With consumer habits shifting toward the convenience of ordering food from home, platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats have become central to the food delivery experience.

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Revenue in the Online Food Delivery market is projected to reach US$1.39tn in 2025 with an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2030) of 7.64%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$2.02tn by 2030.

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However, while these platforms provide significant reach, they present challenges for restaurant owners, such as high commission fees, limited control over customer data, and minimal brand customization. 

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Many independent and quick-service restaurants, along with ghost kitchens, are seeking alternatives for better operational control, less reliance on third-party services, and more profitable business models.

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Let's compare Deliveroo and Uber Eats in detail, exploring their strengths and weaknesses. 

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Overview of Deliveroo and Uber Eats

Deliveroo and Uber Eats have rapidly grown to become major players in food delivery, but their approaches and reach vary significantly.

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Deliveroo

• Founded in London in 2013, Deliveroo quickly expanded into various international markets.
• Known for partnering with high-end and independent restaurants, Deliveroo emphasizes fast delivery and quality customer experience.
• In Canada, Deliveroo has gained traction in select cities but faces stiff competition from more established players.
• Deliveroo's model focuses on Deliveroo Editions, their specialized, delivery-focused kitchens, to boost restaurant variety and delivery speed.

Deliveroo operates in over 200 cities worldwide, but its North American presence remains limited compared to competitors.

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Uber Eats

• Launched in 2014 as an extension of Uber's ride-hailing service, Uber Eats leverages Uber's vast driver network.
• It operates across Canada and the United States, serving thousands of cities and towns with extensive restaurant options.
• Uber Eats offers a familiar app interface with features like live order tracking and scheduled deliveries.
• The platform also invests heavily in marketing and partnerships, making it a go-to for many customers.

Uber Eats holds a significant market share in North America, commanding over 25% of the food delivery market.

Both platforms offer online ordering and delivery, but their strategies differ, affecting restaurant customer engagement. Recognizing these differences helps owners choose partners aligned with their brand and growth objectives.

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At iOrders, we understand the challenges restaurants face with third-party platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Our commission-free online ordering and delivery services enable restaurants to regain control, lower fees, and fully own customer relationships.

Next, let's explore the key differences between these platforms to help you see where they truly stand out.

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Key Differences Between Deliveroo and Uber Eats

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Choosing between Deliveroo and Uber Eats means understanding how each platform operates, especially in areas that directly impact your restaurant's revenue, customer reach, and brand experience. 

Let's break down the key differences that matter most.

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Commission Fees and Pricing Structure

• Deliveroo typically charges restaurants commissions ranging from 15% to 35%, depending on the market and service level.
• Uber Eats commissions also vary but generally fall within a similar range, sometimes higher during peak times or for exclusive partnerships.
• Both platforms may charge additional fees for delivery or marketing services, increasing costs for restaurants.

Average commission fees for food delivery platforms in North America hover around 10% to 30%, cutting deeply into restaurant profits.

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Delivery Options and Service Areas

• Deliveroo focuses on major metropolitan areas and emphasizes quick delivery, sometimes using its own "ghost kitchens."
• Uber Eats boasts a larger delivery network with more drivers, covering suburban and rural locations extensively.
• Both offer options for scheduled deliveries and contactless drop-offs, catering to varied customer preferences.

For restaurants, the size and reliability of a delivery network can mean the difference between a smooth customer experience and delayed orders.

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Technology and User Experience

• Deliveroo's app offers curated menus and a sleek interface designed for easy restaurant discovery.
• Uber Eats provides real-time order tracking, in-app chat support, and integrates with Uber's ride-sharing ecosystem for a seamless user experience.
• Both platforms offer dashboards for restaurants to manage orders, but features and ease of use vary.

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Restaurant Onboarding and Support

• Deliveroo tends to be selective, focusing on restaurant quality and brand alignment, offering dedicated account managers.
• Uber Eats has a faster onboarding process but less hands-on support, relying heavily on technology and scale.

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Marketing and Promotional Tools

• Deliveroo runs targeted campaigns for partner restaurants but with limited flexibility for customization.
• Uber Eats offers promotions, sponsored listings, and seasonal campaigns that can boost visibility but at an additional cost.

While both platforms have strengths, the high fees and limited control over customer data often lead restaurants to search for better alternatives.

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At iOrders, we offer restaurants commission-free online ordering and flexible delivery, allowing full control over pricing and customer data. Our managed marketing services help build loyalty without sharing profits with middlemen.

Let's explore how these differences translate into real benefits and challenges for restaurants like yours.

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Pros and Cons

While both Deliveroo and Uber Eats offer powerful solutions for reaching customers, they have their advantages and challenges that directly affect restaurants. 

Let's take a closer look at how these platforms can impact your business, positively and negatively.

