11 Most Popular Food Delivery Apps Ranked by Drivers (2025)

Just Eat leads the pack with 45% market share and partnerships with over 40,000 restaurants. But numbers tell only part of the story.

Our extensive analysis of delivery metrics, pay structures, and working environments shows that customer-favorite apps don't always benefit drivers..

This insight led us to evaluate and rank 11 delivery platforms based on what drivers value most: their potential earnings, schedule freedom, and company backing.

1. Uber Eats: The Driver's Favorite for Urban Deliveries

Uber Eats leads the pack as the preferred platform for delivery drivers in UK cities. The platform's systemic presence and simplified processes create unique benefits that keep drivers loyal.

Uber Eats Driver Pay Structure

The platform uses a clear earnings model where drivers see their potential income before they take orders. Drivers make between £7-£14 per hour or up to £120 daily. Those who work eight hours a day, six days a week can earn between £13,000 to £32,000 annually.

The payment breaks down into three parts:

Pick-up fee (£1.10 in London)
Drop-off fee (£0.80 in London)
Per-mile rate (£1.10 in London)

Glassdoor's data shows drivers earn an average of £26,807 yearly plus extra pay around £3,926. Money reaches drivers' accounts through three options:

Weekly deposits (automatic bank transfers)
Two-day cashout (within two business days if done before 2PM Monday-Friday)
Instant cashout (immediate access, up to 5 times daily)

Navigation and App Interface for Drivers

The driver app shines with its accessible design and features. Drivers get safer routes that bypass bridges, tunnels, and highways. Bike couriers have their own navigation system built specifically for two-wheeled delivery.

RELATED: Become a Uber Eat Driver Drivers can see:

Customer's delivery instructions and special notes
Suggested arrival times
Restaurant information

The app runs smoothly even on older phones, with a driver-friendly interface that works well on the road. Uber's new map system uses three core elements (Layer Manager, Padding Provider, and Camera Director) to make navigation more reliable.

Peak Time Handling and Surge Pricing

Surge pricing helps drivers maximize their earnings. The app shows colored zones from light orange to dark red that indicates areas with higher rates.

You'll earn most during:

Lunch rush (11AM-2PM)
Dinner hours (5PM-9PM)
Late-night weekend shifts, especially Friday and Saturday

Mondays and Tuesdays bring fewer orders, while weekends offer better money. Special events, poor weather, and holidays often trigger higher rates.

Your acceptance screen shows the exact surge amount, which gets added to your pay after delivery. This clear system lets you plan your work hours to earn more.

2. Deliveroo: Best for Flexible Scheduling

Deliveroo has carved its niche in the food delivery market by offering unmatched scheduling flexibility. Drivers who want to set their own hours find this platform ideal.

Deliveroo's Driver Payment Model

Drivers earn money for each completed order through Deliveroo's delivery-based payment system. The platform shows exact payment details before drivers accept any job, with fees varying based on distance. This approach rewards those who streamline processes but can lead to varying income levels.

Every Tuesday, Deliveroo processes payments for orders completed from Monday through Sunday. Drivers can access their earnings faster through a cash-out option that costs just 50p. The platform lets drivers keep all customer tips.

Actual earnings show wide variations. Indeed's data shows average hourly rates between £10.17 and £13.63, which adds up to £18,900-£25,000 yearly. The full picture tells a different story. A study of rider invoices showed all but one-third of drivers earned above the national minimum wage (£8.72) during their logged-in time. Some earned nowhere near this amount - a Yorkshire cyclist made just £2 per hour.

Rider Perks and Benefits

Deliveroo gives drivers several perks beyond regular earnings:

Partnership with Three mobile offers unlimited plans from £16 monthly
Access to Three+ rewards app with deals from Caffè Nero and Cineworld
Complete work freedom without minimum order requirements
Permission to work on multiple delivery platforms

Many riders choose this platform because of such independence. Their contracts even let them send someone else to handle deliveries, which adds another layer of flexibility.

