# Lactate Express vs Virtual Backyard Ultra

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Virtual Backyard Ultra at none against Lactate Express's 4. Virtual Backyard Ultra also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lactate Express sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. Virtual Backyard Ultra asks for nothing beyond the download.

Lactate Express ships an update every 3 weeks, Virtual Backyard Ultra every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lactate Express | Virtual Backyard Ultra |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 37.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 133 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.5** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [COPAtec GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/890381257) | [Cow Cow Technologies LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/924502488) |

## What reviewers say

### Lactate Express

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lactate-express/id1671640113)

This app provides precise lactate step-test data capture and analysis for endurance athletes and performance diagnosticians. It computes thresholds using scientifically recognized models and generates clear training zones, eliminating the need for manual spreadsheets. Professional reports can be generated and shared easily.

**Highlights:** Lactate step-test data capture, Bluetooth sensor integration, Multiple threshold analysis models, Automatic training zone calculation, Branded PDF report generation, Test comparison and trend tracking, Athlete roster management

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Teams (Monthly) | $24.99 | per month |
| Professionals (1 Month) | $44.99 | per month |
| Teams (Yearly) | $250.00 | per year |
| Professionals (Yearly) | $399.00 | per year |


### Virtual Backyard Ultra

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-backyard-ultra/id6782910631)

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lactate Express free?

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

### Is Virtual Backyard Ultra free?

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

### Do Lactate Express or Virtual Backyard Ultra have ads?

Neither Lactate Express nor Virtual Backyard Ultra shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lactate Express or Virtual Backyard Ultra?

Lactate Express ships an update every 3 weeks, and Virtual Backyard Ultra every 6 days. Most recently, Lactate Express was updated on October 12, 2026 and Virtual Backyard Ultra on October 7, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*