The gig economy has seen an exponential rise in recent years, with food delivery services like UberEats and DoorDash leading the charge. For drivers looking to make extra income, deciding between these two platforms can be challenging. Both UberEats and DoorDash have distinct features that cater to different types of drivers. This guide will break down all the essential factors for drivers, helping you make an informed decision about which platform is best for your needs.
Don’t forget to download the Solo app today to start tracking your earnings, seeing peak times to drive based on projected hourly rates, and more to help you streamline your gig work journey!
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What is UberEats?
UberEats, an extension of Uber, benefits from being part of one of the largest ridesharing networks in the world. It operates in over 6,000 cities globally, offering an extensive customer base and high delivery demand. UberEats integrates directly with the Uber app, so those already driving for Uber can switch seamlessly between rideshare and food delivery.
What is DoorDash?
DoorDash, on the other hand, is a platform purely focused on food delivery. Since its launch in 2013, DoorDash has grown into a market leader in the U.S., thanks to its aggressive expansion and partnerships with local restaurants. It operates in over 7,000 cities across North America and maintains a strong presence in both urban and suburban areas.
Both platforms offer numerous opportunities for drivers, but the experience can vary significantly depending on factors such as pay structure, flexibility, and perks. Let’s dive into these areas in more detail!
How to Become an UberEats Driver
To become an UberEats driver, you can apply online and you must meet the following criteria:
UberEats Requirements for Drivers
- Be at least 19 years old (18 years old for delivering by bike or on foot)
- Have a smartphone
- Have a valid driver's license (for car and scooter drivers)
- Have a 2-door or 4-door car (car drivers) or a motorized scooter under 50cc (scooter drivers)
Learn more about the specific requirements for becoming an UberEats Driver.
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How to Become a Dasher (DoorDash Driver)
To become a Dasher/driver on DoorDash, you can apply online or through the Dasher app and you must meet the following criteria:
DoorDash Requirements for Drivers
- Be at least 18 years old some text
- (*Prospective Dashers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia must be at least 19 years old.)
- Have an iPhone or Android smartphone
- Have a valid driver's license
- Have auto insurance
Learn more about the specific requirements for becoming a Dasher.
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Pay Structure: Earnings Comparison
For drivers, earnings are one of the most critical factors. While both UberEats and DoorDash offer competitive pay, their payment structures are different.
UberEats Pay Structure
UberEats drivers earn based on a combination of factors:
- Base fare: Includes pickup fee, drop-off fee, and distance fee.
- Boost multipliers: In high-demand areas or times, UberEats offers “Boosts” that multiply fares.
- Surge pricing: Similar to Uber rideshare, surge pricing applies when demand is high, and it increases payouts.
- Tips: Drivers keep 100% of their tips, and tipping is encouraged within the UberEats app.
- Quests and promotions: UberEats offers "Quest" bonuses where drivers receive extra payments after completing a certain number of deliveries within a set timeframe.
Make sure to check out Solo’s Pay Insights and Monthly Market Pulse Reports to get a better understanding of earnings based on location and platform.
DoorDash Pay Structure
DoorDash's pay model is slightly more straightforward:
- Base pay: Varies based on distance, time, and desirability of the order. Typically ranges from $2 to $10 per delivery.
- Promotions: DoorDash offers Peak Pay, which adds extra bonuses during busy times, and Challenges, which reward drivers for completing a certain number of deliveries.
- Tips: DoorDash also allows drivers to keep 100% of their tips.
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Which Pays More: UberEats or DoorDash?
While DoorDash often edges out UberEats in terms of average hourly earnings, the actual income depends heavily on location, order demand, and your personal driving strategy. DoorDash typically has higher base pay for individual orders, while UberEats drivers may benefit more from surge pricing and quests during peak hours.
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Flexibility and Availability
Flexibility is another significant factor that drivers consider when choosing between UberEats and DoorDash.
UberEats Flexibility
UberEats offers an unparalleled level of flexibility, especially for those who are already driving for Uber. Drivers can switch between delivering passengers and food with just a few taps. Additionally, UberEats has no minimum work requirements, allowing you to drive as little or as much as you want.
DoorDash Flexibility
DoorDash also allows drivers to work without any minimum hour requirements, but it is more focused on food delivery, which could appeal to those who prefer to stick strictly to this niche of gig work.
DoorDash drivers, known as Dashers, can "Dash Now" if the market is busy or schedule shifts in advance. However, availability can vary based on driver saturation and market demand.
Which Offers More Flexibility?
Both platforms provide significant flexibility, but UberEats may have a slight edge due to its integration with the Uber rideshare platform, allowing for a broader range of income opportunities.
Which Platform is Easier to Join?
Both platforms have fairly easy requirements for joining, though UberEats has a slightly higher age requirement for traditional drivers depending on the city. However, the popularity of more delivery options (such as scooters and bicycles) may make UberEats a better choice for those who don't have access to a car or those living in densely populated urban areas.
Driver Support and App Usability
UberEats App and Support
The UberEats app is known for its sleek, user-friendly interface. It integrates seamlessly with the main Uber app, making it easy to switch between food delivery and rideshare. UberEats also has a 24/7 driver support line, which can be accessed directly through the app.
Additionally, UberEats offers more in-app features like heat maps that show areas of high demand and trip planners that allow drivers to maximize their efficiency.
DoorDash App and Support
The DoorDash app is also quite user-friendly but is solely focused on food delivery. It offers detailed analytics on earnings, mileage, and delivery history. However, some drivers report that the DoorDash support system can be slower than UberEats in resolving issues. DoorDash also offers an in-app chat function.
Market Saturation and Demand
UberEats Market Saturation
Given UberEats' global reach, there is a large pool of both drivers and customers, which can lead to increased competition in busy areas. However, thanks to the size of Uber’s customer base, there is usually no shortage of orders.
DoorDash Market Saturation
DoorDash dominates the food delivery market in the U.S., holding a larger market share than UberEats in many cities. While this means there are more delivery opportunities, it also leads to high driver competition in some areas, particularly during off-peak hours.
Perks and Benefits
Both platforms offer different perks and benefits that appeal to drivers.
- UberEats offers exclusive discounts on vehicle maintenance, phone bills, and even healthcare options through partnerships.
- DoorDash provides perks like DashPass, which gives drivers discounts on personal food orders, and DasherDirect, a prepaid card that offers instant payment for deliveries and cash-back rewards on certain purchases.
Conclusion: UberEats vs DoorDash for Drivers
In the comparison between UberEats and DoorDash, there’s no clear winner—it ultimately depends on your location, preferences, and driving goals. If you’re looking for a platform with enhanced flexibility, and the ability to switch between food delivery and rideshare, UberEats is a solid choice. However, if you’re seeking potentially higher base earnings and a focus solely on food delivery, DoorDash may be the better option for you.
Both platforms offer relative flexibility, decent pay, and a wide range of perks, making either choice a viable side hustle or even a full-time gig depending on your commitment level.
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