Comparison

Free42 vs my59

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Free42

This app is a faithful, open-source simulation of the HP-42S scientific calculator and its associated printer. It offers a complete rewrite without requiring original ROM images, allowing users to run existing programs on their devices.

Highlights
  • HP-42S calculator simulation
  • HP-82240 printer simulation
  • Open Source project
  • Runs original HP-42S programs
  • No ROM image required
  • Customizable skins
Features
Read full description

Free42 is a re-implementation of the HP-42S calculator and the HP-82240 printer. It is a complete rewrite, not using any HP code, and it does not require an HP-42S ROM image. Free42 is an Open Source project. The executables and source code are released under the terms of the GNU General Public License, version 2. All third-party code used in Free42 is either in the public domain, or licensed under terms compatible with GPLv2, or used with the authors' permission.

About

my59

Features
Read full description

Experience the power and authenticity of a classic programmable calculator from the late 1970s directly on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. my59 is not just a calculator app; it is a faithful, highly accurate emulator that brings a piece of computing history into the modern era. Whether you are an engineer, a student, a retro-computing enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the raw power of vintage programmable calculators, my59 delivers an authentic, uncompromised experience enhanced with the latest Apple ecosystem features. KEY FEATURES: Authentic Design & Feel: A meticulously crafted interface inspired by classic programmable calculators of the era, complete with a faithful keypad layout and display. Full Emulation: Supports the complete original instruction set, memory registers, and programming logic. Write and execute programs just as you would on the original hardware. Modern Workspace: Fully optimized for all screen sizes, including seamless portrait and landscape modes on iPad, and native support for Apple Silicon Macs. Built-in Documentation: Never get stuck. Full documentation, manuals, and quick references are integrated directly into the app for easy access. UNLOCK FULL POWER (Premium): my59 is free to download and try. Upgrading to Premium (available as a flexible subscription or a lifetime one-time purchase) unlocks the ultimate workstation: Complete Module Library: Get unrestricted access to all expansion packs and library modules. iCloud Sync: Keep your programs, memory state, and modules seamlessly synchronized across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Advanced Saving & Sharing: Save an unlimited number of custom programs and easily share them with other users. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ This app is an independent project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Texas Instruments Inc. or any of its subsidiaries.

Screenshots

Free423 screens
my594 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Free42 at none against my59's 3. Free42 also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. my59 sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Free42 asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Free42 ships an update weekly, my59 every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Free42 versus my59: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFree42my59
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (287 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews94.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings287 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS15.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThomas OkkenMiroslav Perovic

Bugs and requests

Free42

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

3 requests
  • 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

my59

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Free42

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

my59

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$0.991 Month
  • Yearly$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Unlock Full App$19.99

Questions

Is Free42 free?
Free42 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is my59 free?
my59 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Free42 or my59 have ads?
Neither Free42 nor my59 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Free42 or my59?
Free42 ships an update weekly, and my59 every 2 weeks. Most recently, Free42 was updated on November 8, 2026 and my59 on October 31, 2026.

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