Whataburger vs McDonald's: Burgers, Fries and Prices Compared
A #1 Whataburger (590 cal) and a McDonald's Big Mac (590 cal, per McDonald's) are close in calories, but the Whataburger is one 5-inch fresh-beef patty while McDonald's uses frozen patties for most burgers. Whataburger also serves breakfast overnight; McDonald's is everywhere.
The short version
McDonald's is the biggest burger chain in the world; Whataburger is a regional chain in 17 states. Whataburger's classic burger is bigger and made with fresh beef; McDonald's is everywhere and usually cheaper for its value items.
- Burger: the #1 Whataburger, a 5-inch patty on a 5-inch bun, $5.99 and 590 calories.
- Beef: 100% American beef, fresh, never frozen, cooked to order.
- Hours: 1,129 of its stores list a 24-hour drive-thru.
- Breakfast: 11 pm to 11 am, alongside the regular menu at 24-hour stores.
- Footprint: 1,217 stores in 17 states, 787 in Texas.
#1 Whataburger vs Big Mac
A #1 Whataburger is 590 calories with one 5-inch patty. McDonald's lists its Big Mac at 590 calories on its online menu, with two smaller patties, three bun pieces and Big Mac sauce. They are close in calories, but the Whataburger is one wide patty with mustard and vegetables.
Whataburger's full nutrition is on Whataburger nutrition and calories.
Beef
Whataburger's beef is fresh and never frozen, cooked to order. McDonald's uses fresh beef for its Quarter Pounder burgers in the US, while its other burgers use frozen patties.
Fries
Whataburger's fries and McDonald's fries are different: different cut, oil and recipe. Whataburger's medium fries are 420 calories and list soy as their only allergen. See Whataburger sides and fries.
Breakfast and hours
Both serve breakfast, but Whataburger's runs from 11 pm to 11 am, so it is available overnight at 24-hour stores, and the regular menu stays on during breakfast. Most Whataburger drive-thrus are open 24 hours.
Chicken
McDonald's sells McNuggets and chicken sandwiches; Whataburger sells Whatachick'n Strips (three for $6.19), boneless WhataWings, grilled and spicy chicken sandwiches and the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich. See the chicken menu.
Where to find them
McDonald's is in every US state; Whataburger has 1,217 stores in 17. If you live outside those states, see what states have Whataburger.
Price
A #1 Whataburger is $5.99 and a #1 Whatameal $9.59 at the Dallas store we checked. McDonald's prices vary widely by location; compare the two menus near you. Whataburger's cheapest items are on cheapest Whataburger items.
Frequently asked questions
Are Whataburger and McDonald's fries the same?
No, they are different fries with different recipes.
Is a Whataburger bigger than a Big Mac?
A #1 Whataburger is one 5-inch patty and 590 calories; McDonald's lists the Big Mac at 590 calories.
Is Whataburger healthier than McDonald's?
Neither is health food; compare specific items. A #1 Whataburger and a Big Mac are close in calories.
Which is older, Whataburger or McDonald's?
Whataburger opened in 1950; the McDonald brothers' first restaurant opened in 1940.
Is Whataburger open later than McDonald's?
Most Whataburgers are open 24 hours: 1,129 list a 24-hour drive-thru.
Does Whataburger have a dollar menu like McDonald's?
Its value menu is Whatadeals: a $3.00 wrap and $4 Jr. sandwiches.
Does Whataburger use frozen beef like McDonald's?
No, Whataburger's beef is fresh and never frozen; McDonald's uses fresh beef only for Quarter Pounders in the US.