Founded in March 2009, Uber is one of the big names in the new field of peer-to-peer ride-sharing. With an easy-to-use app and huge coverage areas, Uber allows users to get a ride at any time with a few clicks on a smartphone.
Uber has grown to offer services throughout the United States and in 58 countries worldwide, helping to change the way we view the ride-sharing business model. It also has fed the craving for customized service that is so prevalent today.
Below, we look at some of the main concerns about Uber’s ride-sharing services, including price, speed, safety, and user-friendliness. Keep reading for pros and cons, plus Uber reviews from real customers.
Uber is undoubtedly one of the most widespread ride-sharing services, meaning that users can rely on Uber offers in more locations than other services. Uber is available in 58 countries and more than 260 US cities. Additionally, that the mobile app is easy to use, and riders have more control over the type and size of vehicle that picks them up. Here is a breakdown of different fare options:
While prices fluctuate by location, time, and car preference, Uber always allows you to get price estimates before you commit to your trip. These estimates are based on the expected time and distance of your ride. Tipping is also available through the app, but there is no required tipping fee. On average, the cost to use a basic car (UberX) is as follows:
Uber is designed for usability. Since reservations, ride information, payment, and reviews are all in the app, riders have a hassle-free experience. Additionally, the app now offers a "Split Fare" option, making riding with others easy. To use Uber, download the app on your device and register. After registration, simply open the app and enter in your destination to request a ride. Users can also choose their preferred driver and car. When a driver arrives, users will get a notification on their device. After the ride, pay in-app and review the experience. On average, Uber riders wait 4 minutes and 16 seconds for their driver to pick them up. When reserving a ride, users receive an Estimated Time of Arrival for their convenience. Uber has a reasonable wait time (an average of about four minutes) and all payment, driver rating, etc. is available through the app. With such convenience, it's no wonder more and more people are choosing Uber over traditional taxicab services.
Of course, with the good comes some bad. Uber is notorious for their surge pricing, which raises the fare for rides at certain times of the day or during periods of high demand. While this is good for Uber drivers, who are independent contractors, it can be inconvenient for riders looking for a cheap lift.
There have been riders who have complained about their driver and their qualifications. It is also important to remember that users have the ability to rate and view the ratings of their drivers. As of Spring 2016, all drivers were independent contractors rather than direct employees. As such, Uber reviews applicants for the following:
During the screening process, the following tools are used:
Whether you live in one of the cities Uber covers or you are just visiting, you can enjoy fast pick-up times and cheap rates.
The widespread availability and the customizable user experience have helped the Uber app to become one of the big names in ridesharing, offering customers an alternative to the pricey and inconvenient taxi industry. Users can choose a ride that emphasizes their needs: number of seats, cheaper price, or luxury experience.
Star Rating
843 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
CoasterRider
Uber is a fantastic service for those like me who need a ride to or from the airport on occasion or around towns I am visiting. The drivers were always friendly and the vehicles were clean and comfortable.
Mezo Uchiha
Uber is good and all provides a nice way for a side job income however there system needs lots of improvement with driver support
Steve Ashby
I'm a big fan of Uber. I've used the service in several different countries and had great experiences. I used it in Brazil for about 6 months almost every day when I was on assignment from work. Several times I had to track down a lost phone or bag and was very pleased with getting things back quickly.
maria Robinson
I have used this company a few times. I always had a good experience. Their rates are okay.
Desiree
Uber is super convenient and helpful, but wayyy to pricey. They charge so much. We paid over 50 bucks and it was pretty short distanced.
Alex & Consuelo Delgado
Very Bad Service from UBER, I was way overcharged by UBER and they now Refused to refund me the money, here is a copy of the email: Thanks for the response, however I am very dissatisfied with your response, as you guys were taking advantage of the situation, as I mentioned to you, even your own driver stated that the charges were outrageous, he even said to me to Complaint to Uber, I have already made the decision to dispute, and I will still going to dispute it, my Negative review I will make it go across as far as I have to go, it is very un fare on how you guys are ripping other people, no wonder companies like your selves that start taking advantage of customers and your own employees end up with a collective Law Suits... I am very disappointed at the way you are taking advantage and it wasn’t just couple dollars of the charges or an small percentage increase of the fair, it was almost 200% percent increase if not more of the regular price charge for the fair at the same exact location, frankly you pretty much are robbing people with an excuse, and using your driver’s to do so, which in this case the Driver was very disappointed at the Charges UBER made to me.
