# Ripples vs Backbar

The clearest difference is rating: Backbar at 3.6 against Ripples's 3.0. Backbar also leads on review sentiment (60% vs 27%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). Ripples's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ratings volume, 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.

Backbar holds the better App Store score, 3.6 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 20 and 33 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 27% of Ripples's written reviews are positive against 60% of Backbar's.

Ripples ships an update every 2 months, Backbar every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and July 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ripples | Backbar |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ripples-drink-personalization/id1067750519/reviews) | **[3.6 (33 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backbar/id1461796151/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 20 | **33** |
| Positive reviews | 26.7% of reviews | **60.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 65 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Steam CC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067633298) | [Backbar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1461796150) |

## What reviewers say

### Ripples

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ripples-drink-personalization/id1067750519)

Manage drink designs, order supplies, and access expert guidance for a drink printer. Create custom mobile sites for customer creations and learn tips to enhance print quality. Designed for on-the-go teams in bars and cafes.

**Highlights:** Manage drink designs, Order supplies, Create custom mobile sites, Access expert guidance, Upload and schedule content, Restock cartridges and accessories

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Backbar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backbar/id1461796151)

This application streamlines bar and restaurant management by simplifying inventory counting, vendor purchasing, and menu costing. It helps reduce costs and improve efficiency for beverage programs. Features include real-time syncing across devices, barcode scanning, and integration with over 1,300 beverage suppliers.

**Highlights:** Real-time inventory syncing, Barcode scanning for products, Streamlined vendor purchasing, Menu costing and pricing optimization, Digital invoice management, Staff education on beverages

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ripples free?

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

### Is Backbar free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Ripples or Backbar?

Backbar is rated higher. Ripples averages 3.0 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while Backbar averages 3.6 from 33 ratings.

### Do Ripples or Backbar have ads?

Backbar shows ads; Ripples does not.

### Which is updated more often, Ripples or Backbar?

Ripples ships an update every 2 months, and Backbar every 3 weeks. Most recently, Ripples was updated on September 9, 2026 and Backbar on July 26, 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.*