With so many on-demand delivery apps available in the UK, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you need food, groceries, medication, or retail items, there’s an app for everything. But how do you know which one offers the best value, fastest service, and most reliable delivery?
In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when picking the best on demand delivery app in UK, along with a comparison of the top players in the market.
1. Understanding Your Delivery Needs
What Are You Ordering?
The first step is identifying what type of deliveries you need. Different apps specialize in different categories:
🍕 Food Delivery – Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat
🛍 Grocery Delivery – Getir, Zapp, Ocado, Tesco Online
💊 Pharmacy & Medicine – Pharmacy2U, Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy
📦 Retail & Essentials – Amazon Fresh, Argos Fast Track
How Fast Do You Need It?
⏳ Standard (1-2 Days) – Amazon, Ocado, most grocery stores.
⚡ Same-Day – Tesco Online, Boots, Argos, Uber Eats.
🚀 Ultra-Fast (10-30 Minutes) – Getir, Zapp, Deliveroo Hop.
2. Speed & Delivery Times
Speed is a huge factor when choosing a delivery app. Some apps specialize in express delivery, while others focus on scheduled or next-day deliveries.
Fastest On-Demand Delivery Apps in the UK
🏎 Groceries – Getir & Zapp (10-20 minutes).
🚴♂️ Food – Deliveroo & Uber Eats (20-40 minutes).
🚗 Retail & Essentials – Argos Fast Track (Same day).
📦 Pharmacy – Pharmacy2U & Boots Online (Next-day delivery).
If you’re someone who needs last-minute milk, snacks, or medicine, apps like Zapp or Getir are your best bet.
3. Availability & Coverage
Before you get attached to an app, check if it operates in your area. Some services are limited to major UK cities, while others cover nationwide deliveries.
UK-Wide vs. City-Specific Services
🗺 Nationwide Coverage – Amazon Fresh, Tesco, Ocado, Boots.
🏙 City-Based Services – Getir, Zapp (Mainly London, Manchester, Birmingham).
🍕 Food Delivery Apps – Uber Eats, Just Eat, Deliveroo (Available in most cities).
💡 Pro Tip: If you live in a smaller town, Amazon Fresh or Tesco Online might be your best option.
4. Pricing & Fees
Nobody wants to overpay for delivery! Different apps have different pricing models, so it’s important to compare:
Common Cost Factors
💳 Service Fees – Percentage-based (Uber Eats, Deliveroo).
🚚 Delivery Charges – Varies by distance and demand.
🎟 Subscription Plans – Unlimited free delivery with membership.
Most Cost-Effective Delivery Apps
✔ Amazon Fresh – Free with Prime membership.
✔ Deliveroo Plus – Subscription for free delivery on orders.
✔ Just Eat – Generally lower service fees than Uber Eats.
💡 Pro Tip: If you order frequently, subscription services like Deliveroo Plus can save you a lot in the long run.
5. Discounts, Deals & Loyalty Programs
Who doesn’t love a good deal? Some apps reward loyal users with discounts, cashback, and exclusive perks.
Best Apps for Discounts & Rewards
🎟 Uber Eats – Frequent promo codes for free delivery.
🎁 Getir & Zapp – Discounts on first-time orders.
🏆 Tesco Clubcard & Boots Advantage Card – Cashback and rewards on orders.
💡 Pro Tip: Sign up for multiple apps to compare deals and get the best savings.
6. Ease of Use & App Experience
A great delivery app should be fast, user-friendly, and hassle-free.
What to Look For
📍 Real-Time Tracking – See exactly where your order is.
🚀 One-Click Reordering – Quickly buy your favorite items.
📱 Simple & Clean Interface – No unnecessary steps or glitches.
Most User-Friendly Apps
✔ Amazon Fresh – Seamless ordering & tracking.
✔ Deliveroo – Smooth UI with easy restaurant selection.
✔ Getir – One of the simplest grocery apps to use.
7. Customer Service & Reliability
Even the best apps can have delays or order issues, so customer support is critical.
How to Measure Reliability
📞 Live Chat or Phone Support? – Quick issue resolution is a must.
💰 Refund & Compensation Policy – Will they fix missing/damaged items?
⭐ Customer Ratings & Reviews – Check the app store for real experiences.
Best Apps for Customer Support
✔ Amazon Fresh – Quick refunds & responsive customer service.
✔ Deliveroo & Just Eat – Reliable support for order issues.
✔ Ocado & Tesco Online – Good for handling grocery replacements.
8. Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Initiatives
If you care about the environment, look for apps that prioritize sustainable delivery.
How Some Apps Are Going Green
🌿 Electric Vehicles & E-Bikes – Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Getir.
📦 Minimal Packaging – Amazon Fresh & Tesco.
🌱 Carbon Offset Initiatives – Zapp & Deliveroo.
💡 Pro Tip: Choosing an eco-conscious app means you’re helping reduce carbon footprints while getting your deliveries.
9. Payment Methods & Flexibility
Make sure the app supports your preferred payment method.
Popular Payment Options
💳 Credit/Debit Cards – Accepted on all platforms.
📱 Apple Pay & Google Pay – Faster checkout on most apps.
💷 Cash on Delivery – Still available on Just Eat & Uber Eats.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a quick and secure checkout, go for apps with Apple Pay or Google Pay integration.
10. Best Overall Delivery Apps in the UK (2024)
Top Picks Based on Key Features
| App | Best For | Speed | Subscription Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deliveroo | Food & Groceries | 30-60 mins | Yes (Deliveroo Plus) |
| Uber Eats | Restaurant Delivery | 20-40 mins | Yes (Uber One) |
| Getir | Ultra-Fast Groceries | 10-20 mins | No |
| Amazon Fresh | Grocery & Retail | Same-day | Yes (With Prime) |
| Boots Online | Pharmacy & Medicine | 1-2 days | No |
Conclusion
The best on-demand delivery app depends on what you need—food, groceries, retail, or pharmacy. If speed is your priority, go for Getir or Uber Eats. If you want affordability, Amazon Fresh or Deliveroo Plus might be the best choice.
By considering pricing, speed, customer service, and eco-friendliness, you can find the perfect delivery app for your needs in the UK.
FAQs
1. Which delivery app is the cheapest in the UK?
Amazon Fresh (with Prime) and Tesco Online generally have the lowest delivery fees.
2. Which app delivers groceries the fastest?
Getir and Zapp offer 10-20 minute grocery deliveries.
3. Is Uber Eats or Deliveroo better?
Deliveroo often has more restaurant options, but Uber Eats provides better discounts.
4. Do delivery apps offer cash on delivery?
Only Just Eat and a few smaller platforms still allow cash payments.
5. Which apps have subscription plans for free delivery?
Deliveroo Plus, Uber One, and Amazon Fresh (via Prime) all offer subscription-based free delivery.
