Dunkin' vs Tim Hortons 2026: Locations, Prices, Quality
Dunkin' operates in 12 countries with 9,000+ locations and emphasizes donuts and espresso-based drinks, while Tim Hortons operates primarily in Canada with 5,000+ locations and built its reputation on coffee and donuts with a focus on value pricing. Dunkin' has higher average unit volumes and stronger international presence, whereas Tim Hortons dominates the Canadian market with superior brand loyalty.
Dunkin'
American coffee and donut chain with 9,000+ global locations emphasizing espresso drinks and food innovation.
Customers seeking variety, quality espresso beverages, and a modern cafe experience; investors seeking growth-oriented QSR exposure.
Tim Hortons
Canadian coffee and donut chain with 5,000+ locations, market leader in Canada with focus on value and consistency.
Customers seeking affordable quality coffee, Canadian convenience, and familiar tradition; value-conscious consumers.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryDunkin' operates in 12 countries with 9,000+ locations and emphasizes donuts and espresso-based drinks, while Tim Hortons operates primarily in Canada with 5,000+ locations and built its reputation on coffee and donuts with a focus on value pricing. Dunkin' has higher average unit volumes and stronger international presence, whereas Tim Hortons dominates the Canadian market with superior brand loyalty.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Dunkin' if you prioritize global expansion potential, higher profitability metrics, and a diverse menu with premium espresso drinks and food options. Choose Tim Hortons if you value market dominance in Canada, superior brand loyalty, competitive pricing, and a simpler menu focused on coffee and donuts—though Dunkin's financial strength and international footprint make it the stronger overall business.
Was this verdict helpful?
Choose Dunkin' if
Best pickCustomers seeking variety, quality espresso beverages, and a modern cafe experience; investors seeking growth-oriented QSR exposure.
Choose Tim Hortons if
Customers seeking affordable quality coffee, Canadian convenience, and familiar tradition; value-conscious consumers.
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
- Global Locations:✓ Dunkin' wins(9,000+ vs 5,000+)
- Primary Market:USA (concentrated) vs Canada (90% of locations)
- Average Unit Volume (Annual Revenue per Location):✓ Dunkin' wins($1.2M USD vs $1.0M CAD (~$0.73M USD))
Key Facts & Figures
30 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Dunkin' | Tim Hortons | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Locations(number of restaurants) | 12,500+ | — | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $1.3B | — | — |
| Average Drink Price(USD) | ~$3 | — | — |
| Total Locations Worldwide(stores) | 9,000+ | 5,000+ | |
| United States Locations(locations) | 9,660 | 650 | |
| Canada Locations(locations) | 1,100 | 4,000+ | |
| Menu Items(items) | 170+ | 90+ | |
| Medium Coffee Price (USD)(USD) | $2.69 | $2.89 | |
| Customer Satisfaction (ACSI 2023)(score out of 100) | 76 | 72 | |
| Parent Company Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $1.49 billion | $6.17 billion | |
| Year Founded | 1950 | 1964 | |
| US Restaurant Locations(count) | 9,500+ | — | — |
| Average Unit Volume(USD per location annually) | $1.2M | $730K (1.0M CAD converted) | |
| Global Market Presence(Countries) | 12 | — | — |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 2-3 min | — | — |
| Breakfast Revenue Contribution(percent of annual revenue) | 85% | — | — |
| Mobile Loyalty Program Users(millions active users) | 15M+ | — | — |
| Brand Unaided Awareness (US)(percent) | 58% | — | — |
| Total Global Locations(stores) | 9,500 | — | — |
| Average Beverage Customization Options(drink variations) | 30+ | — | — |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 3-4 | — | — |
| Breakfast Menu Items(items) | 8 | — | — |
| Average Transaction Cost(USD) | $6-8 | — | — |
| Mobile App Order Penetration(percent of orders) | 22% | — | — |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 12 | 2 | |
| Medium Coffee Price(USD) | $2.49 | $2.00 (2.75 CAD converted) | |
| Brand Awareness (Home Market)(percent) | 87% (USA) | 94% (Canada) | |
| Loyalty Program Members(millions) | 16+ | 8+ | |
| Market Valuation(USD Billions) | $8.2B | $1.7B (2.3B CAD converted) | |
| Home Market Share (Coffee Category)(percent) | 18% (USA) | 35% (Canada) |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 9,000+(winner)Global Locations5,000+
- USA (concentrated)Primary MarketCanada (90% of locations)
- $1.2M USD(winner)Average Unit Volume (Annual Revenue per Location)$1.0M CAD (~$0.73M USD)
- $8.2B USD (as of 2025)(winner)Market Cap / Valuation$2.3B CAD (~$1.7B USD)
- 12 countries(winner)Countries of Operation2 countries (Canada, USA)
- $2.49 USD (Medium)Average Coffee Price$2.75 CAD (~$2.00 USD)(winner)
- 87% awareness (USA)Brand Recognition in Home Market94% awareness (Canada)(winner)
- Global Locations
Dunkin'
9,000+(winner)
Tim Hortons
5,000+
- Primary Market
Dunkin'
USA (concentrated)
Tim Hortons
Canada (90% of locations)
- Average Unit Volume (Annual Revenue per Location)
Dunkin'
$1.2M USD(winner)
Tim Hortons
$1.0M CAD (~$0.73M USD)
- Market Cap / Valuation
Dunkin'
$8.2B USD (as of 2025)(winner)
Tim Hortons
$2.3B CAD (~$1.7B USD)
- Countries of Operation
Dunkin'
12 countries(winner)
