Amazon Prime Air is ideal for specific locations and lightweight packages where speed is crucial, while Uber Eats is better suited for a wider range of food options, locations, and larger packages, with more flexible scheduling.
| Attribute | Amazon Prime Air (Drone Delivery) | Uber Eats |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Speed | Packages delivered within 30 minutes to one hour; some deliveries as quick as 15 minutes; drones fly up to 65 km/h. | Enhanced by machine learning, improving ETA accuracy by 26%. Average delivery time in 2017 was 35 minutes and 31 seconds. |
| Delivery Cost | $9.99 for Prime members, $14.99 for non-members; $4.99 in Tolleson, Arizona; internal projections estimate $63 per package by 2025. | Variable fees based on distance, restaurant, and demand, ranging from $0 to $8, plus a service fee of typically 10% of the order. |
| Geographic Availability | West Valley Phoenix Metro Area (Tolleson, Arizona) and College Station, Texas; planned expansion to the UK and Italy (Darlington, UK first); Lockeford, California service discontinued. | Available in over 6,000 cities across 45 countries. |
| Package Size/Weight Restrictions | Up to 5 lbs (2.26 kg). | Vehicle deliveries: max 30 pounds, fitting in a mid-size trunk. Bike/scooter deliveries: max 15 pounds, fitting in a backpack. Max box dimension: 1000mm. |
| Food Delivery Options | Amazon Pharmacy customers in College Station, Texas can get medications delivered via drone; broader food delivery availability unknown. | Wide variety including pizza, burritos, burgers, sushi, groceries and household needs from local restaurants to international chains. |
| Delivery Time Flexibility | Aims for near-exact delivery times, within a five-minute window. | Schedule orders in advance, with some stores offering 2-hour delivery windows or scheduling up to 48 hours in advance. |
| Order Tracking Accuracy | Drones calculate flight times with near-perfect accuracy. | Real-time order tracking on a map with estimated arrival time. |
| Customer Support Responsiveness | Holding community events to answer questions and collect feedback. | Customer support system available to address issues, with in-app agent contact during trips. |
| Safety and Reliability | Drones equipped with 'sense and avoid' technology, rigorous testing, and redundant safety systems. | Security measures like encryption and secure payment processing. In-app courier safety features including audio recording, trip sharing, and emergency assistance. |
| Environmental Impact | Aims to reduce carbon emissions by using electric drones. | Working to reduce single-use plastic waste and partnering to increase adoption of electric motorcycles. |
| Service Convenience | Customers can select drone delivery at checkout and choose a preferred drop spot. | User-friendly app for browsing menus, comparing prices, and reading reviews. |
| Insurance Coverage for Lost/Damaged Items | Not available | Not available. |