Bergen Billings
I have never had a problem with this company, but have always had nice drivers and they have always been kind.
Shaznae
i used to use it in highschool before i got a car. it’s reliable and they addded great features to avoid kidnapping
Wendy
Uber is so convenient for traveling when out of town. The drivers are friendly and full of good suggestions for places to eat dinner!
Stephanie Byrd
I Uber everywhere! Uber is a super reliable transportation service. I have always had a friendly and time efficient driver. Despite misconceptions about transportation services Uber is safe and allows you to share your trip stays with your loved ones! Amazing !!
Cristine Gonzales
Uber is nice but lyft is cheaper for the same quality drivers. I will say uber do be coming quicker tho
Kelise
Uber is probably one of the best ride-sharing ideas ever! It is so much more convenient than taking the city bus or a cab. Completely revolutionary!
Lizzy Puentes
Uber is a great transportation service. It is very convenient and has been useful when there are no taxi’s around to take you to places. Lots of the drivers have extras such as letting you charge your phone. A great feature about Uber is the you can have multiple stops during your trip.
Gail
I paid $32 for what was the worst ride share experience ever! I had to sit on a backseat covered in stains that looked and smelled like urine and feces. If I had been able to get out of that car I would have. The smell was atrocious! I had to spend almost twenty minutes in that horrible smelling car. I endured that ride but being a veteran diagnosed with PTSD, it was traumatic for me. And all I asked was to have Uber refund half of the fare back, I should have all of my fare returned! And I get a response that there is no room at Uber for an adjustment for me, what does that mean??? It’s obviously not about the 16 bucks, it’s the principal, I paid for a service and ended up riding in a cesspool.
Carol Lewis
I love this company and their product! Nothing is easier when you are out of town and need a lift to your hotel or restaurant! Just be vigilant about who is coming and what they look like along with the car description.
Stephanie Stanley
Convenient, fair pricing, stays current with needs and safety protocols to serve customers
Abby Wallin
I use uber as my primary source of transport, as I cannot afford to have my own car right now. I love how easy it is and that it is available in many foreign countries. Uber has definitely gotten me out of some sticky situations! There have been a few instances where I didn't feel safe in the car, but them adding the safety button really helps with that.
Ryan Knowles
Uber is my go-to for getting a ride somewhere. They are always reliable with picking you up and dropping you off on time. I have never had a bad experience with a driver, so far they all seem super friendly!
Kajsa Kirby
I love Uber! I've had some faulty drivers but Uber is normally pretty reliable. One thing that infuriates me is how I left my AirPods in an uber the day I bought them and I said I thought they may be mine (didn't mean to bring them) but then my uber driver said that if I contacted them and they really were mine I could easily get them back. Once i realized that they were mine I contacted them and went multiple times to Uber customer service but they would not help me at all and said it was up to the driver. Never got them back.. and they were a Christmas present to me from my mother :(
Scott A. Johnson
Uber is frequently cheaper than a cab, plus you are usually supporting an entrepreneur rather than a major company. Drivers are local and so they know the area and can navigate to your desired location. The app is easy to use and convenient. They have multiple car levels and a few people can share one car. Just confirm the driver and license plate as many scammers are out their.
Yolanda Briganti
The time I took an Uber in Florida, the driver was professional and got us to the port in good time.
Nathan
While I have enjoyed Uber in the past, recently their prices have been double or triple that of other car sharing services. This has led me to often take my business elsewhere.
AF
I really like this service. The drivers have been overall very good (picking up on social cues like if you don't want to chat or if you want to chat, they've been friendly). The cars have mostly been really clean and nice. I also like the app -- it's nice to be able to see which tier I want to go in and follow your driver to see where he/she is. The payment is also given before hand so there aren't any surprises.
