Amazon Flex vs Grubhub 2026: Complete Comparison Guide for Drivers
Everything you need to know to choose between these two gig platforms or maximize earnings on both.
Table of Contents
Amazon Flex and Grubhub represent two distinct approaches to gig economy delivery work. Amazon Flex focuses on package delivery with scheduled blocks and guaranteed hourly pay, while Grubhub is a food delivery platform with both on-demand and scheduled options. Understanding these fundamental differences helps you choose the right platform or effectively combine both for maximum earnings.
In 2026, both platforms have evolved their driver programs. Grubhub, now owned by Just Eat Takeaway, has adjusted its pay model and scheduling system, while Amazon Flex continues to expand its delivery network. This guide provides an honest, comprehensive comparison to help you make informed decisions about your gig work strategy.
1. Platform Overview
Amazon Flex
- Founded: 2015
- Primary Service: Package delivery
- Work Model: Scheduled blocks (1-5 hours)
- Payment: Guaranteed base + occasional tips
- Parent Company: Amazon
- Market Focus: Package/grocery delivery
Grubhub
- Founded: 2004
- Primary Service: Restaurant food delivery
- Work Model: On-demand + scheduled blocks
- Payment: Base pay + tips + bonuses
- Parent Company: Just Eat Takeaway
- Market Focus: Restaurant delivery
The core difference is what you're delivering. Amazon Flex has you delivering packages to homes and businesses, with routes assigned at a warehouse. Grubhub has you picking up food from restaurants and delivering to customers, with each delivery being an individual offer you accept or decline. This creates fundamentally different work experiences.
2. Pay Structure Breakdown
Amazon Flex Pay (2026)
- $Base Rate: $18-25/hour standard, varies by market
- $Surge Pricing: $25-35/hour during high demand
- $Tips: Occasional, primarily on Fresh/Whole Foods routes
- $Payment: Weekly direct deposit (Tuesday/Wednesday)
- $Guarantee: Paid full amount even if you finish early
Grubhub Pay (2026)
- $Base Pay: Varies by delivery (distance, time, complexity)
- $Tips: Customer tips shown before accepting (100% goes to driver)
- $Contribution: Minimum hourly guarantee on scheduled blocks
- $Bonuses: Mission bonuses, peak pay periods
- $Payment: Instant cashout or weekly direct deposit
The Contribution System Explained
Grubhub's "contribution" system guarantees a minimum hourly rate when you're on a scheduled block and maintain a high acceptance rate. If your earnings (base + tips) fall below the guaranteed minimum, Grubhub pays the difference. However, this requires accepting most offers, which may include low-paying deliveries.
Amazon Flex offers more predictable earnings since you know your pay before starting. Grubhub's variable pay means experienced drivers who cherry-pick effectively can earn more, but new drivers may struggle with inconsistent earnings until they learn the system.
3. Schedule Flexibility
Amazon Flex Scheduling
Amazon Flex operates entirely on pre-scheduled blocks. You must claim blocks in advance through the app, typically 24-48 hours before the start time. Once you accept a block, you're committed to that time window and must complete all assigned deliveries.
- Blocks range from 1-5 hours
- Must arrive at station within specific arrival window
- Cannot pause or leave mid-block
- Reserved offers for high-standing drivers
- Dropping blocks frequently impacts standing
Grubhub Scheduling
Grubhub offers both scheduled blocks and on-demand availability. You can schedule blocks in advance (like Amazon Flex) or toggle on whenever your zone allows. However, on-demand access depends on your program level and market saturation.
- Schedule blocks in advance through "Scheduling" tab
- Toggle on/off without scheduling (program level dependent)
- Can drop blocks but affects future scheduling priority
- Accept/decline individual offers while online
- Premier/Pro status provides better scheduling access
Flexibility Winner: It Depends
Grubhub offers more spontaneous flexibility if you have Premier/Pro status. However, Partner-level drivers may struggle to access busy times. Amazon Flex is more consistent but requires advance commitment. Choose based on your scheduling needs and ability to achieve higher Grubhub program levels.
4. Vehicle Requirements
Amazon Flex Requirements
- Logistics Routes: 4-door mid-size sedan or larger
- Large Vehicle Routes: SUV, minivan, or larger
- Fresh/Prime Now: Some accept smaller vehicles
- Cargo Space: Must fit 20-50+ packages
- No motorcycles or bicycles
Grubhub Requirements
- Cars: Any reliable vehicle
- Motorcycles: Accepted in most markets
- Scooters: Accepted in many markets
- Bicycles: Accepted in select urban areas
- Cargo Space: Just need insulated bag
Grubhub has significantly lower vehicle barriers. Food deliveries don't require the cargo space that package delivery does, so almost any vehicle works. This makes Grubhub more accessible but also means more competition from drivers with various vehicle types.
