Delivery-based gig work is trendy in the US. Over the last few years, this industry has exploded and continues to grow as hyperlocal deliveries are rising. Amazon Flex is one of the top names in this domain.
However, as similar apps have shown up over the years, is it worth it to carry on with Flex, or should you look at other options too? Well, why not?
FYI, I have worked with multiple flexible gig platforms and found Flex to be on a slow decline over time. If you’re also on the same page and are looking for good alternatives, you’ve come to the right place.
Top 7 Apps To Find Jobs Like Amazon Flex
As an ex-gig worker, I have kept the needs of fellow candidates paramount while testing and qualifying these. This list has been based on my personal experience after trying out delivery gigs at over 16 apps.
This list will be useful for students, working professionals, or anyone interested in delivery jobs. The platforms have been selected after thorough testing on various parameters such as the number of available jobs, potential employers, pay range, trustworthiness, and fees if any.
So let us ride through the reviews without any delay.
1. Best of All: Instacart
With over 80,000 stores supported across 14,000 US cities, Instacart Shopper is a great option for gig workers across the US who want to drive around the city and deliver groceries.
All you have to do here is check the order you’ve got, pick up the groceries, and deliver them to the customer. The app gives you a batch of delivery choices that you can choose from depending on your location and the amount of the order.
My favorite feature about this app is the flexibility to choose the order one wants to deliver, as well as the instant transfers which happen in under 2 hours.
The app also allows you to keep 100% of the tips, and on top of that, there are bonuses and extra rewards for doing a minimum number of orders.
All said and done, Instacart Shopper works really well and is among the top alternatives to Amazon Flex.
Comparison with Amazon Flex
While the basic premise is the same for both, the primary difference is that Amazon has you delivering all kinds of packages across an area while Instacart operates only in groceries.
Here are some more differences:
- You can choose which orders you want to deliver from a batch. On Amazon Flex, you have to deliver the packages you are assigned.
- Payments on Amazon Flex are done based on time and number of deliveries. On Instacart, there’s a variable base pay, and then there are tips and surge bonuses.
- Flex payments usually happen within a day, while Instacart pays you for every order within 2 hours.
Key Features
- No fixed schedules or areas – everything is up to you
- Earn between $4-$10 per order + Tips (easily earn $100 a day)
- Allows you to keep 100% of the tips received
- Provides gig work across all 50 states in the US, as well as Canada
- Get paid in just 2 hours after a delivery
Payment Details
There are two ways in which Instacart Shopper can pay you. There are weekly deposits to bank accounts which happen every Tuesday or Wednesday, varying from bank to bank. However, there’s also an option for an instant cashout, which pays you in just 2 hours.
However, the money here comes to your Debit Card instead of your account.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Work for as long as you want and wherever you want | Doesn’t reimburse vehicle maintenance or fuel costs |
| The cashout process is very quick | Neither tips nor surge bonuses are guaranteed |
| With over 80000 stores across the US supported, you’ll always find work |
2. Best Runner Up: Uber Eats
Uber Eats is an app that is known around the world for ordering food. However, do you know that as a gig worker, Uber Eats can be one of your best options for making some money by delivering food?
Simply download the Uber Driver app and choose the delivery options there. The best part about this is that you do not have to report to any manager or a boss, and you don’t even have to work a fixed schedule.
You can work for as long as you want, and you can take any vehicle you own along. It could be a scooter, a car, or even your bicycle. Delivering through Uber Eats is simple and quick, and can help you make a decent buck on the side.
The app allows you to keep track of your earnings and sends you a weekly payment. You must be 19 years old to deliver via car or scooter in the US. You need a driver’s license and a Social Security Number.
Comparison with Amazon Flex
When you compare Amazon Flex with Uber Eats, the most notable difference between the two is the kind of deliveries that you are making. Flex involves Amazon packages, while Uber Eats is only food items.
