# Narrative vs Retrotype

The clearest difference is rating: Narrative at 4.4 against Retrotype's 3.9. Narrative also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 months) and monetization model (freemium vs paid). Retrotype's advantage is review sentiment (86% vs 56%). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Narrative sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Retrotype sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Narrative holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 51 and 20 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 56% of Narrative's written reviews are positive against 86% of Retrotype's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Narrative ships an update every 9 days, Retrotype every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Narrative | Retrotype |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (51 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/narrative-novel-writing-app/id1492724959/reviews)** | [3.9 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrotype/id6752917326/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **51** | 20 |
| Positive reviews | 56.3% of reviews | **85.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Paid |
| Size | 78 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mark Muhleder](https://appshunter.io/developer/1492724958) | [Good Loop Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852855355) |

## What reviewers say

### Narrative

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/narrative-novel-writing-app/id1492724959)

This app provides a distraction-free writing environment with a sleek interface and advanced editing tools. It offers seamless project synchronization across devices and robust security features. Goal-setting and customizable options enhance the creative process for writers of all levels.

**Highlights:** Distraction-free writing environment, Seamless project synchronization, Precision editing tools, Word count goals and progress tracking, Import/export in multiple formats, Customizable fonts, Flexible notes system

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Narrative Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Narrative Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Narrative Annual | $47.99 | per year |


### Retrotype

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retrotype/id6752917326)

Experience the satisfying feel of a classic typewriter on your device. Choose from multiple vintage models, customize sounds and visuals, and enjoy distraction-free writing with authentic haptic and audio feedback.

**Highlights:** Authentic typewriter models, Customizable sound packs, Haptic feedback, Multiple color palettes and paper themes, External keyboard support, Distraction-free writing environment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Everything | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Narrative free?

Narrative is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Retrotype free?

Retrotype is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Narrative or Retrotype?

Narrative is rated higher. Narrative averages 4.4 out of 5 from 51 ratings, while Retrotype averages 3.9 from 20 ratings.

### Do Narrative or Retrotype have ads?

Neither Narrative nor Retrotype shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Narrative or Retrotype?

Narrative ships an update every 9 days, and Retrotype every 3 months. Most recently, Narrative was updated on October 29, 2026 and Retrotype on October 30, 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.*