Backflow Buddy vs SPARK NEC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Backflow Buddy
This app simulates backflow prevention devices and their testing procedures. It offers customizable water pressure simulations and quizzes to prepare users for certification exams.
- 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
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Backflow Buddy was designed to be a teaching tool for instructors and a learning tool for anyone interested in back flow prevention assemblies and how they are tested. Features include: - Simulation of RPZ and Test Gauge - Simulation of Double Check and Test Gauge Imagine seeing what is happening inside a backflow device as water moves through it. The water pressure in different portions of the device is fully customizable, allowing users to simulate a failing check valve or even back siphonage. Simulators include working accurate differential pressure gauges that can be hooked up to the devices. -Quiz Prep Prepare yourself for upcoming exams. With three quiz length options, you can test your self on a variety of backflow subjects. Questions created by industry leaders and educators. Randomized questions with comprehensive results at the end of each quiz, to help see what you're missing.
SPARK NEC
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SPARK NEC is an copilot for electricians on the field. Snap a photo of electrical work, get an instant NEC code check with pass/fail verdicts and cited references. Apprentices submit inspections, journeymen review and sign off. Every correction improves the AI.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: SPARK NEC at Free against Backflow Buddy's $1.99. SPARK NEC also leads on ads (none vs shown). Backflow Buddy's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.1). On update cadence, in-app purchases and device support 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
SPARK NEC is free to download; Backflow Buddy costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Backflow Buddy ships an update fortnightly, SPARK NEC every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Backflow Buddy | SPARK NEC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 3.7 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Every 8 days — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 258 MB | 33 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Greg Phillips | Kayla Comalli |
In-app purchases
Backflow Buddy
No in-app purchases
SPARK NEC
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Backflow Buddy free?
Is SPARK NEC free?
Do Backflow Buddy or SPARK NEC have ads?
Which is updated more often, Backflow Buddy or SPARK NEC?
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