Head-to-head
ParkWhiz vs SpotHero
ParkWhiz
60
Winner
SpotHero
SpotHero
65
SpotHero has a slight edge over ParkWhiz due to its more consistent customer support and refund process, despite both apps facing similar issues with parking availability and pricing discrepancies.
ParkWhiz and SpotHero both aim to simplify parking, but user reviews highlight significant issues with guaranteed spots and customer service for both. SpotHero appears to handle refunds and support slightly better, while ParkWhiz struggles with unresponsive support and denied refunds for many users.
Head to head
ParkWhiz ParkWhiz is generally described as easy to use for booking and prepaying, with clear instructions and quick pass generation R2R8R14. However, some users report issues with the search functionality, especially for events, and difficulty updating credit card information R12. There are also complaints about the app's reliability, with server errors and passes not showing up .
SpotHero SpotHero is also praised for being easy to use, convenient, and quick for finding and booking parking . Users appreciate the ability to compare rates and plan travel in advance . However, some users experience difficulty finding lots, issues with the QR code display, and a broken 'Add to Apple Wallet' feature . The navigation feature is also criticized for sometimes leading to the wrong location .
ParkWhiz A significant number of ParkWhiz users report that parking spots are not guaranteed, with lots being full upon arrival despite pre-booking R4R7R9R13. Some also face issues with QR codes not working or garages refusing to accept ParkWhiz reservations, leading to double payments R1R31.
SpotHero SpotHero users also frequently encounter issues with parking lots being full or reservations not being honored, leading to double payments or being turned away . There are reports of garages not accepting SpotHero QR codes or the information provided by SpotHero being outdated . Some users even experienced being sent to the wrong location or getting booted .
ParkWhiz ParkWhiz pricing is a mixed bag. Some users find great deals and save money, especially for events R8R15. However, a significant number of users report paying more through the app than if they had paid directly at the lot, sometimes double the price R3R22R46.
SpotHero SpotHero also has conflicting reviews regarding pricing. Many users praise it for great value, competitive rates, and saving money . However, others complain about paying more than the drive-up rate, hidden fees, and additional charges for oversized vehicles that are not disclosed upfront R64.
ParkWhiz ParkWhiz's customer support and refund process are major pain points for many users. While some report excellent and responsive support R5R14, a large number describe it as nonexistent, unhelpful, or a 'scam' R1R4R7. Users frequently struggle to get refunds for issues like full lots or non-working codes, often being directed to email or a bot, or having to resort to chargebacks R7R13R19.
SpotHero SpotHero's customer service receives more positive feedback overall, with users praising its helpfulness and responsiveness, especially for cancellations and refunds . However, there are also complaints about long wait times, unhelpful agents, and a policy of offering credits instead of refunds for some issues . Some users also report being denied refunds for issues like being sent to the wrong location .
Pick ParkWhiz if
you prioritize a simple, quick booking process for known parking locations and are comfortable with the risk of potential refund difficulties if issues arise R14.
Pick SpotHero if
you value more reliable customer support and a smoother refund process, even if you might still encounter issues with parking availability or pricing discrepancies .
Evidence note: Both apps have a high lifetime rating, but recent reviews for both show a significant number of 1-star ratings, primarily due to issues with parking availability, non-working passes, and refund difficulties. The free-to-download model for both means that users might have lower expectations or be more vocal about issues, but the core complaints about service and reliability are consistent across many reviews, not just free-tier friction.
Frequently asked
Do ParkWhiz and SpotHero guarantee parking spots?
Is customer support reliable for ParkWhiz and SpotHero?
Can I get a refund if my parking reservation doesn't work?
Getting a refund can be challenging with both apps; ParkWhiz users frequently report being denied refunds or having to resort to chargebacks for issues like full lots or non-working codes R7R13R19R31, while SpotHero sometimes offers credits instead of direct refunds, though many users have successfully received refunds .
Are the prices on ParkWhiz and SpotHero always cheaper than paying at the lot?
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.
- [R2] ParkWhiz Worked great!: I just used the ParkWhiz app for the first time, for an afternoon Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game. The last time I had tickets to an afternoon Pirates game I had to park in the Strip District, because I couldn’t find any available parking in town. I used the ParkWhiz app to prepay and reserve parking in the Gateway Center Garage, an easy walk to PNC Park. It worked great!
