Getting around town is so easy these days, thanks to Lyft, Uber, and their ride sharing apps!
I’m not gonna lie, the two are pretty neck and neck when it comes to app features, pricing, driver earnings, vehicle types, coverage areas, brand image, and innovation. But I’m here to give you my honest and personal preferences based on my opinions and experiences, so I’ll do just that. In fact, I recently did a Lyft-sponsored photoshoot with Catherine Lowe that inspired me to write this post!
But first, let me brief you on the latest stats and facts on each company so you can determine yourself whether Lyft or Uber is best for you. Because, let’s face it, ultimately the choice is in your hands (literally)!
The App
Both interfaces are extremely similar, with location services, vehicle options, price options, tips, ratings, and the oh-so-beloved surcharges during peak hours. Ever had that $20 ride end up being double the price? Sorry guys, there’s no shortcut around this – the puns are endless, intended or not! 😉
However, I much prefer Lyft’s user experience for a couple of reasons:
- The app is more bright and colorful. And, let’s face it, sometimes we need a perk (dare I say a Lyft?) on our way to or from the destination.
- Lyft’s app allows you to add a profile that makes for a more personal ride. Who doesn’t love getting in the car to your favorite song playing?
- BIGGEST PRO: Lyft provides mid-point destination pick ups for those friends with FOMO wanting to join last minute. In other words, this allows for flexibility when you need to stop somewhere else en route to your original destination. SCORE!
Pricing
I won’t get into all the different vehicle options, but let’s just say they’re pretty much neck and neck / bumper to bumper. They include everything from ride shares to luxury vehicles and, like I mentioned before, lovely surcharges.
However, Lyft does have a slight edge for these reasons:
- Lyft’s prime time charges have been cheaper in my personal experience. In Dallas, everyone knows to pick Lyft over Uber during prime busy hours.
- Lyft gives their drivers 100% of tips and who doesn’t want their money going to the person that earned it?
- BIGGEST PRO: Lyft allows riders to split the cost of tip only if done so during the ride (not after.) Uber only allows for the originating user to tip, causing the extra headache of Venmo the next day on top of a hefty hangover.
Culture
Lyft has traded the “carstaches” for amps, which sounds like something Ricky Bobby from Talladega Nights would do. But they’re onto something – you often need an attention grabber to know which ride is yours.
‘Amps’ are Lyft’s new beaconing light that allows you to pick the color that lights up when your driver arrives. No more squinting or grabbing glasses to read the license plate number! Note: this is a newer feature, so it’s still being rolled out in some smaller cities.
And perhaps the reason Lyft finally won my heart:
They recently partnered with Taco Bell and have been testing a new feature called “TACO MODE”. Between the magic hours of 9-2AM, your driver will take you to the closest Taco Bell to dine and drive upon request. Again, this feature may or may not be available in all locations, but try it out the next time you’re craving a bean burrito (hold the onions) after a late night.
Bottom Line
I think my recent Instagram post caption sums it up.
“You may have to get there, but why not laugh, have fun, and FEEL SAFE while you’re going?”
In my opinion, it all comes down to trust. Who wants to have their credit card floating (dare I say riding?) around with 2 different ride sharing apps?
But here’s the question we should be asking:
Who wants to spend their life riding around with the 2nd best company? I don’t, and that’s why I pick LYFT as the overall best winner to get me home comfortably and safely.
Wanna see behind the scenes of my photoshoot I did with Catherine Lowe for Lyft? Check out the video below!
Pictures and Videos sponsored by Lyft.
Video credit: https://www.nofilterphotography.com
https://m.facebook.com/NoFilterPhotography/
https://instagram.com/underwoodmannn
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/menarystudio/
Deborah says
Sounds like lyft is a keeper. Lots of positives – even though we’ve come to rely on uber
Hello Whitney says
I completely understand! Give Lyft a try, though – I think you’ll see why I love it 🙂
bee says
I had no clue that this app existed. Thanks for the post. I’ll download it
Hello Whitney says
No problem! Hope you try it out!
