In the world of fast food, hamburgers are the ultimate go-to comfort food. They’re affordable, convenient, and downright delicious when done right. But not all burgers are created equal. Some are juicy and packed with flavor, while others… well, taste like regret. If you’ve ever sat in a drive-thru wondering, “Which burger is actually worth it?” you’re not alone. To save you time (and money), we’ve ranked the best fast-food burgers based on taste, quality, price, and overall experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or something to satisfy your ultimate craving, this list has you covered.

Here’s the definitive ranking of burgers from mouthwatering goodness to the ones you might consider skipping.

1. Five Guys Cheeseburger

Sure, it’s pricier, but Five Guys delivers on all fronts. Their cheeseburger is a beast with two fresh, hand-formed patties cooked to perfection. The toppings? Unlimited and totally customizable with everything from grilled onions to jalapeños. What makes this one stand out is the quality. You can taste the difference in the fresh, never-frozen beef and toasted buns. They wrap it in foil, keeping the burger warm and juicy as you unwrap it like a present.

Yes, it’s more expensive than your McDonald’s options, but when you factor in the taste and portion size, it’s worth every penny.

2. Shake Shack ShackBurger

A close runner-up, Shake Shack’s ShackBurger lives up to the hype. The beef patty is 100% Angus and is always juicy with a distinct charred flavor. They top it with gooey American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and their signature ShackSauce, which is the real game-changer. The potato bun is soft and buttery, complementing the burger without falling apart.

The downside? Prices can add up quickly, especially if you get fries and a drink. But if you’re okay with spending a few extra bucks for a premium, Instagram-worthy burger, ShackBurger is hard to beat.

3. Whataburger Original Whataburger

This Texas favorite has a cult following, and for good reason. The Whataburger offers a massive patty that’s flavorful without being greasy, and the vegetables are crisp and fresh. It’s simple but hits the spot when you want a solid, no-frills burger.

Customizing is where Whataburger shines. You can deck it out with bacon, avocado, jalapeños, and more. Their spicy ketchup is also a standout and feels like the cherry on top of this regional gem.

The downside? Distribution is limited. If you’re outside of the south, getting your hands on one might take a road trip.

4. Wendy’s Dave’s Single

Wendy’s may be best known for its Frosty, but their burgers deserve your attention too. The Dave’s Single offers a square, fresh, never-frozen beef patty (yes, they’ll remind you of this) topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, ketchup, and mayo. It’s solid and reliable, offering freshness at a price that won’t break the bank.

It’s not the most exciting burger on this list, but Wendy’s scores points for its consistency. On the downside, sometimes the bun or toppings can feel a little soggy, depending on the location. Still, it’s a great choice for a quick, satisfying meal.

5. McDonald’s Big Mac

No burger ranking is complete without the Big Mac. The McDonald’s staple is probably the most famous hamburger in the world. Its double patty, “special sauce,” shredded lettuce, pickles, and middle bun make it unique. But taste-wise? It’s hit or miss.

The Big Mac’s fame is undeniable, but its thin patties and overuse of iceberg lettuce can leave you wanting more. That said, it’s affordable and nostalgic, making it a safe choice if you’re craving a quick bite. Just don’t go in expecting gourmet quality!

6. Burger King Whopper

The Whopper is iconic, but does it live up to its tagline as the "Home of the Whopper"? It depends. The flame-grilled patty does have a unique, smoky flavor that sets it apart. Plus, it’s big! Topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mayo, it’s got all the essentials.

Unfortunately, the execution can be inconsistent. Some locations skimp on toppings, leaving the sandwich feeling dry. Other times, you can taste how preprocessed the patty is. But when Burger King gets it right, the Whopper is a solid option.

7. In-N-Out Double-Double

Okay, calm down, West Coast burger lovers. The Double-Double is good, but it doesn’t quite take the top spot here. The patties are thinner, and while the beef is fresh, they tend to cook it more well-done than juicy. The toasted bun and “animal-style” sauce do elevate the burger, though.

Price-wise, it’s budget-friendly, which is always a win. But since it’s only available in a handful of states, many people won’t get to enjoy it unless they’re on vacation in California. If you’re nearby, definitely make the trip!

8. Sonic Cheeseburger

Sonic’s cheeseburger falls into the "it’s fine" category. The beef patty does its job, and the toppings taste fresh, but nothing really stands out. Sonic is more about the experience—the drive-in, the shakes, the cheesy tots—than the quality of their burgers.

It gets points for affordability and portion size, though many would argue that their burgers aren’t the stars of the menu. If you’re there, sure, grab one, but you might want to save room for their desserts instead.

9. Jack in the Box Ultimate Cheeseburger

If you’re craving greasy fast food at midnight, Jack in the Box might hit the spot. The Ultimate Cheeseburger is heavy on cheese and mayo but feels a little bland in the flavor department. The patty tastes processed, and the bun doesn’t do much to help.

While it’s not the best burger out there, it’s cheap and greasy. That combo might work if you're looking for late-night comfort food. Still, it’s best to keep your expectations in check.

10. Hardee’s (or Carl’s Jr.) Famous Star

Hardee’s emphasizes its charbroiled patties, but the taste doesn’t live up to the hype. The Famous Star feels dry and underwhelming, with minimal seasoning on the beef. Even worse, the sesame seed bun is often stale.

They only offer the standard toppings of lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mayo, and ketchup, so the burger is nothing that will blow your mind. If you have other burger options nearby, you’re better off skipping this one.