Bolt appears to be the better option for users looking for cheaper fares, wider geographic coverage, and more robust safety measures. However, Free Now may be suitable for users who prioritize a user-friendly app and don't mind potentially higher prices or mixed customer support experiences.
| Attribute | Free Now | Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Average fare price | Higher than other companies; unexpected 'technology fees' reported | Often cheaper than other ride-sharing services like Uber. In some cities, Bolt's rates can be 10-20% lower. Aims to keep commission lower than competitors. |
| App ease of use | User-friendly with an intuitive interface; quick ride hailing, real-time driver tracking, and in-app payments | Designed to be user-friendly, making it easy to book rides. |
| Driver availability | Thousands of experienced drivers; difficult in suburban areas or during peak hours | 'Scheduled Rides' feature helps ensure driver availability, especially during peak hours; customers may pay extra for this feature. |
| Waiting time | Average taxi arrival time is about 4 minutes; waiting time fees may apply | May provide a 5-minute free waiting time after the scheduled start of a ride. Short grace period before waiting time fees apply after driver arrival. |
| Geographic coverage | Operates in over 150 cities across nine European countries; available in major airports; withdrew from Portugal, Romania, and Sweden in 2022 | Available in over 600 cities across 50 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. |
| Vehicle Cleanliness | Not available | Not available |
| Driver professionalism | Generally cordial and professional; carefully selects VTC drivers through a thorough application process | Drivers are expected to remain professional. If a rider behaves inappropriately, the driver should stay calm, end the journey as soon as possible, and report the incident in the app. |
| Safety measures | Live location sharing, driver information in the app, and an in-app chat to contact the driver | Emergency assist button, ride details sharing, audio trip recording, driver and rider verification, 24/7 support, ride insurance, driving time limits. |
| Payment options | Card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal; cash payments available in some regions | Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and cash. |
| Customer support responsiveness | Mixed reviews; some users report responsive support, while others describe customer service as offensive and unhelpful | Aims to resolve customer issues quickly, often within 10 minutes, through self-help, automation, AI, or agent response. Contact support via the app, email, or by calling (if available in your city). |
| Ride booking reliability | Mixed reviews; some users have found the service reliable, while others have experienced issues such as canceled pre-booked rides or 'no car found' | 'Scheduled Rides' feature allows customers to book rides in advance (up to 90 days). |
| Promotions and discounts | Offers various promotions and discounts, including promo codes, a referral program, and discounts for first-time users; FREENOW Plus gives you a 10% discount on all rides | Referral codes, student discount through Student Beans, Bolt Plus (price protection, priority pick-ups, and free cancellations), occasional promo codes. |