Insurance Note
Both platforms require valid auto insurance, but neither provides primary coverage during deliveries. Personal auto policies may not cover commercial delivery work. Consider commercial or rideshare insurance add-ons for proper coverage.
5. Sign-Up & Onboarding
Amazon Flex Onboarding
- Waitlist: Many markets have waitlists lasting weeks/months
- Background Check: Comprehensive check through Amazon's system
- Requirements: 21+ years old, valid license, eligible vehicle
- Training: Video-based training in the app
- Approval Time: 3-7 days after background check clears
Grubhub Onboarding
- Waitlist: Varies by market, often faster than Flex
- Background Check: Through Checkr
- Requirements: 19+ years old (21+ in some areas), valid license
- Training: In-app orientation
- Approval Time: Often 1-5 days
- Equipment: Free insulated bag provided
Getting Started Faster
Grubhub typically has a faster and easier onboarding process than Amazon Flex. If you need to start earning quickly, Grubhub (along with DoorDash and Uber Eats) generally gets you on the road faster than Amazon Flex's often lengthy waitlist process.
6. Types of Deliveries
Amazon Flex Route Types
Logistics (Most Common)
Standard Amazon packages from delivery stations. 30-50 stops typical. Mix of residential and commercial.
Prime Now / Amazon Fresh
Grocery and perishable deliveries. Fewer stops, often includes tips. Time-sensitive deliveries.
Whole Foods
Grocery orders from Whole Foods stores. Customer tips common. Premium service expectations.
Same-Day
Expedited deliveries with tight windows. Smaller package counts but urgent timing.
Grubhub Delivery Types
Restaurant Delivery (Core)
Pick up food from restaurants, deliver to customers. Single orders or batched. Tips are primary income.
Catering Orders
Large orders for offices and events. Higher pay but requires larger vehicle and care.
Corporate Orders
Business account orders. Often larger orders with pre-included tips.
Convenience/Retail
Some markets include convenience store and retail pickups. Expanding category.
Amazon Flex involves heavier physical work (carrying packages, navigating apartments) while Grubhub is lighter but requires more customer interaction and dealing with restaurant wait times. Both have distinct challenges that suit different work preferences.
7. Tips & Customer Interaction
Tipping on Amazon Flex
Tips on Amazon Flex vary significantly by route type. Standard logistics routes rarely include tips since Amazon's package checkout doesn't prominently offer tipping. Fresh, Prime Now, and Whole Foods routes commonly include tips since these are grocery/food deliveries.
- Logistics routes: Tips rare (occasional holiday tips)
- Whole Foods: Tips common ($10-50+ per block possible)
- Fresh/Prime Now: Tips common ($5-30+ per block)
- Tips appear 24-48 hours after delivery
Tipping on Grubhub
Tips are central to Grubhub earnings. The app shows the full tip amount before you accept an offer, allowing you to make informed decisions. Customers can also add or increase tips after delivery, though this is less common.
- Full tip amount visible before accepting
- 100% of tips go to driver
- Customers can modify tips up to 24 hours after
- Catering orders often have higher tips
- No-tip orders are visible and can be declined
Tips Winner: Grubhub
Grubhub wins decisively for tip transparency and income. You see exactly what you'll earn before accepting, can avoid no-tip orders, and tips are a core part of the pay model. Amazon Flex tips are more limited and unpredictable except on grocery routes.
8. Expenses & Vehicle Wear
Amazon Flex Expenses
- Mileage: 60-120 miles per 4-hour block typical
- Gas Cost: $10-25 per block
- Wear: Heavy (frequent stops, varied terrain)
- Phone Data: Significant for navigation
- Supplies: Phone mount, comfortable shoes
Grubhub Expenses
- Mileage: 40-100 miles per 4 hours (selective)
- Gas Cost: $8-18 per 4 hours (if selective)
- Wear: Moderate (fewer stops, more driving)
- Phone Data: Moderate usage
- Supplies: Insulated bags (provided free)
Grubhub can have lower per-hour expenses because you can decline long-distance deliveries and be selective about your offers. Amazon Flex routes are assigned, so you can't avoid high-mileage routes. However, both platforms have similar overall expense profiles for active drivers.
Tax Deduction Reminder
Track all miles driven for both platforms. The 2026 IRS mileage rate (approximately $0.70/mile) provides significant tax savings. Apps like Stride, Everlance, or Hurdlr automatically track miles for tax purposes.
9. Market Availability
Amazon Flex Coverage
Amazon Flex operates in major metropolitan areas near Amazon delivery stations and Whole Foods locations. Coverage is concentrated in cities but limited in rural areas.
