.00(winner)
Five Guys
$15.00-$17.00
- Beef Freshness
Burger King
Flame-grilled from frozen patties
Five Guys
Fresh, never-frozen beef delivered daily(winner)
- Customization Options
Burger King
Limited (standard toppings only)
Five Guys
Extensive (15+ topping choices per burger)(winner)
- Average Wait Time
Burger King
5-7 minutes(winner)
Five Guys
10-15 minutes
- Global Locations (2025)
Burger King
18,000+ restaurants(winner)
Five Guys
1,700+ restaurants
- Avg Customer Satisfaction (Yelp Rating)
Burger King
3.8/5.0 stars
Five Guys
4.5/5.0 stars(winner)
- Drive-Thru Availability
Burger King
95% of locations(winner)
Five Guys
Minimal (mostly dine-in/walk-up only)
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 Locations(restaurants) | 18,000+ | — |
| Total Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 18,000 | — |
| System-Wide Revenue(USD) | $1.8 Billion | — |
| Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)(GBP) | £5.99 | — |
| Price Difference(GBP) | Saves £2.00 | — |
| 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) | — |
Show 3 more attributesSingle Burger Base Price(USD) $7.25 $16.00 Classic Cheeseburger Price(USD) $12.99 — Average Meal Cost (Burger + Fries + Drink)(USD) $22.99 — | ||
| Beef Freshness | Flame-grilled (quality varies by location) | Fresh never-frozen daily |
| Average Customer Rating(stars (out of 5)) | 3.8/5.0 | 4.5/5.0(winner) |
| 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 Global Revenue(USD Billions) | $9.5B | — |
| Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD Millions) | $1.62M | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 |
| Menu Item Count(items) | 120+(winner) | 12 core items |
| Customization Options per Burger(toppings) | 15+ toppings | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(%) | 74/100 | — |
| Menu Customization Level(percentage of items customizable) | 85% | — |
| 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+ |
| Average Customer Service Time(minutes) | 6-8 | — |
| Countries with Presence(count) | 100+ | — |
| Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations) | 65% | — |
| Total Global Restaurants(locations) | 18,291 | — |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 95 | — |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 4.8(winner) | 8-12 minutes |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $6.5B | — |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD thousands) | $1,200 | — |
| Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands) | $316-$550 | — |
| 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% | — |
| 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% | — |
| 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 | — |
| Menu Items(count) | 15+ customizable options | — |
| 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 | — |
| US Locations(locations) | 1,700+ | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(stars out of 5) | 89% | — |
| 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 Locations(restaurants)
18,000+
—
Total Global Restaurant Count(locations)
18,000
—
System-Wide Revenue(USD)
$1.8 Billion
—
Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)(GBP)
£5.99
—
Price Difference(GBP)
Saves £2.00
—
Average Meal Price(USD)
$6.50
—
Average Burger Price(USD)
$7.50-9.50
$15.29
Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD)
$5.49 (Whopper)
—
Show 3 more attributes
Single Burger Base Price(USD)
$7.25
$16.00
Classic Cheeseburger Price(USD)
$12.99
—
Average Meal Cost (Burger + Fries + Drink)(USD)
$22.99
—
Beef Freshness
Flame-grilled (quality varies by location)
Fresh never-frozen daily
Average Customer Rating(stars (out of 5))
3.8/5.0
4.5/5.0
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 Global Revenue(USD Billions)
$9.5B
—
Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD Millions)
$1.62M
—
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
—
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
Menu Item Count(items)
120+
12 core items
Customization Options per Burger(toppings)
15+ toppings
—
Customer Satisfaction Score(%)
74/100
—
Menu Customization Level(percentage of items customizable)
85%
—
Average Drive-Thru Speed(minutes)
4.5 minutes
—
Operating Days Per Year(days)
365 days
—
Number of Global Locations(restaurants)
18,000+
1,700+
Average Customer Service Time(minutes)
6-8
—
Countries with Presence(count)
100+
—
Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations)
65%
—
Total Global Restaurants(locations)
18,291
—
Countries of Operation(countries)
95
—
Average Service Time(minutes)
4.8
8-12 minutes
Annual Revenue(USD billions)
$6.5B
—
Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD thousands)
$1,200
—
Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands)
$316-$550
—
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%
—
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%
—
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
—
Menu Items(count)
15+ customizable options
—
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
—
US Locations(locations)
1,700+
—
Customer Satisfaction Rating(stars out of 5)
89%
—
Beef Sourcing Quality
Fresh, never frozen, daily ground
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Burger King
+5-3
Pros
- Flame-grilled taste with signature char flavor
- 18,000+ global locations with widespread accessibility
- Drive-thru at 95% of locations for maximum convenience
- Budget-friendly at $6.50-$8.00 per burger
- 5-7 minute average service time
Cons
- Beef sourced from frozen patties rather than fresh daily
- Limited topping customization compared to premium competitors
- Lower customer satisfaction ratings (3.8/5.0 vs 4.5/5.0 on Yelp)
Five Guys
+5-3
Pros
- Fresh, never-frozen beef sourced daily from regional suppliers
- 15+ customizable toppings per burger for personalization
- 4.5/5.0 average Yelp rating indicating higher customer satisfaction
- Hand-cut fries cooked in peanut oil as signature side
- Made-to-order approach ensures quality consistency
Cons
- Prices 2-3x higher at $15-$17 per burger (premium positioning)
- 10-15 minute wait times due to made-to-order preparation
- Only 1,700+ locations globally (limited accessibility)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Five Guys charges premium prices due to fresh, never-frozen beef sourced daily, extensive customization, hand-cut fries cooked fresh, and made-to-order preparation. Burger King uses frozen patties and operates as a traditional quick-service model optimized for speed and affordability. The price difference reflects quality tier positioning rather than portion size.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure
Wikipedia
Related Comparisons
12 more to explore
Burger King vs Five Guys
food_and_drinkBurger King vs Wendy's
food_and_drinkWendy's vs Five Guys
food_and_drinkFive Guys vs In-N-Out
Fast Casual RestaurantsShake Shack vs Five Guys
productsMcDonald's vs Burger King
brandsBurger King vs Chick-fil-A
food_and_drinkBurger King vs McDonald's
food_and_drinkBurger King vs McDonald's
brandsMcDonald's vs Burger King
brandsKFC vs Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
food_and_drinkCoca-Cola vs Dr Pepper
food_and_drink
Explore More
Related comparisons and categories
AI generated