The PlugShare app supports close to 30 different languages. Users can receive up-to-date information about charging stations across the world. PlugShare is best known as a community-powered charging map where drivers share check-ins, photos, and reliability feedback—helping you avoid “arrive-and-pray” charging. PlugShare itself notes it’s community-based and free to use, and its official help content highlights features like PlugScores, check-ins, photos, and vehicle-based connector filtering.
ChargePoint, on the other hand, is both a major charging network and an app that lets you find, start, and pay for sessions on ChargePoint stations (and many roaming partner stations) using one account. ChargePoint’s own driver pages emphasize “find, use, pay,” roaming access, and app-based activation (including QR where supported).
So which one is better? In most real-world situations, the honest answer is: PlugShare is better for choosing the right charger before you arrive, while ChargePoint is better for actually starting and paying for charging (especially within its network and roaming partners). Below is a clear, practical comparison so you can pick the right app for your needs—or use both the smart way.
Quick verdict (no fluff)
Choose PlugShare if you care most about:
- Reliability intel (check-ins, PlugScore/ratings, photos, real-world tips)
- Finding chargers across many networks in one map (especially when traveling)
- Trip planning + community “what to expect” detail
Choose ChargePoint if you care most about:
- Starting + paying for sessions from one app (with multiple payment methods)
- Roaming access using your ChargePoint account on partner networks
- A smoother experience when you specifically use ChargePoint (and supported roaming partners)
What each app is (and why that matters)
PlugShare in one sentence
A charging-station discovery and reliability app powered heavily by driver reports (check-ins, reviews, photos), with filtering by vehicle/connector and trip planning.
ChargePoint in one sentence
A network + charging wallet app designed to help you find stations, see availability, start charging, and pay—on ChargePoint and many roaming partner networks.
This difference is the whole story: PlugShare answers “Should I go there?” while ChargePoint answers “How do I start and pay once I’m there?”
PlugShare vs ChargePoint: side-by-side comparison
| Category | PlugShare | ChargePoint |
|---|---|---|
| Best at | Reliability + discovery | Activation + payment + network access |
| Real-world accuracy | Strong when many drivers check in | Strong for ChargePoint/partner availability data |
| Reviews/photos | Core feature | Not the main focus |
| Trip planning | Built-in Trip Planner | Better as “find stations,” not a full planner for every car |
| Paying in-app | “Pay with PlugShare” at participating stations | Pay in app broadly across ChargePoint + roaming where enabled |
| Roaming | Not the main model (more of a map across networks) | A big feature (one account across partners) |
| Ads/subscription | Free; optional ad removal subscription | Free app; charging costs depend on station |
(Details below with sources —> last section below.)
1) Coverage: which app shows more chargers?
PlugShare coverage
PlugShare positions itself as a global charging map that includes “every major network” in multiple regions, and its App Store listing describes broad network inclusion and filtering by plug type and charging speed.
That’s why it’s often the app people open first when traveling or when they don’t know which operator dominates an area.
Where PlugShare shines: mixed-network areas, road trips, and “I just want all options in one place.”
ChargePoint coverage
ChargePoint emphasizes that its app connects drivers to ChargePoint stations and roaming partners. ChargePoint’s UK Google Play listing explicitly mentions charging at roaming partner stations (examples listed include Osprey, Ionity, and ESB), and ChargePoint’s own roaming page explains the purpose of roaming agreements.
Where ChargePoint shines: when you’re frequently using ChargePoint hardware (or its roaming partners) and want a unified account/payment flow.
2) Reliability and “will this charger actually work?”
PlugShare = “reality check”
PlugShare’s key feature list highlights PlugScores (ratings based on user reviews) and check-ins that share tips and can include real-time availability notes. Photos help with “last 50 meters” navigation—like finding chargers hidden in a car park.
EVgo’s PlugShare milestone release also highlights the scale of check-ins and uploaded photos—exactly the kind of “human intel” that helps you avoid broken units.
Translation: PlugShare is often better at answering: “Is this location a headache?”
ChargePoint = “system status for its network”
ChargePoint’s app is built around showing station info and availability in its map experience (and supporting remote start).
For ChargePoint locations (and many roaming partner sessions), this can feel more consistent because the app is designed to take you from discovery → start → payment.
Translation: ChargePoint is often better at: “Can I start a session right now, and how?”
3) Filtering and finding the right connector quickly
PlugShare filtering
PlugShare explicitly highlights vehicle profiles that automatically filter for compatible plugs, plus filtering by plug type, speed, and amenities.
This is huge if you drive a car with specific needs (CCS vs CHAdeMO, Tesla adapters, AC-only, etc.).
ChargePoint filtering
ChargePoint also highlights finding and filtering stations in the app, including stations that work with your car and fast/rapid charging filters.
But the strongest experience is typically within the ChargePoint ecosystem and supported partners.
4) Trip planning: which is better for road trips?
