6 Best Coworking Apps for Remote Workers and Freelancers

Finding a professional place to work shouldn't require a twelve-month lease or a stack of expense reports. Yet for remote workers and freelancers, the options have traditionally been limited: commit to a single coworking space, or cobble together day passes across multiple providers.

Coworking apps change this equation. They let you search, book, and check into flexible workspaces (hot desks, meeting rooms, private offices) across hundreds of cities from a single platform. This guide compares the six best coworking apps available today, covering what each does well, where they fall short, and how to choose the right one for how you actually work.

What is a coworking app

If you're searching for a coworking app, you're likely looking for a way to book workspace (hot desks, meeting rooms, private offices) without signing a lease or managing multiple memberships. A coworking app is a mobile or web platform that lets you search for, reserve, and check into flexible workspaces on demand.

This is different from coworking management software, which space operators use to run their facilities. It's also different from virtual coworking tools like Focusmate, which provide accountability sessions rather than physical workspace.

The core problem a coworking app solves is straightforward: you want a professional place to work, but you don't want the commitment of a traditional office. Freelancers use coworking apps to escape home distractions. Remote employees use them when their company doesn't have a local office. Distributed teams use them to meet in person without maintaining expensive real estate.

Most coworking apps share a few key capabilities:

• Search and discovery: Browse spaces by city, neighborhood, or specific amenities like phone booths, printing, or pet-friendly policies
• On-demand booking: Reserve workspace by the hour, day, or month with instant confirmation
• Check-in and access: Enter spaces through the app rather than coordinating with front desk staff
• Payment and billing: Pay per visit or through a membership, often with options for employer reimbursement

The 6 best coworking apps at a glance

How we evaluated the best coworking apps

We looked at what actually matters when you're trying to find workspace: geographic coverage, booking flexibility, workspace variety beyond just hot desks, ease of use, and whether the app supports employer billing. Amenity filters also matter: being able to search for 24/7 access or quiet spaces saves time when you're comparing options.

1. Croissant

Croissant works well for remote workers whose employers provide workspace benefits, and for distributed teams that want one platform instead of juggling multiple coworking memberships. Unlike most coworking apps built for individuals, Croissant is designed for organizations, combining employee flexibility with centralized controls for HR and Finance teams.

Key features

Access spans 100+ cities worldwide with instant booking for hot desks, meeting rooms, and private offices. A Slack integration lets you search and book without leaving your workflow. Employer billing and spend controls come built in, and amenity filters include pet-friendly spaces, 24/7 access, quiet areas, and outdoor seating.

Pricing

Croissant offers individual memberships and team plans. Team plans include centralized billing, admin dashboards, and policy controls, eliminating expense reports for employees and giving Finance teams visibility into workspace spend.

Best for

Remote workers at companies that provide workspace stipends. Distributed teams that want one platform to manage global workspace access. Freelancers who travel frequently and want consistent access across multiple cities.

Limitations

Croissant is optimized for employer-supported workspace access, so individual freelancers paying entirely out of pocket may find simpler options. Coverage density varies by city.

2. Deskpass

Deskpass operates more like an ad-hoc booking site: you find a space, book a visit, and pay as you go, without the structure of a managed workspace program.

Key features

Coverage in 100+ cities, primarily North America. Conference room bookings alongside hot desk access. Simple mobile app for search and reservations.

Best for

Freelancers and individuals who want ad-hoc booking. Small teams without complex admin requirements.

Limitations

Team management and employer controls are less robust compared to enterprise-focused platforms. Charges a booking fee to the user.

3. LiquidSpace

LiquidSpace focuses on hourly and daily bookings with particular strength in the US market. The platform is often used for meeting rooms and private offices, not just hot desks.

Key features

Hourly, daily, and monthly booking options. Enterprise tools for larger organizations. US-centric coverage with some international locations.

Best for

Professionals who frequently book meeting rooms for client calls or interviews. US-based remote workers and enterprise teams.

Limitations

Limited international coverage. The interface can feel dated compared to newer apps.

4. WeWork On Demand

WeWork On Demand provides access to WeWork's premium branded spaces without a membership commitment. You pay by the hour or day.

Key features

Access to WeWork locations with a consistent, branded experience. Amenities like coffee, printing, and phone booths are included. Available in major metropolitan areas.

