# CDL Prep vs Backflow Buddy

The clearest difference is price: CDL Prep at Free against Backflow Buddy's $1.99. CDL Prep also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.7) and review sentiment (80% vs 50%). Backflow Buddy's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

CDL Prep is free to download; Backflow Buddy costs $1.99 up front. CDL Prep sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. Backflow Buddy asks for nothing beyond the download.

CDL Prep holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CDL Prep has 3.2K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of CDL Prep's written reviews are positive against 50% of Backflow Buddy's.

CDL Prep ships an update every 3 months, Backflow Buddy fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CDL Prep | Backflow Buddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[4.6 (3.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cdl-prep-practice-test-2026/id6446039122/reviews)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backflow-buddy/id6475203858/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3.2K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **79.9% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#183** | — |
| Size | 99 MB | 258 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Best Fun Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/896888007) | [Greg Phillips](https://appshunter.io/developer/1723623593) |

## What reviewers say

### CDL Prep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cdl-prep-practice-test-2026/id6446039122)

**Currently charting:** #183 Top Grossing · Education (US App Store)

Prepare for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) exam with over 1,600 practice questions covering all essential sections. Features a personalized study plan, readiness score, and detailed explanations to help you pass on your first attempt.

**Highlights:** 1,600+ expert-written practice questions, Comprehensive CDL exam section coverage, Personalized study plan, Readiness score, Detailed explanations for questions, Flashcards, Progress tracking

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium monthly subscription | $24.99 | per month |
| Premium annual subscription | $59.99 | per year |
| Lifetime premium access | $59.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime premium access | $74.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime premium access | $89.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helpful for passing CDL tests
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 💡 Variety of test options
- 🚀 Effective for preparing for endorsements
- 👍 Explanations for answers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Some questions not matching actual test
- 🔒 Difficult to cancel subscription
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Repetitive questions

**Reported bugs**

- Unexpected charges after free trial
- Frequent prompts to leave reviews

**Requested features**

- More study materials and modules
- Better alignment with state-specific requirements
- Ability to flag/review missed questions


### Backflow Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backflow-buddy/id6475203858)

This app simulates backflow prevention devices and their testing procedures. It offers customizable water pressure simulations and quizzes to prepare users for certification exams.

**Highlights:** RPZ and Test Gauge simulation, Double Check and Test Gauge simulation, Customizable internal water pressure, Differential pressure gauge simulation, Quiz preparation with multiple lengths, Randomized industry-expert questions, Comprehensive quiz results

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CDL Prep free?

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

### Is Backflow Buddy free?

Backflow Buddy costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, CDL Prep or Backflow Buddy?

CDL Prep is rated higher. CDL Prep averages 4.6 out of 5 from 3.2K ratings, while Backflow Buddy averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do CDL Prep or Backflow Buddy have ads?

Both CDL Prep and Backflow Buddy show ads.

### Which is updated more often, CDL Prep or Backflow Buddy?

CDL Prep ships an update every 3 months, and Backflow Buddy fortnightly. Most recently, CDL Prep was updated on October 14, 2026 and Backflow Buddy on September 26, 2026.

---

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