# iScape vs NPT Backyard

The clearest difference is rating: iScape at 4.6 against NPT Backyard's 3.7. iScape also leads on ratings volume (29K vs 101) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). NPT Backyard's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. iScape sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. NPT Backyard asks for nothing beyond the download.

iScape holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iScape has 29K ratings behind it against 101, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 24% of iScape's written reviews are positive against 43% of NPT Backyard's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

iScape ships an update every 3 weeks, NPT Backyard every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iScape | NPT Backyard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (29K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iscape-landscape-design/id439688430/reviews)** | [3.7 (101 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/npt-backyard/id1478178328/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **29K** | 101 |
| Positive reviews | 24.0% of reviews | **42.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#78** | — |
| Size | 126 MB | 117 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [iScape Holdings Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1325084212) | [Pool Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/508083385) |

## What reviewers say

### iScape

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iscape-landscape-design/id439688430)

**Currently charting:** #78 Top Grossing · Lifestyle (US App Store)

Design beautiful outdoor living spaces with this powerful landscape planning tool. Visualize your dream yard using 2D or 3D augmented reality, and easily share your vision with professionals or family. Streamline the entire process from design to purchase.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality (3D) and 2D design, Virtual object insertion, Project visualization, Design sharing and collaboration, Product and item inventory, Proposal generation for professionals

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LIMITED Pro Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Plus Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Pro Monthly | $29.99 | per month |
| LIMITED Pro Monthly | $29.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $299.99 | per year |
| LIMITED Pro Yearly | $299.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🤩 Great for visualizing landscape designs
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 💡 Helpful for communicating ideas to clients
- 🤖 Useful AR functionality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 🔒 Limited free features
- 🌱 Lacking variety in plant/landscape options
- 🤔 Difficult to manipulate objects accurately

**Reported bugs**

- Designs not saving properly
- AR functionality not working as expected
- Slow loading times for content
- Compatibility issues with certain devices

**Requested features**

- More customization options for layouts and designs
- Ability to save and share designs
- Integration with plant databases for specific regions
- Improved performance and stability


### 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iScape free?

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

### Is NPT Backyard free?

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

### Which has better reviews, iScape or NPT Backyard?

iScape is rated higher. iScape averages 4.6 out of 5 from 29K ratings, while NPT Backyard averages 3.7 from 101 ratings.

### Do iScape or NPT Backyard have ads?

iScape shows ads; NPT Backyard does not.

### Which is updated more often, iScape or NPT Backyard?

iScape ships an update every 3 weeks, and NPT Backyard every 2 months. Most recently, iScape was updated on October 28, 2026 and NPT Backyard on October 23, 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.*