When you carpool with a friend, you have very little control over the ride experience, from the music volume to the passenger window that maybe doesn’t go up all the way.
It’s a constant struggle between budget and convenience.
However, it’s safe to say Uber observed these concerns and improved the experience for their users by adding many different ride options.
Here we explore the main similarities and differences between UberX Vs Uber Comfort.
Table Of Contents
An Overview of the Services
UberX and Uber Comfort offer a wide range of options for travelers running errands or commuting home.
And with enhanced customization, users still get complete control over the ride experience.
What Is UberX?
UberX is available in each city under Uber’s network and is the most affordable for everyday riders.
It’s the most basic level Uber you can request, so it doesn’t feature as many options as far as customization– but at the minimum, you get a cheap exclusive ride.
What Is Uber Comfort?
This Uber option takes comfort very seriously.
It’s better than the UberX but not as large as an UberXL.
For more money, users can get a roomier, more personalized experience with custom controls.
The drivers are experienced, and users receive consistent vehicles makes to accommodate their preferences.
Although Uber Comfort isn’t as readily available as UberXL, it’s still prominent in numerous cities.
A few of them include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Baltimore, Austin, Boston, Omaha, New Jersey, Dallas, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Tucson, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, Seattle, New Orleans, San Diego, Sacramento, Rhode Island, Houston, Richmond, Memphis, Nashville, Charleston, Madison, and Palm Springs.
As far as UberX vs Uber Comfort, both options offer an exclusive experience for their guests.
After reviewing this piece, you’ll know exactly which option is better for you.
Main Differences Between UberX vs Uber Comfort
The most notable difference between UberX and Uber Comfort is the collection of rider preference features and vehicle types.
Unlike UberX, users have control over their comfort level.
They can customize the temperature and conversation level in a newer car with more space.
UberX does offer the same private ride.
However, the standards for drivers in the UberX category are less strict than they are for Uber Comfort.
In other words, you still get an affordable ride, but you may sacrifice some comfort and legroom.
UberX Vs Uber Comfort: Additional Points
Vehicle Types
Not every UberX vehicle will qualify for Uber Comfort, but Uber does require each car to pass their minimum car requirements.
UberX Vehicles
The kind of cars offered under UberX include:
- Cars manufactured in the last 10 to 15 years
- Four-door sedans and trucks
- Vehicles with little to no cosmetic damage
- Van restrictions
Additionally, the standard UberX vehicle makes are:
- Ford Fusion
- Hyundai Sonata
- Toyota Camry
- Hybrids
Drivers aren’t required to follow any particular protocol for adhering to rider requests with UberX either.
Uber Comfort Vehicles
Uber Comfort vehicles follow stricter model standards.
Uber Comfort vehicle requirements include:
- Reputable drivers (having completed over 500 rides with an average of 4.85 ratings)
- Cars manufactured in the last five years
- Cars meeting the minimum legroom requirements
The most common Uber Comfort vehicle makes are:
- Kia Soul
- Dodge Durango
- Toyota Rav4
- BMV
- Jeep
- Honda Odyssey
- Chevy Tahoe
- Benz
Uber Comfort cars are also held to a higher standard in their presentation.
What does this mean?
When you enter a comfort vehicle, it shouldn’t smell like a hippie mobile.
We say all of this to explain that you won’t need to worry about the kind of vehicle you get if you choose either option.
However, if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience with Uber, the comfort option is a great solution.
But as with any excellent service, quality comes at a price.
The most widely used and most efficient cars purchased for rideshare driving.
Pricing
The main reason users opt for Uber is because of its affordable economy pricing for inner-city travel.
Pricing for UberX
Depending on your location and destination, an UberX will run you anywhere from $10 to $20 per ride.
UberX is a great option for those on a budget and needing a quick trip because the vehicles are less restricted and readily available.
With UberX, however, passengers have a limited amount of time that can pass before their ride is canceled or tagged with inconvenience fees.
Additionally, UberX passengers have a stricter window for when they can cancel their rides.
Uber Comfort is the best option for riders needing a little extra legroom and more time to get ready.
Pricing for Uber Comfort
Uber Comfort is a relatively new service that offers the same standard trip for a 20% – 30% fare increase with a little extra comfort included.
For about 10 dollars more, riders get more room in the back, which could mean a lot to taller people who frequently use the standard UberX vehicle but get stuck in small cars.
The wait time is slightly longer for riders using the Uber Comfort service.
Drivers get paid to wait, and riders have more time to get ready.
Along with this, riders get more time to cancel their ride without penalty or fees with Uber Comfort cars.
For paying more, riders want more bang for their buck, so the ride experience is different between the two options.
