My TOP 10 Best Parking Apps NYC: Which is The Best For You?
When living in or visiting the Big Apple, finding parking can be akin to finding a needle in a haystack. It’s chaotic, time-consuming, and often frustrating.
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Fortunately, we’re living in the digital age where solutions are designed to alleviate these pain points. One such solution? Parking apps!
Pro tip: A way more relaxing way to get around is to take the various ferries. Here you find the best ferries in NYC.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhy You Should Download a Parking App
Imagine this – you’re running late for an important meeting in Downtown Manhattan. The clock is ticking, and you’re anxiously scanning for an open spot, but all you see are rows of filled spaces. Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so.
Enter parking apps. These digital wizards are designed to reduce your stress, save your time, and, more importantly, find you that elusive parking spot. By providing real-time updates on open spaces, they’re your ticket to a smoother, less hectic day in the city.
My Comparison Of Parking Apps
I have used many of the apps myself. These are my TOP 6 – further down in the article I have all the parking apps of NYC for you with lots of details.
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List Of Best NYC Parking Apps For 2024
In this section you will find all the advantages (and disadvantages) of each app.
1. BestParking
BestParking, as the name suggests, aims to help you find the best parking deals around the city.
Locations
BestParking covers major parts of New York City, including downtown and midtown.
What we like
- Discounted rates for parking garages
- Clear indication of free street parking times
- Option to book parking in advance
What we didn’t like
- App performance can be slow during peak hours
- The layout could use a modern update
Pricing
Free app. Parking costs vary and can be viewed in-app.
2. ParkMobile
ParkMobile is designed to provide a smooth and hassle-free parking experience.
Locations
ParkMobile offers broad coverage across New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
What we like
- Ability to extend parking session through the app
- User-friendly and intuitive design
- Clear marking of open parking spaces
What we Didn’t like
- Service fee on top of parking rates
- No real-time updates on street cleaning
Pricing
Free to download. Parking rates vary based on location and time.
3. SpotHero
SpotHero is a popular parking app that takes the hassle out of finding a parking spot in NYC.
Locations
SpotHero has a significant presence throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
What we like
- Advanced reservation feature
- Broad range of parking options, including monthly parking
- Discounts on certain parking garages
What we didn’t like
- Service fee added to parking costs
- Inaccuracies in real-time parking availability
Pricing
Free to download. Parking costs depend on location and duration.
4. ParkWhiz
ParkWhiz is designed to take the guesswork out of finding a parking space in the city.
Locations
ParkWhiz has extensive coverage in New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
What we like
- Wide range of parking options, from lots to garages
- Ability to book parking in advance
- Clear pricing with no hidden fees
What we didn’t like
- App can be slow to update available spots
- Limited options for street parking
Pricing
Free to download. Parking rates are listed in-app.
5. ParkNYC App
ParkNYC App is a convenient tool to manage your parking session in the city.
Locations
ParkNYC App provides extensive coverage throughout New York City.
What we like
- Ability to manage your parking session from the app
- Real-time updates on available parking spots
- Quick and easy payment options
What we didn’t like
- No advanced booking option
- Limited options for parking garage locations
Pricing
Free to download. Parking rates are displayed in-app.
6. Way
Way is a comprehensive app for parking and other services in NYC.
Locations
Way covers a variety of areas within the New York City limits.
What we like
- Advanced reservation option
- Clear display of parking garage rates
- User-friendly interface
What we Didn’t Like
- Limited information on street cleaning times
- Some areas of NYC have limited coverage
Pricing
Free app. Parking rates vary based on the location and duration of parking.
7. SpotAngels
SpotAngels is like the guardian angel of parking in NYC, offering easy navigation and real-time updates.
Locations
SpotAngels provides coverage in various NYC neighborhoods, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
What we like
- Free parking spots are clearly marked
- Real-time updates on street cleaning schedules
- User-friendly interface
What we didn’t like
- Limited coverage in some outer boroughs
- No option for advanced booking
Pricing
Free to download. Parking costs depend on location and parking duration.
8. ParkMe
ParkMe is an extensive app with a massive database of parking lots and garages. This parking app is all about helping you secure a parking spot in bustling NYC.
Locations
ParkMe covers a broad area within and outside the New York City limits.
What we like
- Real-time updates on available parking spaces
- Extensive coverage in NYC
- Allows for advanced reservation
What we didn’t like
- User interface can be a bit overwhelming
- Occasional inaccuracies with street cleaning times
Pricing
Free app. Parking rates vary based on the location and duration of parking.
8. Pango
Pango is a user-friendly app designed to streamline your parking experience in NYC.
Locations
Pango covers a variety of areas within the New York City limits.
What we like
- Option to extend parking session from the app
- Real-time updates on available spots
- Easy to use interface
What we didn’t like
- Limited options for free street parking
- Coverage outside Manhattan could be improved
Pricing
Free to download. Parking rates are listed within the app.
10. ParkJockey
ParkJockey offers a seamless way to manage parking in busy New York City.
Mobile apps: iOS
Locations
ParkJockey has a strong presence in Manhattan, with some coverage in surrounding areas.
What we like
- Option to reserve parking spots in advance
- Variety of monthly parking options
- Clear listing of parking garage prices
What we didn’t like
- Limited coverage outside Manhattan
- The app could use some design improvements
Pricing
Free app. Prices for parking spots can be seen within the app.
How to Choose the Best Parking App
So, you’ve gone through our top 10 list and are still unsure which app to choose. No worries! Here are a few factors you should consider before making a decision.
Coverage
Think about where you frequent. Where do you spend most of your time at work, home, favorite restaurant, or gym? The best NYC parking app for you should have extensive coverage in these areas. Remember, the best app is the one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Pricing
Do the parking rates suit your budget? Some apps offer discounted rates for certain garage parking, while others might include service fees. Always double-check how the pricing works in each app to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Features
Do you want to reserve spots in advance? Do you need real-time updates on street cleaning times? Maybe you’re interested in monthly parking options? Consider which features are most important to you in your day-to-day life.
User Interface
An app should simplify your life, not complicate it. Consider how easy the app is to use. Can you find the information you need quickly? Is it easy to navigate? The design and user interface can greatly impact your experience.
User Reviews
Lastly, check out what other users are saying. User reviews can give you a sense of the app’s reliability and effectiveness. Remember, no app is perfect, but consistent negative reviews can be a red flag.
My conclusion
The crowded streets of NYC can make parking feel like a daunting task. Luckily, with the right parking app, you can transform this challenge into a more manageable, even effortless, part of your day.
By considering factors like coverage, pricing, features, user interface, and user reviews, you’ll find the best NYC parking app to suit your needs. Remember, saving you time, money, and stress is the goal. So, pick the right app and wave goodbye to your parking woes.
FAQ
What is the long-term parking app for NYC?
If you’re looking for long-term parking in NYC, SpotHero and ParkJockey are great options. These apps provide monthly parking options, and SpotHero even allows you to filter for long-term parking options specifically.
What is the app for parking signs in NYC?
The app for deciphering parking signs in NYC is SpotAngels. It clearly understands complex parking rules by displaying them in a simple, easy-to-understand format. Additionally, it gives real-time updates on street cleaning schedules and free parking availability, making it easier to avoid parking tickets.
How to find parking in NYC for free?
Finding free parking in NYC can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Apps like SpotAngels and BestParking indicate where free street parking is available. However, remember that street cleaning schedules can impact the availability of free parking.
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Steffen
I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!