Tim Hortons
2 countries (Canada, USA)
- Average Coffee Price
Dunkin'
$2.49 USD (Medium)
Tim Hortons
$2.75 CAD (~$2.00 USD)(winner)
- Brand Recognition in Home Market
Dunkin'
87% awareness (USA)
Tim Hortons
94% awareness (Canada)(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Dunkin' | Tim Hortons |
|---|---|---|
| Global Locations(number of restaurants) | 12,500+ | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $1.3B | — |
| Average Unit Volume(USD per location annually) | $1.2M(winner) | $730K (1.0M CAD converted) |
| Market Valuation(USD Billions) | $8.2B(winner) | $1.7B (2.3B CAD converted) |
| Average Drink Price(USD) | ~$3 | — |
| Medium Coffee Price (USD)(USD) | $2.69(winner) | $2.89 |
| Average Transaction Cost(USD) | $6-8 | — |
| Medium Coffee Price(USD) | $2.49 | $2.00 (2.75 CAD converted)(winner) |
| Total Locations Worldwide(stores) | 9,000+(winner) | 5,000+ |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 12(winner) | 2 |
| United States Locations(locations) | 9,660(winner) | 650 |
| Canada Locations(locations) | 1,100 | 4,000+(winner) |
| Menu Items(items) | 170+(winner) | 90+ |
| Customer Satisfaction (ACSI 2023)(score out of 100) | 76(winner) | 72 |
| Parent Company Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $1.49 billion | $6.17 billion(winner) |
| Total Global Locations(stores) | 9,500 | — |
| Year Founded | 1950(winner) | 1964 |
| US Restaurant Locations(count) | 9,500+ | — |
| Global Market Presence(Countries) | 12 | — |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 2-3 min | — |
| Breakfast Revenue Contribution(percent of annual revenue) | 85% | — |
| Mobile Loyalty Program Users(millions active users) | 15M+ | — |
| Loyalty Program Members(millions) | 16+(winner) | 8+ |
| Menu Item Categories(primary daypart focus) | Breakfast/Coffee dominant | — |
| Brand Unaided Awareness (US)(percent) | 58% | — |
| Brand Awareness (Home Market)(percent) | 87% (USA) | 94% (Canada)(winner) |
| Average Beverage Customization Options(drink variations) | 30+ | — |
| Breakfast Menu Items(items) | 8 | — |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 3-4 | — |
| Mobile App Order Penetration(percent of orders) | 22% | — |
| Home Market Share (Coffee Category)(percent) | 18% (USA) | 35% (Canada)(winner) |
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Dunkin'
Pros
- 9,000+ locations across 12 countries with strong USA presence (8,500+ stores)
- Higher average unit volume of $1.2M annually, indicating stronger per-location profitability
- Diverse menu including 60+ donut varieties, premium espresso drinks, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches
- Strong digital loyalty program with 16M+ active members generating 25%+ of sales
- Market cap of $8.2B USD reflects robust investor confidence and financial stability
Cons
- Higher average coffee prices ($2.49 for medium) create affordability concerns in price-sensitive markets
- Weaker brand loyalty in Canada where Tim Hortons has 94% vs Dunkin's 65% brand recognition
- Limited presence outside North America and select European markets despite expansion efforts
Tim Hortons
Pros
- 94% brand awareness and commanding 35%+ market share in Canadian coffee market—strongest in category
- Aggressive value pricing with medium coffee at $2.75 CAD ($2.00 USD)—lowest in segment
- 5,000+ locations with 90% in Canada provides unmatched local dominance and convenience network
- Iconic brand status with 60+ year heritage; loyalty program has 8M+ active members
- Strong food partnerships and expanded menu (breakfast sandwiches, wraps) while maintaining simplicity
Cons
- Limited international expansion with only 600 USA locations vs. Dunkin's 8,500—minimal global growth engine
- Lower average unit volume of $1.0M CAD annually indicates weaker per-location profitability vs. Dunkin'
- Smaller valuation of $2.3B CAD ($1.7B USD) reflects investor concerns about growth ceiling in mature market
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
This is subjective, but Dunkin' emphasizes espresso-based specialty drinks with premium beans, while Tim Hortons focuses on consistent, accessible coffee. Taste test surveys show Tim Hortons scores higher in Canada (78% satisfaction) due to familiarity and brand loyalty, while Dunkin' scores higher nationally in the USA (81% satisfaction) for espresso quality. Tim Hortons uses a proprietary blend, while Dunkin' offers more variety.
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
- W
Dunkin' on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
American coffee and donut chain with 9,000+ global locations emphasizing espresso drinks and food innovation.
- W
Tim Hortons on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Canadian coffee and donut chain with 5,000+ locations, market leader in Canada with focus on value and consistency.
Related Comparisons
12 more to explore
Dunkin' vs Tim Hortons
food_and_drinkDunkin' vs McDonald's
brandsDunkin' vs McDonald's
food_and_drinkSubway vs Jimmy John's
food_and_drinkKFC vs Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
food_and_drinkCoca-Cola vs LaCroix
food_and_drinkPepsi vs Mountain Dew
food_and_drinkBurger King vs Five Guys
food_and_drinkChick-fil-A vs McDonald's
food_and_drinkMcDonald's vs Wendy's
food_and_drinkBurger King vs Wendy's
food_and_drinkHelloFresh vs Home Chef
food_and_drink
Explore More
Related comparisons and categories