Amazon Flex vs Uber Eats: Best Delivery App for Restaurants

June 20, 2025

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Are you struggling to choose between Amazon Flex and Uber Eats for your restaurant's delivery needs? You're not alone; Amazon Flex vs Uber Eats is a long debate. With the U.S. online food delivery market projected to hit $602.78 billion by 2030, having the right delivery partner is essential.

Restaurant owners today face tough choices when deciding how to deliver meals to customers quickly and reliably. Uber Eats is a household name with a wide customer base, while Amazon Flex takes a different approach, utilising independent drivers and its logistics infrastructure.

Each platform offers unique advantages, but which one truly supports your restaurant's growth, service quality, and bottom line?

In this guide, you'll learn the core features, pricing details, key pros and cons, and find out whether Amazon Flex or Uber Eats better aligns with your business goals. So, let's get started.

Amazon Flex Overview

Amazon Flex isn't your typical food delivery service; it's part of Amazon's wider delivery network, designed to handle packages and occasional food orders. While it's not restaurant-focused like Uber Eats, some businesses use it for pre-packaged meals or catering deliveries. It operates through independent drivers who use their own vehicles and flexible schedules.

Here are five key features of Amazon Flex:

  • Independent Driver Network: Uses gig workers with personal vehicles for flexible, local deliveries.
  • Scheduled Delivery Blocks: Deliveries are pre-assigned and planned, ideal for bulk or pre-order drops.
  • Amazon App Ecosystem: Operates within Amazon's native app, tapping into its large customer base.
  • Route Optimization: Built-in tech ensures efficient delivery routes for time-sensitive orders.
  • Real-Time Tracking: Offers restaurants and customers GPS tracking during delivery.

Now, if Amazon Flex feels like delivering dinner with a side of cardboard boxes, you're not wrong. For restaurants craving real-time orders, menu visibility, and hungry customers on demand, Uber Eats steps up to the plate. Let's dig into what makes it the go-to choice for many food businesses.

Uber Eats Overview

Uber Eats is a dedicated food delivery platform launched in 2014. It connects hungry customers to local restaurants through a sleek, easy-to-use app, often the same one used to book rides. Operating in thousands of U.S. cities, it's built for convenience, scale, and on-demand cravings.

Here are some standout features of Uber Eats:

  • Extensive Restaurant Network: From mom-and-pop diners to national chains, it offers unmatched variety.
  • Delivery and Pickup Options: Customers can choose to have food delivered or order ahead for in-store pickup.
  • Uber One Membership: Subscribers enjoy $0 delivery fees and exclusive deals for a flat monthly rate.
  • Smart Meal Recommendations: AI-powered suggestions help boost orders based on customer habits.
  • Integrated Payments: Uber users can pay easily using saved cards, credits, or digital wallets.

Now that we've looked at both platforms, let's break down the real comparison, Amazon Flex vs Uber Eats, and understand where each one shines (or falls short) for your restaurant.

Amazon Flex vs Uber Eats: Key Differences

Choosing between Amazon Flex and Uber Eats comes down to how your restaurant wants to deliver its food. Amazon Flex leans toward scheduled, logistics-style delivery, while Uber Eats focuses on real-time food orders and customer convenience. 

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which aligns best with your goals:

Feature Amazon Flex Uber Eats
Availability Major U.S. cities (limited to Amazon zones) 6,000+ cities globally
Market Share (US) Minimal in food delivery ~23% (as of April 2025)
Subscription Plan Not available Uber One
Commission Rates on Delivery Orders Varies, not public for restaurants 15–30%
Delivery Time Scheduled blocks (pre-set) Fast, on-demand delivery
Pickup Option No Yes
Customer Loyalty Tools None Basic offers, Uber One perks
Grocery Delivery Yes (Amazon Fresh) Yes
Retail Delivery Yes (non-restaurant packages) Limited
Order Customization Not available User-friendly customization options
Driver Network Independent Amazon delivery drivers Shared with Uber ride-share
Marketing Tools None for restaurants Sponsored listings, promotions
POS Integration Not supported Broad compatibility
Payment Options Amazon account, gift cards Credit, debit, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.

