GasBuddy for Android

CNET Editors' review

by: Jaymar Cabebe on May 05, 2011

GasBuddy uses your mobile device's GPS and the latest user-reported gas station data to help you locate the lowest fuel prices in your area. It's a free download that will very likely save you money in the long run.

GasBuddy is cleanly designed and easy to use. Fire it up, and search by city or ZIP code, or simply click Find Gas Near Me. Either way, the app will quickly pull up a list of the gas stations in your area and sort by price or distance. And if you want, you can switch to the slightly more convenient, albeit slower-loading Map View. Clicking on any station will yield more details including extra amenities that may be available (service station, convenience store, and so on).

Now the secret behind GasBuddy is that all of its data is user-reported. Though it may seem a little sketchy, it's actually quite reliable, as users are incentivized by gas giveaways to input the most up-to-the-minute and accurate data. The downside here is that rural areas draw from significantly fewer users, and are less likely to have the latest pricing information. Those living in heavily populated, smartphone-loving cities, however, have nothing to worry about.

If you choose to create an account on GasBuddy and help with the price-spotting, you'll also get the ability to mark favorite stations. This can be a helpful filter for drivers living in over-served areas with a station on every corner, or for those with branded gas station credit cards.

Overall, GasBuddy for Android is an incredibly useful tool for drivers, especially those living in heavily populated cities. If you're trying to avoid pain at the pump (and these days, who isn't?), then we suggest you download GasBuddy and let it guide you to the cheapest station.