Comparison

DiveCore vs Backyard Ultra Loop Run

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

Head to head
About

DiveCore

This app transforms your Apple Watch Ultra into a comprehensive dive computer, offering real-time decompression data, freediving modes, and estimated dive routes. It features AI-powered dive analysis and a detailed logbook, syncing seamlessly with its iPhone companion app for post-dive review and planning.

Highlights
  • Bühlmann ZHL-16C decompression model
  • Freediving modes (CWT, STA, DYN)
  • Estimated dive route with GPS fixes
  • Live Activity no-fly timer
  • On-device AI dive analysis
  • iCloud synchronized dive log
  • Underwater photo color correction
Features
Read full description

DiveCore — Dive Computer for Apple Watch Ultra DiveCore uses your Apple Watch Ultra's depth sensor, compass, and accelerometer to show your dive on your wrist. It syncs with the iPhone companion app and uses on-device AI to help you review your dives. [ Core Features ] Dive Computer (Apple Watch Ultra) - Bühlmann ZHL-16C with adjustable Gradient Factors - Real-time 16-tissue compartment decompression model - No-decompression limit (NDL) and decompression ceiling - Automatic safety stop countdown (3 min @ 3-6 m, credited with shallow deco stop time) - Ascent rate alarm + haptic warnings - PPO2 oxygen limit alarm - Auto water lock - HealthKit workout session integration - 30Hz smooth digital compass Freediving Mode - Depth disciplines (CWT / CWTB / FIM), static apnea (STA), dynamic apnea (DYN / DNF) - Automatic dive detection for depth, manual timer with lap entry for pool disciplines - Dive count, max depth, surface interval, heart rate, and a per-session log - A session spans many dives: surfacing starts the rest timer, and you end the session yourself - Freedive mode runs no decompression model and no gas or NDL alarms - It cannot detect shallow-water blackout. Never freedive alone, and always dive with direct, trained supervision Estimated Dive Route - Surface GPS at entry and exit; underwater path estimated from compass, motion and depth, then drift-corrected with the exit fix - 3D route view on iPhone with insights (speed, activity, pattern, current drift) This is not real underwater GPS tracking. It is a sensor-fusion estimate based on the diver's magnetic heading and motion, with both endpoints corrected by surface GPS fixes. No-Fly Timer (Live Activity) - DAN/UHMS guideline tiers (12h single no-deco / 18h repetitive or multi-day / 24h decompression), never shortened by a later dive - Lock-screen + Dynamic Island countdown AI Analysis (XAI — Explainable) - 100% on-device, no external API calls - Dive score (0-100) with itemized breakdown, stress zones and personal baseline Dive Log + Share - iCloud automatic sync across devices - Logs water temp, gas mix, algorithm, no-fly time; SAC and end pressure are estimated - Infographic share card; entry/exit points open in Apple Maps DiveCore Studio (Photo Editor) - Underwater color correction, depth-based red channel restoration, AI dehaze - Dive log watermark Watch Display Customization - Technical bottom bar (incl. heading), Minimal card slots and MAX ring field iPhone Companion - Detailed dive log with depth profile chart - PADI RDP dive planner, AI report, dive site location, statistics, iCloud backup [ Required Hardware ] - Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation or later) - iPhone with iOS 18+ - iCloud account + Apple Sign-In [ Accessibility ] - VoiceOver support and Dynamic Type - 14 languages [ Subscription Terms ] - DiveCore Pro (choose one; all unlock the full feature set): - Yearly: $29.99/year (KRW 44,000) - includes a 7-day free trial for new subscribers - Monthly: $4.99/month (KRW 7,700) - no free trial - 1-Day Pass: $2.99 (KRW 3,300) - 24-hour access, non-renewing (does not auto-renew) - Prices may vary by storefront and currency. - Payment is charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase - Yearly and Monthly auto-renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period - If not cancelled at least 24 hours before the trial ends, you will be charged automatically - Manage or cancel your subscription anytime in your device's App Store account settings - Terms of Use (EULA): https://furyus.dev/terms - Privacy Policy: https://furyus.dev/privacy IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION DiveCore is a supplementary tool for trained, certified divers. It is not a replacement for proper training, dive tables, or a backup dive computer. Always dive within the limits of your training and certification, follow your primary dive computer, and carry a redundant device. Diving carries inherent risks, including serious injury or death.