Driver App Features

The Deliveroo Rider app works as the main hub for drivers. Live earnings updates appear after each delivery, which helps track progress toward money goals. The app shows clear breakdowns of earnings and tips.

Navigation works well enough, but some drivers use additional apps to find better routes. The user-friendly dashboard lets riders quickly scan information while moving.

The app shines in battery performance - it uses minimal power, which matters a lot for riders working long shifts. The app rarely crashes, keeping drivers connected when they need it most.

3. Just Eat: Highest Driver Retention Rate

Just Eat stands third in my rankings with an exceptional driver retention rate in the UK's food delivery sector. The platform keeps drivers loyal by offering stable earnings and a steady flow of orders, which sets it apart from competitors.

Just Eat Driver Compensation

Just Eat uses a "Transit Pay" model to calculate earnings. The model considers estimated driving distance, delivery time, traffic conditions, and route complexity.

The compensation structure has:

Base payment for each completed delivery
Promotional bonuses during high-demand periods
100% of customer tips retained by drivers

Many drivers report earning "substantially over both the London and national living wage" while completing orders. Some drivers disagree with these figures, but the platform's high retention rate shows most drivers are happy with their pay.

Order Volume and Consistency

The platform's scheduling system works on weekly availability submissions. Drivers submit their availability by 11:59 pm each Wednesday, and courier schedules come out every Thursday. This well-laid-out system creates what Just Eat calls "a healthy match of couriers and order volume in every delivery zone".

Delivery runs usually last between three and five hours. The system automatically matches couriers with predicted demand, so drivers don't sit idle for long periods.

Drivers can also pick up "open runs" during unexpected order surges. This lets them start delivering right away when demand spikes – a feature that helps maximize their earnings.

Vehicle Requirements

Just Eat welcomes different types of vehicles, making it available to more delivery partners. Drivers can deliver using:

Car drivers must have valid vehicle insurance with specific "Hire and Reward" coverage for goods carriage and a full driving license. Bike couriers just need industry-standard thermal catering bags. These bags can be bought through the Courier Portal or provided by the driver.

The platform's flexible vehicle policy lets drivers switch between transportation modes as needed. Switching from bicycle to car (or vice versa) is simple - drivers just update their documentation through the app. This gives them flexibility as their circumstances change.

4. DoorDash: Top-Rated for Suburban Areas

DoorDash stands out as the leader in suburban markets, making it the best choice for drivers who work outside city centers. The platform focuses on areas with less competition, which means drivers can earn more while enjoying quieter neighborhoods instead of busy city streets.

DoorDash Pay Model for UK Drivers

The platform shows exactly how much drivers earn, with base pay between £1.59-£10+ for each delivery. Drivers get paid more for longer distances and less popular orders. The company also tests hourly pay options to help drivers get more stable income.

According to Glassdoor, DoorDash drivers make around £25,733 yearly - that's £25,000 base pay plus £733 in extra compensation. The best part is that drivers see their earnings right on the acceptance screen, so they know what they'll make before taking any orders.

5. Stuart: The Specialist Courier's Choice

Stuart stands out as a specialist last-mile logistics platform that has become the preferred choice for couriers who want independence backed by reliable technology. The platform links businesses with quality independent couriers and takes a fresh approach to food and parcel delivery.

Stuart's Unique Payment Structure

Stuart runs on a transparent "pay-as-you-go" model where your earnings depend on how you transport and how far you deliver—longer distances mean better pay. Couriers get their simple delivery fee plus extra earnings from:

Multiplier rewards based on supply and demand
Per-drop fees during busy periods
Pay for waiting time (after 15 minutes, up to 30 minutes)
Return delivery fees for undeliverable packages

The platform handles weekly payments every Tuesday for work done from Monday to Sunday. Couriers who need money faster can track their earnings right after each delivery through the app.

