Top Ride-Hailing Alternatives to Grab Car in the Philippines

Looking for ride-hailing apps Philippines commuters can trust beyond Grab? Here is an honest, side-by-side look at Grab, Angkas, JoyRide, inDrive, and Owto.

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Ride-hailing apps Philippines riders use have changed a lot since Grab bought Uber’s Southeast Asia business in 2018. Grab set the standard, but its surge fares can sting.

Meanwhile, smaller apps compete on price, speed, or local roots. So, this guide compares the ride-hailing apps Philippines commuters ask about most.

Prices change quickly, though. So, treat every fare comment here as true at the time of writing, in September 2024, and always check the app before you book.

1. GrabCar: The Benchmark

Grab is still the benchmark among ride-hailing apps Philippines riders know best. See Grab Philippines for its current services and cities.

Pros:

• Widest reach: GrabCar runs in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and many other cities.
• More than rides: The app also covers food, parcels, and groceries through GrabMart.
• Clear safety tools: Expect driver screening, trip sharing, and driver ratings.
• Easy payment: GrabPay makes cashless trips simple.

Cons:

• Surge pricing: Fares can jump sharply at peak hours and in bad weather.
• Thin rural cover: Smaller towns and provinces still have few drivers.
• Slow support at times: Some riders report slow replies on refunds and disputes.

2. Angkas: Fast on Two Wheels

Angkas made its name on motorcycle rides through Metro Manila traffic. For many riders, it is the fastest of the ride-hailing apps Philippines cities offer.

Pros:

• Beats traffic: A motorcycle slips through jams that stop cars.
• Lower fares: Trips usually cost less than a GrabCar ride at the time of writing.
• Safety first: Riders get trained drivers, helmets, and hygiene gear.

Cons:

• Motorcycles only: It does not suit groups, big bags, or car comfort.
• Weather matters: Heavy rain makes rides unpleasant and sometimes unsafe.

One useful note: Angkas, JoyRide, and Move It took part in the government motorcycle taxi pilot. Move It is Grab’s motorcycle service, so it is not a Grab alternative, but it is another legal option as of writing.

3. JoyRide: Motorcycles, Cars, and More

JoyRide began with motorcycle taxis in 2019. Since then, it has grown into a super app with car rides and delivery, which makes it one of the broader ride-hailing apps Philippines commuters can try.

That wider mix sets JoyRide apart from purely motorcycle ride-hailing apps Philippines riders may know. Its site lists MC Taxi, car rides, and airport transfers.

Pros:

• Keen pricing: Motorcycle and car fares often undercut Grab at the time of writing.
• Two ways to ride: Choose a motorcycle for speed, or a car for comfort.
• Extra services: The app also handles parcels and other deliveries.

Cons:

• Smaller network: Drivers are still concentrated in key cities.
• Slimmer ecosystem: It has fewer extras and rewards than Grab.

4. inDrive: The App That Changed Its Fare Rules

Among ride-hailing apps Philippines regulators watch closely, inDrive is the cautionary tale. Globally, it became known for letting riders and drivers agree on a fare. That model did not fit Philippine rules, however.

Here is the key correction. The LTFRB suspended inDrive in January 2024, because fare haggling is not part of its TNVS fare system. As GMA News reported, inDrive resumed service on June 28, 2024, after it agreed to follow the official fare matrix.

So, in the Philippines, do not expect to haggle. Instead, you can choose a driver by rating, car, and trip history, and drivers can choose trips that suit them.

Pros:

• Real choice: You can pick your driver, not just accept the first match.
• Clearer fares: Local fares now follow the LTFRB fare matrix, as of writing.
• Fresh competition: Its return gave riders in its cities another option.

Cons:

• Limited reach: At relaunch, it served only six areas, including Metro Manila, Baguio, and Iloilo.
• Smaller pool: Fewer drivers can mean longer waits than on Grab.

5. Owto: A Filipino-Owned Alternative

Owto is a proudly Filipino-owned entry among ride-hailing apps Philippines startups have launched. It promises fairer treatment for both drivers and riders.

Pros:

• Locally owned: It appeals to riders who want to support a Filipino business.
• Driver-friendly pitch: It launched with lower driver commission than bigger rivals.
• Fairness focus: It promotes clear fares and fair service fees.

Cons:

• Very limited reach: As of writing, its base is small and centred on Metro Manila.
• Longer waits: A small driver pool can make booking hard at peak times.

In short, treat Owto as a local option to check in the app, not as a nationwide backup.

Comparing the Ride-Hailing Apps Philippines Riders Use Most

Each app wins on something different. So, the best choice depends on your trip, your budget, and your city.

• Price: JoyRide and the motorcycle apps often cost less than GrabCar at the time of writing.
• Convenience: Grab still wins, because it bundles rides, food, parcels, and payment in one app.
• Coverage: Grab covers the most cities, while other ride-hailing apps Philippines riders like are still growing city by city.
• Safety: Use accredited apps, check the plate and driver, and share your trip.

If you are visiting the country, ride-hailing apps Philippines locals use can also get you from the airport to your hotel with less stress. Pair this guide with our Ultimate 6-Day Cebu Itinerary: Top Activities and Dining Tips for Cebu days out. Then plan where to sleep with Where to Stay in the Philippines: A Traveler’s Guide to Accommodation Options. Good rides and good rooms make a trip much easier.

Wrapping Up: Which App Suits You Best?

Overall, Grab remains the easiest all-rounder. However, Angkas and JoyRide can beat it on price and traffic, while inDrive offers a fresh choice in its cities. Owto, meanwhile, suits riders who want to support a Filipino-owned app and can find a driver nearby.

That is the honest truth about ride-hailing apps Philippines travel today: choice is better than it was, but coverage still decides. So, keep two apps on your phone, and compare the fare when you book.

Author’s Note

I have used Grab for years, for both rides and food delivery. I still like it, but surge pricing kept pushing short trips higher, so I started testing other ride-hailing apps Philippines commuters recommended.

I hope this honest comparison helps you find a ride that fits your budget and your plans. Safe travels!

References:

1. “Grab Philippines.” Grab, 2024, https://www.grab.com/ph/.
2. Cordero, Ted. “inDrive returns after 5-month suspension, complies with LTFRB rules.” GMA News Online, June 28, 2024.
3. Cabalza, Dexter. “LTFRB: 19 ride-hailing companies approved.” Inquirer.net, July 29, 2024, newsinfo.inquirer.net.
4. “JoyRide PH: MC Taxi, Car, Airport Transfers.” JoyRide PH, 2024, joyride.com.ph.