Pocket CLI vs Backflow Buddy
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Cisco IOS simulation
- Interactive network topology design
- CCNA lab practice
- Troubleshooting challenges
- iBGP & eBGP support
- Subnet calculator and practice
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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.
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.
Screenshots
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | Pocket CLI | Backflow Buddy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $74.99 | $1.99 — better |
| Rating | 3.7 (17 ratings) | 3.7 (3 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 68.8% of reviews — better | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 17 — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | #192 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 17 MB | 258 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Marvin Arriola | Greg Phillips |
Customer experience
Pocket CLI
Backflow Buddy
In-app purchases
Pocket CLI
No in-app purchases
Backflow Buddy
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Pocket CLI free?
Is Backflow Buddy free?
Which has better reviews, Pocket CLI or Backflow Buddy?
Do Pocket CLI or Backflow Buddy have ads?
Which is updated more often, Pocket CLI or Backflow Buddy?
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