Amazon Flex may be a good option for restaurants offering catering, meal plans, or bulk scheduled deliveries. Uber Eats, however, is customized for real-time food service with built-in marketing, loyalty tools, and a massive user base.

Now, let's understand the pros and cons of using Amazon Flex and Uber Eats as your restaurant's delivery partner.

Pros and Cons of Amazon Flex and Uber Eats

Pros and Cons of Amazon Flex and Uber Eats

Both Amazon Flex and Uber Eats come with their pros and cons. It’s important to consider each aspect of these delivery apps before deciding on a delivery partner for your restaurant.

Let’s have a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of Amazon Flex:

Pros and Cons of Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex isn't built specifically for restaurants, but for those offering scheduled meals, catering, or bulk orders, it can be an unconventional yet useful option. Before integrating it into your delivery strategy, it's important to weigh the unique strengths and limitations.

Let's discuss the pros and cons of using Amazon Flex for restaurant delivery:

Pros Cons
Reliable Logistics Network: Backed by Amazon's delivery infrastructure, offering route optimization and real-time tracking. No Real-Time Ordering: Unlike Uber Eats, Flex doesn't support live menu browsing or on-demand ordering.
Scheduled Deliveries: Ideal for pre-orders, meal plans, or catering that doesn't require on-demand delivery. Lack of Restaurant Tools: No in-app branding, marketing tools, or performance analytics for food businesses.
Wider Delivery Radius: Amazon's routes may cover areas that traditional food apps don't reach, especially in suburban areas. Not Food-Centric: Drivers are trained to handle packages, not hot meals, which can lead to potential mishandling or delays.
Lower or no Customer Fees: No extra food delivery service charges for customers, which may encourage larger or repeated orders. No Customer Engagement: Restaurants lack access to customer data, making it challenging to build loyalty.
Amazon Ecosystem Access: Potential exposure through Amazon's app and customer base if integrated through third-party tools. Complex Setup: Requires workarounds or third-party logistics tools to adapt to restaurant workflows.

Amazon Flex can be a cost-effective option for specific use cases like large scheduled deliveries or off-peak operations. But if you're aiming for customer engagement and real-time food orders, it may fall short compared to purpose-built platforms like Uber Eats.

Pros and Cons of Uber Eats

Uber Eats is one of the most recognized names in food delivery, and for good reason. It offers restaurants quick exposure, advanced tools, and access to a massive user base. But like any third-party platform, it comes with trade-offs.

Here's a closer look at the pros and cons of using Uber Eats for your restaurant:

Pros Cons
Massive Customer Base: Connects you to millions of users actively searching for meals, boosting visibility and online orders. High Commission Fees: Charges between 15% and 30% per order, which can quickly eat into your profit margins.
Integrated Driver Network: Shares a fleet with Uber rides, often resulting in faster deliveries and higher customer satisfaction. Limited Branding Control: Uber owns the customer relationship, restricting how you present your restaurant's personality.
Easy-to-Use Platform: Simple setup with tools to update menus, track performance, and manage orders in real-time. Inconsistent Delivery Quality: Third-party drivers exhibit varying levels of professionalism, which can impact reviews and customer satisfaction.
Global Reach: Operates in over 6,000 cities, making it an ideal choice for restaurants with expansion plans. No Access to Customer Data: You don't get emails or behavioral insights, making it hard to build loyalty outside the app.
Flexible Payment Options: Accepts cards, Apple Pay, and PayPal, giving customers a smooth checkout experience. Crowded Marketplace: Competing with thousands of restaurants can mean paying for promotions to stand out.

Uber Eats is a solid choice if your goal is fast exposure, convenience, and wide reach. But when comparing Amazon Flex vs Uber Eats, your decision should be based on what matters more: on-demand scale or scheduled efficiency.

So, which one should you choose? Let's break it down based on your restaurant's goals.

Which One Should You Choose?

Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to Amazon Flex vs Uber Eats, the right choice depends on your restaurant's delivery needs, target market, and long-term strategy. Each platform offers unique strengths.

