# Free42 vs TechniCalc Calculator

The clearest difference is price: Free42 at Free against TechniCalc Calculator's $7.99. Free42 also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (weekly vs monthly). On rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Free42 is free to download; TechniCalc Calculator costs $7.99 up front. TechniCalc Calculator sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Free42 asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Free42 against 4.7 for TechniCalc Calculator. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 283 and 81 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 94% of Free42's written reviews are positive against 84% of TechniCalc Calculator's.

Free42 ships an update weekly, TechniCalc Calculator monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Free42 | TechniCalc Calculator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $7.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (283 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/free42/id337692629/reviews)** | [4.7 (81 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/technicalc-calculator/id1504965415/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **283** | 81 |
| Positive reviews | **93.8% of reviews** | 84.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 9 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thomas Okken](https://appshunter.io/developer/337692632) | [Jacob Parker](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153284524) |

## What reviewers say

### Free42

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/free42/id337692629)

This application is a faithful re-implementation of the HP-42S scientific calculator and its associated printer. It offers full functionality without requiring original HP ROM images and is an open-source project.

**Highlights:** HP-42S calculator simulation, HP-82240 printer simulation, Open source project, No HP ROM required, Complete rewrite

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Faithful reproduction of HP42S
- 👍 Identical to physical calculator
- 👍 Runs all original programs
- 👍 Convenient to have on phone
- 👍 Haptic feedback on button presses

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Screen not filling entire display on newer devices
- 🔇 Configurable key click sound missing
- 🔇 Lack of loud click sound feedback

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional issues with Solver function
- Store and Recall functions not working properly

**Requested features**

- Display all registers (X, Y, Z, T, Last X) simultaneously
- Ability to share/transfer programs between devices
- Improved use of screen real estate on larger displays


### TechniCalc Calculator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/technicalc-calculator/id1504965415)

This app offers a modern, intuitive interface for complex calculations, supporting scientific, engineering, and advanced mathematical functions. It allows natural equation entry, provides a formula book, and includes unit and currency converters. Available across Apple devices, it caters to students and professionals needing a powerful calculation tool.

**Highlights:** Natural equation entry, Advanced math engine, Formula book and equations, Unit and currency converter, Statistics mode, Equation solvers, Supports multiple Apple devices

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Every Little Helps | $0.99 | one-time |
| Coffee-Sized Tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Lunch-Sized Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Pizza-Sized Tip | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Free42 free?

Free42 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is TechniCalc Calculator free?

TechniCalc Calculator costs $7.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Free42 or TechniCalc Calculator?

Free42 is rated higher. Free42 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 283 ratings, while TechniCalc Calculator averages 4.7 from 81 ratings.

### Do Free42 or TechniCalc Calculator have ads?

Neither Free42 nor TechniCalc Calculator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Free42 or TechniCalc Calculator?

Free42 ships an update weekly, and TechniCalc Calculator monthly. Most recently, Free42 was updated on October 5, 2026 and TechniCalc Calculator on October 11, 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.*