Here are some more comparisons between these two services:
- Amazon Flex gives you multiple packages to deliver at the same time, while Uber Eats offers one delivery at a time.
- Amazon Flex allows you to choose a delivery block and deliver around that area, Uber Eats doesn’t have a block-based delivery choice.
- The payment structure is a little more flexible with Amazon Flex, while Uber Eats pays you only on a weekly basis
Key Features
- Take up a delivery whenever you want without any fixed hours
- Earnings are automatically sent to the bank account every week
- 100% of the tips are kept with the delivery partner
- A dashboard that keeps track of your earnings with Uber Eats
- Earn on a per-mile and/or per-minute basis
Payment Details
Uber Eats pays you once a week and deposits all your earnings straight to your bank account. There’s also an instant cash option which you can avail of up to 5 times a day. However, it comes with fees and sends the money to your card instead of your account.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Familiarity with the UI thanks to the Uber Driver app | Pays once a week and quicker cashouts come at a fee |
| Have full control over your time – deliver as many or as less orders as you want | Order volume is not as high in smaller cities as it is in metros |
| Supports all kinds of vehicles – cars, scooters, bikes, and even on foot |
3. Best for Instant Pay: DoorDash
Becoming a Dasher with DoorDash is one of the best things you can do if you are looking forward to jobs similar to Amazon Flex.
The platform allows delivery partners to work their own schedules and has one of the best payment mechanisms. DoorDash pays you right after every delivery without any deposit fees. All you need to sign up is a vehicle and a smartphone.
DoorDash is one of the top driving apps that gives you all the details and information you will need while delivering your orders. The app allows you to set your time as well as the areas you want to deliver in.
Besides, you also get challenges and promotions in the app, which add bonuses. Lastly, you get to keep 100% of the tips on DoorDash.
Comparison with Amazon Flex
As we have noticed with Amazon Flex which can have any type of parcels, DoorDash is primarily for food. However, of late DoorDash is also adding groceries to their list of offerings.
Besides that, here’s a closer look at some other differences:
- Both these apps allow you to select the area range or blocks you want to deliver within
- To deliver with Amazon Flex, you need to be at least 21 years of age. However, with DoorDash, the minimum age requirement stands at 18 years
- Both these apps allow you to set your own schedule and work around it. However, in Dasher, you can log off anytime – even after one delivery. With Flex, you will need to complete the batch of deliveries you are assigned before logging off.
Key Features
- Supports over 7000 cities across all 50 US states
- Log on or log off at any time
- Three payment options, including instant payments
- Minimum age limit of 18 years
- Requires a Driver’s License + Social Security Number for verification
Payment Details
There are three payment methods with DoorDash Dasher. The regular one sends you weekly payments to your bank account, there’s an instant payment method but you’ll need to get a DasherDirect Prepaid Visa Card for that.
This card also gives you 2% cashback on gas. Lastly, there’s a daily payment ‘Fast Pay’ option which pays you once every day but at a small fee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy application and verification process | Daily cashout has a high fee |
| 24/7 support for workers provided directly via the app | Doesn’t provide a mileage pay |
| Provides you with a Dasher Activation Kit which includes DoorDash Merch |
4. Best for Drivers: GoShare
GoShare is one of the best options for people who want to get into the gig economy by driving through their city. It gets you between $45 to $168 on average per hour, depending on the size of your vehicle.
Using GoShare is a simple, 4-step process. The app sends you a delivery alert once there’s a delivery ready in your city. You can then accept it, collect and deliver the package. That’s all there is!
When it comes to deliveries and logistics-based gig work, GoShare is my top priority. Some of my highest daily earnings have come on days when I have delivered multiple packages using it.
Another interesting thing that I want to highlight about this platform is that it also provides many other benefits, such as healthcare facilities and discounts on certain vehicle equipment.
