# RPN vs Plus42

The clearest difference is update cadence: Plus42 at weekly against RPN's every 3 months. Plus42 also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.6) and chart position (#159 vs unranked). RPN's advantage is price ($3.99 vs $9.99). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

RPN costs $3.99 and Plus42 $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Plus42 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 17 and 79 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 93% and 92% positive.

RPN ships an update every 3 months, Plus42 weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RPN | Plus42 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$3.99** | $9.99 |
| Rating | [4.6 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rpn-67-sd/id1109722386/reviews) | **[4.9 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plus42/id1597963622/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 17 | **79** |
| Positive reviews | **92.9% of reviews** | 92.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#159** |
| Size | 63 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CuVee Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/424873503) | [Thomas Okken](https://appshunter.io/developer/337692632) |

## 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


### Plus42

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plus42/id1597963622)

**Currently charting:** #159 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

This advanced scientific calculator simulates the classic HP-42S RPN calculator with enhanced features. It offers algebraic expressions, unit conversions, directories for storage, a larger resizable display, financial functions, and 2D plotting with integral and root finding.

**Highlights:** HP-42S RPN calculator simulation, Algebraic expressions, Attached units and conversions, Program and variable directories, Resizable 8-row, 22-column display, Time value of money and amortization, 2D function plotting with zoom and pan

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RPN free?

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

### Is Plus42 free?

Plus42 costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, RPN or Plus42?

Plus42 is rated higher. RPN averages 4.6 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Plus42 averages 4.9 from 79 ratings.

### Do RPN or Plus42 have ads?

Neither RPN nor Plus42 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RPN or Plus42?

RPN ships an update every 3 months, and Plus42 weekly. Most recently, RPN was updated on September 21, 2026 and Plus42 on September 22, 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.*