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What Are Rideshare Apps?
Rideshare apps connect riders with drivers through a smartphone platform. You request a ride, a nearby driver accepts, and you pay through the app. No cash, no haggling, no waiting on a street corner hoping a taxi shows up.
The concept started with Uber in 2009 and Lyft in 2012. Since then, the market has expanded dramatically. Today, there are more than a dozen rideshare apps competing for your business, each with different strengths in pricing, safety, availability, and driver compensation.
This guide covers the best rideshare apps available in 2026, comparing their features, pricing models, availability, and what makes each one worth considering. Whether you ride daily for your commute, occasionally for nights out, or need rides in specific cities, there is an app that fits your situation better than the rest.
Best Rideshare Apps Compared
Here is a quick comparison of the top rideshare apps available in 2026, followed by detailed reviews of each platform.
| App | Best For | Availability | Price Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uber | Overall coverage | 10,000+ cities worldwide | $$ | Most ride options and global reach |
| Lyft | US and Canada riders | 600+ US/Canada cities | $$ | Consistent pricing, driver-friendly reputation |
| Empower | Budget-conscious riders | Select US cities | $ | Drivers set own rates, fares up to 50% less |
| Via | Shared rides in cities | Major US metros | $ | Shared-ride model keeps costs low |
| Alto | Safety-focused riders | Dallas, Houston, Miami, LA, DC | $$$ | Employee drivers, company-owned fleet |
| Curb | Traditional taxi users | 65+ US cities | $$ | Hails licensed taxis through an app |
| Wingz | Airport transfers | 20+ US airports | $$ | Scheduled rides with the same driver |
| Waze Carpool | Daily commuters | US-wide | $ | True carpooling, not commercial rides |
1. Uber — Best Overall Rideshare App
Uber remains the most widely available rideshare app in the world. Operating in over 10,000 cities across 70+ countries, it is the default choice for most riders simply because it works almost everywhere.
Uber offers a wide range of ride types to match different needs and budgets. UberX is the standard affordable option. UberXL handles groups of up to six passengers. Uber Comfort provides newer cars with extra legroom. Uber Black delivers a premium sedan experience with professional drivers. Uber Reserve lets you schedule rides up to 90 days in advance, which is useful for airport pickups and early morning flights.
The Uber One subscription costs $9.99 per month and provides discounts on rides, priority pickup, and free delivery on Uber Eats orders. For frequent riders, the savings can add up quickly. Uber also integrates with Turo for car rentals in some markets, expanding its usefulness beyond simple point-to-point rides.
The main drawback is surge pricing. During peak hours, bad weather, or high-demand events, Uber's prices can spike significantly. If you ride during rush hour or after concerts and events, you will encounter this regularly.
Pros: Available almost everywhere, wide range of ride types, Uber One subscription saves money, integrates with other services like Uber Eats and Turo.
Cons: Surge pricing can be aggressive, customer support can be slow, some riders report inconsistent driver quality in certain markets.
2. Lyft — Best for US and Canadian Riders
Lyft is Uber's primary competitor in North America, operating in over 600 cities across the United States and Canada. While it lacks Uber's global footprint, Lyft is a strong alternative for domestic travel and daily commuting.
Lyft's pricing tends to be competitive with Uber, and in many markets, Lyft is slightly cheaper for standard rides. The app offers Standard, Shared (Lyft Shared), XL, Lux, and Lux Black ride types. Lyft Pink, the subscription plan, costs $9.99 per month and includes ride discounts, priority pickups, and relaxed cancellations.
One area where Lyft stands out is its reputation among drivers. Lyft has historically offered slightly better driver compensation and a more driver-friendly culture, which can translate to a better rider experience. Happier drivers tend to provide better service.
Lyft also provides strong safety features including in-app emergency assistance, ride tracking that you can share with contacts, and driver background checks. For senior riders, Lyft offers phone-based booking that does not require a smartphone app.
Pros: Competitive pricing, good driver satisfaction leading to better service, strong safety features, Lyft Pink subscription offers real savings.
Cons: Only available in US and Canada, fewer ride options than Uber, availability can be thin in smaller cities and rural areas.
3. Empower — Best for Budget-Conscious Riders
Empower takes a fundamentally different approach to ridesharing. Instead of the company setting fares, drivers on Empower set their own rates. The platform charges no commission to drivers, instead making money through a small booking fee to riders.
The result is often significantly lower prices. In cities where Empower operates, fares are commonly 30 to 50 percent less than Uber or Lyft. In New York City, Empower has consistently offered the lowest fares of any rideshare platform.
Because drivers keep 100 percent of their fares, driver satisfaction tends to be high. The platform also lets riders choose their driver based on ratings, vehicle type, and price, creating a more transparent marketplace. You can even build a list of preferred drivers and request them directly.
The tradeoff is availability. Empower currently operates in a limited number of US cities and does not have the driver density of Uber or Lyft. Wait times can be longer, especially outside peak hours. But for riders in supported cities who prioritize saving money, Empower is hard to beat.
Pros: Lowest fares in most markets, drivers earn more, transparent pricing, no surge pricing, ability to choose and favorite drivers.
