# Free42 vs Puzzle Pace

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Free42 at none against Puzzle Pace's 1. Free42 also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Free42 ships an update weekly, Puzzle Pace every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Free42 | Puzzle Pace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (283 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/free42/id337692629/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **283** | — |
| Positive reviews | 93.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 9 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 26.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thomas Okken](https://appshunter.io/developer/337692632) | [Robust Echo ApS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1874228223) |

## 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


### Puzzle Pace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/puzzle-pace/id6758906889)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Puzzle Pace Premium | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Free42 free?

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

### Is Puzzle Pace free?

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

### Do Free42 or Puzzle Pace have ads?

Neither Free42 nor Puzzle Pace shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Free42 or Puzzle Pace?

Free42 ships an update weekly, and Puzzle Pace every 3 weeks. Most recently, Free42 was updated on September 26, 2026 and Puzzle Pace on September 17, 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.*