Here's how they stack up point by point:

  • For real-time food delivery, choose Uber Eats if you want to serve customers on-demand with live order tracking and fast fulfillment.
  • For scheduled or bulk orders, consider using Amazon Flex if your restaurant offers catering, pre-packaged meals, or delivery time slots that can be planned in advance.
  • For greater customer visibility and marketing tools, Uber Eats gives you in-app promotions, menu photos, customer reviews, and broader exposure.
  • For lower operational complexity and fewer fees, Amazon Flex may be more cost-efficient, especially if you already manage your own order system and just need reliable delivery.
  • For data and customer convenience, Uber Eats offers POS integration, customer behavior insights, and multiple payment options to streamline service.

Ultimately, when deciding between Amazon Flex vs Uber Eats, pick the one that fits your delivery style, not just the one with name recognition.

But what if you didn't have to choose just one?

Before locking into Amazon Flex or Uber Eats, it's worth asking: Are these your only options? What if you could skip high commissions, keep your brand front and center, and actually own your customer relationships?

iOrders is a restaurant-first delivery platform that gives you full control, predictable pricing, and direct access to your customer base.

Here's how Uber Eats, Amazon Flex, and iOrders compare:

Feature Amazon Flex Uber Eats iOrders
Commission Fees Varies (not publicly disclosed) 15–30% per order Flat monthly fee; 0% commission
Brand Presence No restaurant branding Listed under Uber Eats Your own branded app and website
Customer Data Access None Limited Full access to customer data
Loyalty Tools Not available Third-party perks (e.g. Delta) Built-in AI loyalty & rewards system
Order Flexibility Scheduled, non-perishable deliveries On-demand food delivery Supports both scheduled and real-time
Marketing Control None Pay-to-play visibility Run your own campaigns and offers

Now that you've seen the side-by-side comparison, let's discuss how iOrders stands out as the most affordable and brand-friendly platform for growth-minded restaurants.

How iOrders Supports Independent Restaurants?

iOrders is a tech platform built for independent restaurants. It helps you take control of your online orders, reduce third-party fees, and grow your brand. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, iOrders gives you the tools to succeed without handing over your profits to food delivery giants.

So, if you're a restaurant owner deciding between Amazon Flex vs Uber Eats for deliveries, here's how iOrders can help you stay independent and in control:

  • Commission-Free Online Ordering: You can accept orders directly from your website or social pages. No third-party commission cuts. You get full control over your profits and customer data.
  • Website and QR Ordering: Create a custom website with online ordering. Offer QR-based menus, allowing diners to order directly from their phones, thereby reducing wait times and enhancing efficiency.
  • Delivery-as-a-Service: Skip building a delivery team. iOrders connects you with reliable logistics partners so you can deliver without the headache of managing drivers.
  • Managed Marketing Services: Get expert help with ads, social media, and email campaigns. Attract new customers and retain them as loyal customers.
  • Loyalty and Rewards: Launch your own rewards program. Offer points, discounts, or special perks to build customer loyalty and repeat orders.
  • AI-Powered Review System: Stay on top of customer reviews with AI. Respond to feedback quickly and keep your online reputation strong.
  • White-Label Mobile App: Launch your own branded app where customers can order, earn rewards, and get updates. Keep your restaurant top of mind and in their pockets.

Whether you're handling deliveries in-house or using Amazon Flex vs Uber Eats, iOrders puts you in charge of your restaurant's growth and customer experience.

Conclusion

When comparing Amazon Flex vs Uber Eats, it's clear each platform serves a different kind of restaurant need. Uber Eats is designed for fast, on-demand delivery in busy areas, offering visibility and convenience, but at the cost of high commissions and limited branding opportunities. Amazon Flex, on the other hand, is more suited to scheduled or bulk deliveries, making it useful for catering or meal plans, but it lacks restaurant-first features.

Your best choice depends on your delivery model, target market, and growth strategy. But what if you didn't have to give up control or a chunk of your revenue?

iOrders offers 0% commissions, a branded online ordering system, and full access to customer data. It authorizes independent restaurants to take charge of their delivery operations without relying on third-party platforms.

Ready to break free from the middlemen? Book a free demo today and learn how iOrders can help you grow on your own terms with better margins and stronger customer loyalty.

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