Key Takeaways
- Lyft offers lower prices and friendlier service, while Uber has more vehicle options and better innovation.
- Uber operates globally, while Lyft operates in over 300 US cities.
- Both services provide a variety of ride options and require users to download an app and sign up for an account.
Uber and Lyft are popular ride-hailing services that can be accessed through smartphone apps. To use either service, users must sign up for an account and download the app, then submit a trip request. The main difference between the two is that Lyft tends to have lower prices and friendlier service, while Uber provides more vehicle options and excels in innovation.
What is Uber?
Uber, which was launched in San Francisco, operates in many cities around the world. Users must sign up for an account and install the Uber app on their Android, iPhone or Windows Phone. After setting up a preferred payment method, users can request a ride through the app. Uber offers various car services, such as UberX, UberXL, Uber SUV, and UberBLACK, with options ranging from budget rides to luxury vehicles.
What is Lyft?
Lyft is based in San Francisco and operates in over 300 US cities. Like Uber, users must download the Lyft app and sign up with a valid phone number and payment method. After requesting a ride, the app will show the driver’s name, rating, and photo, as well as the car’s information. Lyft offers four types of rides: Lyft Line, Lyft, Lyft Plus, and Lyft Lux, with options ranging from shared rides to luxury vehicles. The company provides insurance coverage of up to $1 million in commercial liability.
Similarities Between Uber and Lyft
Both Uber and Lyft are ride-hailing apps that offer similar processes for requesting cars. Passengers receive the driver’s details before getting in the car and can rate the driver and overall experience at the end of the ride. Both services also have increased pricing during rush hours, known as surge pricing for Uber and prime time for Lyft.
Difference between Uber and Lyft
While Uber prices are generally higher than Lyft’s, the Uber app is more feature-packed. Uber also has a broader range of vehicle options and covers more countries and cities than Lyft, which only operates in the US. Customer support tends to be better and friendlier with Lyft, which also has a lower price increase during high demand periods compared to Uber’s surge pricing.
Summary – Uber vs Lyft
The choice between Uber and Lyft depends on individual preferences and needs. Some users may prefer Uber’s wider range of vehicle options and global coverage, while others may appreciate Lyft’s lower prices and friendlier service. Regardless of the choice, both services offer reliable rides.
