Customizable burger restaurant known for hand-cut fries and extensive topping choices.
Customers who want customization, premium quality, and don't mind paying higher prices for burgers.
Regional West Coast burger chain known for simplicity, affordability, and exceptional consistency.
Budget-conscious consumers in the West Coast seeking fast, reliable, quality burgers with drive-thru convenience.
Five Guys operates nationally with customizable burgers and premium pricing, while In-N-Out remains primarily regional (West Coast) with a simplified menu and lower prices. In-N-Out emphasizes consistency and value, while Five Guys focuses on customization and fresh ingredients.
Both chains excel in their respective markets: In-N-Out dominates the West Coast with exceptional value, consistency, and customer loyalty, while Five Guys appeals to those seeking customization and premium ingredients across the nation. The choice depends on whether you prioritize affordability and simplicity (In-N-Out) or variety and accessibility (Five Guys).
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Choose Five Guys if
Customers who want customization, premium quality, and don't mind paying higher prices for burgers.
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| Metric | Five Guys | In-N-Out | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Cheeseburger Price(USD) | $12.99 | — | — |
| 2026 YouGov Quality Ranking(Percentile (% voting for top burger)) | 1st place - 15.5% | — | — |
| Global Locations(Count) | 1,500+ | — | — |
| Average Service Time(Minutes) | 8-12 minutes | — | — |
Choose In-N-Out if
Budget-conscious consumers in the West Coast seeking fast, reliable, quality burgers with drive-thru convenience.
| Menu Item Categories(Count) |
| 3 (burgers, hot dogs, fries) |
| — |
| — |
| Price Per Ounce of Beef(USD per oz) | $1.95/oz | — | — |
| Total Locations(count) | 1,500+ | 400+ | +275% |
| States/Regions Present(count) | 40+ states plus international | 6 western states | +567% |
| Menu Items(count) | 15+ customizable options | 5 main items (plus secret menu) | +200% |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 12-15 minutes | 5-8 minutes | +108% |
| Drive-Thru Availability(%) | 25% | 90% | -72% |
| Founded Year | 2000 | 1948 | +3% |
| Number of Global Locations(locations) | Five Guys | — | — |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | Five Guys | $5.80 | +176% |
| Topping Customization Options(toppings) | Five Guys | — | — |
| Founding Year(year) | Five Guys | — | — |
| Average Fries Portion Size(oz) | Five Guys | — | — |
| Service Speed (Avg Wait)(minutes) | Five Guys | — | — |
| Menu Item Count(items) | Five Guys | — | — |
All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated May 2026.
Five Guys
40+ states and international locations🏆
In-N-Out
West Coast only (CA, NV, TX, CO, OR, UT)
Five Guys
Extensive customization with toppings bar🏆
In-N-Out
Limited menu with secret menu items
Five Guys
$8.99-$12.99
In-N-Out
$5.15-$6.45🏆
Five Guys
1,500+ locations worldwide🏆
In-N-Out
400+ locations
Five Guys
Fresh, never frozen
In-N-Out
Fresh, never frozen
Five Guys
Limited locations
In-N-Out
Most locations have drive-thru🏆
Five Guys
Hand-cut, variable texture
In-N-Out
Fresh-cut, consistent quality🏆
Five Guys
Strong regional following
In-N-Out
Cult-like national following🏆
Yes, both Five Guys and In-N-Out use fresh, never frozen beef. This is a core principle for both chains and contributes to their quality reputation in the fast-casual burger segment.
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| Attribute | Five Guys | In-N-Out |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Cheeseburger Price(USD) | $12.99 | — |
| 2026 YouGov Quality Ranking(Percentile (% voting for top burger)) | 1st place - 15.5% | — |
| Global Locations(Count) | 1,500+ | — |
| Average Service Time(Minutes) | 8-12 minutes | — |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 12-15 minutes | 5-8 minutes |
| Beef Freshness | Fresh never-frozen daily | — |
| Customization Options(Level) | Patty count, proteins, toppings, sauces | — |
| Menu Item Categories(Count) | 3 (burgers, hot dogs, fries) | — |
| Menu Items(count) | 15+ customizable options | 5 main items (plus secret menu) |
| Price Per Ounce of Beef(USD per oz) | $1.95/oz | — |
| Total Locations(count) | 1,500+ | 400+ |
| Number of Global Locations(locations) | Five Guys | — |
| States/Regions Present(count) | 40+ states plus international | 6 western states |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(relative ranking) | 4.4 | 4.7 |
| Drive-Thru Availability(%) | 25% | 90% |
| Founded Year | 2000 | 1948 |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | Five Guys | $5.80 |
| 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 | — |
Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes