# The Handle Bar vs The Handle Bar Virtual

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: The Handle Bar at none against The Handle Bar Virtual's 1. The Handle Bar also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 18 months) and ratings volume (1.9K vs 2). The Handle Bar Virtual's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, rating and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Handle Bar Virtual sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $229.00 per month. The Handle Bar asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for The Handle Bar against 5.0 for The Handle Bar Virtual. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: The Handle Bar has 1.9K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

The Handle Bar ships an update every 3 weeks, The Handle Bar Virtual every 18 months. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Handle Bar | The Handle Bar Virtual |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-handle-bar/id1458397597/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-handle-bar-virtual/id6474221015/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.9K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 18 months |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Subscription |
| Size | 38 MB | 141 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Mariana Tek Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1178746980) | [The Handle Bar Management Co LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1721083031) |

## What reviewers say

### The Handle Bar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-handle-bar/id1458397597)

Easily book your indoor cycling class with a few taps. View the schedule, purchase credits, and reserve your preferred seat quickly and conveniently.

**Highlights:** View class schedule, Purchase credits, Select seat, Easy booking, Indoor cycling

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Handle Bar Virtual

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-handle-bar-virtual/id6474221015)

Experience transformative workouts with signature cycling, strength, and sculpting classes. Enjoy music-synced cardio, mat-based toning, and heated infrared sessions. Classes range from 45-60 minutes and are suitable for all fitness levels.

**Highlights:** Signature cycling classes, Mat-based strength training, Heated infrared sculpting, Vinyasa and pilates fusion, Music-synced cardio, Breathwork and meditation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Unlimited | $229.00 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Handle Bar free?

The Handle Bar is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is The Handle Bar Virtual free?

The Handle Bar Virtual is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, The Handle Bar or The Handle Bar Virtual?

The Handle Bar Virtual is rated higher. The Handle Bar averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1.9K ratings, while The Handle Bar Virtual averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do The Handle Bar or The Handle Bar Virtual have ads?

Neither The Handle Bar nor The Handle Bar Virtual shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Handle Bar or The Handle Bar Virtual?

The Handle Bar ships an update every 3 weeks, and The Handle Bar Virtual every 18 months. Most recently, The Handle Bar was updated on November 9, 2026 and The Handle Bar Virtual on November 4, 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.*