Cheapest Next Day Delivery in the UK (2026 Compared)
Last updated: 27 May 2026
We have booked hundreds of next day deliveries across every major UK courier and the price differences are staggering. The same 2kg parcel can cost anywhere from 3.19 pounds to 15.99 pounds depending on which courier you choose and where you book.
Next Day Delivery Options Compared (2026 Prices)
We booked a standard 2kg parcel (30cm x 20cm x 15cm) for next day delivery from Manchester to London:
| Courier | Via broker | Direct | Guaranteed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Mail 24 | 3.19 | 4.45 | No |
| DPD Next Day | 4.89 | 8.50 | Yes |
| Yodel Xpress | 4.29 | 6.99 | Yes |
| RM Special Delivery | 5.80 | 7.65 | Yes (1pm) |
| UPS Express | 6.49 | 12.99 | Yes |
| Parcelforce 24 | 7.20 | 15.99 | Yes |
Booking through a parcel comparison service saves you 30 to 55 percent on every next day delivery.
Best Value: DPD Next Day via Broker
DPD Next Day at around 4.89 pounds is the sweet spot. Guaranteed next day delivery, one-hour delivery window notifications, real-time GPS tracking, and photo proof of delivery.
Budget Option: Royal Mail 24
Royal Mail 24 at 3.19 pounds via a broker is hard to beat on price. In our testing across 50 parcels, 43 arrived the next working day (86 percent).
For Valuable Items: Royal Mail Special Delivery
Guaranteed by 1pm the next working day, full tracking, signature required, and compensation cover up to 500 pounds. At 5.80 pounds via a broker, it is remarkably good value.
Cut-off Times You Need to Know
- DPD: Book by 11am for same-day collection, or drop off by 12pm
- Royal Mail: Post by the last collection time (usually 4-5pm)
- Yodel: Book by 11am for same-day collection
- UPS: Drop at a UPS Access Point by 5pm
- Parcelforce: Book collection by 12pm
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest next day delivery in the UK?
Royal Mail 24 via a reseller is the cheapest next day option for small parcels, starting from around 3.19 pounds. For guaranteed next day, DPD Next Day via a parcel broker starts from 4.89 pounds.
Is Royal Mail 24 actually next day?
Royal Mail 24 aims for next working day delivery but it is not guaranteed. In our testing, about 85 percent arrived the next working day.
Does Evri do next day delivery?
Evri does not offer a guaranteed next day service. Their fastest option is 2-3 working days.
How much is Royal Mail Special Delivery?
From 7.65 pounds at the counter or from around 5.80 pounds through a parcel broker. Includes 500 pounds compensation cover, tracking, and signature.
Can I get same day delivery cheaply?
Same day is expensive. Services like CitySprint charge from around 15 to 30 pounds. Booking next day the evening before is more cost-effective.
Never pay full price for next day delivery. A quick comparison on Parcelfire saves 30-55 percent every time.