Multi-Drop Delivery System

Stuart's multi-drop system lets couriers deliver up to 8 parcels in one trip. This brings several benefits:

Couriers earn extra for each delivery after their first one. The platform works out the best routes on its own, which cuts down travel time and helps couriers earn more. We used this to reduce mileage since drivers don't have to go back to pickup points between deliveries—making it profitable and good for the environment.

London Coverage Strength

Stuart's London coverage reaches all central boroughs and many Greater London areas. You can find work throughout:

Central London (Camden, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith, Islington, Kensington, Lambeth, and more)
Greater London (Brent, Ealing, Hounslow, Richmond, Kingston, Merton, and many others)

This wide coverage helps couriers find steady work across London. Stuart works with different transport types like bikes, e-bikes, mopeds, and electric mopeds for deliveries up to 5 miles.

Stuart's technology matches customers with the nearest courier based on package size and delivery location. This smart matching helps couriers maximize their earnings in the competitive food delivery world.

6. Foodhub: Commission-Free Alternative

Foodhub stands out in the food delivery market with its commission-free model. The platform gives drivers a chance to earn better while building stronger restaurant relationships.

How Foodhub's Model Benefits Drivers

Major competitors charge restaurants 15-36% commission per order, but Foodhub takes a different approach with its subscription model. Restaurants simply pay a fixed monthly fee without any order commissions. We noticed two main advantages for drivers: customers get lower prices (usually 15% cheaper than competitors), and restaurants can spend more on delivery operations and driver pay.

The platform acts as a partner instead of a middleman. Restaurants keep direct connections with their customers and drivers. This relationship-based strategy protects drivers from the reduced earnings that often come with commission models.

Driver Earnings Comparison

Drivers connected to Foodhub restaurants report steadier earnings. Restaurants save about £2,250 monthly or £30,000 yearly without commission fees, which lets them pay drivers better. Delivery roles through Foodhub pay around £12 per hour on average.

The platform's competitive pay structure creates reliable income streams. The subscription model eliminates double charges where customers pay extra through inflated menu prices and service fees.

App Limitations for Drivers

The Foodhub system has its challenges. The Drive2Success delivery management app includes immediate tracking, route optimization, and delivery directions. In spite of that, its reach stays nowhere near major competitors, with about 20,000 partner restaurants across the UK compared to Just Eat's 40,000+.

The delivery setup changes based on location since Foodhub restaurants usually run their own delivery teams instead of using independent couriers. Driver experiences vary by a lot depending on each restaurant's management style and resources.

7. Bolt Food: The Rising Challenger

Bolt Food makes its mark in the UK food delivery scene. The company utilizes its 3-year-old ride-hailing network to create unique opportunities for drivers who want extra income streams.

Bolt's Driver Incentives

Weekly payouts give drivers flexibility to work at their own pace. The platform rewards couriers with higher earnings during busy periods. Drivers also receive bonus payments when they complete deliveries during weekends, late hours, or bad weather.

The multi-tier Bolt Rewards program provides increasing benefits:

Bronze tier: Up to 2% savings on fuel and insurance
Silver tier: Up to 5% on partner services
Gold tier: Up to 10% discounts
Platinum tier: Maximum savings of 15%

Completed deliveries earn drivers points, and peak hours bring bonus points. These points help drivers reduce their operational costs substantially.

Cross-Platform Integration with Ride-Hailing

Bolt stands out as Europe's first "mobility super-app". The company sends food discounts and promotional notifications to its ride-hailing users. This strategy helps them tap into their existing customer base of over 100 million users across Europe and Africa.

Their collaboration with TomTom has improved travel time estimates by 15%. Drivers now complete more deliveries quickly and earn more money.

Driver App Experience

The Bolt Courier app comes with smart route planning tools that calculate the best delivery paths. However, some drivers mention navigation issues. Drivers can track their earnings immediately after each delivery.

