9 Best Car Rental Apps 2023 (Yes, Carsharing Apps Too!)

Last Updated on January 18, 2023

As we all know, cars are becoming more and more expensive. This is especially true when it comes to rental cars. With the rising cost of gas and the increasing number of rental car companies, it is becoming more and more challenging to find the best deal on a rental car. However, one thing can help you save money on your next rental car: the best car rental app.

The best car rental apps do more than find the best deals on rental cars. They also allow you to book your reservations in advance and can save you time and money. For example, some apps allow you to pay for your reservation with points from your frequent flyer miles. Others provide discounts for using certain credit cards.

These days, there are a ton of different types of apps. You have car rental apps from major companies (think Hertz or Enterprise). You have carsharing platforms where you rent a car from a private owner (think Turo or one of the Turo alternatives). Then there are extremely short-term rentals for a few hours to run some errands or very long-duration rentals to rent a car for months.

The best car rental app for you is highly dependent on your needs. So let’s round them all up.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

What Are The Best Car Rental Apps?

Best Car Rental Apps for

Zipcar App

Today, there are many ridesharing apps available to help get people around. However, Zipcar is a unique car rental service that offers a convenient and cost-effective way to get around if you don’t want to own a car for yourself. This can be a great service if you’re a college student or live in a major city with limited car parking options and just need to borrow a car for a few hours. 

Some of the great services are:

  • You can rent by the minute or hourly to run some errands or go for a quick trip.
  • Renting has been made super easy. Just upload your license and needed documents, choose your car, and unlock the car with an app. No documents or waiting in line at the rental counter.
  • Only available in a few major cities like Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, NYC, and London.

Pricing- Affordable

Verdict

If you live in a city or university town where owning a car is cost-prohibitive, then this is an affordable, great way to have access to a car for errands or a few days for a trip. It’s like having a car but without all the monthly overhead.

TRY ZIPCAR HERE

Hui Car

Are you going on a trip to Hawaii? Well, many of us know how expensive that gets. That’s where Hui Car comes in. They’re a car rental service you can use by the hour or day and can skip the line at the car rental counter. Get to one of their many pickup locations that are in major areas like Waikiki beach and use your app to unlock the car.

Great features of Hui Car Rentals are:

  • Very competitive prices for Hawaii.
  • Contactless pickup. All you need is your app to get into your car and then drive away with a full tank of gas.
  • They have many cars to choose from, including gas-saving vehicles like a Prius to larger vehicles to accommodate a family.

Pricing- Affordable

Verdict

If you’re going to Hawaii and want to rent a car for a few hours or a few days, then this is going to be the best app for a quick car rental with little hassle. 

try hui car here

Lyft Car Rentals

Lyft is a car rental app that offers a convenient and affordable way to get around. You likely are already familiar with their ability to get a ride (similar to a taxi), so it’s no surprise they’re also jumping into the peer car-sharing space.

With Lyft, you can choose from a variety of rental cars, all of which are available for a set period of time. You can also book vehicles in advance, so you never have to worry about availability.

Some things I love about the Lyft car rentals are:

  • As it’s already one of the most popular apps on the market, many users are likely already familiar with how to use it. It’s available for both Android and iOS users. 
  •  They offer car rentals in many vehicles from private owners, but in other cities, they partner with Sixt for car rentals.
  • You receive a free Lyft credit (say from the airport) to get to your pickup location.
  • There are also free perks like car seats, ski racks, and other accessories for you to choose from. 
  • You get unlimited mileage with no caps.

Pricing- More affordable if renting from private owners, competitive if completing your reservation with Sixt. 

Verdict

If you already have a Lyft account, then I would definitely check into the options they have, as they tend to be a more affordable option. Thanks to their partnership with Sixt, they have a large car inventory to choose from.

TRY LYFT RENTALS HERE

Uber Car Rentals

Since it was founded in 2009, Uber has revolutionized the way we get around. The ridesharing app has made it easier and more convenient than ever to hail a ride, and its innovative business model has disrupted the traditional taxi industry. 

