Comparison

MASTERBLOCK vs RetroBoard

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

Head to head
About

MASTERBLOCK

Features
Read full description

This app helps to scan Masterblock watches.

About

RetroBoard

Type messages on your Apple Watch using a classic T9-style keyboard. This app offers autocorrect, smart text predictions, and emoji support for quick and private replies. Customize themes and receive haptic feedback for an enhanced typing experience.

Highlights
  • T9 keyboard input
  • Autocorrect and text predictions
  • Emoji support
  • Customizable themes
  • Haptic feedback
  • Message preview
  • Complication for quick access
Features
Read full description

Type messages on your Apple Watch using a T9 style keyboard with RetroBoard. Typing messages on Apple Watch can be chore - Scribble doesn't always work and Dictation isn't great in public spaces. With RetroBoard, you get a classic T9 keyboard straight on your wrist, no awkward typos necessary! By adding a T9 keyboard to your Apple Watch, you can reply to iMessages quickly and privately. Autocorrect and smart text predictions quickly ensures what you type is accurate and makes sense. RetroBoard contains these great features: T9 KEYBOARD Add a T9 keyboard to your Apple Watch. Keys are easy to press and brings back the classic typing experience. SENDING RetroBoard uses the built-in Apple Messages app on your Apple Watch to send messages to your contacts. Type out your message, tap the send button and you’ll be taken to the Messages app with your message ready to go! There's support for the Apple Mail app too so you can emails all from your wrist! SUGGESTIONS As you’re typing, you can complete words using the suggestions bar above the keys. Tap on a suggestion to replace the current typed word with the full suggestion. Great for improving speed on the small screen! Access all suggestions by tapping the ellipsis icon next to the first suggestions. AUTOCORRECT (T9) Whilst typing, RetroBoard will make suggestions based on the keys pressed - just like predictive text. OTHER CHARACTERS RetroBoard has full support for adding symbols, numbers and other special characters. EMOJI RetroBoard supports adding an unlimited amount of emoji to a single message! Simply tap the emoji icon to get started and pick from Apple’s library, or one of your most recently used ones. THEMES Customize the look and feel of your keyboard with support for themes. MESSAGE PREVIEW Before sending your message, just tap the text field to view a full preview of your message. HAPTICS Choose to receive Haptic Feedback on actions like key presses and button actions. COMPLICATION For quick and easy access, you can add the RetroBoard Complication to your Watch Face. Just tap and the keyboard will launch. CURSOR Whilst typing on the keyboard, you can see exactly where you are with the pulsing blue cursor. Use the Digital Crown to move the cursor's position. SETTINGS Customize RetroBoard your way. Access the Settings menu by using the options button on the keyboard and you’ll be able to change the theme and toggle auto correct, suggestions & more. If you like this app, I’d really appreciate it if you could take the time to leave a positive review! Having issues? Please get in touch: Email: support@adamfoot.dev Website: https://adamfoot.dev Please note, a supported Apple Watch is required for full app functionality. RetroBoard supports sending messages via SMS & iMessage through the Messages app or email through the Mail app. Some features may require a RetroBoard+ subscription which can be purchased in the app. You can cancel at anytime. Terms: https://adamfoot.dev/terms-of-use

Screenshots

MASTERBLOCK4 screens
RetroBoard4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MASTERBLOCK at none against RetroBoard's 8. MASTERBLOCK also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). RetroBoard's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 11 months). On price, ads and device support 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

Both are free to download. RetroBoard sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. MASTERBLOCK asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MASTERBLOCK ships an update every 11 months, RetroBoard fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 5, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
MASTERBLOCK versus RetroBoard: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMASTERBLOCKRetroBoard
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (39 ratings) — better
Positive reviews27.3% of reviews
Number of ratings39 — better
Update frequencyEvery 11 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS15.1 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB20 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCryptolex SAAdam Foot

In-app purchases

None

MASTERBLOCK

No in-app purchases

8 purchases

RetroBoard

Subscriptions3
  • RetroBoard+ (Weekly)3 Days trial$0.997 Days
  • RetroBoard+ (Monthly)$1.991 Month
  • RetroBoard+ (Yearly)7 Days trial$4.991 Year
One-time5
  • Small Tip$1.99
  • Medium Tip$4.99
  • Large Tip$9.99
Show 2 more
  • RetroBoard+ (Lifetime)$19.99
  • Huge Tip$19.99

Questions

Is MASTERBLOCK free?
MASTERBLOCK is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is RetroBoard free?
RetroBoard is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do MASTERBLOCK or RetroBoard have ads?
Neither MASTERBLOCK nor RetroBoard shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MASTERBLOCK or RetroBoard?
MASTERBLOCK ships an update every 11 months, and RetroBoard fortnightly. Most recently, MASTERBLOCK was updated on September 5, 2026 and RetroBoard on September 23, 2026.

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