- [R8] ParkWhiz Fantastic and easy parking app: Thank you ParkWhiz! I never thought I could love a parking app! First time using was during the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, where parking was running $100-250 per day and in very short supply. ParkWhiz showed me a $30 security parking garage within a couple blocks of the events. ParkWhiz not only made it easy to reserve and prepay, but also added 3 hours of parking
- [R12] ParkWhiz Needs Work: The search feature is essentially useless. The app will not let you scroll to the event you are searching for.
- [R14] ParkWhiz Fast and Easy.: This is an easy app to use. Once your account is set up, you’ve added your vehicles, and you have a regular place that you like to park, it’s two clicks and you have your parking pass. It takes me 15 seconds to buy a new pass when I need one. They are also responsive to disputes or other issues.
- [R1] ParkWhiz Got screwed; no help: ParkWhiz told me to show my parking pass to the garage attendant after parking. But there was no attendant present - only a security guard who said he could do nothing and that everything was automated. I tried to call the ParkWhiz help line, but I could not get through. So, I left, trusting that ParkWhiz would take care of things. Big mistake. I came back four hours later, p
- [R4] ParkWhiz Nightmare: I purchased the parking pass for what the app alleged was a 24 hour public lot. upon arrival the attendant refused to open the gate to the lot, he stated the lot was exclusively for monthly clients. The app does not allow you to request a refund, you must email.
- [R7] ParkWhiz Scam: They let Me book a parking spot but didn’t check that the parking lot was already completely full. Couldn’t park. Ended up showing late. Wasted gas. I tried to contact them through phone and app for a refund but they only let you speak to a simple, unhelpful bot. I had to do a charge back through my bank.
- [R9] ParkWhiz Not sure if this is worth it: You can book a parking but they don’t guarantee the parking lot will have spots at the moment you start your reservation, sometimes you will have to park somewhere else and come back, which will eat your savings. Price is decent if you get a spot. In several parking lots the app tells you that you have to park but all of them have a valet. Last, service is terribl
- [R3] ParkWhiz Overpriced: I have 2 situations now where I have booked my parking on this app and I have paid more in the app than if I just paid in the lot/ramp. Today, I paid $60 for a spot that would have only been $30 if I paid upon arrival. It’s an easy app to use and easy to transfer the pass, but it should not cost double to use this app.
- [R15] ParkWhiz It works well, but…: I think it’s a great app, and I have definitely saved money by booking through them several times in Los Angeles. The only issue is that the parking spot is not guaranteed. What is the point of pre-booking, if parking is not guaranteed?! For instance, a few days ago the parking lot I got had only a handful of spots left, I guess I got lucky…! I would have been furious if I ha
- [R22] ParkWhiz Charges twice upon exit: ParkWhiz works with garages that have broken app readers. When you exit they charge you twice what you agreed to and ParkWhiz doesn’t realize this is fraud
- [R5] ParkWhiz Customer Support is excellent.: I primarily use Parkwiz in Detroit for the last 4 years. Yes as with any App it occasionally has an issue. Like 3 in 4+ years. Each time I call support and they are courteous and just solve the issue. Not once have they failed. Great company to work with.
- [R13] ParkWhiz Parking is not guaranteed: I purchased a parking spot for a July 4th event, drove 1 hr to the event, parking attendant said parking is full despite me paying for my parking spot ahead in parkwhiz. Customer support won’t help with refund. I had to submit a word form for refund. Still waiting on refund.
- [R16] ParkWhiz ParkWhiz has gone to dump: No customer support anymore why even bother they used to be great everyone spending on ai but no one to reach out to when there’s issues.
- [R39] ParkWhiz Huge Scam: This app sucks. I booked a reservation as I was graduating yesterday. When I arrived the venue was completely full and I had to make other arrangements. When I called the garage the attendant said Parking Whiz always does this and it's no good. People try to save money and end up paying more anyway. Luckily I found another garage down the block that had space. The worst part is that p
- [R19] ParkWhiz Scam app: The parking lot I reserved was full and there was no attendant. There's no easy way to report this in the app to get a refund. Stay away from this garbage
- [R31] ParkWhiz QR Code didn’t work, still haven’t got a refund.: The parking garage wouldn’t accept the QR code on the app. So I had to pay for parking twice and they still haven’t given me a refund
- [R46] ParkWhiz Extra charge: I was charged extra without explanation and Parkwhiz refused to refund.
- [R64] SpotHero 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
Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store