The Handle Bar Virtual vs Backyard Boston
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
The Handle Bar Virtual
Experience transformative workouts with signature cycling, strength, and sculpting classes. Enjoy music-synced cardio, mat-based toning, and heated infrared sessions. Classes range from 45-60 minutes and are suitable for all fitness levels.
- Signature cycling classes
- Mat-based strength training
- Heated infrared sculpting
- Vinyasa and pilates fusion
- Music-synced cardio
- Breathwork and meditation
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Elevate your fitness routine with our signature classes at Handlebar Cycling's exclusive studio. CYCLE, a heart-pounding cardio experience, syncs music and movement for a transformative ride. Engage your entire body with weighted bars, dance-inspired choreography, and interval training. STRENGTH classes, mat-based and intense, sculpt and tone with expert guidance and customizable intensity. SCULPT, heated with Infrared, combines vinyasa and pilates for a dynamic workout using resistance bands and more. FLOW, also heated, offers fluid vinyasa, breathwork, and meditation, complementing cardio and strength training. Join us for 45-60 minutes of exhilaration, accomplishment, and sweat. Instructors tailor each class for novices to experienced fitness enthusiasts, ensuring a challenging yet accessible experience. Discover the power of focused sequences, intentional playlists, and dynamic movements to unlock your full potential. Whether you're a CYCLE fanatic, strength lover, or seeking balance in FLOW, Handlebar Cycling is your destination for a holistic fitness journey. * Subscription to Handlebar CYCLE is required to view all content in the app. Please select "Join Now" in the app to subscribe. Terms of Use: https://handlebarcycling.com/terms-conditions/
Backyard Boston
This app connects users with a fitness community and instructors in Boston. It allows you to book classes, monitor your fitness journey, and engage with fellow members. The platform emphasizes a supportive environment where hard work and presence are valued.
- Book fitness classes
- Track fitness progress
- Connect with community
- Fitness instructor-created
- Boston-based community focus
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Welcome to the New Backyard Boston in Fort Point! Backyard was created by three Boston fitness instructors that strive to create a place where everyone feels seen and that serves as a second home to all. A place where GRIT meets PLAY and hard work is understood rather than repeatedly requested. A place where being there serves a greater purpose and that purpose is understood and supported by everyone else. Backyard is deeply entrenched in the Boston community and is dedicated to giving back to the very city that it serves. With the Backyard Boston app, you are able to book your classes, track your progress and connect with your community!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Backyard Boston at none against The Handle Bar Virtual's 1. The Handle Bar Virtual's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. The Handle Bar Virtual sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $229.00 per month. Backyard Boston asks for nothing beyond the download.
The Handle Bar Virtual holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 4 respectively.
The Handle Bar Virtual ships an update every 18 months, Backyard Boston every 10 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | The Handle Bar Virtual | Backyard Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | 4.8 (4 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 4 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | Every 10 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Subscription | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 16.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 141 MB | 121 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | The Handle Bar Management Co LLC | Sutra Fitness, Inc. |
Customer experience
The Handle Bar Virtual
Backyard Boston
In-app purchases
The Handle Bar Virtual
- Monthly Unlimited$229.001 Month
Backyard Boston
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is The Handle Bar Virtual free?
Is Backyard Boston free?
Which has better reviews, The Handle Bar Virtual or Backyard Boston?
Do The Handle Bar Virtual or Backyard Boston have ads?
Which is updated more often, The Handle Bar Virtual or Backyard Boston?
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