So which should you choose?
If you're an Australian bowler...
Bowly is built specifically for the Australian bowling scene. It integrates with ComputerScore (the scoring system used in most Australian centres), it's free to use for manual tracking with no session limits, and it includes features like coaching tips and pin leave heatmaps that neither Lanetalk nor PinPal offer.
The trade-off is that Bowly is newer — it doesn't have the massive user base or social features of Lanetalk. If you primarily care about comparing yourself to PBA pros or following international tournaments, Lanetalk is the better choice for that.
But if what you want is to understand your own game better and improve your average, Bowly gives you deeper insights for free than what you'd pay a subscription for elsewhere.
On cost: Lanetalk Pro runs ~$8/month — that's $96/year, every year. Bowly is completely free — every feature, including Live Sync. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no catch.
See the features other apps charge for — free in Bowly.
Can I use Bowly and Lanetalk together?
Absolutely. Some bowlers use Lanetalk for the social and league features, and Bowly for the detailed pin tracking and coaching. They solve different problems.
Why is Bowly free when others charge?
Bowly runs entirely on your phone with no server costs. It's a passion project built by a bowler, for bowlers — not a venture-backed company chasing subscriptions. Every feature, including Live Sync, is free.
Is Bowly only for Australian bowlers?
The manual input and stats features work for any bowler, anywhere. Live Sync currently supports Australian centres running ComputerScore. International centre support may come later based on demand.
Will Bowly be on Android?
iOS first, Android to follow. Built with Expo/React Native so the Android version will share the same codebase — it's a matter of when, not if.
What if ComputerScore changes their system?
Bowly's manual input works independently of any scoring system — your stats, coaching tips, and pin tracking are always available. If ComputerScore changes something on their end, we'll update the Live Sync integration. Your data is stored locally on your phone regardless, so nothing gets lost.