Comparison

System Design interview prep vs Database Design Basics

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

System Design interview prep

This app simulates system design interviews with an AI interrogator and interactive scenarios. Practice real-world architecture problems, receive instant feedback, and track your progress to ace your next tech interview.

Highlights
  • Interactive War Room for architecture scenarios
  • AI Interrogator challenges design decisions
  • Realistic system design interview questions
  • Daily practice drills for skill sharpening
  • Detailed performance analytics
  • Instant feedback and best practice learning
Features
Read full description

ArchSim is the ultimate training ground for software engineers preparing for system design interviews. Forget passive reading—ArchSim puts you in the driver’s seat of a high-stakes engineering simulation with a fast, value-first onboarding and a 60‑second drill preview to get you into the action quickly. Key Features: Interactive War Room: Solve real-world architecture scenarios in a dynamic environment. Define requirements, estimate capacity, and design your system component by component. AI Interrogator: Face off against an intelligent Prep AI that challenges your decisions, asks follow-up questions, and probes for weaknesses in your design. Realistic Scenarios: Tackle classic and modern interview questions like “Design a URL Shortener” and “Design a Social Network.” Perfect for your job search. Daily Drills: Short 5–10 minute practice sessions to build fundamentals, track streaks, and sharpen core skills. Detailed Analytics: Track your performance, identify knowledge gaps, and monitor your improvement over time with comprehensive metrics. Debrief & Learn: Get instant feedback on your design choices and learn best practices for scalability, reliability, and maintainability. Whether you are a junior developer or a staff engineer, ArchSim provides the practice you need to ace your next tech interview and land your dream job. ----------- Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. Terms of Use: https://calico-magnolia-61e.notion.site/archsim-terms-of-use-2c6 Privacy Policy: https://calico-magnolia-61e.notion.site/archsim-privacy-policy-2c

About

Database Design Basics

Features
Read full description

Database Design Basics is an independent study app for building real database design skills through focused practice. It includes 160 explanation-rich questions across Fundamentals, Practical Skills, Common Pitfalls, and Advanced Concepts. Whether you are a student, junior developer, analyst, or career switcher, this app helps you learn core concepts, avoid common mistakes, and retain what matters. - 160 curated practice questions with clear explanations - Spaced repetition powered by FSRS intervals - Weak-point heatmap to identify and fix gaps - Daily challenge to build consistent study habits - Mock exams for timed self-assessment - Offline practice so you can study anywhere Independent study app for Database Design Basics practice. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any company, certification body, exam operator, or vendor. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Practice offline, no login required.

Screenshots

System Design interview prep4 screens
Database Design Basics4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Database Design Basics at none against System Design interview prep's 5. Database Design Basics also leads on update cadence (daily vs monthly) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). On price, ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. System Design interview prep sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Database Design Basics asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

System Design interview prep ships an update monthly, Database Design Basics daily. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
System Design interview prep versus Database Design Basics: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSystem Design interview prepDatabase Design Basics
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyDaily — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size89 MB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAbdelhak El MoussaouiAFTW LLC

In-app purchases

5 purchases

System Design interview prep

Subscriptions5
  • Unlimited access$3.997 Days
  • Unlimited access$4.997 Days
  • Unlimited access$6.991 Month
Show 2 more
  • Unlimited access7 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • Unlimited access7 Days trial$99.991 Year
None

Database Design Basics

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is System Design interview prep free?
System Design interview prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Database Design Basics free?
Database Design Basics is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do System Design interview prep or Database Design Basics have ads?
Both System Design interview prep and Database Design Basics show ads.
Which is updated more often, System Design interview prep or Database Design Basics?
System Design interview prep ships an update monthly, and Database Design Basics daily. Most recently, System Design interview prep was updated on September 26, 2026 and Database Design Basics on September 29, 2026.

Other comparisons