UK Drivers Reveal The Best (And Worst) Parking Apps

Paying for parking is supposed to be a quick and simple process, but 73% of UK drivers have found it difficult in the past year, as new data from Uswitch’s temporary car insurance experts have put it. These issues often come down to unreliable apps, confusing layouts and glitches that make paying more stressful than finding the actual parking spot.

Parking apps have become highly used tools for drivers, helping them locate and book spaces or pay on arrival. But, the experience really differs, depending on the app used. The Uswitch team analysed customer reviews across Trustpilot, the App Store, and Google Play to determine which parking apps are easiest to use — and which ones make users want to give up entirely.

The findings say YourParkingSpace ranks highest overall, while Phone and Pay sits firmly at the bottom. The ratings reveal gaps in reliability and user satisfaction, proving that not all apps are built equally.

Which Apps Are Rated Best And Worst By UK Drivers?

Uswitch’s analysis of user ratings across different platforms shows exactly how drivers feel about their parking apps. The top performers have smoother experiences and better value, while the lowest-ranked ones face frequent complaints about glitches, loading errors and complicated interfaces.

Here’s how the top 13 parking apps in the UK ranked using customer feedback…

1. YourParkingSpace: 4.6/5
   Users can search, compare and book parking in advance. Users appreciate its simple booking process and affordable prices.
2. JustPark: 4.5/5
   This one has a clean design and is said to be reliable. JustPark helps drivers find spaces easily and is appreciated for features such as parking reminders and user reviews.
3. NCP: 4.3/5
   A reliable choice for those using official NCP car parks. Users like its practical tools such as remote time extensions and secure payment options.
4. Parkopedia Parking: 3.9/5
   This app is great for finding spaces but less consistent in payments, according to reviews.
5. CitiPark: 3.7/5
   Users like the layout but it can be seen that its Trustpilot scores are far lower than its app ratings.
6. Mi Permit: 3.5/5
   Mi Permit works well for payments but can be unreliable at times.
7. AppyParking: 3.4/5
   This app has quality maps but its technical bugs took its score down.
8. RingGo: 3.4/5
   A popular choice, but known for displaying error messages and inconsistent performance.
9. Flowbird Parking: 3.2/5
   The basic payment functions of this app work, though users report slow loading speeds.
10. PaybyPhone: 3.1/5
    This is said to be handy but frequently flagged for failed transactions.
11. APCOA Connect: 2.9/5
    This one has multiple payment options but not so reliable for users.
12. Saba Parking: 1.7/5
    The updated version of this app frustrates users with login and usability issues.
13. Phone and Pay: 1.1/5
    The lowest-rated app, said to have confusing navigation and constant error messages.

Which Apps Work Best For Different Parking Needs?

Parking apps often serve different purposes. Some focus on helping drivers reserve a space before arrival, while others are designed mainly for quick payment once parked. Uswitch’s research splits these categories clearly.

For those who prefer booking in advance, YourParkingSpace comes out on top with its 4.6 average rating across platforms. Drivers value the ease of comparing locations and the reassurance of having a reserved spot before setting off.

On the other hand, for drivers who park first and pay later, NCP leads with a 4.3 average rating. It allows users to extend parking sessions remotely and pay securely without needing to queue or handle coins. The drawback is that it only works within NCP-managed car parks.

Mi Permit, with a 3.5 rating, follows as the next best option for on-site payments across more locations. Even then, reviews mention occasional technical faults that can slow down transactions.

What Are Drivers Actually Asking For?

Drivers want apps that aren’t slow or always crashing. They also want apps that can remember their details. Many reviews mention the same small problems that end up wasting time, like incorrect location data, payment failures or missing confirmations.

The apps users rate the most are the ones that feel invisible… they work so smoothly that drivers barely think about them. Those at the bottom of the list often overcomplicate something that should take seconds. People want user friendliness and confidence that payment has gone through the first time.

Felicity Ferguson, temporary car insurance expert at Uswitch, comments: “Our research shows a wide range in the quality and usefulness of parking apps available to UK drivers. Some apps focus on helping you find and book spaces in advance, while others are simply for paying once you’ve already parked, where you often don’t have much choice about which app to use.

“That’s why it’s worth checking reviews and getting familiar with how each app works before relying on it. A little preparation can save you time, money, and hassle, especially when you’re in a rush or parking somewhere new.”