# RPN vs Meshtastic

The clearest difference is review sentiment: RPN at 93% against Meshtastic's 45%. RPN also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.5). Meshtastic's advantage is price (Free vs $3.99) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 months). On ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Meshtastic is free to download; RPN costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

RPN holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Meshtastic has 803 ratings behind it against 17, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of RPN's written reviews are positive against 45% of Meshtastic's.

RPN ships an update every 3 months, Meshtastic every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RPN | Meshtastic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.6 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rpn-67-sd/id1109722386/reviews)** | [4.2 (803 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meshtastic/id1586432531/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 17 | **803** |
| Positive reviews | **92.9% of reviews** | 45.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 63 MB | 76 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [CuVee Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/424873503) | [Meshtastic LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1586432533) |

## What reviewers say

### RPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rpn-67-sd/id1109722386)

This app simulates a vintage programmable calculator from the mid-70s, offering enhanced features beyond the original. It allows users to run existing programs, manage virtual cards, and utilize advanced functions for scientific and engineering tasks.

**Highlights:** Virtual program and data cards, Virtual paper tape printer, Database-driven card manager, Create, label, and organize unlimited cards, Share cards via email, AirDrop, Dropbox, Editable program listings, Enhanced features for more program steps and registers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Meshtastic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meshtastic/id1586432531)

This app enables off-grid, decentralized communication via a low-power mesh network. Send text messages in areas lacking cellular or WiFi service.

**Highlights:** Off-grid communication, Decentralized mesh network, Low-power LoRa radio support, Text messaging, No cellular/WiFi required

**Features:** Siri integration, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Well-made app
- 🚀 Polished and intuitive interface
- 🚀 Powerful features for off-grid communication
- 👍 Great community and responsive developers
- 👍 Continuously improving with updates

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bluetooth connectivity issues
- 🐛 Unreliable messaging and node connections
- 🐛 Crashes and stability problems
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 👎 Lacking feature parity with Android version

**Reported bugs**

- Canned messages configuration issues
- Location sharing and traceroute functions not working
- Settings screen bugs and crashes
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between devices

**Requested features**

- Offline maps support
- Ability to customize notifications
- More sorting and filtering options for nodes
- Apple Watch and Shortcuts integration
- Improved documentation and user guidance


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RPN free?

RPN costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Meshtastic free?

Meshtastic is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, RPN or Meshtastic?

RPN is rated higher. RPN averages 4.6 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Meshtastic averages 4.2 from 803 ratings.

### Do RPN or Meshtastic have ads?

Neither RPN nor Meshtastic shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RPN or Meshtastic?

RPN ships an update every 3 months, and Meshtastic every 10 days. Most recently, RPN was updated on September 21, 2026 and Meshtastic on September 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*