Comparison with Amazon Flex
The kind of packages that you deliver via Amazon are very different from the ones on GoShare. On the latter, you might get some big-sized deliveries, which might require bigger vehicles. Deliveries are allotted based on your vehicle size.
- The distance that you have to travel on GoShare can be much longer compared to the deliveries on Amazon Flex
- To deliver on Amazon Flex, you need to be at least 21 years of age. For GoShare, the minimum age limit is 21 years.
- Deliveries on Amazon Flex can be done on cars and bikes. However, for GoShare, you can also use pickup trucks, cargo vans, and box trucks. Two-wheelers are not supported.
Key Features
- Provides multiple health and insurance-related benefits
- Provides interest-free cash advances
- Bonus income on challenges and promotions in the app
- Earn an average income between $45 to $168 per hour
- Fleet owners can deploy their fleets for delivery via GoShare
Payment Details
All the payments that the customer makes are billed to GoShare, which then sends you a direct bank transfer within 4 to 5 days of the delivery. There are no instant payment options available here.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hourly payment rates are some of the best in the logistics business | Works only in a few locations across the US |
| Offers healthcare and other benefits to drivers | The onboarding process is somewhat tedious |
| Easy-to-use app with a four-step process for deliveries |
5. Best Task Based: Tasker by TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit stands out when compared to every other app on this list. While most other apps solely focus on delivery-based gigs, TaskRabbit has a much larger range, with delivery being one of them.
With this app, you can do a whole set of jobs ranging from furniture assembly to home repairs and cleaning to shopping and delivery.
There are over 50 different types of services you can offer on TaskRabbit, and you can set your own rates and availability.
The best part about it is that you get to keep not only all of what you charge but 100% of the tip as well. Another subtle benefit of TaskRabbit is to grow your network and find recurring gigs in your local area.
Comparison with Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex and TaskRabbit Tasker are very different apps operating under a larger set of gig work.
Delivery is something you can do on both of these apps, but that is not the sole focus. Here’s a comparison between the two:
- Both the apps allow you to be your own boss and work your own schedule
- While Amazon Flex only lets you deliver parcels, TaskRabbit lets you use over 50 other skills to complete tasks such as home renovations, furniture assembly, plumbing, cleaning, etc
- Amazon pays you based on a fixed algorithm, while TaskRabbit allows you to set your own rates
Key Features
- Workers get full control over their schedule
- Over 50+ services to choose from
- Price can be set by the workers
- The app pays 100% of the income as well as the tips
- Supports over 60 cities in the US
Payment Details
Customers pay instantly after the work is done. The approval happens within 24 hours and it will then take between 3 to 5 days to reach you. These payments are made as direct deposits to your checking account.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You get full control over the price you want to offer your services at | Charges $25 as a one-time registration fee |
| Helps you find new gigs that can become repeat customers | Available only in select cities in the US |
| Great UI on the TaskRabbit Tasker app |
6. Best for No Waiting: GoPuff Driver
Becoming a Driver with GoPuff is a good option for people who don’t want to work gigs in food delivery because of the rush and wait time at restaurants.
This app focuses more on groceries, alcohol, and other day-to-day household requirements.
Pick-ups are quicker and simpler, and the app manages everything rather smoothly. Pickups at GoPuff don’t even happen through grocery stores or other supermarkets. They happen from GoPuff’s own facilities.
The payment is variable on the app based on the amount of time you are waiting, the kind of products you are delivering, and the time and effort it will take to deliver. And just like other apps, all the tips also go directly to you.
Sometimes, there are ‘boost’ hours as well which pay you a little extra. There are a lot of variable factors, but the payment system is very transparent, and you will get a good estimate of the amount of money you’ll make on a delivery upfront.
Comparison with Amazon Flex
While Amazon Flex and GoPuff Driver are both delivery-based apps, I have had completely different experiences using them. Here’s a quick look at what’s same and what’s different about them:
- Amazon Flex has you delivering parcels for Amazon. On GoPuff, you’re delivering groceries, alcohol, and other day-to-day products.
