Which Rideshare App Should You Use?

When Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft began gaining popularity, it became clear navigating a city would never be easier. With a phone app, it became possible to summon a car to take you exactly where you needed to go. Over time, the services began to differentiate themselves.

If you would rather look to smaller apps before giving your business to the big players of Uber and Lyft, there are a few options, depending on what your specific needs are.

Smaller ridesharing apps include GETT, the Israel-based app; wingz, a San Francisco startup focusing on user experience; and Curb, which allows scheduled rides for a fee and no surge pricing.

If these don’t fit your needs, chances are Lyft and Uber can help you.

At the end of the day, the choice between the apps comes down to personal preference and the city you are in. If you are outside of the United States and Ontario, your preference might not matter, as Uber might be your only option.

The first point to mention is the fact Lyft operates only in the United States and Ontario, Canada. Uber serves hundreds of nations all over the world.

Both services offer 24-hour, on-demand services and both allow riders to pre-book. Lyft users can schedule a ride one week in advance, while Uber users can typically schedule a ride up to 30 days in advance.

Uber and Lyft both offer wildly varying services, ranging from the classic UberX and original Lyft experience, which accommodates four riders, to carpool services in the interest of saving cash. Specific information on Uber’s offerings can be found here, while Lyft’s can be found here.

Uber calculates the cost of rides by using a base fare for vehicle type, plus considerations for distance and length of rides. Lyft ride prices are calculated through a formula that considers a base charge, a service charge, distance traveled, time spent and the operating city. Both services hike rates during busy times.