PlugShare Trip Planner
PlugShare has a dedicated Trip Planner tool and help guides explaining how it filters along your route and encourages stop selection within your vehicle’s range.
If your goal is to build a route and see charger options with real-world reviews/photos, PlugShare is usually the better pick.
ChargePoint approach
ChargePoint focuses more on finding stations and starting charging sessions than being the “one true road trip planner” for every EV model. It’s excellent when your trip is heavily reliant on ChargePoint + partner availability, but many drivers still pair it with a planner/map app for full route strategy.
5) Payments and session activation (this is ChargePoint’s big win)
ChargePoint payments
ChargePoint has clear guidance on payment methods and states it accepts credit/debit, PayPal, Apple Wallet/Apple Pay, and Google Pay (market-dependent).
ChargePoint also explains how roaming partner sessions can be started (often via “Start Charge” in the app; sometimes via QR depending on the station).
If you want one app that reliably starts charging and handles payment, ChargePoint usually wins—when you’re using its network or compatible roaming partners.
PlugShare payments
PlugShare does support “Pay with PlugShare” at participating locations, letting you activate, monitor, and pay in-app without needing another network app for those stations.
But payment coverage depends on which stations participate; PlugShare is still primarily known for discovery and community reliability rather than being a universal payment wallet.
6) Roaming and interoperability
ChargePoint roaming
ChargePoint explicitly positions roaming as a core benefit: one account usable across multiple networks via roaming agreements.
This can reduce “app overload,” especially in areas where roaming partnerships are strong.
PlugShare’s approach
PlugShare is more like the “universal directory” that helps you locate chargers across many operators—then you use the operator’s method to start charging (or Pay with PlugShare where supported).
7) Ads, subscriptions, and overall app experience
PlugShare
PlugShare is free to use, and it offers an optional subscription for ad removal (monthly or annual).
That matters if you’re using it constantly and want a cleaner interface.
ChargePoint
ChargePoint’s app is free; the charging cost is set by station owners/operators, and you pay through the app/account where supported. (In other words: you’re not “subscribing” to ChargePoint just to use the map.)
Which one is better for YOU?
Scenario A: You’re buying an EV or new to public charging
Start with PlugShare. The reviews, check-ins, photos, and PlugScore-style reliability signals are incredibly useful when you don’t yet know which networks in your area are dependable.
Then install ChargePoint as a “wallet” app if you see lots of ChargePoint or roaming partner stations near you.
Scenario B: You mostly charge on ChargePoint (or its roaming partners)
ChargePoint is usually your #1 app. It’s built to take you from map → start charge → pay, and roaming expands its usefulness.
Keep PlugShare as your backup “truth checker” before you drive out of your way.
Scenario C: You road trip often
Use both:
- PlugShare to pick stops you can trust (and read recent check-ins).
- ChargePoint to activate/pay when the stop is ChargePoint/partner-compatible.
Final verdict
If you force a single-winner answer:
- Best overall for “finding the right charger”: PlugShare (community reliability, photos, check-ins, global discovery).
- Best overall for “charging smoothly”: ChargePoint (start + pay + roaming ecosystem).
Most EV drivers end up happiest using PlugShare as the scout and ChargePoint as the wallet.
FAQ
Does PlugShare work internationally?
Yes—PlugShare is positioned as a worldwide charging map, with broad network inclusion and availability in nearly 30 languages.
Can I pay for charging inside PlugShare?
Sometimes. “Pay with PlugShare” lets you activate and pay at participating stations, but it doesn’t replace every operator’s app everywhere.
Can I use ChargePoint without a ChargePoint station nearby?
Potentially, yes—if roaming partners are available in your region. ChargePoint explicitly promotes roaming agreements and lists partner-network charging as a feature of the app.
Source links
https://www.evgo.com/press-release/plugshare-achieves-milestone-of-more-than-6-5-million-check-ins-as-global-ev-adoption-grows/
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220113005197/en/PlugShare-Platform-Reaches-2-Million-Registered-Users-Worldwide
https://help.plugshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/6002928858643-PlugShare-Key-Features
https://help.plugshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/6017218141587-Get-started-with-PlugShare
https://www.plugshare.com/trip-planner.html
https://help.plugshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/7387256318227-Trip-Planner-Complete-Guide-To-Planning-Your-First-Trip
https://pay.plugshare.com/
https://help.plugshare.com/hc/en-us/articles/6625340949651-Activate-a-PlugShare-subscription-ad-removal
https://www.chargepoint.com/en-gb/drivers
https://www.chargepoint.com/en-gb/drivers/roaming
https://www.chargepoint.com/en-gb/drivers/support/faqs/how-do-i-charge-roaming-network-partner-station
https://www.chargepoint.com/en-gb/drivers/support/faqs/what-payment-methods-can-i-use
https://www.chargepoint.com/en-gb/drivers/support/faqs/how-do-i-pay-charging
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coulombtech&hl=en_GB