# 5 Seconds vs RetroArch

The clearest difference is ads: RetroArch at none against 5 Seconds's shown. RetroArch also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and device support (5 vs 3). 5 Seconds's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 69%). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 5 Seconds | RetroArch |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.3 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retroarch/id6499539433/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1.9K** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 69.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 108 MB | 652 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Kilonova Interactive Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1669389863) | [Libretro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1209876090) |

## What reviewers say

### 5 Seconds

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5-seconds-versus/id1669389860)

Engage in rapid-fire challenges that test your reflexes and quick thinking. Compete solo to improve your scores or go head-to-head with players globally in intense, five-second rounds.

**Highlights:** Intense 5-second challenges, Solo practice mode, Global multiplayer competition, Tests reflexes and reaction time, Quick and exciting gameplay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### RetroArch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retroarch/id6499539433)

This application serves as a versatile frontend for emulators and game engines, supporting a vast array of systems through downloadable cores. It offers advanced features like netplay, save states, and customizable controls for an enhanced gaming experience.

**Highlights:** Supports numerous gaming systems via libretro cores, Netplay for multiplayer gaming, Save states and fast forward/rewind, Controller support and key remapping, Customizable shaders and overlays, RetroAchievements integration, AI translations for games

**Features:** Game Controller support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth emulation performance
- 🎮 Wide range of supported systems
- 🕹️ Controller support
- 💯 Comprehensive emulation features
- 🔓 No ads or tracking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤯 Steep learning curve
- 🤖 Unintuitive user interface
- 🐛 Stability issues and crashes
- 🔌 Slow loading times
- 🤷‍♂️ Inconsistent core support

**Reported bugs**

- N64 games not loading textures properly
- Crashes when changing settings or cores
- Bios files not being recognized
- Inconsistent performance across devices
- Saved settings not persisting

**Requested features**

- Add support for PS2, GameCube, and 3DS emulation
- Improve iCloud/cloud storage integration
- Implement customizable button layouts
- Add a more user-friendly setup wizard
- Provide better documentation and tutorials


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 5 Seconds free?

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

### Is RetroArch free?

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

### Do 5 Seconds or RetroArch have ads?

5 Seconds shows ads; RetroArch does not.

### Which is updated more often, 5 Seconds or RetroArch?

5 Seconds ships an update weekly, and RetroArch weekly. Most recently, 5 Seconds was updated on October 13, 2026 and RetroArch on October 20, 2026.

---

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