# HotPaw Basic vs RPN

The clearest difference is rating: RPN at 4.6 against HotPaw Basic's 3.9. RPN also leads on review sentiment (93% vs 52%) and price ($3.99 vs $4.99). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

HotPaw Basic costs $4.99 and RPN $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

RPN holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 17 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of HotPaw Basic's written reviews are positive against 93% of RPN's.

HotPaw Basic ships an update every 5 months, RPN every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HotPaw Basic | RPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$3.99** |
| Rating | [3.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hotpaw-basic/id295464266/reviews) | **[4.6 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rpn-67-sd/id1109722386/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **17** |
| Positive reviews | 52.4% of reviews | **92.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 1 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.3 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HotPaw Productions](https://appshunter.io/developer/285074853) | [CuVee Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/424873503) |

## What reviewers say

### HotPaw Basic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hotpaw-basic/id295464266)

Experience retro computing by typing and running Basic programs on your iPhone or iPad. This app functions as a programmable calculator and can display simple line graphics, Morse code audio, and perform FFT analysis.

**Highlights:** Retro text-mode Basic interpreter, Programmable calculator functionality, Simple line graphics display, Morse Code audio output, FFT analysis, GPS location support, MQTT and BTLE communications

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HotPaw Basic free?

HotPaw Basic costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is RPN free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HotPaw Basic or RPN?

RPN is rated higher. HotPaw Basic averages 3.9 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while RPN averages 4.6 from 17 ratings.

### Do HotPaw Basic or RPN have ads?

Neither HotPaw Basic nor RPN shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HotPaw Basic or RPN?

HotPaw Basic ships an update every 5 months, and RPN every 3 months. Most recently, HotPaw Basic was updated on September 21, 2026 and RPN on September 25, 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.*