Shannah says
I have actually never tried lyft only Uber but after your Review my next ride i will have to try thEm out.
Hello Whitney says
Definitely give them a try! They provide a great service.
daisy andrea says
i have ever used lyft or uber so this is super duper helpful!
thanks
Hello Whitney says
Lyft is great! It’s a great way to get around, especially if you’re traveling 🙂
Dalene Ekirapa says
Rides have become so CONVENIENT nowadays and I almost always get a ride when I’m off from school. I use Uber since I’m yet to see Lyft over here. PERHAPS I should look it up too.
Hello Whitney says
I agree! Ride sharing is so, so easy. Check and see if Lyft is in your area – if it isn’t, I’m sure it will be soon!
Michelle Kellogg says
As far as I know Uber is the only one available in my town but I will look into this as my oldest son wants to try these ride shares. As a parent (and as a parent with someone with Special needs) this is important for me to look into. You’ve given me something to really think about. Thank you for your review.
Hello Whitney says
Yes, look into it! I think Lyft would be a great option for your son. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Nicolas Hortense says
Yer i think I have heard about a few people using lyft. Looks like uber is getting some competition now!
Hello Whitney says
It’s a great option! Thanks for reading!
Lauren says
I agree with you! Having my driver take me through Taco Bell at night is a win in my book!
Hello Whitney says
Absolutely! Thanks for reading, Lauren! <3
Izzy says
I prefer Lyft as well!
x
Izzy
http://www.IsabellaDavid.com
Hello Whitney says
Glad to hear it! They’re a great service 🙂
Jalisa Harris says
I’ve always loved using Lyft. Plus I feel like ther app is more userfriendly. I also love the discounts they offer too
Hello Whitney says
I do too – I love the visual display of their app!
FlO says
Ok first of all, your title to this pose is so cUte! And second, those are all great points. I prefer lyft over uber too!
Hello Whitney says
Aw, thanks Fio! Thanks for reading!
Kisha Stewart-Harris says
I’ve also had to recently switch from uber to lyft. the uber app on my phone was giving me so many problems, but when I went to lyft, I had none. Plus, PRICE-WISE they are comparable, so it was an easy shift.
Hello Whitney says
Good to hear that you had a similar experience! I find that Lyft’s app has a much better interface and is easier to use.
aisasami says
I don’t really know much about lyft and uber because I live in Japan, where it is all about taxis. we got uber but it run by a taxi company
Hello Whitney says
Ah, interesting! Thanks for sharing a snippet of your experience with me!
Happy and Busy Travels says
Thanks for introducing lyft to me. Here in the philippines we do not have lyft, but we had uber but they closed
Hello Whitney says
Thanks for reading!
MADISON says
Wow – i DON’T HAVE LYFT IN MY AREA SO I’VE NEVER USED IT BEFORE. GLAD TO KNOW ABOUT IT. WHEN I’M IN THE NEXT CITY WITH LYFT, I’LL DEFINITELY TRY IT!
Hello Whitney says
You should! I find that it’s a much more fun experience and I always enjoy the ride.
ELIZABETH O says
In my country I have used uber and i was satisfied their service. But we dont have lyft yet here. Thanks for sharinf detailed information about both.
Hello Whitney says
And thanks for reading, Elizabeth!
Hannah Marie says
I would choose Lyft too if it’s available here. The service is good and safe!
Hello Whitney says
It definitely is! Thanks for reading, Hannah!
Gill Trotman says
It’s funny. After reading this I now know what the small light on some dashboards are. I guess it’s safe to say I haven’t needed a “Lyft” in a while. Ha. But I do like this idea, it’s very new age yet simple. I agree with you, Lyft is my pick-up service of choice also. Thanks for sharing.
Hello Whitney says
Glad you agree, Gill! Thanks for reading! 🙂
sarah says
I loved using lyft when We’ve been on vacation! what a great company.
Sarah
Hello Whitney says
Glad you’ve enjoyed the experience as well!