Dave_
App has been easy to use to get a ride. Drivers have been courteous and taken me to my desired location with ease.
Dayna
Uber is really easy to use. I love knowing that I will have a vetted driver to take me places when I need a ride.
Ben Borsh
The drivers have been courteous and shown up when needed. The only negative experience is when I get dropped after a driver has accepted the run.
Jay Trujillo
I use Uber a lot for company transportation. Great way to get around quickly and cheaper than taxi.
Seth S
I used to use Uber frequently, mostly during business trips. I never had any issues with any driver. All were courteous, (some friendlier than others), vehicles clean, and the drivers knew where they were going.
Shante Reeder
We use Uber every time we travel and have had terrific experiences! The cars are always clean, and drivers friendly. This was a terrific way to get around New York, and so convenient.
Kevin Liu
I feel like for major cities I travel too Uber cars were newer and nicer when I got a ride compared to the competitors
Tiauna Anderson
Instructions on how to use app were clear and the driver was very nice and timely.
Melodie Peterson
I have used Uber several times and have always found the service to be friendly and on time and would recommend them to others
Dre35
Great app, great service. Love how it works with the apple watch. Wish they had more spotify connect opportunities to play my spotify music on the drivers car.
Alexander Johnson
I’ve not had any issues with the ride share service always quick and easy. It’s the drivers who annoy me though
Sharon Battula
Felt very safe using this service. When I got into the car I didn't feel uncomfortable and the driver was kind and efficient.
MattB
I recently took an Uber for the first time and was impressed with the overall experience. The driver was quick and friendly and coordinating the ride was a breeze
Mia miga7440
Uber is a great company to rely on when it comes to getting a ride. they're always on time, and are very friendly. Ive only had good experiences when it comes to uber!
kaylee
Our Uber driver was nice. The car was very clean, and it was good. Uber did a great job telling us when he would arrive, and setting us up with someone who could help us reach our destination.
Mikayla Ralston
This service is great in times of need. Prices are good but can be high depending on the trip. Cars differ in the sense of smells, talking, etc..
Myken
I have used Uber one time and although booking the transport was easy and the experience was overall convenient, my driver made me feel very uncomfortable and talked about some very personal issues he was going through. I wouldn't feel comfortable using the service again.
Haley Nemmers
Uber is such a great tool for getting around cities when I don't have a car. It is so convenient and easy to use.
Smritee Karmacharya
Uber is a great company to use when visiting places without your car. It is a safe way to travel.
yaneisy padrino
Uber is great , especially in a college town. I think they are very affordable and do a good job at pleasing customers.
Rathan Kumar
I love Uber. Being in a city, it is the most efficient way to travel around the city.
Theodore Niemann
Uber is amazing for college towns. In this day and age, there should be no excuse for drinking and driving as car services like this one are so available. I love that I can go out to the bars and not have to worry about how I am going to get back home. Sometimes, they can be pricey on weekend nights, but riding with friends makes it worth it.
Jeremy Webb
Uber is a great alternative to driving yourself or taking taxis to a location. Many of the drivers I have dealt with were very friendly and vehicles were very clean. Notifications help with when the driver arrives and info to feel safe about the driver. Prices can get steep depending on distance traveled but overall you get what you pay for and it is a lot better than Ubers other competitor Lyft.
Austin Stelmach
Uber is a life saver. Great for nights out when nobody there is not a designated driver. Super convenient and affordable!
Chaveli
Uber has been my go to when traveling to new places and getting home after going out and have never had a problem. Easy access app and customer service is amazing
Keron Grey
When I used Uber, it was always an easy choice for transportation and it allowed me to save money by giving me walking distance calculations. It was great when I had it!
Brandy
When I did not have a car, Uber was literally the only way I got around. I loved the accessibility of the rides and also the discounts that would randomly be applied to the account. Even though I have a car, I usually use Uber whenever I am going out for drinks or with a friend. Overall 10/10, would recommend