Comparison

Pocket CLI vs Backflow Buddy

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

Head to head
About

Pocket CLI

This app simulates Cisco IOS for network configuration and troubleshooting practice. Design and build interactive network topologies, follow along with labs, or tackle troubleshooting challenges. Practice CCNA skills anywhere, anytime, without expensive hardware.

Highlights
  • Cisco IOS simulation
  • Interactive network topology design
  • CCNA lab practice
  • Troubleshooting challenges
  • iBGP & eBGP support
  • Subnet calculator and practice
Features
Read full description

PocketCLI is a Cisco-style CCNA CLI lab simulator that helps you practice router, switch, and network configuration without needing expensive lab hardware. Design, build, and configure your own interactive network topologies in a visual lab environment. Practice real command-line configuration, follow along with labs from books or video courses, and recreate network scenarios to sharpen your troubleshooting skills. Unlike simple CCNA quiz or exam apps, PocketCLI focuses on hands-on configuration practice. Build labs, enter commands, test behavior, and learn by doing. Practice anytime, anywhere — whether you are commuting, on a break, or reviewing before your next study session. PocketCLI: Learn. Practice. Build CCNA skills anywhere. For tips and suggestions, visit www.PocketCLI.com . Features: Router and switch CLI lab simulation Custom network topology builder Hands-on CCNA router and switch configuration practice Mobile-friendly CLI console experience VLAN, routing, switching, and subnetting labs Wireless LAN controller, AP, and WLAN lab support Downloadable troubleshooting challenges Subnet calculator Subnet practice questions Binary skill challenge Bluetooth keyboard support iBGP and eBGP support CME and VoIP phone support Aruba switch device support Please visit our blog for news, tutorials, and updates.

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

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.

Screenshots

Pocket CLI3 screens
Backflow Buddy3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Backflow Buddy at $1.99 against Pocket CLI's $74.99. Backflow Buddy also leads on chart position (#192 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.6). Pocket CLI's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (69% vs 50%). On rating, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Pocket CLI costs $74.99 and Backflow Buddy $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.7 for Pocket CLI against 3.7 for Backflow Buddy. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pocket CLI has 17 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 69% of Pocket CLI's written reviews are positive against 50% of Backflow Buddy's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pocket CLI ships an update every 3 weeks, Backflow Buddy fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and August 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Pocket CLI versus Backflow Buddy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPocket CLIBackflow Buddy
Price$74.99$1.99 — better
Rating3.7 (17 ratings)3.7 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews68.8% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings17 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank—#192 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB258 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperMarvin ArriolaGreg Phillips

Customer experience

Pocket CLI

All ratings17 ratings
Positive70.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative29.4%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive68.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative31.3%

Backflow Buddy

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

Pocket CLI

No in-app purchases

None

Backflow Buddy

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Pocket CLI free?
Pocket CLI costs $74.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Backflow Buddy free?
Backflow Buddy costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Pocket CLI or Backflow Buddy?
Pocket CLI and Backflow Buddy are both rated 3.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 17 and 3 ratings respectively.
Do Pocket CLI or Backflow Buddy have ads?
Backflow Buddy shows ads; Pocket CLI does not.
Which is updated more often, Pocket CLI or Backflow Buddy?
Pocket CLI ships an update every 3 weeks, and Backflow Buddy fortnightly. Most recently, Pocket CLI was updated on September 19, 2026 and Backflow Buddy on August 27, 2026.

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