Cons: Limited city availability, longer wait times in some areas, smaller driver pool, newer platform with fewer features.
4. Via — Best for Shared Rides in Cities
Via specializes in shared rides, using smart routing algorithms to match multiple riders heading in similar directions. This keeps costs low while reducing the number of individual cars on the road.
Via's model works best in dense urban environments where there are enough riders to make shared routes efficient. In cities like New York, Washington DC, and Chicago, Via offers flat-rate pricing on many routes, which means you know exactly what you will pay before you book. No surprises, no surge pricing.
The company has also partnered with numerous cities and transit agencies to operate microtransit services, essentially functioning as a technology-enhanced extension of public transit. These partnerships often result in subsidized fares that make Via even more affordable in participating areas.
The downside is that shared rides take longer than direct rides. You may pick up and drop off other passengers along the way. Via also does not offer premium or private ride options, so if you need a direct ride or have luggage, you will need a different app.
Pros: Very affordable shared rides, flat-rate pricing in many areas, reduces urban congestion, partnerships with transit agencies for subsidized fares.
Cons: Limited to shared rides only, longer trip times due to multiple stops, not available in all cities, not ideal for airport trips with luggage.
5. Alto — Best for Safety-Conscious Riders
Alto operates differently from every other rideshare app on this list. Instead of using independent contractor drivers with their own vehicles, Alto employs its drivers as W-2 employees and owns its entire fleet of vehicles.
This model gives Alto significantly more control over the rider experience. Every vehicle is a clean, late-model SUV or sedan maintained by the company. Every driver goes through extensive training, background checks, and ongoing performance reviews. The result is a consistently higher-quality experience compared to gig-economy platforms.
For riders who prioritize safety, particularly women riding alone at night, seniors, or parents arranging rides for teenagers, Alto's employee-driver model provides peace of mind that contractor-based apps cannot match.
Alto currently operates in Dallas, Houston, Miami, Los Angeles, and Washington DC. The service costs more than Uber or Lyft, typically 20 to 40 percent higher for a comparable trip. Alto also offers a membership plan that includes ride credits, priority booking, and lower per-ride costs for frequent riders.
Pros: Employee drivers with extensive training, company-owned and maintained fleet, premium and consistent experience, strong safety record.
Cons: Higher prices than Uber or Lyft, very limited city availability, smaller service areas within available cities.
6. Curb — Best for Taxi Riders Who Want an App
Curb bridges the gap between traditional taxis and modern rideshare apps. The platform connects riders with licensed, regulated taxi drivers in over 65 US cities. You get the convenience of app-based booking, tracking, and cashless payment while riding in a licensed taxi.
Taxi drivers go through more rigorous licensing than rideshare drivers in most cities, including fingerprint-based background checks and in-person interviews. For riders who value this higher level of driver vetting, Curb offers that assurance with the convenience of a modern app.
Curb uses metered taxi pricing, which means no surge pricing. What you see on the meter is what you pay. In cities where taxi fares are regulated, this can actually be cheaper than Uber or Lyft during peak hours when surge multipliers are active.
Pros: Licensed and regulated drivers, no surge pricing, metered fares, available in 65+ US cities, supports the traditional taxi industry.
Cons: Cannot choose vehicle type, fares can be higher during off-peak when rideshare apps are cheaper, app experience is less polished than Uber or Lyft.
7. Wingz — Best for Airport Transfers
Wingz focuses exclusively on scheduled rides, primarily airport transfers. Instead of on-demand hailing, you book your ride in advance and get matched with a specific driver. You can even request the same driver for future trips.
This scheduled model eliminates the biggest stress of airport ridesharing: uncertainty. You know your driver, you know your price (set at booking, no surge), and your driver is tracking your flight in case of delays. Wingz operates at over 20 US airports.
For frequent flyers and business travelers, the ability to build a relationship with a reliable driver is valuable. You can tip drivers directly and save favorites for one-tap rebooking.
Pros: Guaranteed scheduled rides, no surge pricing, flight tracking, same-driver option, upfront pricing locked at booking.
Cons: Airport-focused only, must book in advance, limited to about 20 US airports, no on-demand rides.
8. Waze Carpool — Best for Daily Commuters
Waze Carpool is not a rideshare service in the traditional sense. It is a true carpooling platform that connects drivers who are already commuting with riders heading the same direction. Drivers are not professionals — they are regular commuters sharing their existing route.
Because drivers are not making a profit, Waze Carpool rides cost significantly less than any commercial rideshare app. Riders pay only a small fee to cover the driver's gas and vehicle costs. This makes it an excellent option for daily commuters looking to save money while reducing their environmental footprint.
The limitation is flexibility. Waze Carpool works best for recurring commute routes during standard work hours. It is not designed for on-demand rides, late-night trips, or spontaneous travel. You need to match with a driver heading your way at the right time.
Pros: Extremely low cost, true carpooling reduces environmental impact, good for recurring commutes, powered by Waze's navigation technology.
Cons: Not on-demand, limited to commute-style routes, unreliable availability, drivers are not vetted to rideshare standards.
