Review Insights · App Store
Meetup: Social Events & Groups
Meetup LLC · 272,590 ratings · ★ 4.7
4.7
★★★★★
272,590 ratings
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Top complaints - extracted from 87 negative reviews
Recurring phrases mined from 1-2★ reviews. The bigger the percentage, the more users have the same problem. Fix the top 2-3 in your version and you have product-market fit on day one.
1
"meetup"
23 negative reviews mention this · 26% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Pushy Ads every where. I miss the old Meetup app. Since the App got bought out, you can no longer navigate without seeing pushy pop up ads to subscribe. Very annoying and a big turn off. Fees also increased substantially." - qmdinh
2
"groups"
16 negative reviews mention this · 18% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Impossible to cancel. I have been being charged for MONTHS and I don’t even have a subscription. It’s pulling my Apple Pay, I have no subscription with them to cancel, they have no phone number that works and their customer support email has had no response. Don…" - SP Alien
3
"free"
15 negative reviews mention this · 17% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Better when free. I can understand a small fee but you have gone from free to basically $10 a week . Forget it! In this economy!" - EsotericT
4
"group"
15 negative reviews mention this · 17% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Impossible to cancel. I have been being charged for MONTHS and I don’t even have a subscription. It’s pulling my Apple Pay, I have no subscription with them to cancel, they have no phone number that works and their customer support email has had no response. Don…" - SP Alien
5
"event"
14 negative reviews mention this · 16% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Crashes. The app is great when it works. However, the constant crashes are annoying!! It’s hard to scroll through events because the app crashes and closes. Even harder to change attendance for events. What happened? It used to be a great social app…" - Disappointed-Jen
6
"subscription"
12 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Has Meetup gone insane?. Meetup is now asking for a subscription at a cost of $10 per WEEK! That price is outrageous. It is almost impossible to reach Customer Service. One YouTube video shows the lengthy process needed to reach Customer Service. Additionally, the …" - mudhutnm
7
"every"
11 negative reviews mention this · 13% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Pushy Ads every where. I miss the old Meetup app. Since the App got bought out, you can no longer navigate without seeing pushy pop up ads to subscribe. Very annoying and a big turn off. Fees also increased substantially." - qmdinh
8
"events"
11 negative reviews mention this · 13% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Crashes. The app is great when it works. However, the constant crashes are annoying!! It’s hard to scroll through events because the app crashes and closes. Even harder to change attendance for events. What happened? It used to be a great social app…" - Disappointed-Jen
9
"people"
11 negative reviews mention this · 13% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Dangerous. Meetup may have been good at some point, but it’s now a very dangerous place. Due to the fact that they will not allow users to communicate via the app without paying, it sets people up to have to exchange contact information at events. Thi…" - LucyFilet
10
"organizer"
11 negative reviews mention this · 13% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Poor Update for Organizers. There used to be a companion app for organizers that actually worked well. So of course the company kills that app and now forces organizers to use the main app with a worse interface and user experience. Won't be using this platform much l…" - austinhondacx500
11
"been"
10 negative reviews mention this · 11% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Dangerous. Meetup may have been good at some point, but it’s now a very dangerous place. Due to the fact that they will not allow users to communicate via the app without paying, it sets people up to have to exchange contact information at events. Thi…" - LucyFilet
12
"members"
10 negative reviews mention this · 11% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Paywall and increased fees without improving. I have used this platform for 6 years with great success. I am a group organizer. I’ve grown one of the biggest most active groups in Ohio. After the significant fee increase, the new pay structure along with blocking messaging and ways to …" - Kungfoofighter80
📋 All 87 negative reviews
Every 1-2★ review we fetched. Use the copy button to grab them all for your own analysis (paste into ChatGPT/Claude with a prompt like "summarize core user problems, group by theme, ignore bugs, focus on missing features").
Pushy Ads every where
I miss the old Meetup app. Since the App got bought out, you can no longer navigate without seeing pushy pop up ads to subscribe. Very annoying and a big turn off. Fees also increased substantially.
Use to be
a great app….now they want $9.99 a week to get what was basic stuff I used before like seeing who all would be coming….$520 a year….ahhhhh NOPE
Ads make app unusable
The overall service is great, but the mobile version is plagued by sketchy popup ads. Just use the website version, preferably with a good adblocker.