RELATED: How to become a Bolt Driver Using The App

Market Expansion Strategy

Bolt Food grows by keeping prices affordable. Delivery fees start at just £2 within 3km. The company targets markets where single players dominate and service quality remains unchanged.

The established ride-hailing infrastructure helps Bolt create better value for restaurants and drivers. Better pricing attracts new customers who might not use delivery services otherwise.

8. Getir: Best for Grocery Deliveries

Getir stands out in the food delivery world as a quick grocery specialist that focuses on secure employment instead of gig work. This Turkish company gives drivers a great alternative to traditional delivery platforms when they just need reliable income with benefits.

Getir's Employee vs. Contractor Model

Getir takes a different approach from most delivery services by directly employing its couriers instead of using independent contractors. Their employment model gives drivers sick pay, holidays, pensions, and steady hourly wages. Couriers get the London living wage (£10.85 per hour) and an extra 50p per delivery as a bonus. The numbers show that 77% of drivers earn at or above the Real Living Wage in their area (£12.60 hourly nationally, £13.85 in London). Career growth is possible too - one of the first London couriers helped launch Getir's operations in Germany.

Scheduled Shifts System

The company runs with structured shifts rather than on-demand work. Right now, drivers don't get much notice about their schedules. All employees say they get one week or less advance notice. The situation isn't ideal - 60% worry about getting enough hours, and 44% feel they can't choose their shifts. The company offers both full-time and part-time roles, though some couriers want more flexible options like gig platforms.

Warehouse Pickup Efficiency

"Dark stores" - specialized warehouses filled with grocery items - are the heart of Getir's operation. Live inventory tracking keeps everything in check, with items scanned at sale and orders tracked online. Products near their expiration date often become free promotions. Each location has about 20 staff members, most in their mid-twenties. Drivers find a setup that looks like a corner shop with slightly narrower aisles when they enter the warehouse.

Driver Equipment and Support

Getir drivers get a complete package of equipment - e-mopeds, vehicle insurance, smartphones, delivery bags, gear, and helmets come without deposits. The company provides dedicated rest areas with free refreshments, and break rooms with coffee machines sit next to scooter battery charging stations. Battery life during shifts can be an issue for some drivers. The company's partnership with the BikeSafe scheme helps safety-conscious drivers by offering upskilling workshops across UK hubs.

9. Gorillas: The Premium Grocery Option

Gorillas delivers premium groceries with a unique employment model that puts its couriers at the heart of operations. This Berlin-based company has revolutionized urban shopping since 2020 with its "Rider-First" approach to managing its workforce.

Gorillas' Full-Time Employment Model

The company stands out from its competitors by directly hiring riders with permanent contracts and social security benefits. Their employment-first approach came before any mandatory regulations, showing their steadfast dedication to stable work relationships. The company builds a strong delivery culture through direct hiring. Couriers work scheduled shifts from Monday to Sunday, 8 AM to midnight. They get their schedules a week ahead.

Benefits Package for Drivers

Riders earn £11.50 per hour plus tips, and 84% of them make at or above the Real Living Wage. The benefits package comes with:

25% staff discount on groceries
Holiday and sick pay entitlements
Referral scheme (up to £300 per referral)
Personal and professional growth opportunities
Weekly company-wide updates

Seven out of ten drivers say they get proper breaks during shifts and don't worry about getting enough hours.

Driver Training Program

The delivery team must meet specific standards in customer service, problem-solving, and attention to detail. New riders learn how to handle products and follow delivery protocols properly. The company's founders even made deliveries in the early days to encourage unity. Yet 44% of couriers say they didn't get enough training when they started. This highlights a need for improvement in an otherwise strong employment system.

10. Amazon Fresh: Corporate Stability Champion

Amazon Fresh leads the food delivery market with its strong corporate foundation. The company's advanced logistics network and focus on employees make it stand out.

