Delivery services: Amazon Prime Air (Drone Delivery) vs. Deliveroo Plus
Quick Verdict
Deliveroo Plus offers a more mature and readily available service with wider coverage and customer support, while Amazon Prime Air is still in development and faces challenges in cost, safety, and regulation.
- Deliveroo Plus has wider service area coverage and established customer support, while Amazon Prime Air is limited in scope but aims for faster delivery times.
- Amazon Prime Air faces regulatory and safety challenges, while Deliveroo Plus focuses on sustainability initiatives.
- Deliveroo Plus offers subscription-based pricing with varying tiers, whereas Amazon Prime Air's delivery cost is currently high but projected to decrease.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Amazon Prime Air (Drone Delivery) | Deliveroo Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Speed | 30 minutes to one hour | Express delivery in 30 minutes or less (advertised); average of 32 minutes |
| Service Area Coverage | College Station, Texas, and the West Valley Phoenix Metro Area, Arizona. Limited radius of warehouses, approximately 10 miles (16 km). | Wide variety of delivery locations across many different countries; typically covers all major cities. |
| Cost of Subscription/Delivery | In 2022, the cost for a single drone delivery in Amazon’s US trials was at least $484, which the company anticipated reducing to $63 by 2025. | Plus Silver: £3.49 per month/£34.90 per year; Plus Gold: £7.99 per month/£79.90 per year; Plus Diamond: £19.99 per month |
| Weight Limit | Packages must weigh 5 lbs (2.26 kg) or less. | Not available |
| Customer Support Availability | Not specified in the search results. | 24-hour customer support; Plus Diamond members have a direct line to a dedicated customer care team. |
| Environmental Impact | Aims to reduce carbon emissions by using drones. Drone delivery of small packages over short distances was more energy-efficient than truck deliveries. | Reducing environmental impact with compostable packaging; Partnered with HumanForest for sustainable food delivery. |
Overall Comparison
Coverage: Deliveroo wins; Speed: Both similar; Cost: Deliveroo wins (currently); Support: Deliveroo wins
Pros and Cons
Amazon Prime Air (Drone Delivery)
Pros:
- Aims to deliver packages quickly (30 minutes to one hour)
- Real-time tracking available using GPS, IoT devices, and AI
- Potential for reduced carbon emissions compared to traditional delivery methods
- Cuts out the delivery-service middle man, creating an opportunity for additional profit or to lower a customer's cost.
Cons:
- Limited service area coverage (currently operates in College Station, Texas, and the West Valley Phoenix Metro Area, Arizona)
- Weight limit of 5 lbs (2.26 kg) or less
- Package size restrictions (must fit in a shoebox-sized container)
- Has faced challenges, including drone crashes during testing
- Operations have been paused to implement security updates
- FAA has withheld approval for test flights due to safety concerns
- In 2022, drone delivery was significantly more expensive than ground delivery
Deliveroo Plus
Pros:
- Express delivery option
- Wide service area coverage
- Free delivery for eligible orders
- Real-time tracking
- 24-hour customer support
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
Cons:
- Cost of subscription
- Delivery fees vary with location and demand
- Invite-only for Plus Diamond
- On-Time Promise credit must be claimed within 48 hours
User Experiences and Feedback
Amazon Prime Air (Drone Delivery)
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
Deliveroo Plus
What Users Love
- Reliable real-time tracking
- Fast and convenient delivery
Common Complaints
- Estimated delivery time may vary
Value Perception
- Competitive delivery fees
User Recommendations
- With thousands of choices and a fleet of their own delivery riders, they'll have your order with you in an average of 32 minutes.
- Deliveroo is committed to providing you with fast, reliable, and convenient delivery whenever you need it.