# NPT Backyard vs Trex AR

NPT Backyard and Trex AR both sit at 3.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 43% of NPT Backyard's written reviews are positive against 6% of Trex AR's. NPT Backyard also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Trex AR's advantage is ratings volume (722 vs 101) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Trex AR holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Trex AR has 722 ratings behind it against 101, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 43% of NPT Backyard's written reviews are positive against 6% of Trex AR's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

NPT Backyard ships an update every 2 months, Trex AR every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NPT Backyard | Trex AR |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (101 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/npt-backyard/id1478178328/reviews) | **[3.9 (722 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trex-ar/id1561806489/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 101 | **722** |
| Positive reviews | **42.5% of reviews** | 5.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 117 MB | 536 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pool Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/508083385) | [Trex Co, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1496171022) |

## What reviewers say

### NPT Backyard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/npt-backyard/id1478178328)

Visualize your dream pool in your own backyard using augmented reality. This app offers stunning 4k graphics, advanced lighting, and realistic water simulations to help you design and preview your perfect pool.

**Highlights:** Augmented Reality pool visualization, 4k graphics, Realistic lighting effects, Advanced water systems, Design your dream pool

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for visualizing pool options
- 👍 Helpful for remodel planning
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 👍 Good for comparing finishes and colors
- 👍 AR view enhances visualization

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 Limited design options
- 😞 Cannot create custom pool shapes
- 😞 AR view often doesn't work
- 😞 Inaccurate rendering of water color
- 😞 App crashes frequently

**Reported bugs**

- AR doesn't work
- App crashes when viewing tiles
- App crashes frequently
- App is slow and hangs
- Water color doesn't change with plaster choices

**Requested features**

- Option to design a remodel for existing pools
- Ability to change pool dimensions within the app
- More standard pool shapes available (e.g., round spa)
- Include all pool tiles from the catalog
- Ability to drag and position the pool design in the yard


### Trex AR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trex-ar/id1561806489)

Visualize outdoor living spaces with this augmented reality tool. Explore different decking and railing options in your own environment. Design basic deck shapes, estimate square footage, and find local professionals.

**Highlights:** AR visualization of decking and railing, View entire decking portfolio, Experiment with railing pairings, Build basic deck shapes, Estimate square footage, Order samples, Find builders and retailers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great visual effects
- 👍 Handy and easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Freezes upon opening
- 🐛 Glitchy and buggy
- 👎 Not user-friendly
- 👎 Difficult to use
- 👎 Unclear how to proceed

**Reported bugs**

- Camera function doesn't work
- Can't save or restart scans
- Deck placement and sizing issues
- Crashes and freezes frequently

**Requested features**

- Allow uploading photos to build off of
- Add ability to adjust deck height and add stairs
- Improve visualization and make it more realistic
- Provide more guidance and instructions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NPT Backyard free?

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

### Is Trex AR free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NPT Backyard or Trex AR?

Trex AR is rated higher. NPT Backyard averages 3.7 out of 5 from 101 ratings, while Trex AR averages 3.9 from 722 ratings.

### Do NPT Backyard or Trex AR have ads?

Neither NPT Backyard nor Trex AR shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NPT Backyard or Trex AR?

NPT Backyard ships an update every 2 months, and Trex AR every 4 months. Most recently, NPT Backyard was updated on October 14, 2026 and Trex AR on October 20, 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.*