# Free42 vs RLM

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Free42 at none against RLM's 1. Free42 also leads on ratings volume (283 vs 2) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). RLM's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. RLM sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Free42 asks for nothing beyond the download.

RLM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Free42 has 283 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Free42 ships an update weekly, RLM every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 4, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Free42 | RLM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (283 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/free42/id337692629/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rlm-flight/id6448285133/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **283** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 93.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 9 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thomas Okken](https://appshunter.io/developer/337692632) | [R.L.M. Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/289639238) |

## 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


### RLM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rlm-flight/id6448285133)

This aviation computer app offers a comprehensive suite of tools for pilots. It calculates various flight parameters, including altitude, airspeed, ground speed, wind components, and weight & balance. The app also features unit and currency conversions, making it a versatile utility for aviation professionals.

**Highlights:** Altitude & Cloud Base Calculations, Airspeed & Ground Speed Calculations, Wind Component & Correction Tools, Weight & Balance Calculations, Unit & Currency Conversion, Holding Pattern & Flight Plan Tools

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime Full Access | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Free42 free?

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

### Is RLM free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Free42 or RLM?

RLM is rated higher. Free42 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 283 ratings, while RLM averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Free42 or RLM have ads?

Neither Free42 nor RLM shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Free42 or RLM?

Free42 ships an update weekly, and RLM every 3 weeks. Most recently, Free42 was updated on September 4, 2026 and RLM on September 10, 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.*