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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

SpotHero vs meterUP Parking

SpotHero 4.9★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner SpotHero
meterUP Parking 4.8★ · Free to download 45

SpotHero is generally preferred for its broader utility in finding and reserving parking, while meterUP Parking is a functional but often frustrating option for street parking in its specific service area.

Full reviews: SpotHero · meterUP Parking

SpotHero offers a convenient way to find and reserve parking, often at competitive rates, reducing parking stress for many users. meterUP Parking, while serving its purpose for street parking, frequently frustrates users with app glitches, login issues, and a confusing interface.

Head to head

Features & Functionality edge: SpotHeroR2R5R6R8
SpotHero SpotHero users appreciate its ability to find and book parking in advance, compare rates, and manage reservations, including cancellations and refunds R2R5R15R17. However, some users report issues with the app's navigation leading to wrong lots, difficulty retrieving QR codes, or problems with the app and web versions not syncing R6R8R14.
meterUP Parking meterUP Parking's core function is paying for street parking and extending sessions . Recent updates have introduced frustrating UI changes like a spinning dial for time selection instead of direct input, and issues with the app not opening to current sessions . Users also report problems with extending parking, incorrect pricing for extensions, and the app randomly taking time off paid sessions .
Ease of Use edge: SpotHeroR2R5R8R14
SpotHero Many SpotHero users find the app easy to use for finding and booking parking R2R5R48. However, some experience difficulty with the app's navigation, issues with QR code retrieval, or problems with the app not working when needed R8R14.
meterUP Parking meterUP Parking is described as easy to use by some, especially for its core function of paying for parking . However, numerous recent reviews highlight significant usability issues, including a confusing spinning wheel for time selection, difficulty logging in due to email verification failures, and the app randomly logging users out .
Reliability edge: SpotHeroR1R5R6R12
SpotHero SpotHero's reliability is a mixed bag; some users report never having issues and finding it works exactly as intended R5. Conversely, many users describe critical failures, such as being turned away from reserved spots, getting booted, being sent to the wrong location, or the app failing to open reservations R1R6R12.
meterUP Parking meterUP Parking users frequently encounter reliability issues, including paid sessions disappearing, leading to tickets, the app positioning users at the wrong meter, or magically switching cars . The app also has problems with payment processing and login functionality, making it unreliable for quick parking needs .
Price & Value edge: SpotHeroR3R4R5R9
SpotHero SpotHero is often praised for offering great value and competitive rates, with some users saving significant money compared to drive-up rates R5R9. However, a significant number of users report being charged more than the drive-up rate, encountering hidden fees, or being overcharged by garages with no recourse from SpotHero R3R4R10R22.
meterUP Parking meterUP Parking users report issues with pricing, such as the rate to extend parking being double the initial cost or being forced to pay for longer durations than needed . Some users also feel the app alerts meter maids to expiring parking, leading to tickets, and question the overall value given the frequent glitches .
Customer Support edge: SpotHeroR1R12R19R24
SpotHero SpotHero's customer support receives mixed reviews; some users laud it as superb, amazing, and excellent, providing quick refunds when issues arise R19R48. In contrast, many others describe support as non-existent, unhelpful, or difficult to reach, with long hold times and unresolved issues, especially concerning overcharges or denied parking R1R12R24.
meterUP Parking meterUP Parking users report that support is basically non-existent and difficult to find . When issues arise, such as incorrect payments leading to tickets, customer service is often unhelpful, stating it's not their fault .
Pick SpotHero if

You frequently need to find and reserve parking in advance for events or travel, value the convenience of pre-booking, and are willing to navigate occasional pricing discrepancies or support challenges R5.

Pick meterUP Parking if

You primarily need to pay for street parking in Philadelphia and are comfortable with an app that has a clunky interface and frequent login issues, as it's often the mandated option .

Evidence note: SpotHero has a much larger volume of reviews, offering a more comprehensive picture of user experience. meterUP Parking's recent reviews are heavily skewed negative, often citing issues with a new app update and iOS compatibility, which may not reflect its long-term performance for all users.

