8 Best Apps like GasBuddy to Check Fuel Prices and Availability [2021]

Finding the cheapest gas prices has become a necessity rather than a luxury for most drivers. With fuel prices fluctuating wildly throughout 2021 and occasional supply disruptions causing availability concerns, having a reliable app to track gas prices can save you significant money over time.

While GasBuddy has long been the go-to app for finding cheap gas, many users are looking for alternatives due to recent performance issues, data accuracy concerns, or simply wanting different features. The good news? Several excellent options exist that might work even better for your specific needs.

The Fuel Price Tracking Landscape in 2021

The fuel market in 2021 has been characterized by unprecedented volatility. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gasoline prices rose by over 40% between January and May 2021, with national averages exceeding $3.00 per gallon for the first time since 2014. This volatility created a surge in fuel price app downloads, with over 7.5 million new installations of the top five fuel apps during Q2 2021 alone.

The Colonial Pipeline cyberattack in May 2021 further highlighted the importance of these apps, as millions of drivers across the Eastern seaboard scrambled to find available fuel. During this period, GasBuddy saw its servers crash multiple times due to unprecedented traffic, opening the door for alternative apps to gain market share.

Market Share of Fuel Price Apps (Q2 2021)

Source: Mobile App Analytics Quarterly Report, June 2021

Why Look for GasBuddy Alternatives?

GasBuddy pioneered the fuel price tracking concept, but several factors have driven users to seek alternatives:

Performance Issues

During the 2021 Eastern U.S. fuel shortage, GasBuddy‘s servers repeatedly crashed under the load of millions of simultaneous queries. Analysis of app performance during this period showed average response times increasing from 1.2 seconds to over 8 seconds, with complete outages lasting up to 6 hours.

Data Accuracy Concerns

A comparative study of fuel price accuracy across apps conducted by Consumer Reports found that GasBuddy‘s crowdsourced data was accurate within ±$0.05 only 78% of the time, compared to 92% accuracy for apps using OPIS (Oil Price Information Service) data.

Privacy Considerations

GasBuddy‘s business model has evolved to include significant data collection. The app‘s privacy policy permits collection of:

• Precise location data (even when the app is closed)
• Vehicle information
• Driving patterns and behaviors
• Purchase history
• Device information

Feature Limitations

While GasBuddy focuses primarily on fuel prices, many drivers now seek more comprehensive solutions that integrate:

• Navigation capabilities
• Vehicle expense tracking
• Maintenance scheduling
• Fuel efficiency analysis
• Electric vehicle charging options

Top Alternatives to GasBuddy in 2021

1. Waze

Waze has evolved far beyond basic navigation to become one of the most powerful GasBuddy alternatives available today.

Key Features

• Real-time, community-updated gas prices
• Fuel availability indicators during shortages
• Integration with navigation for finding stations along your route
• Filter options for fuel types and brands
• Voice commands for hands-free operation while driving

Technical Implementation

Waze uses a sophisticated algorithm that weighs user reports based on recency, reporter reliability score, and corroboration from other users. This "trust score" system helps filter out inaccurate reports and prioritizes data from users with consistent reporting history.

The app‘s backend infrastructure, powered by Google Cloud since Google‘s acquisition of Waze in 2013, handled over 1.8 billion user reports during the May 2021 fuel shortage without significant performance degradation.

Data Analysis

Waze‘s strength comes from its massive user base that constantly updates information. During the 2021 gas shortages, Waze users submitted over 375,000 fuel availability reports daily, providing near real-time updates on which stations had fuel.

The app‘s integration with traffic data also allows it to calculate the true cost of detours for cheaper gas, factoring in:

• Additional fuel used for the detour
• Time value based on traffic conditions
• Price differential between stations

User Experience

Waze maintains a 4.8/5 rating on iOS and 4.6/5 on Android, with users particularly praising the integration of fuel prices with navigation. The voice command feature, which allows drivers to ask "Where‘s the cheapest gas nearby?" without taking their hands off the wheel, addresses safety concerns associated with app use while driving.

Availability: Free on iOS and Android

Data Source: Community-driven updates from 140+ million active monthly users

2. Gas Guru

Gas Guru stands out from other GasBuddy alternatives by focusing on data accuracy above all else.

Key Features

• Official pricing data directly from OPIS (Oil Price Information Service)
• Ability to save favorite stations
• Filtering by distance and price
• Map and list views of nearby stations
• Price trend indicators showing if prices are rising or falling

Technical Implementation

Unlike crowdsourced apps, Gas Guru pulls data directly from OPIS, which collects pricing information through direct feeds from credit card transactions at over 140,000 stations nationwide. This creates a 4-6 hour delay in reporting price changes but significantly improves accuracy.

The app uses a lightweight architecture that consumes approximately 60% less battery and data than GasBuddy, according to comparative testing by Mobile App Performance Labs.

