Comparison

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.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Signature cycling classes
  • Mat-based strength training
  • Heated infrared sculpting
  • Vinyasa and pilates fusion
  • Music-synced cardio
  • Breathwork and meditation
Features
Read full description

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/

About

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.

Highlights
  • Book fitness classes
  • Track fitness progress
  • Connect with community
  • Fitness instructor-created
  • Boston-based community focus
Features
Read full description

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

The Handle Bar Virtual4 screens
Backyard Boston4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

The Handle Bar Virtual ships an update every 18 months, Backyard Boston every 10 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
The Handle Bar Virtual versus Backyard Boston: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe Handle Bar VirtualBackyard Boston
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better4.8 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings24 — better
Update frequencyEvery 18 monthsEvery 10 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationSubscriptionFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size141 MB121 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperThe Handle Bar Management Co LLCSutra Fitness, Inc.

Customer experience

The Handle Bar Virtual

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Backyard Boston

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

The Handle Bar Virtual

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly Unlimited$229.001 Month
None

Backyard Boston

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is The Handle Bar Virtual free?
The Handle Bar Virtual is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Backyard Boston free?
Backyard Boston is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, The Handle Bar Virtual or Backyard Boston?
The Handle Bar Virtual is rated higher. The Handle Bar Virtual averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Backyard Boston averages 4.8 from 4 ratings.
Do The Handle Bar Virtual or Backyard Boston have ads?
Neither The Handle Bar Virtual nor Backyard Boston shows ads.
Which is updated more often, The Handle Bar Virtual or Backyard Boston?
The Handle Bar Virtual ships an update every 18 months, and Backyard Boston every 10 months. Most recently, The Handle Bar Virtual was updated on October 24, 2026 and Backyard Boston on October 24, 2026.

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