Comparison

Plus42 vs X CalcKits

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

Head to head
About

Plus42

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
Read full description

Plus42 is an advanced scientific programmable calculator, based on Free42. Free42, in turn, is a complete re-implementation of the HP-42S scientific programmable RPN calculator, which was made from 1988 until 1995 by Hewlett-Packard. Free42 is a complete rewrite and contains no HP code whatsoever. Plus42 builds on Free42 and adds: Algebraic expressions modeled after those used on the HP-27S and HP-17B/19B; attached units and unit conversions modeled after those used on the HP-48/49/50 series; directories for more organized storage of programs and variables; a larger display, with 8 rows and 22 columns (131x64 pixels) by default, which the user may resize at will; time value of money and amortization schedules; and two-dimensional plotting of functions, with ability to zoom and pan, and find integrals and roots from points in the plot.

About

X CalcKits

Features
Read full description

This newly developed multi-functional calculator breaks the limitations of traditional calculators that only support basic four arithmetic operations. It integrates a full range of practical functions including scientific calculation, unit conversion, numeral system conversion, mortgage/personal income tax estimation, and real-time exchange rate calculation.

Screenshots

Plus424 screens
X CalcKits4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: X CalcKits at Free against Plus42's $9.99. Plus42's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months). On in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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

X CalcKits is free to download; Plus42 costs $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Plus42 ships an update weekly, X CalcKits every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Plus42 versus X CalcKits: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPlus42X CalcKits
Price$9.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (79 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews92.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings79 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB31 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThomas OkkenSingxi Limited

In-app purchases

None

Plus42

No in-app purchases

None

X CalcKits

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Plus42 free?
Plus42 costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is X CalcKits free?
X CalcKits is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Plus42 or X CalcKits have ads?
X CalcKits shows ads; Plus42 does not.
Which is updated more often, Plus42 or X CalcKits?
Plus42 ships an update weekly, and X CalcKits every 4 months. Most recently, Plus42 was updated on October 18, 2026 and X CalcKits on October 10, 2026.

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