Amazon's Delivery Partner Program

Amazon's Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program enables entrepreneurs to start their own delivery businesses with Amazon's backing. These businesses have created 390,000 driving jobs in 19 countries and generated £46.06 billion in revenue. Amazon puts significant money into supporting DSPs. They committed £524.15 million more in yearly rate increases and bonuses. This investment helps raise driver pay to almost £17.47 per hour on average - a 7% bump from last year. DSPs get complete multi-week training that starts at headquarters. They learn from experienced owners in the field.

Consistent Volume Benefits

Fresh drivers get steady work thanks to Prime integration. Prime members get free same-day delivery on eligible orders, which creates regular demand. Amazon places its replenishment centers just outside cities. This setup lets trucks carry both groceries and higher-margin non-grocery items.

Driver Requirements and Onboarding

To join Amazon Flex as a delivery driver, you just need to:

Be 21 or older with a valid driver's license
Own a mid-size or larger vehicle
Pass a background check
Have commercial vehicle insurance ("Hire and Reward")

Drivers get paid weekly and can see their earnings right after deliveries. Drivers book delivery blocks through the app and follow its navigation to complete deliveries.

11. Weezy: The Boutique Delivery Experience

Weezy stands out as a hidden gem in the food delivery world. The company provides a boutique experience through its ultra-fast, hyperlocal grocery delivery service that creates a unique work environment for drivers.

Weezy's Neighborhood-Focused Approach

Small fulfillment centers make up Weezy's network in urban areas like London, Bristol, and Brighton. Couriers can deliver orders in under 15 minutes using pedal cycles or electric mopeds thanks to this hyperlocal setup. The company aims to add 40 more fulfillment centers that will create local employment hubs across the UK. Weezy's business model centers on bringing mini-warehouses to neighborhoods so time-pressed urban customers can easily access quality products.

Driver Community Building

Weezy believes in creating a supportive work environment for its riders. Job candidates show their real-life skills through practical tasks instead of take-home challenges during interviews. The company values genuine connections - team members meet potential hires to ensure they're a good cultural and technical fit. Their London team grew by 50 employees in just four months during 2021, showing strong community growth.

Conclusion

My analysis of these 11 food delivery platforms reveals patterns that improve some apps for drivers. Uber Eats stands out with its clear earnings model and smart surge pricing. Just Eat gives drivers stability through its well-laid-out approach.

Drivers have different needs, and platforms cater to them differently. Urban drivers who want flexibility gravitate toward Uber Eats and Deliveroo. DoorDash works best in suburban areas. Getir and Gorillas give drivers stable jobs with benefits. Stuart appeals to specialist couriers who value independence.

FAQs

Q1. Which food delivery app offers the best earning potential for drivers in the UK? Based on driver experiences, Uber Eats tends to offer the highest earning potential, especially in urban areas. Its transparent earnings model, surge pricing, and large customer base contribute to better income opportunities for drivers. Q2. How do commission-free platforms like Foodhub benefit delivery drivers? Commission-free platforms like Foodhub allow restaurants to save on fees, potentially leading to better compensation for drivers. This model often results in more stable earnings and stronger relationships between restaurants and delivery personnel. Q3. What advantages do employee-based models like Getir and Gorillas offer to delivery workers? Employee-based models provide benefits such as sick pay, holidays, pensions, and consistent hourly wages. These platforms often offer more job security and additional perks like staff discounts and career advancement opportunities. Q4. How does DoorDash cater to suburban delivery drivers? DoorDash has optimized its platform for suburban areas, offering route optimization technology and typically larger, more profitable orders. This focus on less densely populated regions can lead to better earnings for drivers operating outside city centers. Q5. What factors should drivers consider when choosing a food delivery app to work for? Drivers should consider factors such as payment structure, flexibility of hours, vehicle requirements, app functionality, and market presence in their area. Many successful drivers work across multiple platforms to maximize their earning potential and adapt to varying demand throughout the day.