Amazon Flex vs Uber: Which is better for drivers?
Both Amazon Flex and Uber offer opportunities to be your own boss and set your own hours. Amazon Flex involves delivering packages, whereas you’ll transport passengers working for Uber.
But which is the right fit for gig workers when looking for a flexible way to earn extra money in the UK? Let’s break down the key differences in SimplyQuote’s latest guide.
Amazon Flex vs Uber: Overview
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons between Amazon Flex and Uber:
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Flex | – Flexibility: choose your own 4-6 hour “blocks” and set your own schedule. | – Inconsistent hours: delivery blocks may be limited based on hours and location. |
| – Earnings: average gross income of £13.91 per hour. | – Higher maintenance costs: more time on the road means increased wear and tear, leading to frequent vehicle servicing/maintenance. | |
| – Contactless delivery: door-to-door drop-offs limit social contact. | – Isolation: the solitary nature of package delivery can get lonely due to minimal social interaction. | |
| Uber | – Flexibility: work as an independent contractor, choosing your working hours and locations. | – Commission: Uber takes 20-25% of drivers’ earnings. |
| – Earnings: Uber drivers earn an average of £18.31 per hour. | – Higher maintenance costs: full-time drivers have higher vehicle maintenance expenses due to the amount of time spent driving. | |
| – Surge pricing: drivers can charge higher fares during peak hours. | – Stressful work environment: navigating traffic and managing difficult passengers can be challenging. | |
| – Social contact: transporting passengers provides opportunities for social interaction. | – More tests: London Uber drivers must pass tests like “The Knowledge” and English language exams before being permitted to drive. |
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Get QuotesWhat is the difference between Amazon Flex and Uber in the UK?
Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between Amazon Flex and Uber:
Amazon Flex
| Best for: | Those who enjoy an independent and quiet work environment. |
| Duties: | Delivering packages; food delivery. |
| Working hours: | Usually during the day, ensuring deliveries are received while customers are home. |
| Earnings: | Amazon Flex pays per delivery block. |
Uber
| Best for: | Those who enjoy a social and dynamic work environment. |
| Duties: | Transporting passengers. |
| Working hours: | An Uber driver can work any time, including early morning or late at night. Higher earnings during peak hours, weekends, and bank holidays. |
| Earnings: | Uber pays per ride. |
Ultimately, choosing between Amazon Flex and Uber depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and desired work environment.
Amazon Flex might be best if you prefer a predictable schedule, enjoy working alone, and live close to an Amazon depot.
Uber is more profitable over peak hours/weekends, offers more social interactions and is ideal if you live in a busy city.
Both platforms offer the potential to earn a decent wage, and many gig workers often vary their income stream by working for both Amazon Flex and Uber.
What are the requirements for Amazon Flex drivers?
Here are the requirements to become an Amazon Flex driver in the UK:
Driver requirements
- Be 18 or older
- Hold a valid driver’s licence
- Able to live and work in the UK (i.e. have a National Insurance number)
- Have a smartphone to install the Amazon Flex app
- Pass a criminal background check (i.e. Disclosure and Barring Service)
Note: Current Amazon employees cannot be Amazon Flex drivers.
Vehicle requirements
- Mid-size (or larger) car with a capacity of 5+ seats
- Vehicles with fewer than five seats are not eligible except for vans and/or enclosed-bed pickup trucks
- Must have commercial vehicle insurance (e.g. hire and reward/Amazon Flex insurance)
What is it like working for Amazon Flex?
An Amazon Flex driver delivers packages to homes and businesses. As an independent contractor, you’ll deliver items ordered through Amazon.co.uk and Amazon Fresh. You can decide when and where you work by choosing delivery shifts.
Here’s how it works:
- Choose your shifts: You can pick delivery shifts in your area that fit your schedule. Each shift shows how long it will take and how much you’ll earn.
- Pick-up packages: Collect Amazon packages from a specific Amazon location.
- Deliver packages: The Amazon Flex app will guide you to the customer’s address.
- Get paid: You’ll earn money after completing your shift. Amazon pays you directly twice a week. You can track your earnings in the app.
What are the requirements for Uber drivers in the UK?
Here are the requirements to become an Uber driver in the UK:
Driver requirements
- Be 21+ years old
- Can legally live and work in the UK
- Have a valid driver’s licence
- Have a minimum of one year of driving experience
- Hold a private hire licence issued by the local authority
- Have a separate bank account
Note: An Uber driver can also work for Uber Eats as long as the Uber Eats platform is available in your area.
Vehicle requirements
- Be in good condition with no damage or branding
- Be licensed to carry at least four passengers
- Be either a 4-door car or a minivan (see more Uber’s vehicle requirements here)
- Be of an age that’s in line with local licensing authority requirements
- London Uber vehicles must meet the Euro 6 emissions standard
- Private hire insurance (also called PCO, minicab or Uber taxi insurance)
Bonus reads:
What is it like working for Uber?
Uber drivers transport passengers who have made pre-arranged bookings via the app. Unlike Amazon Flex, Uber drivers don’t deliver packages.
Here’s how it works:
- Get started: Approved Uber drivers can open the app and let passengers know they’re available for rides. You’ll get a notification when someone in your area requests a trip.
- Complete the ride: The Uber app will give you the information you need, like where to pick up and drop off the passenger, as well as their name.
- Get paid: You’ll earn money after each ride, and passengers can tip you directly through the app. Payments are sent to your bank account every week.
Final thoughts
Both Amazon Flex and Uber are hire and reward services that offer excellent opportunities for gig workers to earn extra cash.
While one isn’t necessarily “better” than the other, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference, lifestyle, and desired working environment. Amazon Flex may be best if you’re introverted and prefer a more predictable schedule, whereas Uber is ideal if you like social interactions and live in a busy city.
Either way, ensure you have the correct insurance in place to legally transport goods and/or passengers in the UK. Use SimplyQuote’s free online comparison tool to find the best insurance deal today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many gig workers work for Amazon Flex and Uber in the United Kingdom.
An Uber driver in London earns between £250 and £800 per week, depending on the number of hours they work. You might be interested in: How Much Do Uber Drivers Make In The UK?
No, Amazon Flex does not cover fuel costs – this is at the driver’s expense.
Yes, Amazon Flex and Uber require drivers to have hire and reward insurance with at least third-party-only (TPO) cover to transport goods/passengers in the UK.