- Amazon Flex gives batch deliveries where you can do multiple deliveries at a go based on the block you have chosen. GoPuff requires you to travel back and forth to the pickup unit.
- Both apps allow you to keep 100% of the tips that you get from the customers
Key Features
- All pick-ups happen from GoPuff delivery units
- Deliver at your own time and convenience
- Driver-partners need to be a minimum of 21 years of age
- Allows you to keep 100% of your tips
- Provides a delivery kit for partners
Payment Details
GoPuff’s billing cycles run from Monday to Monday. Payments are made on Tuesday and take about 3 days to reach the partners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All deliveries happen in a fixed radius from the pick-up center | Payment calculation is somewhat complex |
| Deliver at your own schedule | Registration takes some time because of low vacancies |
| Keep 100% of the tips you make |
7. Roadie Driver
Roadie is a good option for people who are looking to make some extra cash by dropping off some deliveries using their own vehicles.
The app gives you all the details of the deliveries upfront and you can pick whichever suits your needs the best.
Roadie allows you to earn between $8 to $60 per gig, which is pretty cool when it comes to delivery work. There are also options between individual gigs and multi-stop gigs.
The best thing about this platform is that you get to know the exact amount before you pick up the order. It is based on that you can decide if it is worth it.
The amount of money you make will depend on the distance between the pickup and drop locations, the speed you will need to drive, as well as the weight of the item. Roadie has also tied up with Stride for the health benefits of driver partners.
Comparison with Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex has you delivering parcels from Amazon that you pick up from the delivery center and deliver in a block of your choice. Roadie, on the other hand, has you picking parcels from different locations and delivering them to other locations anywhere in the city. Roadie also has long-haul deliveries.
Here are some more differences and similarities:
- To be a driver at Roadie, you’ll need to be at least 18 years of age. Amazon needs you to be at least 21 to deliver using Amazon Flex.
- Roadie has options for individual deliveries and multi-drop deliveries. At Amazon, you will have to deliver multiple packages.
- You can choose if you want to deliver to a place or not on Roadie. On Amazon, you will have to deliver to all the places you have been assigned.
Key Features
- Choose your own time and schedule to work
- You need to be at least 18, have a US Driver’s License, and a Social Security Number
- Shows your exact payment upfront
- Allows owners of large vehicles to deliver larger packages
- Supports instant cashout options
Payment Details
There are two payment options on Roadie Driver – you can take weekly payouts every Tuesday, which take up to 3 days to reach you, or you can opt for Instant Payments, which cost a processing fee of $1.99.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gives you control over which deliveries you want to take | Some deliveries might be to far off places |
| Great support for drivers via the Roadie Driver app | Doesn’t really cover a lot of areas |
| Has no minimum requirements for vehicle standards |
Note: If you’re interested in other flexible work options beyond delivery jobs, check out my detailed reviews of WorkWhile, Qwick, and Shiftsmart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Amazon Flex is a great app for people who are looking forward to delivering parcels for Amazon, while DoorDash Dasher is a great option for people looking to deliver food or groceries.
No, Amazon Flex does not provide for fuel. There are no reimbursements that drivers can apply for – be it fuel or maintenance.
Delivery partners can make between $18 to $25 per hour approximately. However, the final amount depends on how far you have to travel, how many deliveries you do, and other variable factors.
UPS does hire gig workers over contract from time to time, especially in the holiday seasons. However, the amount of flexibility you get with Amazon Flex cannot be exercised with UPS, where you have to follow schedules and report to a boss.
Wrap Up!
In a post-pandemic world, the gig economy is on the rise as people take better control of their time. Delivery-based gigs are among some of the most popular options out there when it comes to gig work.
While Amazon Flex is indeed one of the best options out there, gig workers need to know about the other ones too. I hope this article makes it easier for you to choose your next delivery job!
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