The delivery fees displayed by Uber Eats and Deliveroo represent only a fraction of the actual cost of an order. Since September 1, 2026, the minimum income guarantee for delivery drivers has increased to €19 gross per hour of activity, up from €11.75 previously. This revaluation, resulting from a sector agreement between platforms and delivery organizations, mechanically impacts the pricing structure of both services. Comparing Uber Eats and Deliveroo based solely on the face value of dishes ignores three-quarters of the equation.
Impact of the Revaluation of Delivery Drivers on the Real Cost of Orders
The increase in the pay floor to €19 gross per hour is reflected differently across platforms. We observe a rising trend in delivery fees and service charges on both apps, but the mechanisms remain opaque to the consumer.
Uber Eats absorbs part of this additional cost through its order volume and its larger network (present in about 350 cities in France, compared to 200 for Deliveroo). Deliveroo, positioned with a more limited catalog of about 30,000 partner restaurants compared to 50,000 for Uber Eats, has less leverage for pooling.
The concrete result: for an identical basket, the service fees are now the most variable item between the two platforms. Gross delivery fees are often comparable, but the surcharges (“service fees,” “small basket fees”) differ according to order thresholds and distance to the restaurant. Before knowing which meal delivery to choose, it is necessary to break down the final ticket, rather than relying on the price displayed on the restaurant’s page.
Uber One vs. Deliveroo Plus: Basket Thresholds and Real Savings
The premium subscriptions of both platforms do not work the same way at all, and this is where the difference lies for a regular user.
Deliveroo Plus Silver: the Lowest Entry Ticket
Charged at €2.99 per month (or €35.88 per year), Deliveroo Plus Silver offers free delivery above a basket threshold of €25. This threshold is significantly higher than that of Uber One, which penalizes small orders. For a couple who regularly orders around €30, the subscription becomes profitable after three to four monthly orders.
Uber One: More Expensive, More Accessible Threshold
Uber One costs €5.99 per month (or €59.99 per year). Free delivery applies from a basket of €12, a much lower threshold. The subscription also includes a discount of up to 50% on service fees, although it does not eliminate them entirely.
We recommend calculating based on your actual order frequency:
- Fewer than three orders per month with an average basket under €20: no subscription is profitable, better to watch for occasional promotions
- Three to five monthly orders with a basket above €25: Deliveroo Plus Silver is more economical due to its low monthly fee
- Frequent orders (six or more per month) with varied baskets, including under €20: Uber One compensates its monthly extra cost with a free delivery threshold of €12
Service Fees and Commissions: What the Customer Doesn’t See Directly
Both platforms charge commissions to restaurateurs that can reach 30% of the order amount. This rate does not appear anywhere on the customer interface, but it directly influences the prices of dishes.
Some restaurateurs increase their prices on one platform compared to the other based on the negotiated commission. A dish priced at €14 in-house may appear at €16 or €17 on Uber Eats and at a slightly different price on Deliveroo. Comparing the same restaurant on both apps before ordering often allows you to spot a difference of one to two euros per dish.
The service fees charged to the customer (distinct from delivery fees) also vary according to the time of order and the level of demand. During peak times, Uber Eats applies a dynamic pricing system that can increase the bill. Deliveroo applies this surcharge less frequently but adjusts its delivery fees based on distance.
Geographical Coverage and Catalog: The Often Decisive Criterion
Outside of large metropolitan areas, the choice between the two platforms often resolves itself. Uber Eats covers a significantly higher number of cities than Deliveroo in France. In medium-sized cities, Uber Eats generally offers a wider catalog, which mechanically reduces the cost per order by multiplying low-cost options (fast food, local quick service).
Deliveroo targets higher quality dining and premium brands more. For a tight budget, this positioning works against it: partner restaurants tend to have higher average prices. However, for an occasional order where quality is paramount, Deliveroo often offers a better satisfaction-to-price ratio.
- You live in a city with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants: check first which of the two platforms is actually active in your area before any price comparison
- You primarily order fast food or quick cuisine: Uber Eats offers a wider catalog in this segment
- You prefer independent restaurants or high-end brands: Deliveroo is better positioned in this niche
The most cost-effective choice depends less on the platform itself than on three concrete parameters: your order frequency, your average basket, and your location. An Uber One subscription justified by frequent small basket orders is worthless if your city has only five partner restaurants. Check the local catalog, compare prices for the same restaurant on both apps, and then decide if a subscription is warranted.
