Flexible working and the potential to earn good money are just two of the reasons why people choose to drive for a living. And two of the most popular platforms for drivers are Amazon Flex and Uber.
In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each platform, their earning potential, and a few other things to help you decide which is best for you.
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is a delivery service for drivers who transport packages to Amazon customers. It offers a flexible schedule, allowing you to choose when you’d prefer to work.
Pros
- Flexibility: It’s all in the name. Amazon Flex allows you to choose your own schedule, giving you a choice of “blocks” (time slots) that work around you. This makes it a great option for those looking for a side gig or flexible work.
- Earnings: Flex drivers can earn between £13–£15 per hour, with some drivers reporting Amazon Flex earnings much higher than that. However, these earnings are gross income, so expenses like fuel and vehicle maintenance will need to be deducted.
- Contact-free delivery: Amazon Flex deliveries are contact-free, which means you can drop parcels at the door or an agreed delivery point without making contact with the customer. Some drivers prefer this, especially since the pandemic.
Cons
- Availability of blocks: Depending on your location and the times of day you prefer to work, the availability of blocks can be inconsistent. This can affect your potential earnings as an Amazon Flex driver.
- Vehicle wear and tear: As with any delivery job, your vehicle will cover lots of miles, which adds to the wear and tear over time. This can mean extra repair and maintenance costs for you.
Uber
Uber is a ride-hailing service where drivers transport passengers from one location to another. Like Amazon Flex, it offers flexibility, but it also provides the opportunity for social interaction, which some drivers might prefer.
Pros
- Flexibility: As an Uber driver, you can choose when and where you work, offering plenty of flexibility to earn extra money when it suits you.
- Surge pricing: During peak hours or periods of high demand, Uber uses surge pricing. This increases fares and can lead to higher earnings for drivers.
- Social interaction: If you enjoy meeting new people, driving for Uber can provide a more social work environment compared to Amazon Flex.
Cons
- Inconsistent earnings: Uber drivers in the UK can earn an average of around £15 per hour, but this varies depending on things like where you work, the car you drive, and the time of day you work. After covering expenses like fuel and vehicle maintenance, your net earnings as an Uber driver may be lower.
- Wear and tear on your car: Similar to Amazon Flex, driving for Uber can lead to wear and tear on your vehicle, leading to additional costs over time.
- Potentially stressful situations: Dealing with difficult passengers, navigating heavy traffic and driving when the road’s are busiest can cause extra stress.
- Passing tests: Uber drivers working in London will have to pass specific private hire and PCO driver tests before they can take to the roads. This includes the TFL English test.
Which is better: Amazon Flex or Uber?
Choosing between Amazon Flex and Uber really depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle and financial goals. Here's a checklist to help you decide:
Uber might be a better choice if you:
- Enjoy social interaction: As an Uber driver, you'll meet a variety of people every day. If you enjoy socialising and providing a service that directly impacts people, Uber might be a good fit for you.
- Can work during peak hours: Uber's surge pricing during peak hours can significantly increase your earnings. If your schedule allows you to work during these times, you might be able to earn more with Uber.
- Live in a busy city: Uber is typically more profitable in larger cities where there's a constant demand for rides. If you live in a busy urban area, driving for Uber could be a good way to earn money.
Amazon Flex might be a better choice if you:
- Prefer working alone: If you enjoy working independently and prefer less human interaction during your workday, Amazon Flex could be a better fit. The job primarily involves picking up packages from a delivery station and delivering them to customers.
- Want a more predictable schedule: With Amazon Flex, you can choose your blocks of time to work, which can make things more predictable compared to the changing demand of Uber rides.
- Live near an Amazon warehouse: Proximity to an Amazon warehouse can make a difference in your earnings and efficiency as a driver. If there's a warehouse close to your location, Amazon Flex might be a more convenient choice.
Both platforms have their advantages, and both can be profitable if you manage your time efficiently.
In terms of earnings, both platforms offer the potential to earn a decent income. However, it's important to remember that these are gross earnings, as you'll need to deduct expenses like fuel, tax, insurance and vehicle repairs.
Some gig workers even choose to diversify their income by working both jobs. Ultimately, the choice between Amazon Flex and Uber depends on your personal preferences, so try to choose the platform that aligns best with your lifestyle and income goals.
Frequently asked questions
Which pays more, Amazon Flex or Uber?
The pay can vary for both Amazon Flex and Uber depending on things like your location and when you choose to work. Amazon Flex drivers can earn between £13-£15 per hour, with some drivers reporting earnings much higher than that. Uber drivers in the UK earn an average of £15 per hour, but this can also fluctuate based on different factors. As an Uber driver, you’re also more likely to earn money from tips.
Is Amazon Flex better for introverts compared to Uber?
Yes, Amazon Flex might be a better choice for people who prefer working alone, or would rather avoid lots of social interaction. The job primarily involves picking up packages from a delivery station and delivering them to different addresses. This usually means less human interaction compared to driving passengers for Uber.
Can I work for both Amazon Flex and Uber?
Yes, many gig workers diversify their income by working for multiple platforms and apps. This allows them to take advantage of the different benefits each platform offers, and potentially increase their overall earnings.
Which job is less stressful, Amazon Flex or Uber?
The amount of stress caused by working for Amazon Flex and Uber really depends on how you prefer to work. Some people might find Amazon Flex less stressful due to the lack of passenger interaction, and the ability to work at their own pace. On the other hand, navigating traffic jams and hitting delivery deadlines might cause stress for others.
Uber drivers might face stress from dealing with difficult passengers, or trying to constantly improve their Uber rating. So, before you decide which platform to choose, try to think about how, when and where you prefer to work.
Is driving for Uber more flexible than Amazon Flex?
Both platforms offer flexibility, but in different ways. Uber allows drivers to work whenever they want, so you can set your own schedule. Amazon Flex allows drivers to choose from a range of “blocks” (time periods when deliveries can be made), so you still get lots of flexibility along with a more predictable working schedule.
Getting insured for Amazon Flex and Uber
Whether you choose to drive for Amazon Flex or Uber, it's essential to make sure you have the right insurance.
Our private hire and delivery insurance is tailor made for gig economy drivers. So, whether you’re looking for all-in-one Amazon Flex insurance or comprehensive Uber insurance, our cover keeps you protected while you work.