Now, Uber has a new car rental service so that you can expect the same user-friendly interface. However, unlike their ridesharing, they do not rent out privately owned vehicles. Rather they have partnered with some big names like Avis and Budget as a third party. 

Some great things about the Uber car-sharing app:

  • Many people already have the Uber app, so searching for rental cars is as easy as ordering a ride.
  • You get a $10 uber ride credit to get to your pickup destination.
  • They have a ton of car rental options thanks to partnering with a lot of other outside companies.

Pricing- Competitive

Verdict

Many of us already know and love Uber, whether it’s for their ridesharing platform or their food delivery service. You can expect the same type of service when it comes to their car rental services. However, I wished they rented out private vehicles as that’s what you would expect from them. 

TRY UBER RENTALS HERE

Turo

Turo differs from other car rental apps in that it’s a car-sharing platform where you rent a car from a personal car owner, similar to renting a home from Airbnb. Many people love it as the prices tend to be much more affordable than your traditional car rental company.

What I love about Turo is:

  • The car-sharing feature means much more affordable rentals than traditional car rental agencies. 
  • During a time of constant changes in flights, reasonable cancellation fees are a must. Turo offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your reservation.
  • You need to check with the owner about the mileage policy. Some may cap your mileage per day, and anything over incurs an extra charge. 

Pricing- Typically more affordable than major car rental agencies.

Verdict

Turo is a great alternative to the big traditional rental car companies and offers lower prices. However, you may lose some convenience (like having to meet up with an owner) and mileage caps.

TRY TURO HERE

GetAround App

If you’re looking for a contactless and convenient car rental experience, look no further than Getaround. This innovative app enables you to rent cars from other users in your area, with pickup and drop-off locations that are flexible to suit your needs. With Getaround, you can say goodbye to the hassle of traditional car rental companies.

Some of the benefits that set Getaround apart include contactless key exchange, insurance included in every rental, and 24/7 customer support. Whether you’re renting for leisure or business, Getaround has you covered.

What’s really cool with the GetAround app is:

  • The contactless key exchange is pretty awesome. Instead of having to wait or meet up with an owner, which can be awkward, you get into your car and drive away.
  • They offer insurance for both parties. 
  • The types of vehicles available are limited: they have a restricted car list so that you won’t find any BMWs. 

Pricing- Affordable compared to traditional rental car apps

Verdict

Getaround is a great Turo alternative if you are able to find a good vehicle, as the contactless key exchange comes in pretty clutch.

TRY GETAROUND APP HERE

HyreCar

If you’re looking for a long-term rental car solution, you can’t go wrong with Hyrecar. They offer a wide variety of benefits that make them the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable way to rent a car. For starters, they’re known for their low prices. In addition, they offer a wide selection of vehicles to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs.

They are car-sharing apps like Turo and Getaround, so these prices are so great because you’re renting from car owners themselves who don’t have a lot of overhead costs.

Some great reasons to check out HyreCar are:

  • As this is meant for long-term rentals, there is a minimum rental period of two days.
  • This is a great option for someone who may need a car for a few weeks or longer, and you’ll find higher discounts with the longer rental times.
  • Many different types of vehicles to choose from.

Pricing- Competitive

Verdict

If you need a long-term car rental app (maybe you are between cars or are traveling out of town for a longer period of time), then Hyrecare will typically find you some of the best rates on the market. 

try hyrecar here

Enterprise Rent A Car

The Enterprise car rental app is a fast, convenient way to rent a car. With the app, you can find a car near you, reserve it for a day or longer, and pay for it with your credit card. The app also offers discounts on weekly and monthly rentals, as well as special rates.

Whether renting for business or pleasure, the Enterprise car rental app is an easy way to get behind the wheel.

