Difference Between UberPool and UberX

Key Difference – UberPool vs UberX
 

Uber, one of the most popular ride-hailing services in the world, offers multiple options, varying based on the cost, car type, comfort level, and quality. UberPool and UberX are the two cheapest travel options offered by Uber. Uberpool is the cheapest option in Uber, but it requires sharing the ride with a stranger and splitting the cost. UberX is more costlier than UberPool but provides a solo ride. This is the key difference between UberPool and UberX.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is UberPool
3. What is UberX
5. Side by Side Comparison – UberPool vs UberX in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is UberPool?

UberPool is a special option of Uber where you can share your ride with a person heading to the same destination. UberPool is the cheapest option in Uber. It works pretty much the same way as other Uber options, but there are few differences.

To use UberPool, you have to first select the UberPool option and enter your destination in the app; then the app will automatically match you with other riders heading in the same direction. However, you can’t change your pick-up location or destination after you have submitted your request. Since you are sharing your ride with others, additional time will be added to your trip time. Furthermore, you can’t decide who gets off first, or who gets picked first since these are all decided by Uber. Once you have been matched with a rider, you’ll be notified his/her name and who’ll be picked up first. You can request UberPool for up to 2 people (in one pick up). So, if you want to share your ride with three or four friends, you can use UberX. If you split the fare among all, there won’t be much difference in the cost.

If there is no other rider near your location with a similar destination, you’ll get a solo ride. But you will only pay the guaranteed fare quoted at the beginning. This will be just like an UberX experience, with a cheaper fare.

Although UberPool is cheaper, it is only available in large Uber markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.

What is UberX?

UberX is the second cheapest Uber option next to UberPool. UberX provides affordable, everyday rides that can seat up to 4 passengers.  If your party have more than 4 people, you can go for UberXL, which can seat up to 6 six passengers.

Although not as cheap as UberPool, UberX fare is often said to be lower than that of a regular taxi. UberX provides Economic sedans like Honda Accord, Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, Mazda3, Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Nissan Altima, etc. Unlike in Uber Premium options, the UberX drivers are not professional chauffeurs; nor are they required to have a commercial license.

UberX is available in many cities and countries. This is often considered as the budget option of Uber (where you can ride solo).

What is the Difference Between UberPool and UberX?

UberPool vs UberX
UberPool is an option where you can share a ride with a stranger and split your cost.	UberX is an economy option that provides affordable everyday rides.
Cost
UberPool is the cheapest option in Uber since the cost is split between multiple passengers.	UberX is not as cheap as Pool, but it can sometimes be cheaper than a regular taxi.
Sharing
The passengers have to share the car with strangers, which may sometimes be an unpleasant experience.	This is a solo ride.
Time Taken
UberPool may take extra time to pick up and drop off other passengers.	UberX doesn’t take extra time.
Changing the Destination
Once you have submitted your pickup point and destination, you cannot change it.	You can change your destination during the journey.
Maximum Number of Riders
There only be a maximum of 2 riders per pickup.	4 people can ride in UberX.
Availability
UberPool is only available in a limited number of cities.	UberX is available in many cities and countries.

Summary – UberPool vs UberX

The main difference between UberPool and UberX is their cost and the experience. UberPool, which allows you to share the ride with a stranger heading in the same direction and split the cost, is the cheapest option in Uber. Although UberX is more costly than UberPool, it allows you to ride alone comfortably, or with a party of friends.

Image Courtesy:

1. “uber” by Mapbox (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC VIII. Generation” By Steffs88 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia