Updated 10/8/2021
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Are you new to ridesharing? If so, some of the terminology used on the Uber app can be a bit confusing. We’ve created this guide to help you understand the app and the different types of services Uber offers for drivers. You’ll see terms like UberX, Uber Comfort and Uber Select for example. What is the difference between Uber and UberX, you might wonder?
Actually, there is no difference between UberX and Uber – UberX is simply a basic level of service that Uber offers.
Uber offers a variety of service level options. They range from cheaper, economy rides to pricier luxury rides. These levels of service have various names, such as Uber Pool, UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber Black to name a few.
If this is still confusing you, don’t worry, we’ll break this down.
Additionally, some Uber options designate rides that will be shared (Uber Pool), while others indicate accessibility for wheelchairs (WAV). UberX + Car Seat offers a family-friendly option.
Note: Before you get started with Uber, make sure to use a mileage tracker app to manage your expenses and track your Uber mileage to help when tax season comes around. Hurdlr was built with this purpose in mind. Not only does it auto-track mileage and expenses, but it also offers real-time views of earnings and potential tax deductions.
Click HERE to download Hurdlr on iOS and Android.
Table of Contents
Uber’s 4 Basic Levels of Service
We understand that all of this can be a little overwhelming in the beginning, but what’s important to know is that Uber has four basic levels of service: Economy, Premium, Accessibility, and Carpool. Before signing on the app and choosing a ride, understanding these options will make your ride choices a lot easier.
1. Economy
Want a private ride for the least amount of money? This is your option.
While the Uber website describes their economy rides as “affordable, everyday rides for up to four people,” this is a little misleading. Economy options include UberX and Uber Comfort, you can get a ride for up to six people.
2. Premium
Premium rides are Uber’s higher-end luxury ridesharing options. These rides will cost a little extra, sometimes twice as much or more than UberX. The driver will pick you up in a luxury car such as a BMW, Mercedes, or high-end SUV. Options include Uber BLACK and Uber Comfort
3. Accessibility
Accessibility options are for people with wheelchairs and families who need car seats for child riders. Services include Uber WAV, and UberX + Car Seat. These options will also cost a little more than a standard UberX ride.
4. Carpool
Uber Pool rides are shared rides with other people who are headed in the same direction. This is the cheapest, but slowest option.
As with using a shuttle to go to the airport, you will have to wait while the Uber driver picks up and drops off other passengers on the way to your destination. It is also not always available when you might need it.
How Uber Ride Options Differ in Each Uber City
Each Uber city (or metropolitan coverage area) offers different services. Very large cities such as Los Angeles might offer almost all the options. Many offer their own unique combination of ride types with different names. Check with Uber to see what services you qualify for in your city.
Uber’s options vary in each city in part due to the general demographics and market service. High-end luxury ridesharing services are typically in higher demand in cities with large populations.
You don’t need to remember all of the various option names to use Uber. When you book your ride in the app, you will be shown available options in your city. Services that are unavailable entirely in your city won’t be shown at all. Services in the app that are greyed out indicate that a driver with that type of car is not available at that time. Generally, UberX will always have some available drivers nearby.
A Look at 4 of Uber’s Most Popular Services
Since each metropolitan area that Uber covers offers its own unique Uber services, we will only touch on four of the most commonly used Uber services here. Uber lists the types of services and cars it offers for each metropolitan area in its city pages.
1. UberX
Most people use UberX as their go-to service. This is Uber’s economy option, which includes travel in a four-door sedan for one to four riders.
2. Uber Pool
Uber Pool is a carpool service that matches riders with other riders going in the same direction. This is an affordable option for those looking to save money and it also helps the environment with one less car on the road.
3. Uber Comfort
What is Uber Comfort? Uber Comfort can be a bit confusing because, as mentioned above, it is listed on Uber’s website as an “economy” service, but in the Uber app, it is also a “premium” service. This service is basically a step up from UberX. This feature includes cars with more seating room such as an XL, better rated drivers, and faster pick up times.
4. Uber Black
Uber Black is “The original Uber” – what Uber first offered when it launched. Why is it called Black? Because the high-end cars that are used are typically all black. This is to offer a professional, classy service for executives and others who want a first class service.
The Uber Black car vs. a basic UberX car provides that extra level of distinction that may be just what is needed for an important business meeting, event, or date night.
The other main difference between UberX and Uber Black is not just the cars but the drivers. With Uber Black, you get professional drivers such as a former limousine or Transportation Service Provider.
For Most Rides, Using UberX Is Your Best Option
For the average rider who does not need extra accessibility options or a high-end car, UberX is your best everyday ridesharing option. If you need more room for more people or stuff, get Uber Comfort. And if you want to really impress your date, get Uber Black.
