Just Eat vs Deliveroo: How to choose the right food delivery service for you

Written by Savings Expert: Eliza Macinnes
Published on 23rd January 2025

Food delivery services have become an essential part of modern living. Whether you're craving indulgent comfort food or trying out a new restaurant from the comfort of your home, apps like Just Eat and Deliveroo have revolutionised how we order food. But with both services competing fiercely in the UK, the question arises: which one is the best? Our Experts have provided an in-depth comparison of Just Eat and Deliveroo, exploring key factors like delivery prices and times, food variety, geographic reach, reward programs, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which service suits your needs without having to scroll through each website. You’re welcome!

Delivery Prices and Times

When it comes to ordering takeaway, delivery times and prices are probably the most significant factors for most people when selecting a service. Our experts have done some digging and found the information you’re looking for.

Delivery Fees

Just Eat generally has lower service charge fees, which range from 99p to £2.49, averaging around 94p per order. This affordability is one of its strongest appeals, particularly for budget-conscious users. On the other hand, Deliveroo charges a more standardised delivery fee, typically set at £2.50 per order, though it may vary depending on your location and the restaurant. While the difference may seem small for occasional orders, frequent users might find the cumulative costs with Deliveroo to be noticeably higher.

Delivery Speed

When it comes to delivery speed, Deliveroo takes the lead with an average delivery time of 34 minutes, compared to Just Eat’s 53-minute average. This 19-minute difference can be crucial, especially for customers looking to satisfy hunger pangs quickly. Deliveroo's focus on delivering within shorter time frames gives it a competitive edge over those who prioritise speed.

Food Pricing

A lesser-known aspect of food delivery services is how the platforms impact menu prices. On average, food ordered through Deliveroo is 8% more expensive than the same items ordered via Just Eat. This price discrepancy often stems from the higher commission fees charged by Deliveroo, which restaurants pass on to customers by increasing menu prices.

If affordability is a key factor in your decision, Just Eat is the clear winner. Its competitive pricing, coupled with lower delivery fees, makes it an attractive option for those who want to save money on takeaways.

Restaurant Selection and Geographic Reach

Restaurant Selection

When it comes to the variety of restaurants, Just Eat outshines Deliveroo. It partners with a wide range of eateries, including small, independent establishments and local favourites that may not appear on Deliveroo’s platform. This diversity ensures that customers have a vast selection of cuisines and dining options to choose from.

While Deliveroo focuses more on premium and high-end restaurants, its selection may feel limited compared to Just Eat’s extensive database. That said, Deliveroo excels in offering trendy and exclusive options, making it ideal for customers seeking gourmet meals or unique culinary experiences.

Geographic Coverage

Just Eat also has the upper hand in terms of geographic coverage. It serves both urban centres and suburban areas, ensuring that customers in smaller towns and rural locations can still access their favourite takeaways. This wide reach makes Just Eat the go-to option for families and individuals living outside major cities.

Deliveroo, on the other hand, primarily operates in urban areas, targeting city dwellers who crave quick and high-quality meals. While the company is gradually expanding its reach, it still lags behind Just Eat in terms of overall coverage.

Reward Programmes and Discounts

Just Eat Rewards

Just Eat offers a variety of promotions and deals, including the popular “Freebie Friday”, where customers can enjoy free extras from participating restaurants. The platform frequently provides discounts on popular chains and local favourites, making it an appealing choice for users looking to save money.

Deliveroo Rewards

Deliveroo counters with discounts for new customers, occasional free delivery promotions, and seasonal offers. While these promotions can be generous, they are often less predictable compared to Just Eat’s regular campaigns. Deliveroo also introduced a subscription service called Deliveroo Plus, which offers free delivery on all orders for a monthly fee, making it an attractive option for frequent users.

App Features and User Experience

Just Eat App

The Just Eat app is straightforward and user-friendly, catering to a wide range of users. Its simple interface makes it easy to browse restaurants, place orders, and track delivery updates. However, one notable drawback is the lack of real-time order tracking. While the app provides estimated delivery times, it doesn’t allow customers to track their delivery driver’s exact location, which can be frustrating for some users.

Deliveroo App

Deliveroo excels in the tech department with its polished and visually appealing app. One of its standout features is real-time order tracking, which lets users monitor their delivery in real-time. This feature not only enhances the overall user experience but also provides greater transparency and peace of mind. Additionally, the Deliveroo app often includes curated recommendations, helping customers discover new restaurants and trending dishes.

Subscription Options

Both platforms offer subscription plans for regular users:

Just Eat’s Subscription Plan: Currently, Just Eat doesn’t offer a subscription service for free delivery. This puts it at a slight disadvantage for frequent users who might prefer a cost-effective option.

Deliveroo Plus: Deliveroo’s subscription service, Deliveroo Plus, offers free delivery for a monthly fee, starting at £3.49 per month, and rising to £7.99 for Plus Gold. For those who order multiple times a week, this subscription can lead to significant savings, making Deliveroo a strong contender in this category.

Additional Factors to Consider

Dietary Preferences

Deliveroo often partners with high-end and health-focused restaurants, making it an excellent choice for customers with specific dietary preferences or those seeking healthier meal options. The platform’s focus on quality and exclusivity appeals to food enthusiasts and those willing to spend a little extra for premium meals.

In contrast, Just Eat caters to a broader audience, offering a wide range of options from fast food chains to local favourites. Its extensive menu variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, regardless of taste or budget.

Family-Friendly Options

Just Eat’s lower delivery fees and broader coverage make it a better fit for families in suburban or rural areas. Its affordable pricing structure allows families to enjoy takeaways without breaking the bank.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Deliveroo has made strides in promoting sustainability, with initiatives like optional cutlery and reusable packaging options. While Just Eat has also introduced eco-friendly measures, Deliveroo’s focus on reducing environmental impact gives it a slight edge in this area.

Conclusion: Which Service Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between Just Eat and Deliveroo depends on your priorities:

Choose Just Eat if you value:

• • Lower delivery fees and food prices
  • A wider selection of restaurants, including local favourites
  • Broader geographic coverage, especially in suburban and rural areas
  • Regular and predictable promotions

Choose Deliveroo if you prioritise:

• • Faster delivery times
  • Premium app features like real-time tracking
  • Exclusive partnerships with high-end and health-focused restaurants
  • A subscription plan for free delivery

Both platforms offer unique benefits, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For occasional orders and budget-conscious users, Just Eat is the ideal choice. However, for those who order frequently, prioritise speed, or enjoy exploring premium dining options, Deliveroo may be worth the extra cost.

Whichever service you choose, you can rest assured that both Just Eat and Deliveroo deliver excellent food and convenience right to your doorstep. From the team here at Voucherbox – enjoy!