# Playbook vs The DB Method

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Playbook at 79% against The DB Method's 25%. Playbook also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.7) and ratings volume (37K vs 21). The DB Method's advantage is monetization model (freemium vs subscription) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Playbook sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month and The DB Method sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Playbook holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Playbook has 37K ratings behind it against 21, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of Playbook's written reviews are positive against 25% of The DB Method's.

Playbook ships an update every 4 days, The DB Method every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Playbook | The DB Method |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (37K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playbook-trainers-and-workouts/id1107266414/reviews)** | [3.7 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-db-method/id1535872361/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **37K** | 21 |
| Positive reviews | **79.2% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Freemium** |
| Best chart rank | **#174** | — |
| Size | 171 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Playbook Technologies Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1079309001) | [Fitness Cubed Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1038009194) |

## What reviewers say

### Playbook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playbook-trainers-and-workouts/id1107266414)

**Currently charting:** #174 Top Free · Health & Fitness (US App Store)

Access thousands of workouts and classes from top fitness influencers, trainers, and athletes. Support your favorite creators directly with your subscription. Workout at home, at the gym, or while traveling with offline downloads and live streaming options.

**Highlights:** Creator-supported workouts, Thousands of classes and programs, Direct communication with creators, Offline workout downloads, Live streaming classes, Wellness guides (nutrition, mindset), Progress tracking

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Playbook Premium | $14.99 | per month |
| Playbook Premium | $14.99 | per month |
| Playbook Premium | $39.99 | per 3 months |
| Playbook Premium | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💪 Challenging and effective workouts
- 🙌 Variety of trainers and workout styles
- 📈 Helpful for tracking progress
- 🤩 Motivating and inspiring content
- 🤖 Easy to use and navigate

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Inconsistent customer support
- 🔍 Difficulty finding specific workouts
- 🧠 Lack of customization options
- 💳 Unexpected charges and subscription issues
- 🔌 Technical issues with the app

**Reported bugs**

- Videos not loading or playing correctly
- Workout data not syncing or saving properly
- Login and account management problems

**Requested features**

- Weight and rep tracking
- Nutrition and meal planning integration
- More video angles and exercise demonstrations
- Ability to create custom workout routines


### The DB Method

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-db-method/id1535872361)

Achieve your glute goals with guided, at-home workouts. This app offers dynamic classes and challenges designed for effective booty building and strengthening, led by expert trainers. Track progress and plan workouts to sculpt your physique.

**Highlights:** Booty-lifting workouts, Dynamic classes and challenges, Expert trainer guidance, Track achievements, Save classes for later, Plan at-home workouts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Access | $9.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 💪 Amazing workouts
- 🤩 Great machine
- 👍 User-friendly app layout
- 🎯 Programs are well-designed
- 💯 Variety of workout programs

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ App doesn't work
- 💸 Subscription too expensive
- 🤷 Limited workout selection
- 🚫 Cannot access premium content
- 👎 Poor customer service

**Reported bugs**

- App doesn't show anything
- App won't link with computer subscription
- Premium content won't play
- App crashes when starting workout
- App closes seconds after opening

**Requested features**

- Add more free workouts
- Improve casting support (Airplay, Chromecast)
- Add search functionality for workouts
- Allow streaming of own music with instructor directions
- Integrate with Apple Health and activity tracking


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Playbook free?

Playbook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is The DB Method free?

The DB Method is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Playbook or The DB Method?

Playbook is rated higher. Playbook averages 4.9 out of 5 from 37K ratings, while The DB Method averages 3.7 from 21 ratings.

### Do Playbook or The DB Method have ads?

Neither Playbook nor The DB Method shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Playbook or The DB Method?

Playbook ships an update every 4 days, and The DB Method every 3 weeks. Most recently, Playbook was updated on October 26, 2026 and The DB Method 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.*