# ParkBoston vs OpenKey

The clearest difference is ads: OpenKey at none against ParkBoston's shown. OpenKey also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and review sentiment (73% vs 50%). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

OpenKey holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 884 and 3.1K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of ParkBoston's written reviews are positive against 73% of OpenKey's.

ParkBoston ships an update every 4 months, OpenKey every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ParkBoston | OpenKey |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (884 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parkboston-boston-parking/id953579075/reviews) | **[4.7 (3.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openkey/id990142776/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 884 | **3.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 50.4% of reviews | **72.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 118 MB | 107 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [City of Boston](https://appshunter.io/developer/330894561) | [OPENKEY, INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/990142775) |

## What reviewers say

### ParkBoston

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parkboston-boston-parking/id953579075)

Manage your parking sessions in Boston with the official app. Pay, extend, and view parking rates and history from your smartphone. Receive alerts before your session ends and avoid the hassle of meters.

**Highlights:** Pay for parking via smartphone, Extend parking sessions remotely, View future parking rates, Receive parking session alerts, Manage parking history, Get email receipts

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🚀 Convenient parking payments
- 🚀 Helpful parking reminders
- 🚀 Effective GPS and zone identification
- 👍 Streamlines parking process

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable app functionality
- 🐛 Inconsistent zone/location mapping
- 🐛 Parking history/records disappearing
- 🐛 Unexpected charges and fees
- 🐛 Inability to extend parking sessions

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and freezes
- Inability to save license plate or payment info
- Discrepancies between app and actual parking zones
- Paid parking sessions not registering properly

**Requested features**

- Ability to view parking history
- Option to redeem unused parking time
- Improved zone/location mapping accuracy
- Streamlined payment process with fewer steps
- Customizable parking reminders and alerts


### OpenKey

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openkey/id990142776)

Unlock hotel rooms worldwide using your smartphone as a secure digital key. Access your room instantly, share keys with companions, and manage your stay with features like check-out details and hotel information.

**Highlights:** Instant room access, Digital key sharing, Contact hotel operations, View check-out details, Room number displayed, Explore hotel amenities, Request check-out

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Seamless experience
- 🔑 Convenient keyless entry
- 💡 Sharing keys with others
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🔒 Secure access

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🔍 Needs better instructions
- 🔋 Drains phone battery
- 🤔 Doesn't work consistently

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes frequently
- Fails to unlock doors sometimes
- Issues with updating and reinstalling

**Requested features**

- Apple Watch app integration
- Improved error handling and troubleshooting


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ParkBoston free?

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

### Is OpenKey free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ParkBoston or OpenKey?

OpenKey is rated higher. ParkBoston averages 4.5 out of 5 from 884 ratings, while OpenKey averages 4.7 from 3.1K ratings.

### Do ParkBoston or OpenKey have ads?

ParkBoston shows ads; OpenKey does not.

### Which is updated more often, ParkBoston or OpenKey?

ParkBoston ships an update every 4 months, and OpenKey every 2 months. Most recently, ParkBoston was updated on October 26, 2026 and OpenKey on October 24, 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.*