About

Backyard Ultra Loop Run

Features
Read full description

Every 60 minutes, 4.167 miles. Until only one runner is left. Backyard Ultra is the most honest race format in the world – and Backyard is the app that gets you ready for exactly that. YOUR TRAINING PLAN, BUILT FROM YOUR NUMBERS Backyard builds your plan from your current weekly mileage, your longest run, your level, and your target date. No one-size-fits-all program off the shelf, but weeks tailored to you – with easy runs, long runs, tempo runs, intervals, back-to-back runs on tired legs, strength & stability work, and recovery weeks. Every workout comes with a target pace, a description, and the reason it's in the plan. Haven't booked a race yet? Then you'll get an open 12-week plan and can add the date later. BACKYARD SIMULATION WITH LIVE YARD TIMER The core feature: simulate a full Backyard race. Yards of 4.167 miles on a 60-minute cycle, with a countdown to the next start, remaining time display, and an alarm that calls you back to the corral. Run with a yard limit or an open end – keep going until you can't anymore. The simulation keeps running with the screen locked and shows your yard, pace, and countdown right on the lock screen. GPS TRACKING THAT KEEPS UP Distance, pace, time, elevation gain, and your route – recorded live, even in the background. After your run, you'll see your per-mile splits and the route you ran on a map. If GPS falls short on tight loops, you can end the yard manually. ROUTE FINDER FOR REAL LOOPS Find loop courses near 4.167 miles close to you – built from real map data, with surface type, elevation profile, and traffic levels. Prefer pavement, filter for low traffic, adjust the radius, save a route, and pull it straight into your next simulation. STATS THAT ANSWER THE RIGHT QUESTIONS Total miles, runs, longest run, elevation gain, and longest streak – plus the numbers that actually matter in a Backyard: fastest yard, average yard time, successful yards, longest simulation. The analysis shows your weekly mileage trend, pace progression, and yard drop-off and yard variance: how much do your late yards slow down compared to your first ones? That's exactly what decides how far you'll get. RACE GUIDE FOR YOUR FIRST BACKYARD Pacing, fueling, sleep, clothing, headlamp, batteries – the guide explains what matters in the late hours, including a checklist you can tick off. YOUR DATA BELONGS TO YOU Backyard works completely without an account – in that case, all data stays on your device. With Apple or Google sign-in, you can sync your plan, runs, and yards across devices. Export runs and yards as CSV or your session as GPX and take it wherever you want. You can delete your account anytime with one tap. English and German, kilometers or miles, dark interface throughout for nighttime use. BACKYARD PREMIUM Backyard is free to use. Premium unlocks the full training plan, the Route Finder, in-depth analysis with export, and an ad-free experience – as a monthly, yearly, or one-time purchase. Loop by loop. One more loop. Last one standing. Terms of use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://artvation.com/privacyapps

Screenshots

DiveCore4 screens
Backyard Ultra Loop Run4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Backyard Ultra Loop Run at none against DiveCore's 3. Backyard Ultra Loop Run also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). DiveCore's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 11 days). On price 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. DiveCore sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Backyard Ultra Loop Run asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DiveCore ships an update every 4 days, Backyard Ultra Loop Run every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 4 level
DiveCore versus Backyard Ultra Loop Run: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDiveCoreBackyard Ultra Loop Run
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 11 days
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.016.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB86 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperJuseong KimAnnika Koenemann

In-app purchases

3 purchases

DiveCore

Subscriptions2
  • DiveCore Pro (Monthly)$4.991 Month
  • DiveCore Pro (Yearly)7 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • DiveCore Pro 1-Day Pass$2.99
None

Backyard Ultra Loop Run

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DiveCore free?
DiveCore is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Backyard Ultra Loop Run free?
Backyard Ultra Loop Run is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do DiveCore or Backyard Ultra Loop Run have ads?
Backyard Ultra Loop Run shows ads; DiveCore does not.
Which is updated more often, DiveCore or Backyard Ultra Loop Run?
DiveCore ships an update every 4 days, and Backyard Ultra Loop Run every 11 days. Most recently, DiveCore was updated on November 7, 2026 and Backyard Ultra Loop Run on November 6, 2026.

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