Frequently asked

Does SpotHero guarantee parking availability?
SpotHero aims to ensure guaranteed parking, especially for events, but some users have reported being turned away from reserved spots or finding their prepaid spots occupied R1R12R19R30.
Can I get a refund if my plans change with SpotHero?
Yes, SpotHero allows users to cancel reservations and offers refunds, with options for credit or direct payment to the source R15R17R48R60.
Are there hidden fees with SpotHero?
Some SpotHero users have reported encountering hidden fees or being charged more than the displayed drive-up rate, with one user citing a $26 'fee' on a $41 rental R3R4R10R22.
Is meterUP Parking compatible with older phones?
Recent updates to meterUP Parking have caused compatibility issues for users with older phones, requiring iOS 17.0 which some devices cannot update to R61R73R76.
Does meterUP Parking have an Apple Watch or CarPlay app?
Users have requested Apple Watch and Apple CarPlay compatibility for meterUP Parking, but the current reviews do not indicate these features are available R62R65.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] SpotHero 5/5 · US Easy to use: This app is very convenient to find a parking space, and it is very easy to use
  2. [R5] SpotHero 5/5 · US Reliable Parking App: SpotHero works exactly as intended, and I have never had any issues with the app or my reservations. Finding and booking parking is quick and convenient, and the student discount makes the already competitive rates an even better deal. It has become my go to app whenever I need parking.
  3. [R6] SpotHero 1/5 · US I got booted after following Spot Hero navigation to the lot I thought I paid for!: Spot Hero needs to contact the owner of the 1810 Franklin St., Houston lot and clarify directions! There are 3 lots sharing the same space with multiple addresses and multiple entrances! I had to pay a boot fine in order to Ieave. The boot attendant said that they often boot Spot Hero reservations in this lot! Spot
  4. [R8] SpotHero 1/5 · US Give me my code: The most important thing to a user is the ease and quickness of being able to pull up the Q code the moment you pull up to park. Apologies to the people behind me while I struggled with the app to retrieve the only thing I needed from this app.
  5. [R14] SpotHero 1/5 · US Never works: I have used this app all around my city and it is not straightforward at all. Each time I use it I am either looking everywhere for a parking attendant to let me in, pressing all help buttons, or I am charged significantly extra for the garages I’m in.
  6. [R1] SpotHero 1/5 · US Terrible experience 271 W 47th St NYC: Signed in as guest on app. Prepaid. Arrived at exact time. Attendant refused to scan our SpotHero QR code. Had to call police and SpotHero escalation to get car back.
  7. [R12] SpotHero 1/5 · US Use at your own Risk: 2 times in the same day I reserved parking and was turned away at the entrance. After being turned away, I was still charged for the spaces (2 of them) and have not received a response from spot hero after 5 days. Use this app and vendor at your own risk, I would assign ‘0’ stars if that was an option.
  8. [R3] SpotHero 3/5 · US Not honest: Super shady that you try to charge a $26 “fee” for a “$41” rental. You should be ashamed of yourselves. What’s even the point of searching prices if you’re just going to change them at checkout?! Shame on you!🫵😡
  9. [R4] SpotHero 1/5 · US Literally paid MORE than the drive-up rate: This app isn’t what it used to be! Honestly, save yourself the headache of prepaying and just look for a spot at your destination. I used SpotHero thinking I was saving money and securing a spot for my night out in San Francisco. Huge mistake. The app charged me nearly $38, but when I showed up, the sign at the garage clearly said $25 for the day. Even t
  10. [R9] SpotHero 5/5 · US Great value!: I always use Spot Hero to secure parking! You can’t beat the value.
  11. [R19] SpotHero 5/5 · US Spothero is the Best!: If you want to ensure guaranteed parking to attend an event or go to a meeting, this App is the best! I suggest you download and use the App as that allows you to have an account and it captures not only your current reservation, but stores previous reservations that you can easily use to “rebook” that location for an upcoming event. Their support team is also amazing!
  12. [R24] SpotHero 2/5 · US Service: I’m very dissatisfied and disappointed that there’s NO longer any customer service. Every time I call no one answers my call and they rudely hang up.
  13. [R30] SpotHero 1/5 · US No Real Help: I had two spots reserved for the two vehicles in my group. When we arrived, one of the reserved spots was already occupied. I called SpotHero and was told they would take care of it. Two hours later, nothing had been resolved, and I was told the ticket was still open. Then I was told I needed to find my own parking spot, during a Cubs game, no less, pay for it myself, and then sub
  14. [R15] SpotHero 5/5 · US Was able to cancel plsns changed Yes!: Was able to cancel Plans changed.
  15. [R17] SpotHero 5/5 · US Refund: Appreciate the easy of use with the app. My flight got cancelled and I had to change plans. The refund gave me 2 options where it wants to default to a credit or you scroll down and get a refund to the source of payment
  16. [R48] SpotHero 5/5 · US Excellent Parking App: I have been using this app for sometime and have had no problems. Easy use, gives enough choices that best suits my needs. Highly recommend it. Customer service also very good. Had made advanced reservations only to arrive and find road and entrance to garage block by emergency road work. Refunded my fee quickly and without a hassle.
  17. [R60] SpotHero 5/5 · US Awesome: So easy! Even cancelation.
  18. [R10] SpotHero 1/5 · US Worst app ever: This app costs me money in reservation more than using the parking providers
  19. [R22] SpotHero 1/5 · US Liar: I’” was in Chicago they lied it is 13 dollar parking then later it was found 50 or 60.
  20. [R61] meterUP Parking 1/5 · US Updated App: Unfortunately I am NO Longer able to use the App!!! My phone is outdated….so I cannot update to the required iOS 😡😡😡 Very disappointing. I have used this app for YEARS!!! Now it is no longer an option!!! The kiosk typically require coins or a credit card!!! Who carries that many coins … quarters and who wants to stand Unaware of their surroundings at a kiosk???? Disappointed, ST
  21. [R73] meterUP Parking 1/5 · US Wrong iOS: Can’t download the new app revision to my iPhone. Says I need iOS 17.0. I just downloaded the latest iOS from Apple. It’s iOS 16.7.13. What’s up with this?
  22. [R76] meterUP Parking 1/5 · US Not backward compatible: I am unable to use the latest version of the app therefore I cannot use the app. One more way they’re squeezing people out of paying for their parking so they can write more tickets
  23. [R62] meterUP Parking 4/5 · US Should make CarPlay compatible: This app serves its purpose, which is paying for street parking in Philadelphia. The developer should consider making this app Apple CarPlay compatible, this would be very helpful when parking.
  24. [R65] meterUP Parking 4/5 · US Apple Watch app?: It would be great if you made an app to use with Apple Watch, so we could receive notifications and extend parking time right from the watch.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store