Gig Platform Comparison: Uber vs Deliveroo vs Just Eat
Choose the right platform for your gig economy career. Compare earnings, requirements, and benefits across the UK's leading delivery platforms.
Quick Comparison
| Metric | Uber | Deliveroo | Just Eat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | £15-25 | £10-15 | £10-14 |
| Commission | 25-30% | 30-35% | 20-30% |
| Payment Frequency | Weekly | Weekly | Weekly |
| Vehicle Requirements | Car (10yrs or newer) | Bike/Scooter/Car | Bike/Scooter/Car |
| Best For | Car owners, High earners | Cyclists, Urban areas | Flexibility seekers |
Uber: Premium Ride-Hailing
Best for car owners seeking high earning potential
Advantages
Highest Earning Potential
Surge pricing during peak hours can significantly boost earnings. Longer trips typically mean higher fares, and tips are kept 100% by drivers.
Flexible Service Levels
Multiple service tiers including UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber Green. Upgrade your vehicle to access premium tiers and higher fares.
Established Brand
High customer base with strong brand recognition means more consistent ride requests throughout the day.
Advanced Technology
Best-in-class app with navigation integration, real-time demand mapping, and upfront pricing transparency.
Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive insurance while on trip, including third-party liability coverage for peace of mind.
Disadvantages
Stricter vehicle age limits (typically 10 years or newer)
Higher commission rate (25-30%)
Must maintain high rating (above 4.6) to avoid deactivation
Higher fuel costs for longer distances
Heavy dependency on surge pricing for good earnings
Deliveroo: Flexible Food Delivery
Perfect for cyclists and urban deliveries
Advantages
Low Barrier to Entry
Work with bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, or car. No strict vehicle age requirements for cyclists. Quick onboarding process.
Equipment Provided
Free thermal delivery bag provided along with branded gear to get you started immediately.
Flexible Orders
Can decline orders without penalty. Choose which orders to accept based on distance and pay.
Plus Card Benefits
Order and pay at restaurants with Deliveroo card, giving you access to more restaurant partners.
Peak Time Bonuses
Boost payments during busy periods with weekend and evening incentives. Guaranteed minimum per hour during busy times.
Disadvantages
Lower pay per order (typically £4-6)
Unpaid waiting times at restaurants reduce effective hourly rate
Must stay within designated delivery zones
Weather dependent - challenging in bad conditions
Frequent stops mean more wear on equipment
Just Eat: Established Delivery Network
Ideal for flexibility and variety
Advantages
Restaurant-Based Model Options
Some restaurants use their own drivers with higher pay. Mix of employed and self-employed positions available.
Competitive Order Fees
Often £4-7 per delivery with less commission taken compared to competitors.
Established Restaurant Network
Wide variety of restaurant partners including major chains and local favorites.
Schedule Flexibility
No minimum hours requirement. Can log on and off whenever you want.
Lower Competition
Generally fewer drivers than Uber Eats/Deliveroo in many areas means more consistent order flow.
Disadvantages
Smaller customer base compared to competitors
Inconsistent pay between different restaurants
Less sophisticated app and route optimization
Some restaurants handle their own delivery coordination
Fewer bonus structures and promotional earnings
Tax Considerations for All Platforms
Self-Assessment
All platform workers must file self-assessment tax returns and pay National Insurance contributions.
Expense Tracking
Track fuel, maintenance, phone bills, and claim 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles.
Platform-Specific
Uber: Track longer mileage. Deliveroo/Just Eat: Claim equipment costs like thermal bags.
Multi-Platform Strategy
Maximize your earnings by working across multiple platforms
Run multiple apps simultaneously to maximize earning opportunities
Different platforms have different peak times - leverage this for consistent income
Balance commission rates with demand across platforms
Tax tracking becomes crucial - use MoneyMiles to manage all platforms in one place
Which Platform is Right for You?
Car Owner
Best: Uber
Maximize your investment with higher fares and surge pricing
Cyclist
Best: Deliveroo
Low entry barriers and urban-friendly delivery zones
Flexible Hours
Best: Just Eat
No minimum hours, log on/off anytime
High Earner
Best: Uber
Highest earning potential with surge pricing
Track All Your Platforms in One Place
Whether you work for Uber, Deliveroo, Just Eat, or all three, MoneyMiles helps you track earnings, expenses, and taxes across every platform.