Quick Comparison
Table of Contents
1. Platform Overview
Both Amazon Flex and Instacart are popular gig economy platforms, but they serve different purposes and offer distinct experiences for drivers. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right platform - or using both strategically.
Amazon Flex
Amazon's delivery partner program where you deliver packages, groceries (Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh), and Prime Now orders using your own vehicle.
- Founded: 2015
- Parent: Amazon
- Primary Work: Package delivery
- Block System: Scheduled time slots
- Coverage: 100+ US cities
Instacart
A grocery delivery service where "shoppers" pick items at stores and deliver them to customers' homes. Combines shopping with delivery.
- Founded: 2012
- Parent: Instacart (Independent)
- Primary Work: Shop + Deliver groceries
- Batch System: On-demand orders
- Coverage: 5,500+ US/Canadian cities
2. Pay Rate Comparison
Pay structure is where these platforms differ most significantly. Understanding how each pays helps you set realistic expectations.
Amazon Flex Pay Structure
Base Rate
$18-25/hour
Guaranteed for your block time
Surge Pricing
Blocks can surge to $30-40+/hour during high demand
Tips
Only on Whole Foods, Fresh, and Prime Now orders (not logistics blocks)
Instacart Pay Structure
Batch Payment
$7-15/batch
Varies by order size, distance, effort
Tips
50-70% of total earnings come from customer tips
Promotions
Daily bonuses, peak hour boosts, and guaranteed minimums
Realistic Hourly Earnings
| Experience Level | Amazon Flex | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner (Month 1) | $18-22/hr | $12-18/hr |
| Intermediate (3-6 months) | $22-28/hr | $18-25/hr |
| Expert (1+ year) | $25-35/hr | $25-40/hr |
| Peak Season | $30-45/hr | $30-50/hr |
Key Insight: Amazon Flex offers more predictable, guaranteed earnings. Instacart has higher earning potential but requires excellent customer service and strategic batch selection. Your actual earnings depend heavily on your market, time of day, and how you optimize your work.
3. Scheduling & Flexibility
The scheduling systems are fundamentally different, which affects how you plan your work day.
Amazon Flex: Block System
- ● Reserved Blocks: Offered in advance (12-48 hours)
- ● Block Length: 2-5 hours typically
- ● Commitment: Once accepted, you're committed to that time
- ● Availability: Blocks can be scarce in popular markets
- ● Cancellation: Penalties for canceling late
Instacart: On-Demand Batches
- ● Batch Offers: Real-time offers appear when available
- ● Order Size: Single, double, or triple batches
- ● Freedom: Accept or decline any batch
- ● Competition: Other shoppers see same batches
- ● Priority: Higher ratings get first access
Flexibility Comparison
Schedule in Advance
Flex: ★★★★☆ | Instacart: ★★☆☆☆
Work Spontaneously
Flex: ★★☆☆☆ | Instacart: ★★★★★
Choose Your Hours
Flex: ★★★☆☆ | Instacart: ★★★★★
Guaranteed Work
Flex: ★★★★☆ | Instacart: ★★☆☆☆
4. Work Style Differences
The day-to-day experience is completely different between these platforms:
A Typical Amazon Flex Shift
- 1 Arrive at warehouse 10 min early
- 2 Check in, receive cart of packages (30-50 packages typical)
- 3 Load packages into your vehicle
- 4 Follow app's route to each stop
- 5 Drop package, take photo, move on
- 6 Return undeliverables to station
Physical Demand: Moderate. Lots of walking to doors, some heavy packages.
Mental Demand: Low-moderate. Follow the app, find addresses.
Customer Interaction: Minimal. Most deliveries are contactless.
A Typical Instacart Shift
- 1 Go online when ready to work
- 2 Accept a batch (view items, pay, distance)
- 3 Drive to assigned store
- 4 Shop items, scan barcodes, handle replacements
- 5 Check out (Instacart payment card)
- 6 Deliver to customer, possibly interact
Physical Demand: High. Walking store aisles, lifting groceries, multiple trips.
Mental Demand: High. Finding items, substitutions, time management.
Customer Interaction: Frequent. Chat during shopping, delivery handoff.
Key Differences Summary
| Aspect | Amazon Flex | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Task | Delivery only | Shopping + Delivery |
| Customer Contact | Rare | Frequent |
| Items Per Trip | 30-50 packages | 20-100 grocery items |
| Stops Per Shift | 20-40 stops | 1-3 deliveries/batch |
| Time in Store | ~15 min (pickup) | 30-60 min (shopping) |
| Skills Needed | Navigation, efficiency | Shopping, customer service |
5. Requirements & Getting Started
Amazon Flex Requirements
- ✔ Age 21+
- ✔ Valid driver's license
- ✔ 4-door vehicle (mid-size or larger)
- ✔ iPhone 6s+ or Android with 2GB RAM
- ✔ Social Security Number
- ✔ Pass background check
- ✔ Valid auto insurance
Instacart Requirements
- ✔ Age 18+
- ✔ Eligible to work in US
- ✔ Access to vehicle (any size) or bike
- ✔ Smartphone (iOS or Android)
- ✔ Ability to lift 50 lbs
- ✔ Pass background check
- ✔ Valid driver's license (if driving)
Key Difference: Amazon Flex requires a larger vehicle and drivers must be 21+. Instacart is more accessible - you can even shop by bike in some markets, and the age requirement is only 18.
