The Best Gas Price Apps at a Glance
GasBuddy finds you the cheapest station nearby, Upside hands you cash back after you fill up, and Gas Guru gives you a simple free price map. The right pick depends on whether you want the lowest pump price, a rebate on your receipt, or a no fuss way to compare stations. Used together, GasBuddy and Upside can cut both the price you pay and the cost you feel.
How the Three Apps Differ
These apps do not all do the same job. GasBuddy and Gas Guru work at the price discovery level. They show you which station charges less so you can drive two blocks instead of paying twenty cents more per gallon. Upside works at the rebate level. You pay the pump price, then get cash back on qualifying purchases. That is why many drivers run GasBuddy for the search and Upside for the rebate on the same fill up.
Feature by Feature Comparison
| Feature | GasBuddy | Upside | Gas Guru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main job | Crowd-sourced price finder plus rewards | Cash back on gas and everyday purchases | Simple gas price directory |
| Typical savings | Cheapest nearby price, plus up to 25 cents per gallon with the Pay with GasBuddy card | Usually 10 to 25 cents per gallon back at participating stations | Cheapest nearby price, no rebate |
| Cost | Free, with a Premium tier at $9.99 per month | Free | Free, no paid tier |
| How you get paid | GasBack credits and discounts at the pump | Cash out to PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards | Not applicable, no rewards |
| Extra features | Price alerts, trip planner, fuel log | Grocery and restaurant cash back offers | Color coded price map, filters by fuel grade and amenities |
| Best for | Drivers who want the most complete price data | Drivers who want money back after every fill up | Drivers who want a fast, simple price check |
GasBuddy in Detail
GasBuddy is the largest fuel price tracking community in the United States, covering more than 150,000 stations. Prices are reported by drivers and station owners, which keeps the data fresh in most metro areas. Beyond the map, GasBuddy offers GasBack rewards on purchases at partner businesses and a debit style Pay with GasBuddy card that can take up to 25 cents per gallon off your fuel. A Premium subscription at $9.99 per month unlocks larger savings for heavy drivers. The main limitation is that crowd-sourced prices can be out of date at rural stations, and reported prices may reflect the cash price rather than the card price.
Upside in Detail
Upside shows cash back offers from participating gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants on a map. You claim an offer in the app before you buy, pay with a linked card or upload your receipt, and the rebate lands in your account. Cash back on gas commonly runs 10 to 25 cents per gallon, though amounts vary by station and by day. You can cash out through PayPal, a bank transfer, or gift cards. Because Upside only works at participating stations, you should still check whether the pump price minus the rebate beats a cheaper station nearby.
Gas Guru in Detail
Gas Guru takes the simplest approach of the three. It lists nearby stations on a color coded map so the cheapest options stand out, and you can filter by distance, fuel grade, and amenities like car washes or diesel. There is no paid tier and no rewards program, which means there is no account to manage and no bank to link. U.S. News and World Report has called it one of the best gas apps for saving money at the pump. It is the right choice if you want a quick answer to one question: who is cheapest right now?
How to Stack the Apps for Maximum Savings
The strongest strategy is to use GasBuddy or Gas Guru first to find the cheapest station that also appears on Upside. Claim the Upside offer, fill up, and you get the lower pump price plus the cash back on top. Adding a rewards credit card that pays 2 to 5 percent back on gas can add another layer of savings, as long as you pay the balance in full each month.
Is GasBuddy really free to use?
Yes. The core price search, price alerts, and trip planner cost nothing. GasBuddy also sells a Premium subscription at $9.99 per month for drivers who want deeper discounts, but most users never need it.
How long does it take to get cash back from Upside?
Rebates usually appear in your Upside account within a day of your fill up once the purchase is confirmed. You can then cash out to PayPal, your bank, or gift cards whenever you are ready.
Which app has the most accurate gas prices?
GasBuddy generally has the freshest data because its large user community constantly reports prices. Gas Guru is also reliable in most metro areas but has a smaller reporting base, so rural prices may lag.
Can I use these apps for diesel or E85?
Yes. GasBuddy and Gas Guru let you filter by fuel grade, including diesel. For E85 and flex fuel pricing, check our guide to finding E85 stations and our cheap gas tips for broader savings strategies.
Looking for more ways to spend less per gallon? Browse our gas station guide for station finders, fuel explainers, and money saving tips.
Facts verified October 2026. Prices, taxes, and app terms change over time and vary by state.