Dangerous
Meetup may have been good at some point, but it’s now a very dangerous place. Due to the fact that they will not allow users to communicate via the app without paying, it sets people up to have to exchange contact information at events. This puts users in a very dangerous position.
Better when free
I can understand a small fee but you have gone from free to basically $10 a week . Forget it! In this economy!
This app sucks
I have tried multiple times to delete it and it will not let me.
Poor Update for Organizers
There used to be a companion app for organizers that actually worked well. So of course the company kills that app and now forces organizers to use the main app with a worse interface and user experience. Won't be using this platform much longer if this continues.
Impossible to cancel
I have been being charged for MONTHS and I don’t even have a subscription. It’s pulling my Apple Pay, I have no subscription with them to cancel, they have no phone number that works and their customer support email has had no response. Don’t get sucked in. There’s plenty of free groups for whatever you’re looking for.
Look elsewhere
This app is horrible. It inundates you with ads to pay its sub fee which destroy any kind of decent user experience. They charge both the group and the users an extremely high fee - it wants $40/month for the individual and somewhere around $300/yr for the group. I would have happily paid $1-2/month for some extra features for my group, but this is insane. Facebook does this all for free.
Ads now open without being clicked
Listen I understand that an business needs to make money. Meetup’s huge change to hide so much of its content behind a paywall is very unfortunate and makes it a drag to use having to constantly x out of a screen telling you about the benefits of meetup+.
That being said, it was still functional as far as being able to sign up for events and new groups.
But now just clicking around in the app opens an ad that I did not click on. I’ve misclicked banners previously but this has happened over 7 times in less than 10 minutes of browsing the app, which is ridiculous.
I’m going to browse the website version for now, maybe I’ll redownload the app once they decide that forcing users to click ads isn’t a reasonable feature.
That being said, it was still functional as far as being able to sign up for events and new groups.
But now just clicking around in the app opens an ad that I did not click on. I’ve misclicked banners previously but this has happened over 7 times in less than 10 minutes of browsing the app, which is ridiculous.
I’m going to browse the website version for now, maybe I’ll redownload the app once they decide that forcing users to click ads isn’t a reasonable feature.
Spam
It is prettier but when are they going to get rid of all the SPAM messages? It seems like that’s all I get these days.
Can’t login
I’ve tried every way possible to log in with app or website. No matter what it goes back to the app login page with no error. Trash service.
Lousy user interface
Annoying user interface for managing recurring meetings. Not easy to use.
Customer Support is being outsourced to AI. Do not use this App
I paid $300 for a year-long organizer subscription, but I lost my account access before the year was over. I tried to locate a phone number for customer support, but the only option was to submit a request. The response I received was an AI-generated canned response about requesting a refund, with no attempt to help me regain account access. I finally was able to contact what I assume was a human, who gave me the same canned response about a refund, with no attempt to restore my access. If I pay $300 for a subscription, I should have easy access to responsive and HUMAN customer support.
App Updates are Not friendly for event organizers
Meetup organizer functionality is recently combined with the meetup app which makes a lot of sense. However, lots of the functionality for event organizers are no longer available (eg duplicate/copy a past event for creating a new event, rsvp timestamps…etc) the updates are horrible.
Bring the organizer app back!
Bring the organizer app back!
So complicated
Why is it so flipping hard to login to Meetup. I've been a member forever. Why so many?
Blah
Downloaded this in hopes of meeting others with similar interests, especially since I’m new to the area I just moved to. But was instantly disappointed when I realized you have to pay a ridiculous price monthly. I’m so tired of idiotic companies charging for everything, even when you just looking to make friends. I’m not a very out going person so it’s hard to just randomly meet people for me. Why I had hope this would allow me to find others that have similar interests, I’m sure that would have helped. Anyways I don’t recommend this or anything that profits of people just looking for friends or ways to just get out and meet
app hard. use for baby boomer
I can't get an event that is no longer available deleted from this new app
Too may fake admin
Meetup is allowing too many fake admins to take over regional meet ups and no one shows up
Pay $10 a week now!?