How to Choose the Right Rideshare App
The best rideshare app depends on how you ride. Here is a framework for making the right choice based on your specific situation.
If you travel frequently or internationally, Uber is the obvious choice. No other app matches its global coverage. Having one app that works in New York, London, Tokyo, and Sao Paulo simplifies travel significantly.
If you ride primarily in the US, install both Uber and Lyft. Compare prices on each trip and take whichever is cheaper. Adding Empower as a third option in supported cities can save you 30 to 50 percent on many rides.
If you commute daily, Waze Carpool offers the lowest cost for recurring routes. For on-demand commute rides, Via's shared ride model keeps costs predictable in supported cities.
If safety is your top priority, Alto's employee-driver model provides the most controlled and consistent experience. Curb's licensed taxi drivers offer another high-trust option with regulated driver vetting.
If you fly often, add Wingz for scheduled airport transfers. The guaranteed pickup, flight tracking, and locked-in pricing remove the stress of post-flight ridesharing.
Many experienced riders keep three or four apps installed and compare prices before each trip. The few seconds it takes to check can save several dollars per ride, which adds up to hundreds of dollars per year for regular riders.
Tips for Saving Money on Rideshare Apps
Regardless of which app you use, these strategies can reduce your rideshare spending significantly.
Compare prices across multiple apps before every ride. Uber and Lyft prices vary independently based on their own supply and demand calculations. One app might be surging while the other is at normal pricing. This simple habit can save 20 to 40 percent on many trips.
Consider subscription plans if you ride frequently. Both Uber One and Lyft Pink cost $9.99 per month and typically pay for themselves after four to five rides. The discounts, priority pickup, and other perks add up quickly for regular riders.
Avoid riding during surge pricing periods when possible. Waiting 10 to 15 minutes for a surge to drop can save substantial money. If you are leaving a concert or sporting event, walking a few blocks away from the venue before requesting a ride often puts you outside the surge zone.
Use shared ride options when your schedule allows. Lyft Shared, UberX Share, and Via's standard service all cost significantly less than private rides. The tradeoff is a longer trip time, but for non-urgent travel, the savings are worth it.
Schedule rides in advance for predictable trips like airport transfers. Scheduled rides through Uber Reserve, Lyft Scheduled, or Wingz often lock in pricing and avoid surge multipliers that spike during peak travel hours.
Rideshare App Safety Features Compared
All major rideshare apps offer baseline safety features including driver background checks, GPS tracking, and in-app emergency buttons. However, the depth and quality of these features varies.
Uber provides RideCheck (detects unusual stops or route deviations), PIN verification to confirm you are getting in the right car, and audio recording in some markets. Lyft offers similar features with ride tracking, in-app emergency assistance, and the ability to share your ride status with trusted contacts.
Alto goes furthest on safety by employing drivers directly, maintaining its own fleet, and conducting more thorough driver screening than any gig-economy platform. Curb provides an additional layer of trust through its use of licensed, city-regulated taxi drivers.
For a deeper dive into staying safe while ridesharing, including specific tips for solo riders, nighttime trips, and verifying your driver, read our complete rideshare safety guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest rideshare app?
Empower is typically the cheapest rideshare app where available, with fares 30 to 50 percent lower than Uber or Lyft. For shared rides, Via offers very low flat-rate pricing in supported cities. For daily commutes, Waze Carpool costs the least since drivers only charge enough to cover gas. Among the major platforms, Lyft is often slightly cheaper than Uber for standard rides, though this varies by city and time of day.
Is Uber or Lyft better in 2026?
Uber is better for availability, international travel, and ride variety. Lyft is often slightly cheaper for standard US rides and has a better reputation among drivers. The best approach is to install both and compare prices on each trip. Most experienced riders use whichever app offers the lower fare for that specific ride.
What rideshare app is best for airport rides?
Wingz is the best rideshare app specifically designed for airport transfers. It offers scheduled rides with locked-in pricing, flight tracking, and the option to request the same driver for future trips. For on-demand airport pickups, Uber Reserve and Lyft Scheduled also work well and offer broader availability.
Are there rideshare apps safer than Uber?
Alto is generally considered the safest rideshare option because it employs drivers as W-2 employees, owns and maintains its fleet, and conducts more thorough driver screening than gig-economy platforms. Curb connects riders with licensed taxi drivers who undergo fingerprint-based background checks and city-regulated vetting. Both offer a higher level of driver accountability than contractor-based apps.
Can I use rideshare apps without a smartphone?
Lyft offers phone-based ride booking for users without smartphones, which is particularly useful for seniors. Some taxi apps including Curb also support phone bookings. Uber requires a smartphone app for most ride requests, though rides can be requested through the Uber website on any device with a browser.
What is the best rideshare app for drivers?
Empower is the best platform for driver earnings because drivers keep 100 percent of fares and set their own rates. Among major platforms, Lyft has historically offered slightly better driver compensation and a more driver-friendly culture than Uber, though actual earnings vary significantly by city and driving patterns. Read our detailed guides on Uber driver earnings and Lyft driver earnings for specific numbers.