Some things Enterprise offers are:

  • Enterprise is a well-known, popular car rental agency that allows you to make short-term and long-term car rentals. 
  • The app makes it easy to modify your reservation, whether that’s changing location or extending the duration of the trip.
  • If you’re part of their rewards program, Enterprise Plus, there’s a nice platform to use and view your points.
  • Prices are competitive compared to other agency rental car apps.
  • Typically, many cars come with unlimited mileage.

Verdict

Enterprise has a great, comprehensive rental mobile app with every feature you would expect. They’re a reputable company with standard prices.

TRY ENTERPRISE HERE

Hertz

Hertz is one of the most popular car rental names out there, and for a good reason. They offer many benefits that make renting a car more accessible than ever. For one, they have a vast selection of vehicles to choose from. Whether you need a small economy car or a large SUV, Hertz has you covered. They also offer great rates, making it easy to find an affordable option.

And if you’re looking for convenience, Hertz has that covered too. Their app makes it easy to reserve and manage your rental, and they have a vast network of locations, so you can always find a Hertz near you. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Hertz is one of the best car rental apps around.

Some of the best features of Hertz are:

  • Hertz is a household name, so, fortunately, there are vehicles in most major cities in the united states. 
  • They offer a massive inventory of vehicle rental options, from economy cars and minivans to electric, cargo, and box trucks. 
  • The app is very user-friendly and intuitive. You can make a reservation and find local deals. 
  • Although the concept is nice, the app has been shown to have glitches and errors, such as the inability to log in to your account (and just general slowness). Hopefully, further updates will fix this. 

Pricing- Depends on the model and duration you drive, but you’ll find it comparable to other household car rental agencies. 

Verdict

Hertz is a reliable household name that has crossed over to allow a mobile app feature. Although the company is well known, you may want to use the website instead of the app with the glitches users report. 

Try Hertz Here

What Is A Car Rental App?

A car rental app is a smartphone application that allows you to book and pay for your rental car in advance. In addition, most apps offer a variety of features that can help you save money on your rental car. For example, some apps allow you to pay for your reservation with points from your frequent flyer miles. Others provide discounts for using certain credit cards.

How Do I Choose The Best Car Rental App?

When choosing the best car rental app, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some important considerations you should factor in when choosing an app to rent from

  1. Duration of Lease: Are you looking for a short-term or long-term lease? Some apps rent out by the hour, while others by the month. Consider what your specific needs are.
  2. Type of Vehicle: Many apps have different types of inventories, and not all cars can be guaranteed. I’m sure we’ve all dealt with purchasing an “SUV or similar,” only to be deeply disappointed with the vehicle that we’ve ended up with. Some apps allow you to secure specific manufacturers.
  3. Pricing: This is probably the most essential thing to consider when choosing a rental car app. Make sure to compare pricing between different apps to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
  4. Discounts and Perks: Many apps offer discounts and perks for using their service. For example, some apps allow you to pay for your reservation with points from your frequent flyer miles. Others provide discounts for using certain credit cards. Be sure to compare the deals and perks offered by each app before making your decision.
  5. Cancellation Policies: In a post-pandemic world, traveling just hasn’t been as reliable as it was in the last decade. So if your flight gets canceled or life happens, you’ll want to know how early you can adjust or cancel your reservation without a penalty.

By taking the time to read reviews and compare features, you can find the best car rental app for your needs. And with the money you save, you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation even more!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are care rental apps safe to use?

Yes, car rental apps are generally safe. However, if you are meeting with a private party for key exchange, always make sure to do so in a public setting and follow traditional safety advice.

What is the best car rental app?

The best car rental app depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, some of the best apps include Turo, Enterprise Rent A Car, Hertz App, Getaround, HyreCar, and Zipcar.

Can I book a rental car without an app?

Yes, you can book a rental car without an app. However, it is often more convenient to use an app because it allows you to compare prices and deals from different companies, as well as view ratings and reviews. Plus, most apps offer discounts and perks that you can take advantage of.

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