# AFL Virtual Buddy vs QL Local

The clearest difference is update cadence: AFL Virtual Buddy at every 2 months against QL Local's every 7 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

AFL Virtual Buddy ships an update every 2 months, QL Local every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AFL Virtual Buddy | QL Local |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ql-local/id6754659465/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 180 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AFL](https://appshunter.io/developer/859245049) | [APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS, INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1849453110) |

## What reviewers say

### AFL Virtual Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/afl-virtual-buddy/id6550911216)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### QL Local

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ql-local/id6754659465)

This app provides field technicians with precise control over HFC network devices. It enables on-site diagnostics, firmware management, and troubleshooting without disrupting network operations. Technicians can securely access device data, push updates, and monitor network performance through a user-friendly mobile interface.

**Highlights:** Localized device access, Real-time diagnostics, Firmware updates, Configuration management, Ingress and power monitoring, Asset validation

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AFL Virtual Buddy free?

AFL Virtual Buddy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is QL Local free?

QL Local is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do AFL Virtual Buddy or QL Local have ads?

Neither AFL Virtual Buddy nor QL Local shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AFL Virtual Buddy or QL Local?

AFL Virtual Buddy ships an update every 2 months, and QL Local every 7 months. Most recently, AFL Virtual Buddy was updated on October 9, 2026 and QL Local on October 12, 2026.

---

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