Best for

Professionals who prefer the WeWork brand and experience. Those in major cities where WeWork has strong presence.

Limitations

Higher cost than independent spaces. Limited to WeWork locations only, which reduces variety.

5. Coworker

Coworker functions as a discovery and directory platform rather than a unified booking network. You browse spaces, read reviews, then book directly with each space.

Key features

Global directory of coworking spaces with community reviews and ratings. Free to browse and search.

Best for

Freelancers researching coworking options in a new city. Those who prefer to book directly with spaces and don't mind managing multiple relationships.

Limitations

No unified booking or payment: you manage each space separately. No centralized billing for employers.

6. Regus

Regus is the traditional, global office provider with a coworking app for day passes and access. The company has been around longer than most competitors in the flexible workspace market.

Key features

Worldwide network of business centers and coworking spaces. Day passes and membership options. Meeting rooms and virtual office services.

Best for

Business travelers who want reliable workspace in almost any city. Professionals who prefer traditional office environments over trendy coworking spaces.

Limitations

Spaces can feel more corporate than creative. The app experience is functional but not as modern as newer competitors.

What to look for in a coworking app

Real-time booking and availability

Instant confirmation matters. The app displays live availability and confirms your booking immediately, with no back-and-forth emails or waiting for approval.

City and country coverage

Match the app's network to where you actually work or travel. More cities means more flexibility, but local density matters too. An app with thousands of spaces but none near you isn't useful.

Meeting rooms and private offices

Some apps focus only on hot desks. If you regularly host client meetings or want private space for focused work, check that the app supports meeting rooms and private offices as workspace types.

Employer billing and expense controls

For remote workers whose companies pay for workspace, look for apps that support centralized billing, spending limits, and admin dashboards. Centralized billing eliminates expense reports and reimbursement delays. Croissant is purpose-built for employer-supported workspace access.

How much do coworking apps cost

Pricing varies by model and location. Workspace in New York costs more than workspace in Austin. The three main pricing models:

• Pay-per-visit: Book and pay for individual sessions. Works well for occasional users who work from coworking spaces a few times per month.
• Monthly credits or memberships: Pay a flat monthly fee for a set number of visits or credits. Works well for regular users who want predictable costs.
• Team and enterprise plans: Employer pays for team-wide access with admin controls. Works well for distributed companies managing workspace for multiple employees.

How to choose the right coworking app

1. Define how often you work outside your home

Occasional users (a few times per month) may prefer pay-per-visit. Regular users benefit from monthly memberships. Estimate your usage before committing.

2. Map the cities you actually work in

Check that the app has good coverage in your primary city and any cities you travel to frequently.

3. Test the app before committing

Most apps let you browse spaces before signing up. Book a single session to test the experience: ease of booking, check-in process, and workspace quality.

Coworking apps for distributed teams and employers

Most coworking apps are designed for individuals. Distributed companies face a different challenge: how do you give employees workspace access without managing dozens of expense reports, vendor relationships, and reimbursement requests?

What HR, Finance, and Workplace teams typically look for:

• Centralized billing: One invoice instead of dozens of employee expense reports
• Policy controls: Rules for who can book, what types of spaces, and spending limits
• Usage reporting: Visibility into how workspace is being used across the organization
• Global coverage: Employees in different cities all access workspace through one platform

Croissant is built specifically for employer-supported workspace access, combining employee flexibility with enterprise-grade controls.

Frequently asked questions about coworking apps

Is there a free coworking app?

Most coworking apps are free to download and browse, but you pay for the workspace itself. Coworker lets you search for free and book directly with spaces.

Can I book a coworking space by the hour?

Yes. Apps like LiquidSpace and WeWork On Demand specialize in hourly access, particularly for meeting rooms.

Do coworking apps include meeting rooms and private offices?

Most offer more than just hot desks. Look for apps that let you filter by workspace type.

Which coworking app has the best international coverage?

Coverage varies by app. Croissant, Deskpass, and Regus offer access in 100+ cities across multiple countries. Check each app's location map for your specific cities.

Can my employer pay for coworking through an app?

Yes. Apps like Croissant are designed for employer-paid workspace access, with centralized billing and admin controls.

What is the difference between a coworking app and a coworking membership?

A coworking membership typically gives you access to one space or one operator's network. A coworking app connects you to multiple independent spaces across different cities and operators, often with more flexible booking options.