Amazon Flex, Uber Eats, and DoorDash are the three biggest delivery platforms in Australia — but they work very differently and pay very differently. Here's exactly how they compare so you can decide which is worth your time.
Amazon Flex vs Uber Eats vs DoorDash: Full Comparison
| Factor | Amazon Flex | Uber Eats | DoorDash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $28–$35/hr | $18–$28/hr | $18–$26/hr |
| Pay predictability | High (fixed blocks) | Medium | Medium |
| What you deliver | Parcels | Food | Food |
| Vehicle needed | Car only | Car, scooter, bike | Car, scooter, bike |
| Schedule flexibility | Book blocks ahead | On-demand | On-demand + scheduled |
| Approval time | 1–3 days | 3–7 days | 3–7 days |
| Sign-up bonus | Rare | Occasional | Often $100–$300 |
| Peak earnings potential | $35–$45/hr (Instant Offers) | $30–$40/hr (Boost) | $26–$35/hr (Peak Pay) |
| Multi-app friendly | No (exclusive blocks) | Yes | Yes |
Pay: Which Pays the Most?
Amazon Flex pays the most per hour — consistently $28–$35/hour compared to $18–$28/hour for food delivery platforms. Over a 20-hour week, that's a difference of $200–$340.
The reason: Amazon Flex pays a fixed rate per block regardless of how many deliveries you complete. You know exactly what you'll earn before starting. Food delivery platforms pay per order, meaning your hourly rate varies with order volume — slow periods can drag it well below $15/hour.
Flexibility: Which Fits Your Schedule?
Uber Eats wins for spontaneous flexibility — open the app, go online, receive orders. No planning required. Perfect for irregular schedules or working around other commitments.
DoorDash offers the best of both — Schedule Dash for pre-planned peak shifts, plus DashNow for spontaneous sessions. Good for drivers who want structure on some days and flexibility on others.
Amazon Flex requires advance planning — you book 3–4 hour blocks up to a week ahead. Once booked, you're committed. This suits people with predictable schedules better than those with irregular availability.
Vehicle Requirements: Which Has the Lowest Barrier?
Uber Eats and DoorDash win — both allow bicycle, scooter, and motorcycle delivery in addition to cars. In inner-city areas of Sydney and Melbourne, bicycle delivery is often more profitable per hour than car delivery because operating costs are minimal and routes are faster in dense urban areas.
Amazon Flex requires a car — you're delivering bulky parcel loads, not single food orders. A car with reasonable boot space is mandatory.
Best Strategy: Combine All Three
The highest-earning Australian delivery workers use a combination:
- Amazon Flex as the primary earner: Book morning blocks at $28–$35/hour for predictable, high-rate income
- Uber Eats + DoorDash simultaneously for peak food delivery: Friday evening, Saturday lunch and dinner — run both apps together for maximum order volume at peak rates
- DoorDash's Schedule Dash for weekend peaks: Pre-book Saturday and Sunday slots to guarantee access to the most profitable windows
Experienced multi-platform drivers in Sydney and Melbourne report $900–$1,200/week working 35–40 hours using this strategy.
Which Should You Start With?
- Start with Amazon Flex if: You have a car, want the highest hourly rate, and can plan your schedule around block availability
- Start with Uber Eats if: You want maximum flexibility, have a bike or scooter, or are in an inner-city area
- Start with DoorDash if: You're in a suburban or regional area, or want to take advantage of the sign-up bonus to boost first-month earnings
- Sign up to all three if: You're serious about delivery income and want to maximise every hour
Costs: What You Actually Take Home
| Platform | Gross Rate | Est. Vehicle Cost/hr | Net Rate (Car) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Flex | $28–$35/hr | $4–$6/hr | $22–$31/hr |
| Uber Eats (car) | $18–$28/hr | $4–$6/hr | $12–$24/hr |
| DoorDash (car) | $18–$26/hr | $4–$6/hr | $12–$22/hr |
| Uber Eats (bicycle) | $18–$28/hr | $0.50–$1/hr | $17–$27/hr |
After vehicle costs, Amazon Flex maintains a significant lead. Bicycle delivery on Uber Eats competes closely in inner-city areas thanks to near-zero running costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which delivery app pays the most in Australia?
Amazon Flex pays the most per hour ($28–$35/hr) of any mainstream delivery platform in Australia. Among food delivery apps, Uber Eats edges ahead of DoorDash in CBD areas during peak surge periods. After vehicle costs, net earnings are: Amazon Flex ($22–$31/hr) > Uber Eats/DoorDash bicycle ($17–$27/hr) > Uber Eats/DoorDash car ($12–$24/hr).
Can you do Amazon Flex and Uber Eats at the same time?
No — Amazon Flex blocks are exclusive commitments. While completing a Flex block you cannot run Uber Eats simultaneously. However, you can run Uber Eats and DoorDash together, and switch to Amazon Flex during booked block times.
Is it worth signing up to all three delivery platforms?
Yes, if delivery is a significant income source for you. Each platform has gaps in availability — having all three ensures you always have earning options and can choose the best-paying orders at any time.
Our Verdict
For maximum income: Amazon Flex first (highest rate), then add Uber Eats and DoorDash for flexibility and peak food delivery surges. For beginners wanting the simplest start: Uber Eats. For suburban drivers: DoorDash. The best answer for serious delivery earners is all three.