# The Handle Bar vs Backyard Boston

The clearest difference is update cadence: The Handle Bar at every 3 weeks against Backyard Boston's every 10 months. The Handle Bar also leads on ratings volume (1.9K vs 4) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Backyard Boston's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 80%) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, ads, 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.

The Handle Bar holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: The Handle Bar has 1.9K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of The Handle Bar's written reviews are positive against 100% of Backyard Boston's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

The Handle Bar ships an update every 3 weeks, Backyard Boston every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Handle Bar | Backyard Boston |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-handle-bar/id1458397597/reviews)** | [4.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backyard-boston/id6740310250/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.9K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 10 months |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 38 MB | 121 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Mariana Tek Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1178746980) | [Sutra Fitness, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/914371834) |

## 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


### Backyard Boston

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backyard-boston/id6740310250)

This app connects users with a fitness community and instructors in Boston. It allows you to book classes, monitor your fitness journey, and engage with fellow members. The platform emphasizes a supportive environment where hard work and presence are valued.

**Highlights:** Book fitness classes, Track fitness progress, Connect with community, Fitness instructor-created, Boston-based community focus

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Handle Bar free?

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

### Is Backyard Boston free?

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

### Which has better reviews, The Handle Bar or Backyard Boston?

The Handle Bar is rated higher. The Handle Bar averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1.9K ratings, while Backyard Boston averages 4.8 from 4 ratings.

### Do The Handle Bar or Backyard Boston have ads?

Neither The Handle Bar nor Backyard Boston shows ads.

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

The Handle Bar ships an update every 3 weeks, and Backyard Boston every 10 months. Most recently, The Handle Bar was updated on October 29, 2026 and Backyard Boston on October 28, 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.*