6. Pros and Cons
Amazon Flex
Pros
- ✔ Guaranteed hourly rate
- ✔ No shopping required
- ✔ Less customer interaction
- ✔ Predictable block lengths
- ✔ Surge pricing opportunities
- ✔ Variety of delivery types
- ✔ Amazon's brand reliability
Cons
- ❌ Blocks can be hard to get
- ❌ Must commit to specific times
- ❌ Limited tips (logistics blocks)
- ❌ Strict attendance policies
- ❌ Less available in smaller cities
- ❌ Vehicle requirements stricter
- ❌ Heavy packages sometimes
Instacart
Pros
- ✔ Maximum flexibility
- ✔ High tip potential
- ✔ Available in more areas
- ✔ Lower vehicle requirements
- ✔ Can start at 18
- ✔ Indoor work (store shopping)
- ✔ Tips for every order
Cons
- ❌ Inconsistent earnings
- ❌ Shopping is time-consuming
- ❌ Heavy batches (water, etc.)
- ❌ Customer service demands
- ❌ Ratings impact batch access
- ❌ No guaranteed work
- ❌ Competition for good batches
7. Realistic Earnings Potential
Let's look at what you can realistically earn working 30 hours per week on each platform:
Amazon Flex (30 hrs/week)
Instacart (30 hrs/week)
Important Earnings Factors
Amazon Flex earnings depend on:
- • Block availability in your market
- • How often surges appear
- • Percentage of grocery vs. logistics
- • Your efficiency at deliveries
Instacart earnings depend on:
- • Your customer service skills
- • Speed at shopping
- • Strategic batch selection
- • Your shopper rating
8. Which Is Better For You?
The "better" platform depends entirely on your personality, situation, and goals. Here's a decision guide:
Choose Amazon Flex If You...
- ✔ Prefer predictable, guaranteed pay
- ✔ Like structured schedules
- ✔ Prefer minimal customer interaction
- ✔ Don't enjoy shopping
- ✔ Have a larger vehicle (SUV, van)
- ✔ Are 21 or older
- ✔ Prefer simple, repetitive tasks
- ✔ Live in a major metro area
Choose Instacart If You...
- ✔ Want maximum flexibility
- ✔ Are good with customer service
- ✔ Enjoy shopping and problem-solving
- ✔ Are 18-20 years old
- ✔ Have any size vehicle (or bike)
- ✔ Live in a smaller market
- ✔ Want to work spontaneously
- ✔ Are comfortable with variable income
Best of Both Worlds?
Many successful gig workers do BOTH platforms. Use Flex for guaranteed income and Instacart to fill gaps. See the next section for tips on multi-apping.
9. Can You Do Both?
Yes! Many gig workers maximize earnings by working multiple platforms. Here's how to combine Amazon Flex and Instacart effectively:
Multi-App Strategy
-
1
Secure Flex blocks first: Since blocks are scheduled in advance and guaranteed, book your Flex blocks as the foundation of your week.
-
2
Fill gaps with Instacart: Use Instacart's on-demand system to work during times when you don't have Flex blocks.
-
3
Before/after Flex blocks: Complete an Instacart batch before heading to your warehouse or after finishing early.
-
4
Know peak times: Mornings and weekends are peak for Instacart. Evenings often have more Flex availability.
Sample Multi-App Schedule
Important: Never accept work on both platforms simultaneously. Complete one task before starting another. Running both apps at once leads to poor service, missed deadlines, and potential deactivation.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier: Amazon Flex or Instacart?
Amazon Flex is generally considered "easier" in terms of cognitive load - you just follow the app and deliver packages. Instacart requires more active decision-making: finding items, handling substitutions, and communicating with customers. However, some people find the variety of Instacart more engaging and less monotonous.
Do I need special insurance for either platform?
Both platforms require you to have valid auto insurance. While neither strictly requires commercial insurance, your personal policy may not cover accidents during deliveries. Consider rideshare/delivery insurance or inform your insurer about your gig work. Some insurers offer affordable add-ons for delivery work.
Which has better tax deductions?
Tax deductions are similar since both are 1099 contractor work. You can claim mileage (70 cents/mile), phone expenses, insulated bags, and other supplies for both. Flex drivers may have slightly higher mileage due to the nature of package delivery. See our Tax Guide for details.
Can I be deactivated from both platforms?
Yes, both platforms can deactivate drivers for policy violations, low ratings, or poor performance. Amazon Flex uses a "standing" system where repeated issues can lead to deactivation. Instacart uses a rating system where falling below 4.7 stars affects batch access, and serious issues can result in account deactivation.
Which is better during holidays?
Both platforms see increased demand during holidays. Amazon Flex has major surges around Prime Day, Black Friday, and Christmas (packages). Instacart peaks before Thanksgiving, Easter, Super Bowl, and other food-centric holidays. Doing both during peak seasons maximizes your earning potential.
How fast is payment?
Amazon Flex: Payment is processed 2 days after the block ends, deposited by Friday each week. Instacart: Tips are available instantly, and batch payments are available after each batch through Instant Cashout (small fee) or free weekly deposits.
Must-Have Gear for Flex + Instacart
Insulated bags are CRITICAL for grocery delivery tips - all gear is tax-deductible
Ready to Start Earning?
Use our tools to estimate your potential earnings and find the right strategy for your goals.
Related Comparisons
Flex vs DoorDash vs Uber Eats
Compare all major delivery platforms
Flex vs Shipt
Another grocery delivery comparison
Best Apps to Combine with Flex
Multi-app strategy guide
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.