The Best Free Apps to Compare Gas Prices and Save on Fuel
Gas prices can vary noticeably between stations just a few blocks apart. If you usually fill up wherever the light comes on, there's a good chance you're leaving money on the table every week.
The fix is already in your pocket. A handful of free apps show you nearby prices, let you compare stations along your route, and in some cases give you cash back just for filling up.
This guide covers the best free gas apps for iPhone and Android, what each one does well, how to combine them without wasting time, and the everyday driving habits that make every tank last longer.
How gas price apps get their data
It helps to know where prices come from, because it explains why apps sometimes disagree.
- Crowdsourced reports: Drivers submit prices they see. This is how GasBuddy, Waze and parts of Google Maps work, and it can be very current in busy areas.
- Data providers: Some apps license price data from fuel-data companies. Gas Guru, for example, uses OPIS data.
- Station partners: Cash-back apps like Upside get pricing and offers directly from participating stations.
In rural areas, crowdsourced prices can be hours or days old. Always look at the "updated" time next to a price before you drive out of your way.
The best free apps for comparing gas prices
Here's a quick overview, followed by details on each.
| App | Platforms | Main job | Cash back? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GasBuddy | iOS, Android | Price comparison and station reviews | Through optional programs | Finding the cheapest station nearby |
| Waze | iOS, Android | Navigation with gas prices | No | Drivers already using Waze |
| Google Maps | iOS, Android | Navigation with gas prices | No | Quick searches along your route |
| Upside | iOS, Android | Cash back at partner stations | Yes | Earning money back on each fill-up |
| Gas Guru | iOS, Android | Price map without an account | No | Quick checks with no sign-up |
| Checkout 51 | iOS, Android | Receipt-based cash back | Yes | Stacking with other offers |
| AAA Mobile / TripTik | iOS, Android | Trip planning with fuel stops | No | Road trips |
GasBuddy
GasBuddy is the best-known gas price app in the US, built entirely around comparing fuel prices. Open it, tap to find gas, and you'll see nearby stations sorted by price, with ratings and amenities like restrooms or car washes.
Pros: huge community, filters by fuel type and amenities, a trip cost calculator. Cons: lots of prompts to join paid or card-linked programs. You don't need any of them to use the price map.
Waze
Waze is a navigation app first, but it shows gas prices reported by other drivers. You can search for gas, sort by price or distance, and add a station as a stop without leaving your route.
Pros: no extra app if you already use Waze. Cons: fewer price reports in some areas, so check the update time.
Google Maps
In Google Maps, search "gas" or tap the gas station shortcut below the search bar to see stations with prices. While navigating, tap the search icon and choose gas stations to find one along your route.
Pros: it's already on most phones, with hours, reviews and directions. Cons: prices aren't shown for every station.
Gas Guru
Gas Guru offers a simple price map and doesn't require an account. That's handy if you just want a quick look.
Pros: no sign-up. Cons: the free app shows ads, and some listings may be outdated.
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Apps that pay you back: Upside and Checkout 51
Comparison apps help you find cheaper gas. Cash-back apps can lower the price after you pay.
Upside
With Upside, you open the app, claim an offer at a participating station, then pay as usual with a linked credit or debit card. After the purchase is verified, cash back appears in your Upside account, and you can cash out when you're ready. Offers also cover some restaurants and grocery stores.
Tip: A cash-back offer only helps if the station isn't more expensive to begin with. Compare the posted price in GasBuddy or Maps before you claim.
Checkout 51
Checkout 51 started as a grocery rebate app and added gas cash back. You fill up, then snap a photo of your receipt in the app. It has a minimum balance before you can cash out, so check the current terms in the app.
Fetch and similar receipt apps
Receipt-scanning apps like Fetch reward you with points for scanning receipts, including gas receipts in many cases. The value per receipt is usually small, but it adds up if you already use the app for groceries.
Don't forget station loyalty programs
Most major fuel brands have their own free apps with per-gallon discounts or points:
- Shell (Fuel Rewards program)
- Exxon Mobil Rewards+
- earnify (BP and Amoco, replacing the older BPme app)
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club, which often have competitive fuel prices for members
If you tend to use the same brand, its loyalty app is a good second step after a comparison app. Some drivers stack a loyalty discount, a cash-back app and a rewards credit card on a single fill-up. Check each program's terms, because some offers can't be combined.
A simple routine that saves time and money
You don't need to open five apps every time. Try this:
- Once a week, check GasBuddy or Google Maps to learn which stations near home and work are usually cheapest.
- Before you fill up, open Upside to see if one of those stations has an offer.
- Pay with the method that gives you the best reward you already have.
- Scan the receipt in Checkout 51 or Fetch if you use them.
- Don't chase tiny differences. Driving miles out of your way for a slightly lower price can cost more in fuel and time than you save.
Driving habits that save fuel
The cheapest gallon is the one you don't burn. These habits are widely recommended by fuel-economy experts and cost nothing.
Keep your tires properly inflated
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. Check pressure monthly, when tires are cold, and use the number on the sticker inside the driver's door, not the maximum printed on the tire.
Drive smoothly
Hard acceleration and sudden braking waste fuel. Accelerate gently, look ahead, and coast toward red lights. Waze and Google Maps can help you anticipate slowdowns.
Watch your highway speed
Most cars become less efficient at higher speeds. Using cruise control on flat highways can help you hold a steady pace.
Lighten the load
Remove heavy items you don't need from your trunk, and take off roof racks or cargo boxes when you're not using them. They add drag.
Cut unnecessary idling
If you're parked and waiting for more than a short time, turning the engine off usually saves fuel, where it's safe and legal to do so.
Combine errands
Several short trips from a cold start use more fuel than one longer loop. Use Google Maps' "Add stop" feature to plan an efficient route.
FAQ
Are gas price apps really free?
Yes. GasBuddy, Waze, Google Maps, Upside, Gas Guru and Checkout 51 are all free to download. Some offer optional paid memberships or card programs you can ignore.
Is Upside safe to link to my card?
Upside is a well-established app, but linking any card is a personal choice. Read the app's privacy policy, and check your statements regularly as you would with any service.
Why is the price at the pump different from the app?
Crowdsourced prices can be outdated, and some stations charge more for credit than cash. Check the "last updated" time and the pump sign before you fill up.
Do these apps work for diesel or EV charging?
Many gas apps let you filter by fuel type, including diesel. For EV charging, dedicated apps and the charging layers in Google Maps and some navigation apps are usually more useful.