I used to use this app, when I first moved to my area, and now that my kids are going off to college, I’m trying to reconnect with my community. However, it’s absolutely ridiculous that the app is requiring I pay $10 a week, in order to even do anything on the app.
Clumsy App Greedy Company
Meetup used to be great 5-6 years ago under older owners but it goes from bad to worse with each change of ownership. Now they have ads cluttering the interface and they make you buy more features every time you try interact with the app.
Login is broken
Won’t let me log in to the app or sign up with ANY of the available providers. Worthless
Deleted it twice already
Unfortunately, one of the groups I’m in only operates here, so I’m stuck keeping the app just to get notifications. It’s basically lost its purpose for me. You’d think charging the organizers would be enough, but instead they’re going after everyone-even free users. Not a fan.
Questionable Automated system & customer service
Within 10 minutes I had made an account, then my account had been "disabled for spam or inappropriate behavior." I didn't even have a chance to do anything outside of the account set-up.
I emailed the service team, which an IA said that I have to wait for a Moderation Review that "may involve automated systems, human review, or a combination of both." And was asked to reply to that email for further review.
So the AI wrongly disabled my account, said the AI needs to review it, and to reply back to the AI to get a different review.
I emailed the service team, which an IA said that I have to wait for a Moderation Review that "may involve automated systems, human review, or a combination of both." And was asked to reply to that email for further review.
So the AI wrongly disabled my account, said the AI needs to review it, and to reply back to the AI to get a different review.
Cancel subscription
I’m trying to cancel my subscription but every time I try, it tells me I don’t have one. Yet every month I’m charged. WTH???
App Crashes When Joining Waitlist
Can’t join a meetup event because the sign up/ waitlist button causes the app to close.
Login issues
I am unable to login. I attempt to follow all of their articles, explaining what I need to do and none of it works. I reached out and they just repeat everything that the articles say. Should not have to open this in incognito mode or have to turn off all the ad blockers. It’s amazing how other apps sure seem to be able to make it work. This app sure is complicated compared to others. Waste of time
Oh No Way!
Grabbed it, installed, set up (with intense personal information gathering that made me very uncomfortable), then told SURPRISE! You're getting a free week trial, then like $40/month?!? Sorry- meeting with strangers for mediocre awkward activities is NOT worth that!
Scam
This is nothing but Eventbrite. Which is great but after the trial they do not honor cancellations. Apple as a whole need to do better with regulations regarding so. $10/week is absolutely ridiculous in the first place. Take away transparency and you have yourself a classic scam.
Bending Spoons killed the app
Good example of greed and money grab. I witnessed 12 groups with 200+ members each leaving meetup and it’s my time to go. The app is dead just like their owners for what was a good missing in early years of meetup
Was charged for no reason
I downloaded the app and selected the free trial option just to get a feel of the app. After setting up my account, I was instantly charged $31 out of nowhere.
I contacted their customer service, requesting a refund, so now we play the waiting game I guess.
I contacted their customer service, requesting a refund, so now we play the waiting game I guess.
Can’t really do anything without paying
Making somebody pay to create a group in event is ridiculous. Part of why the app is not as successful as it could be is due to the lack of groups and events. The people who want to make events in groups are the people who are actually drawing new people to download this app so why would you make them pay to do that?
Costs are out of control
It shouldn’t cost anywhere near $300 to host a basic group. Also, basic features like messaging shouldn’t be behind a Meetup+ subscription.
gone downhill, do better!
Meetup used to be such an accessible and wonderful app to meet people & get out. They’re strayed away from their core values and consumed by corporate greed. Now, every other click, it’s prompting a paywall and reminding you that over half the app is restricted unless you pay for a subscription, which is absurd and frustrating. What do you mean I have to PAY to see who else is attending an event? What a terrible way to take this app.
UNSUBSCRIBE
I hate when companies resubscribe you to their email list after you haven’t used the app in a while. I WAS indifferent but NOW I’m annoyed and leaving a bad review
Crashalot app
Version 2026.03.23 for Apple iPhone crashes constantly. It’s unusable.
Deleted app
40$ a month? Are you guys insane?! Netflix doesn’t even charge 20! Amazon prime doesn’t charge 40 a month. What an absolute scam.
