# Chippy Tools vs Backyard

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Backyard at 100% against Chippy Tools's 55%. Backyard also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 10). Chippy Tools's advantage is ratings volume (905 vs 3). On price, update cadence, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chippy Tools sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Backyard asks for nothing beyond the download.

Backyard holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Chippy Tools has 905 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of Chippy Tools's written reviews are positive against 100% of Backyard's.

Chippy Tools ships an update every 8 days, Backyard fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chippy Tools | Backyard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (905 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chippy-tools-construction/id1579138717/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backyard-blueprints/id6765966988/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **905** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 55.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 46 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Peth Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/662891650) | [Joe Bienkowski](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896144401) |

## What reviewers say

### Chippy Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chippy-tools-construction/id1579138717)

This app simplifies complex calculations for construction professionals. It offers a variety of tools for tasks like spacing, measurements, and material estimation, helping to reduce errors and save time on job sites. Available on iPhone and iPad, it aims to be an essential tool for tradespeople.

**Highlights:** Baluster spacing calculator, Flat run attached baluster calculator, Square calculator, Concrete calculator, Stair calculator, Supports millimeters, feet, and inches

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Quarterly | $4.99 | per 3 months |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Chippy Tools Pro - Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| One Time Purchase | $85.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Quick and efficient
- 💡 Useful construction tools
- 🙌 Great for DIY projects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Confusing interface
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Inaccurate calculations
- 🔒 Difficult to cancel subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Square check feature not working
- Measurements disappear after partial use

**Requested features**

- Add more construction-related calculators
- Improve stair and rafter tools
- Include material quantity estimations
- Add support for metric and imperial units


### Backyard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backyard-blueprints/id6765966988)

Design and visualize your ideal shed with this tool. It offers 3D previews, instant templates, and detailed framing views. Generate accurate material lists and customize every aspect of your shed design.

**Highlights:** 3D Real-Time Preview, Instant Shed Templates, Smart Framing View, Layer Controls, Accurate Materials List, Customizable Design Elements, Works Offline

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chippy Tools free?

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

### Is Backyard free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Chippy Tools or Backyard?

Backyard is rated higher. Chippy Tools averages 4.5 out of 5 from 905 ratings, while Backyard averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Chippy Tools or Backyard have ads?

Neither Chippy Tools nor Backyard shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Chippy Tools or Backyard?

Chippy Tools ships an update every 8 days, and Backyard fortnightly. Most recently, Chippy Tools was updated on October 16, 2026 and Backyard on October 6, 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.*