# The Handle Bar Virtual vs Backyard Boston

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Handle Bar Virtual | Backyard Boston |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-handle-bar-virtual/id6474221015/reviews)** | [4.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backyard-boston/id6740310250/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | **Every 10 months** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 141 MB | 121 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [The Handle Bar Management Co LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1721083031) | [Sutra Fitness, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/914371834) |

## What reviewers say

### The Handle Bar Virtual

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-handle-bar-virtual/id6474221015)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Unlimited | $229.00 | per month |


### Backyard Boston

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backyard-boston/id6740310250)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


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