Rip off
I had taken a hiatus from the app then recently decided to give it a try again. I was super confused that now there’s a subscription fee.
Can't use this without outrageous monthly subscription price
It's almost $15 a month just to use this app. That's more than streaming! Who even knows what you would get for that? You might not even use it one month and just wasted $15! Deleted app.
Be careful
I thought this site would be safe. I was looking for others to do things with. From shot hikes to movies. To meet new friends. I just moved to the area. I thought I was texting with people with the same interests. Only to get scammed by who doesn’t exist. Very disappointed in this app. I thought it was well controlled. I’m sick of all these false people. I’m done trying. No place is safe anymore
The New subscription is obnoxious
The New subscription is obnoxious, and the app is super restrictive now if you don’t subscribe. I’d recommend looking for alternatives today. Let this app die.
From Gold to Garbage
This app used to be great for making friends around town. Now, high subscription prices and Organizer costs have killed every social group I used to be involved with.
My friend and I ran a successful social group in our small TN town for over 3 years. Having an app to handle much of the logistics made event planning a breeze. Then rising subscription costs and an obvious push to monetize every little aspect of the app killed our modest operation. This app used to be the gold standard. Now it’s just garbage.
My friend and I ran a successful social group in our small TN town for over 3 years. Having an app to handle much of the logistics made event planning a breeze. Then rising subscription costs and an obvious push to monetize every little aspect of the app killed our modest operation. This app used to be the gold standard. Now it’s just garbage.
Doesn’t sync to calendar
Meetup used to always automatically add my events to my calendar but now it doesn’t even though I have it set to automatically add to calendar. Life is very busy, and I need these to automatically add to my calendar so that I can actually attend Meetup events.
Meetup plans Description
Very vague descriptions of plan levels, advantages. Explanation of why pay if not an organizer. Lousy customer service.
Meetup’s Greed will Be its Undoing!
Meetup, I have been a member and organizer of groups for quite a few years now.
But you are about to lose us to literally any other platform we can find. You’re pushing Meetup Pro to me is becoming so pervasive…(today I can’t even figure out how to get past the “offer” to try it to see my groups!😡)…that I’m just DONE!
And my members constantly are panicking that they can’t figure out how to see their groups or rsvp for events without signing up for Meetup Plus, which they can’t afford. Or else they accidentally sign up for the free trial (that they did NOT want…and are calling me to try and help them figure out how to cancel it…which, I never CAN!!
You used to be a great app and service. NOT ANY MORE!
But you are about to lose us to literally any other platform we can find. You’re pushing Meetup Pro to me is becoming so pervasive…(today I can’t even figure out how to get past the “offer” to try it to see my groups!😡)…that I’m just DONE!
And my members constantly are panicking that they can’t figure out how to see their groups or rsvp for events without signing up for Meetup Plus, which they can’t afford. Or else they accidentally sign up for the free trial (that they did NOT want…and are calling me to try and help them figure out how to cancel it…which, I never CAN!!
You used to be a great app and service. NOT ANY MORE!
New Features are glitchy
I redownloaded the app and everything is extremely glitchy. I can barely use anything without the app spazzing out. Certain features are limited now and everything has to be paid. It’s getting worse unfortunately and I really the idea of connecting with new people…
Membership
I was charged $9.99 for a membership fee and l do not show/see any membership.
Scam, No refunds
Missing refunds capability
Lost access to organizer status
You guys should never have a feature like this I made a group and got around 200 members in less than a year postponed it due to weather and now I can’t get access anymore and you say to talk to the person that they automatically put in charge of my old group and I can’t talk to them either because they are not available anywhere I don’t even know the person so I lost pretty much everything I worked for your customer service is terrible. You’re not helping me at all so it looks like I’m gonna lose everything that I have built for my group. The new organizer hasn’t touched it at all since I told everyone we have to wait till warmer weather to start it up again this was my group and you are not helping me get access back I will tell everybody I know personally to write a review to make sure you eventually see this because it is so hard to get anyone to respond
old euchre player
cost way too much for our group to pay
+ 37 more in the clipboard copy
Sentiment summary
94%
Positive (4-5★)
3%
Neutral (3★)
3%
Negative (1-2★)