How do I do record check
If you are referring to our background check, please visit https://driver.www.hyrecar.com/BackgroundCheck to submit your background check before booking a vehicle. You can also directly book a vehicle and we will run the background check at that time as well.
Good job for sending me in the correct direction.
Glad we can help!
If I want an economy car by myself, do I request an UberX? I don’t want car sharing!
Yup, If you want a car by yourself choose any option but UberPool!
Thank you very much for your response! 🙂
great thanks broooo
that Great ! thank you so much
Can you rent cars from different states ?
Hello Dominique!
As long as Uber or Lyft allows you to drive in different states, then it is fine with us! Please check their requirements as it varies state by state. Thank you so much!
I downloaded Uber, now how do I schedule with UberX? Is this another Ap?
Hello Alice, are you looking to sign up as an Uber driver or Uber rider?
Is UberXL the best option for 5 people? If so do you have to book earlier than normal??
Is UnerXL the best option for 5 people? Do you have to book earlier than normal??
Hello! Yes, you’d want an XL vehicle for 5 passengers.
I’m new to Uber, except my daughter-in-law uses them many times as she lives in Manhattan . I would like to use Uber, as of the last few months I’ve been without an auto. I need small rides about 1-2 miles from my home)within the Township that I live in(Monroe Twp NJ 08831) most of my doctors & medical building (Middlesex County)
I would like a bit more of inforegarding,like starting to sign up for Uber & use as a regular client, ‘tillI I get my car & do my own driving again. But it might be a bit longer than I care to think of. Meanwhile I have to make arrangements for Medical appoints
Are you looking to drive for Uber or just sign up so you can have uber drivers take you to your doctors appointments?
So this sounds like Uber uses drivers that are inferior to each other! They have different level of drivers! Does that add up to security concerns or is it safety? What exactly are “professional drivers”?
Professional drivers have some sort of professional driver’s license that separates them from those who are doing UberX.
So first I need to get on with uber which I cant do until I have a car, have it inspected and complete my back round check.
Is your service offered in Denver Co?
Uber will run your background check before the vehicle is fully listed. We are available in Denver CO
I think everything composed made a bunch of sense.
But, think on this, suppose you added a little information?
I ain’t suggesting your information isn’t solid., but suppose
you added something that makes people desire more? I mean The
Difference Between UberX, UberXL, UberSELECT, and UberBLACK is kinda boring.
You could glance at Yahoo’s front page and see how they create post titles to get viewers to click.
You might add a video or a related picture or two
to get readers interested about everything’ve got to say.
Just my opinion, it could bring your posts a little livelier.
I always travel in UberX, which is extremely suitable for my pocket as well as gives the relaxing journey. But, I didn’t know about other terms like Uberpool that sounds interesting in case of an emergency. Thanks!
Why is that UberX is more expensive compared to Uber black at times?
With surges UberX could be more expensive, because Uber black is usually a flat rate and doesn’t charge surge pricing. A great life hack, if you are out during peak pricing and UberX is too much, try ordering an Uber Black car.
uberx is good I like it tomuch
Im handicapped and use a walker. I do not require a wheelchair lift but require assistance getting from my apartment to the vehicle, and the vehicle must be able to carry a folded walker. Will a standard uber or uberx ride accommodate?
That question might be best directed to Uber’s customer support team.
I need an Uber to get to work
Have to go 3 miles from 1901 lower Fayetteville rd to food Depot by 10 pm. If u can pick me up at 9, that would be great. 678-850-5256 is my number. I have cash or credit whichever you prefer
Please visit hyrecar.com to book a vehicle
Can you book two separate reservations for Uber service pickup at the same location and same time? We have a group of six passengers and will need two cars during a Las Vegas trip. Uber SUV is not available in Las Vegas so two Ubers are the next option for the group. Please advise. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing this blog. Found this blog really useful. This article explains what each service is, how much they cost, and how to choose the right service for the right situation in exceelent way.
I have a Volvo XC90 2021. Uber has told me I don’t qualify for XL or Premier SUV. But I do qualify for Premier and Premier hourly. Can you make sense of that?
I need a ride to airport, how much luggage can my wife and I have for a standard UberX car?
Wow! Nice blog. Thanks for sharing
Thank you, your content is helpful and well-detailed. Looking forward to more content.
Thank you for your time and energy.
Great Article and easy to understand. Thanks for posting!
thank you very much!
your blog is very much useful thanks for sharing
Great Article thanks for the post.
This is good article and quiet easier to understand