- Available in 50+ major US metropolitan areas
- Requires proximity to Amazon delivery facilities
- Block availability varies by market saturation
- Limited or no coverage in rural areas
Grubhub Coverage
Grubhub operates in most US cities where restaurants partner with the platform. Coverage is broader than Amazon Flex but concentrated where restaurant density supports delivery demand.
- Available in 4,000+ US cities
- Coverage depends on restaurant partnerships
- Strongest in urban and suburban areas
- Limited in rural areas but more available than Flex
Availability Winner: Grubhub
Grubhub is available in more locations than Amazon Flex. If you're outside a major metro, Grubhub is more likely to operate in your area. However, order volume varies significantly, so check local demand before relying on either platform.
10. Combining Both Platforms
Many successful gig drivers work both Amazon Flex and Grubhub, using each platform's strengths at different times.
Optimal Multi-Platform Strategy
- Morning (6-10 AM): Amazon Flex logistics blocks (consistent pay, light traffic)
- Lunch Rush (11 AM-2 PM): Grubhub restaurant deliveries (peak tips)
- Afternoon (2-5 PM): Amazon Fresh/Whole Foods if available
- Dinner Rush (5-9 PM): Grubhub restaurant deliveries (highest demand)
- Late Night: Grubhub if your market stays active
Multi-App Tips
- Never accept Grubhub orders during an active Flex block
- Use Grubhub to fill gaps between Flex blocks
- Track earnings separately for tax purposes
- Maintain good standing on both platforms
- Consider Grubhub Premier status for better scheduling
11. Pros & Cons Summary
Amazon Flex
Pros
- + Guaranteed hourly pay
- + No restaurant wait times
- + Consistent work structure
- + Surge pricing opportunities
- + Less customer interaction
- + Route is pre-planned
Cons
- - Must commit to full blocks
- - Competitive block grabbing
- - Higher vehicle requirements
- - Limited market availability
- - Physical package handling
- - Limited tip potential (most routes)
Grubhub
Pros
- + Tips shown before accepting
- + Lower vehicle requirements
- + More market availability
- + Can toggle on/off (with status)
- + Decline individual offers
- + Free insulated bag
Cons
- - Variable earnings
- - Restaurant wait times
- - Program levels affect access
- - Contribution requires high AR
- - Market saturation issues
- - More customer interactions
12. Final Verdict: Which Platform Is Right for You?
Choose Amazon Flex If:
- You prefer guaranteed, predictable earnings
- You have a qualifying mid-size or larger vehicle
- You like structured work with clear time blocks
- You want to minimize customer interaction
- You're comfortable with physical package handling
- You live near an Amazon delivery station
Choose Grubhub If:
- You want to see exact pay before accepting
- You have any vehicle (including bikes/scooters)
- You prefer shorter individual deliveries
- You're good at being selective with offers
- You want scheduling flexibility (with status)
- Tips are important to your income
Best Strategy: Do Both
For maximum earnings and flexibility, work both platforms strategically. Use Amazon Flex for guaranteed base income, especially during off-peak hours when Grubhub is slow. Use Grubhub for tip-based earnings during restaurant rush hours. This combination provides income stability while capturing peak earning opportunities on both platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pays more: Amazon Flex or Grubhub?
Amazon Flex typically offers higher guaranteed hourly rates ($18-30/hour base), while Grubhub earnings depend heavily on tips and market conditions. Grubhub's contribution system ensures minimum hourly earnings when on scheduled blocks, but overall earnings can be more variable than Flex.
Can I do both Amazon Flex and Grubhub?
Yes, many drivers work both platforms successfully. Amazon Flex blocks are scheduled in advance, while Grubhub allows on-demand work or scheduled blocks. Many drivers use Grubhub during restaurant rush hours and Flex for package delivery shifts.
Does Grubhub or Amazon Flex have better flexibility?
Grubhub offers more immediate flexibility with on-demand availability, while Amazon Flex requires scheduled blocks. However, Grubhub's scheduling system can limit access for newer drivers. Both have trade-offs between flexibility and earnings predictability.
What vehicle do I need for Amazon Flex vs Grubhub?
Amazon Flex requires a 4-door mid-size sedan or larger for most routes. Grubhub accepts cars, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles in many markets. Grubhub has significantly lower vehicle requirements than Amazon Flex.
Gear for Flex + Grubhub Drivers
Quality insulated bags = better customer ratings + higher tips
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About Glen Meade
Founder of FlexDriverGuide and SideQuestHustle.com. I've spent years researching gig economy platforms and interviewing hundreds of drivers to bring you strategies that actually work. My goal is to help you maximize your earnings while avoiding common pitfalls.