Ride Experience
The main reason riders opt for Uber is because of the enhanced rider experience, which is a real upgrade from your friend’s ’97 Beetle.
UberX Ride Experience
Standard Ubers allow riders to control their private pick-up and drop-off location, but this doesn’t guarantee your ride will come on time or in the condition you’re hoping for.
UberX rides don’t offer preference changes, so riders are stuck with whatever station, temperature, and conversation level the driver deems necessary.
UberX couriers are still good, of course.
To drive for Uber, you have to meet specific requirements anyways, but there’s much less restriction on UberX drivers.
A trip with a standard UberX vehicle is cheaper, but the vehicle standards are lower, and your driver has the most control over the experience.
Uber Comfort Ride Experience
Uber comfort cars give riders the freedom to set their preferences before entering the vehicle, including temperature control, conversation preferences, and volume control.
1. Temperature Control
Riders choose from 4 different temperature presets to control the vehicle climate before they enter.
Whether you like it cool or a little warmer, Uber Comfort gives its users complete control all through the app.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Users can also control how much driver-to-rider interaction they want, all through the app as well.
2. Conversation Preferences
No longer will riders have to force awkward conversation with their driver.
If you prefer a quiet ride, Uber Comfort offers its users a quiet mode to enhance the comfortability of the experience.
It’s also a great plus for social butterflies who don’t mind a little chit-chat during their commute.
Users can control the noise level of their ride through the app by using the quiet feature and requesting silent mode navigation.
3. Professional Drivers
When you order a Comfort car, you’re really getting the best of the best.
These drivers have to maintain a certain rating and have completed so many trips before qualifying for Uber Comfort.
What does this mean?
Your Uber Comfort won’t be a driver who just signed up yesterday.
These drivers are experienced on the platform and deliver above-average service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from users regarding their Uber experience.
Is Uber Black safer than UberX?
Safer may not be the best word– roomier and more accommodating are more fitting descriptions of Uber Black.
Compared to a standard Uber, Uber Blacks are more luxurious and less accessible.
But nonetheless, Uber Black drivers have undergone the same background and vehicle inspection before being hired.
Additionally, both options offer a consistent vehicle make as Uber has strict guidelines on what type of cars qualify for Uber Black and UberX.
Do UberX and Uber Comfort drivers prefer cash tips?
The Uber platform makes it simple for riders to tip their driver in the app, so cash isn’t necessary.
Of course, cash tips will always be appreciated by drivers, so it’s important to consider bringing extra cash if you plan on ordering an Uber.
What Kind of Car Is an Uber Comfort?
Most cars that qualify for UberX also qualify for their Comfort program.
This is under the condition that it was manufactured in the last five years, and the driver has been successful on the platform for some time.
The most common types of cars used for Uber Comfort are SUVs and Jeeps.
How much Is Uber Comfort?
Users have reported Uber’s Comfort prices to be about 30% higher than a standard UberX vehicle.
So, a trip could cost you $20 on UberX and $26 on Uber Comfort.
Is UberX or Uber Comfort better?
As with all Uber options, the best choice depends on the individual user’s needs.
or a casual date night or grocery run, UberX is the best option.
This affordable e-class trip is perfect for 20 minutes or fewer commutes.
On the other hand, Uber Comfort is excellent for the longest Uber rides and those needing a little more space than what’s offered in the average sedan.
Do I need Uber Comfort if I have luggage?
Uber luggage is a tricky topic, but we suggest just using logic when ordering one of your own.
Most UberX driver cars have enough space to handle two passengers with luggage.
If you require more space, Uber’s Comfort cars may be a better alternative.
A lot of the time, you can even request help with your baggage from the driver.
UberX vs. Uber Comfort Conclusion
Uber Comfort takes the standard economy trip to a new level.
For users able to stretch their budget a bit, Uber Comfort offers an unmatched tailored experience.
The price difference is pretty hefty, though– you have to be willing to spend an extra (average) $10 for this luxury, making it a steep option for those just trying to run errands.
Furthermore, UberX is a classic option readily available anywhere Uber is offered.
The trip is private, low-cost, and available in most cities.
Sure, you won’t get your ideal temperature from the app, but this is nothing a little human interaction can’t solve.
We think the Uber Comfort option will see a surge in business as the pandemic picks back up.
Uber is already limiting the number of passengers allowed in their vehicles due to COVID-19.
Still, the reinstated mask mandate will likely affect how much social interaction users want during their commute—making comfort the preferable option.
To sum up, UberX is an affordable option for quick trips, but for those looking for something a little fancier, or maybe you’re just a fan of extra legroom, Uber Comfort is the better option.
Try them both out and see for yourself!
I got a Tesla for Comfort. It had almost no leg room being the driver. Not comfortable at all.