Data Analysis

Gas Guru‘s price trend indicators are based on sophisticated time-series analysis of historical pricing data, allowing the app to predict with 82% accuracy whether prices at a specific station are likely to rise or fall in the next 24 hours.

A data analysis of pricing patterns across 50 major U.S. cities revealed that Gas Guru‘s predictions saved users an average of $0.12 per gallon when they timed their purchases according to the app‘s recommendations.

User Experience

The app‘s clean interface prioritizes quick access to essential information. User testing shows that the average time to locate the cheapest nearby gas station is just 7.2 seconds, compared to 12.8 seconds for GasBuddy and 9.5 seconds for Waze.

Availability: Free on iOS and Android

Data Source: Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) – the industry standard for fuel price benchmarking

3. AAA Mobile

AAA Mobile offers comprehensive fuel price tracking alongside its well-known roadside assistance features.

Key Features

• Fuel price finder with filtering options
• Gas station availability updates
• Electric vehicle charging station locator
• Roadside assistance integration
• Trip planning with fuel cost estimates
• Member discounts at select stations

Technical Implementation

AAA Mobile uses a hybrid data model that combines:

• OPIS pricing data (updated every 4 hours)
• Direct feeds from major fuel retailers (updated hourly)
• Member reports (weighted based on verification)

The app‘s trip cost calculator uses the EPA‘s fuel economy database combined with real-time pricing data to provide highly accurate cost estimates for specific vehicle makes and models.

Data Analysis

AAA‘s 2021 Fuel Price Report indicates that their app‘s price data averages 99.1% accuracy when compared to actual prices at the pump. During supply disruptions, AAA‘s direct connections with fuel suppliers provided availability information with 88% accuracy, compared to 72% for crowdsourced apps.

The app‘s trip cost calculator has been shown to predict total fuel costs for trips over 100 miles within ±$3.50, making it valuable for travel budgeting.

User Experience

AAA Mobile maintains a 4.7/5 rating on both major platforms, with users particularly praising the integration of fuel prices with membership benefits. The app‘s "one-tap" roadside assistance feature, which automatically transmits location and vehicle information to service providers, has reduced average wait times by 12 minutes according to AAA‘s internal data.

Availability: Free on iOS and Android (some features require AAA membership)

Data Source: Combination of OPIS data, direct retailer feeds, and AAA‘s proprietary network

4. Fuelio

Fuelio takes a different approach by focusing on comprehensive fuel tracking and vehicle management.

Key Features

• Nearby gas station finder with prices
• Detailed fuel economy tracking
• Expense management for all vehicle costs
• Multiple vehicle profiles
• Statistical analysis of fuel consumption
• Data export capabilities (CSV format)

Technical Implementation

Fuelio uses a sophisticated local database architecture that allows it to function without constant internet connectivity. The app synchronizes data when online but can record fill-ups and expenses offline, making it useful in rural areas with limited coverage.

The statistical engine uses linear regression models to analyze fuel consumption patterns, identifying correlations between driving behaviors, routes, seasonal changes, and fuel efficiency.

Data Analysis

Analysis of anonymized data from 2.3 million Fuelio users revealed:

• Average fuel economy decreased by 15% during winter months
• Aggressive driving behaviors identified through the app‘s tracking reduced fuel economy by up to 28%
• Users who regularly tracked their fuel consumption improved their MPG by an average of 7% over six months

The app‘s expense tracking features helped users identify an average of $420 in unnecessary vehicle-related expenses annually.

User Experience

Fuelio maintains a 4.5/5 rating on Android, with users particularly praising the detailed statistics and expense tracking. The learning curve is steeper than pure price-tracking apps, with new users taking an average of 2-3 weeks to fully adopt all tracking features.

Availability: Free on Android (no iOS version)

Data Source: User-reported prices and official data depending on region

5. MapQuest Gas Prices

MapQuest‘s dedicated gas price app combines the company‘s mapping expertise with comprehensive fuel price data.

Key Features

• Integration with MapQuest navigation
• Price sorting by grade and fuel type
• Station amenity information
• Route planning with gas stops
• Price history tracking
• Offline capabilities for rural areas

Technical Implementation

MapQuest Gas Prices uses vector-based mapping technology that allows for efficient storage of map data for offline use. The app pre-caches gas station information along frequently traveled routes, enabling it to function in areas with poor connectivity.

The price history tracking feature uses a time-series database to store historical pricing for each station, allowing for pattern recognition and trend analysis.

Data Analysis

MapQuest‘s route optimization algorithm analyzes:

• Current fuel prices along potential routes
• Vehicle‘s remaining fuel range
• Traffic conditions
• Projected fuel consumption based on terrain

This analysis can reduce total trip costs by an average of 8-12% on journeys over 200 miles by optimizing refueling stops.

The app‘s historical data shows that prices at stations near highway exits average 12% higher than stations located 1-2 miles from major highways, information that can guide more economical refueling decisions.

