Three Platforms, One Decision
If you're in the UK and ordering takeaway through an app, the chances are you're using one of three platforms: Just Eat, Deliveroo, or Uber Eats. They all do broadly the same thing — connect you with local restaurants and get food to your door — but they differ significantly in fees, restaurant selection, delivery speed, and overall experience.
Here's an honest breakdown of each, so you can make the right choice for your situation.
Platform Overview
| Feature | Just Eat | Deliveroo | Uber Eats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery model | Mix of own drivers & restaurant drivers | Own courier network | Own courier network |
| Restaurant range | Very wide, incl. small locals | Mid-range, quality focus | Wide, incl. big chains |
| Subscription | Just Eat Plus (£3.99/mo) | Deliveroo Plus (£3.49/mo) | Uber One (£4.99/mo) |
| Collection available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Real-time tracking | Yes (varies by restaurant) | Yes | Yes |
Just Eat
Strengths
- Largest restaurant selection: Just Eat has the widest network of local independents, especially in smaller towns and suburbs where Deliveroo and Uber Eats may have limited coverage.
- Lower prices on some restaurants: Because many restaurants use their own drivers, the platform markup can be lower.
- Good for locals: The best platform for finding your neighbourhood Chinese, Indian, or chippy.
Weaknesses
- Delivery quality is inconsistent because it relies on restaurant staff rather than a courier network.
- Tracking is less reliable when the restaurant manages the delivery.
Deliveroo
Strengths
- Reliable delivery network: Deliveroo uses its own couriers, which generally means more consistent delivery times and better tracking.
- Quality restaurant curation: The platform tends to attract established restaurants and quality-focused independents.
- Editions (dark kitchens): Deliveroo Editions lets popular restaurants operate delivery-only kitchens in new areas.
Weaknesses
- Smaller coverage area than Just Eat, particularly outside major cities.
- Service fees and delivery fees can stack up noticeably.
Uber Eats
Strengths
- Integration with Uber: If you already use Uber, Uber One membership covers both rides and food delivery — good value if you use both services.
- Strong chain restaurant coverage: McDonald's, KFC, Nando's, and other big names are prominently available.
- Grocery delivery: Uber Eats has expanded into convenience and grocery delivery alongside restaurant food.
Weaknesses
- Can be more expensive than competitors for equivalent orders due to fee structures.
- Less focused on independent local restaurants.
Which Should You Choose?
There's no single winner — the right platform depends on your priorities:
- Best for local variety: Just Eat
- Best for reliability and tracking: Deliveroo
- Best for fast food chains and grocery top-ups: Uber Eats
- Best value subscription (if you order often): Compare all three against your typical monthly spend
Pro Tips for Any Platform
- Always check if the restaurant offers a direct ordering website — you may save money.
- Use browser extensions or cashback sites before placing your order for additional savings.
- Check multiple apps for the same restaurant — prices and fees can vary between platforms.
- Trial free subscription periods when offered, but set a calendar reminder to cancel if you won't use them enough.