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Pros of Deliveroo and Uber Eats

• Wider Customer Reach: Both platforms have a massive user base, providing restaurants access to millions of potential customers. 
• Increased Sales Volume: With their marketing capabilities, restaurants can see higher order volumes, especially during peak dining times.
• Convenience and Speed: Both platforms offer fast delivery, often with a large network of drivers, ensuring your customers get their orders quickly.

US and Canadian merchants earned more than $15 billion in sales through Uber Eats in 2022.

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Cons of Deliveroo and Uber Eats

• High Commission Fees: As mentioned earlier, commission fees can range up to 35%, eating into restaurant margins and reducing profitability.
• Limited Control Over Branding: With third-party platforms, your restaurant's brand identity may be lost among other competing listings.
• Customer Data Ownership: You don't have access to the full customer data, making it harder to build long-term customer relationships or personalized marketing campaigns.

While both platforms promise growth and visibility, the lack of control and high fees can limit your ability to scale profitably.

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Hidden Costs

• Restaurants become dependent on these platforms for customer acquisition, leading to recurring high fees and diminished customer loyalty. 
• With customer interactions controlled by third parties, restaurants often miss the opportunity to build direct relationships with their audience.

Relying too much on platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats can leave you vulnerable to fluctuating commission rates, service changes, and even platform restrictions.

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At iOrders, we empower restaurants to break free from this cycle. Our commission-free, branded online ordering system gives you control over your customer relationships and eliminates the need for third-party interference.

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Next, let's explore how iOrders offers a unique, better alternative for restaurants seeking more control and profitability.

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Cost-Effective Alternatives: iOrders

While Deliveroo and Uber Eats provide substantial benefits, many restaurant owners are turning to alternatives like iOrders for a more sustainable, cost-effective solution. 

Let's explore why this shift is gaining traction, especially for those who want greater control over their operations and customer interactions.

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Commission-Free Online Ordering

• Zero Commission Fees: iOrders allows restaurants to operate commission-free online ordering, giving them the full revenue from every transaction.
• Higher Profit Margins: By cutting out the middleman, restaurants can save significantly on commissions, enabling them to reinvest in their business or offer competitive pricing.

Third-party platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo charge an average commission fee between 10% and 35%. With iOrders, you keep 100% of the revenue.

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Streamlined Order Management 

• Direct Orders: Customers can place orders directly through the iOrders website or a QR code at the table, eliminating the need for third-party apps.
• Efficient Order Handling: iOrders integrates seamlessly into your existing operations, making it easier to manage orders and avoid the delays and errors that often occur with third-party platforms.

A direct ordering system cuts costs and provides a more personalized customer experience, leading to higher satisfaction and repeat orders.

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Delivery-as-a-Service

• Flexible Delivery Options: iOrders provides flexible delivery-as-a-service options, enabling you to offer delivery without the hefty commission fees. 
• Control Over Delivery Costs: You can set your delivery prices and choose the best service providers, ensuring that your customers receive timely deliveries at an affordable price.

The cost of delivery services can add up quickly, often eating into a restaurant's profit margins. On the contrary, iOrders allows you to bypass expensive third-party delivery fees.

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Marketing and Retention Tools

• Loyalty and Rewards Programs: iOrders helps you build customer loyalty with targeted rewards and referral programs, increasing repeat business.
• AI-Powered Reviews: Utilize AI to respond to customer feedback and build stronger customer relationships through personalized messages with the iOrders AI-powered Review System.

Effective marketing is key to retaining customers. iOrders tools help you create meaningful connections with your customers while driving sales through loyalty programs.

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We provide restaurants with the tools they need to control their online ordering, delivery, and customer experience—all without paying extra and all at one subscription fee.

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Customizable White-Label Mobile App

• Seamless User Experience: Offer your customers a branded, user-friendly mobile app for ordering, making the experience smoother and more consistent with your brand.
• Customizable Features: Tailor the app to your specific needs—whether for dine-in, pickup, or delivery orders—ensuring it aligns with your restaurant's goals.

Quick Stat: Customers are 80% more likely to return to a restaurant that offers a seamless and consistent branded app experience.

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iOrders helps restaurants build loyalty, reduce reliance on third-party platforms, and boost profitability. Controlling customer experiences with effective marketing tools enables confident business growth.

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Conclusion

In a convenience-driven world, Deliveroo and Uber Eats have transformed food ordering. However, high commissions, limited branding control, and reliance on third-party platforms make sustainable restaurant success challenging. 

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While both platforms provide valuable exposure, they come with trade-offs that impact restaurant profits and customer relationships. As a restaurant owner, it's essential to explore alternatives that offer more control, flexibility, and profitability. 

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iOrders provides the perfect solution by allowing you to take charge of your online ordering, delivery, and customer engagement—all without the high commissions. It helps you build lasting customer relationships while maintaining a strong brand presence.

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Contact iOrders today to save money on commissions and gain the tools needed to scale your business on your terms.