User Experience

The app‘s integration with MapQuest‘s detailed mapping data means users report 35% fewer instances of difficulty finding stations compared to other fuel apps. The offline capabilities are particularly valuable when traveling through rural areas with spotty cell coverage.

Availability: Free on iOS and Android

Data Source: OPIS data combined with user updates

6. Drivvo

Drivvo offers a holistic approach to vehicle management with strong fuel price tracking features.

Key Features

• Nearby gas price comparison
• Complete vehicle expense tracking
• Maintenance reminder system
• Fuel efficiency analysis
• Multiple vehicle support
• Customizable reports and statistics

Technical Implementation

Drivvo uses a modular architecture that allows users to activate only the features they need, reducing app complexity for those who only want specific functionality. The app‘s predictive maintenance system uses manufacturer-recommended service intervals combined with actual usage patterns to generate personalized maintenance schedules.

The reporting engine can generate 17 different report types, from basic fuel economy summaries to detailed TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) analyses.

Data Analysis

Drivvo‘s anonymized user data reveals:

• Average vehicle operating costs of $0.61 per mile across all vehicle types
• Maintenance costs typically spike at 60,000 and 120,000 miles
• Fuel represents 31% of total vehicle ownership costs for most users
• Users who follow the app‘s maintenance reminders experience 22% fewer unexpected repairs

The predictive refueling feature has been shown to save users an average of $76 annually by directing them to cheaper stations before they reach critical fuel levels.

User Experience

Drivvo maintains a 4.6/5 rating on both platforms, with business users particularly praising the detailed reporting capabilities for tax documentation. The app‘s customizable dashboard allows users to prioritize the metrics most important to them.

Availability: Free with in-app purchases on iOS and Android

Data Source: Community-reported prices with verification algorithms

7. GEICO Mobile

While primarily known as an insurance app, GEICO Mobile includes surprisingly robust gas price tracking features.

Key Features

• Gas price finder with map interface
• Insurance integration for accident reporting
• Vehicle maintenance tracking
• Digital ID card storage
• Roadside assistance access
• Parking spot locator

Technical Implementation

GEICO Mobile uses a microservices architecture that allows the fuel price feature to operate independently from the insurance functionality. This design enables the app to update fuel prices every 30 minutes without requiring updates to other components.

The app uses geofencing technology to automatically prompt users about nearby fuel deals when they‘re approaching stations with competitive prices.

Data Analysis

GEICO‘s internal data shows that users who regularly check fuel prices through the app save an average of $142 annually compared to those who don‘t use this feature.

The app‘s integration with insurance data has allowed GEICO to identify correlations between fuel-saving driving behaviors and reduced accident rates, with users who optimize for fuel efficiency experiencing 14% fewer accidents than the general policyholder population.

User Experience

The app maintains a 4.8/5 rating on iOS and 4.7/5 on Android, with users praising the clean design that makes it easy to quickly check nearby prices without navigating through complex menus.

Availability: Free on iOS and Android

Data Source: Third-party price data providers with hourly updates

8. aCar

aCar provides detailed vehicle management with integrated fuel price tracking capabilities.

Key Features

• Fuel price comparison tool
• Comprehensive expense tracking
• Service and maintenance logs
• Trip logging with GPS tracking
• Customizable reminders
• Data backup and sync across devices

Technical Implementation

aCar uses a sophisticated local database with cloud synchronization, allowing seamless transitions between devices while maintaining data integrity. The app‘s analytics engine can process up to five years of vehicle history to identify long-term trends in fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and depreciation.

The GPS tracking feature uses intelligent sampling to minimize battery impact while still providing accurate route recording.

Data Analysis

Analysis of aCar‘s anonymized user data shows:

• Vehicles lose an average of 9% fuel efficiency between maintenance intervals
• Seasonal temperature variations impact fuel economy by up to 12%
• Fuel quality variations between stations can affect efficiency by 3-5%
• Users who track fill-ups consistently improve their driving efficiency by an average of 6.2% over six months

The app‘s cost-per-mile calculations help users identify the true cost of vehicle ownership, which averages $0.59 per mile across all vehicle types when including depreciation, insurance, maintenance, and fuel.

User Experience

aCar maintains a 4.7/5 rating on Android, with power users particularly praising the depth of analysis available. The learning curve is steeper than most apps, with users typically taking 3-4 weeks to fully adopt all tracking features.

Availability: Free with premium upgrade on Android (no iOS version)

Data Source: User-reported with verification systems

9. Upside (formerly GetUpside)

Upside takes a different approach by combining gas price information with cashback offers.

Key Features

• Real-time gas prices
• Cashback offers at participating stations
• Receipt scanning for rewards
• Personalized offers based on location
• Additional cashback for restaurants and groceries
• Direct deposit or PayPal payment options

Technical Implementation

Upside uses machine learning algorithms to analyze user behavior and optimize offer targeting. The app‘s receipt processing system employs OCR (Optical