# Hersheypark vs ParkBuds

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Hersheypark at none against ParkBuds's 3. Hersheypark also leads on ratings volume (41K vs 12) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). ParkBuds's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 67%) and update cadence (every 8 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ParkBuds sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Hersheypark asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Hersheypark against 4.8 for ParkBuds. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hersheypark has 41K ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 67% of Hersheypark's written reviews are positive against 100% of ParkBuds's.

Hersheypark ships an update every 6 weeks, ParkBuds every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hersheypark | ParkBuds |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (41K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hersheypark/id372038569/reviews) | **[4.8 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parkbuds/id6762532754/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **41K** | 12 |
| Positive reviews | 66.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 58 MB | 103 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company](https://appshunter.io/developer/415318286) | [James Miller](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885379680) |

## What reviewers say

### Hersheypark

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hersheypark/id372038569)

Enhance your visit to Hersheypark and its associated attractions with this official app. Navigate the park, find detailed information on rides and shows, and personalize your experience with custom maps and alerts.

**Highlights:** Customizable park map with navigation, Ride wait time alerts, Attraction details and schedules, HPGO account for ride stats and photos, Food and shopping information, Service location finder

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to navigate
- 👍 Helpful map and directions
- 💡 Ability to view ride wait times
- 👍 Useful for planning visits
- 🚀 Informative about park offerings

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate ride wait times
- 🐛 Inconsistent ride status information
- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable performance
- 🔍 Confusing user interface
- 🔍 Lacking key features for season pass holders

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes and app freezes
- Inability to get past splash screen
- Incorrect parking information and directions
- Concession stands not properly stocked
- Unreliable park Wi-Fi connectivity

**Requested features**

- Ability to view only ride wait times
- Option to lock in child height restrictions
- Display all-day meal plan icon on map
- Easier access to park hours information
- Integration with family/friend location sharing


### ParkBuds

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parkbuds/id6762532754)

Connect with fellow theme park enthusiasts to plan meetups, share ride experiences, and get real-time coaster status updates. Log your rides, track your credits, and discover your next ride crew. Enhance your park visits with community-driven information and social features.

**Highlights:** Live park map with enthusiast locations, Create and join meetup signals, Discover and connect with other park-goers, Real-time coaster status and wait times, Log park visits and track ride credits, Share trip reports and park experiences

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ParkBuds Pro Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| ParkBuds Pro Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| ParkBuds Pro Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hersheypark free?

Hersheypark is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ParkBuds free?

ParkBuds is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Hersheypark or ParkBuds?

ParkBuds is rated higher. Hersheypark averages 4.8 out of 5 from 41K ratings, while ParkBuds averages 4.8 from 12 ratings.

### Do Hersheypark or ParkBuds have ads?

Neither Hersheypark nor ParkBuds shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hersheypark or ParkBuds?

Hersheypark ships an update every 6 weeks, and ParkBuds every 8 days. Most recently, Hersheypark was updated on October 20, 2026 and ParkBuds on October 8, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*