But let’s face it: Uber can be expensive. If you find the prices too steep, then you can always switch to alternatives that prove to be just as reliable as Uber. Take note that all of the apps like Uber on this list are available in the US.
Apps Like Uber
- Lyft
- Via
- Curb
- Wingz
- Flywheel
- Arro
1. Lyft
If using ridesharing apps is part of your everyday routine, then you’ve probably heard of Lyft. It trails only Uber in terms of volume. For many users, it’s one of the best apps like Uber out there—maybe even better. Lyft offers transportation services in more than 600 cities in the US. Similar to Uber, Lyft uses a demand-based pricing scheme during peak hours. The difference is that Lyft imposes a 400% cap on premiums. That might still be a little too pricey for some people, but they also offer a carpooling service for those looking to save money. Lyft Line allows you to share the cost of the rideshare service with your fellow passengers. Want to arrive at your destination in style? Lyft Lux allows you to travel in a new car with leather or vinyl interior. If you want something even more luxurious, then try Lux Black and Black XL. These services are the most expensive ride from Lyft, with the option of hiring a luxury SUV for traveling in large groups.
2. Via
Carpooling has become increasingly common over the past few years. It’s cheap and eco-friendly at the same time. It feels great to know that using carpooling services enable you to contribute even in a small way toward the green movement. And when it comes to sharing rides with others, Via should be one of the first apps to look at. A neuroscientist from Stanford named Daniel Ramot is the man behind Via. He claims that Via can fill seats as fast as possible by using its patented “logistics engine.” The catch is that the routes are static. This means that the app looks for people headed toward popular places, and you’ll be dropped off somewhere along the way. Static routes also mean you may have to walk several blocks to reach the pickup location. If all that doesn’t sound too bad, then you might find Via to be an excellent Uber alternative. And when you frequently ride with someone, the app makes it easy to find a car that fits you and the other members of your party. Did I mention that they’ll pay half the price?
3. Curb
Curb may not be as popular as Uber or Lyft, but it can prove to be a strong contender pretty soon. The company has shown relentless aggression as they expand its ride-hailing services, enlisting the help of more than 50,000 taxis and hire cars in the US. As soon as you open the app, you’ll be reminded of Uber and its familiar interface. All it takes is to set your location and hail a driver. What makes it different from Uber, though, is that you schedule pickups for a small fee of $2. Just set a time and location, and a Curb driver will wait for you as if you have your own chauffeur.
4. Wingz
Wingz had its humble beginnings as a transportation service that gave clients a ride to and from airports. They have since expanded their services, offering rides in a few US cities. Currently, they’re operating in 16 metro areas. That may not sound impressive, but Wingz shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, they have their eyes set on scaling their business across the country. What makes Wingz stand out is that it allows you to book airports rides up to two months in advance. You’ll be charged with a flat rate, which means you wouldn’t have to think of any hidden fees or surge pricing. The company has also promised that its transportation services will become more affordable than taxis or limo rides in the future.
5. Flywheel
Flywheel looks just like any other ride-hailing app, but it offers a few unique twists that make it an interesting alternative to Uber. The company works with thousands of local taxi drivers and taxi companies. This allows them to help you hail the closest driver in minutes. And since you’ll be riding in local taxis, expect the drivers to use the safest and fastest routes. Moving forward, the company plans to implement TaxiOS, which is its smartphone-based system for managing both pickup requests and payments. Flywheel is also unique in that it allows you to give tips to drivers, particularly during the busiest hours. The company says that they plan to use this feature to replace surge pricing. Perhaps the only downside to using Flywheel is that it currently operates in only four cities: San Francisco, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, and Washington.
6. Arro
Arro is a ridesharing service that taps on a network of taxis across the US. According to the latest data from the company, they have over 20,000 licensed taxis ready to pick up clients in Houston, Miami, Boston, and New York. Using Arro doesn’t differ much from using other apps like Uber. But one thing to note is that since the app helps you hail the closest taxi, you’ll get charged based on taxi meters. This means no surge pricing, so using Arro could be way cheaper than Uber or Lyft during periods of high demand.
