# Calculator Max vs MaxiCalc Free

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MaxiCalc Free at none against Calculator Max's 2. MaxiCalc Free also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 55%) and rating (4.6 vs 4.3). Calculator Max's advantage is ratings volume (1.9K vs 165) and device support (4 vs 1). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Calculator Max sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. MaxiCalc Free asks for nothing beyond the download.

MaxiCalc Free holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Calculator Max has 1.9K ratings behind it against 165, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of Calculator Max's written reviews are positive against 83% of MaxiCalc Free's.

Calculator Max ships an update every 2 months, MaxiCalc Free every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Calculator Max | MaxiCalc Free |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calculator-max/id364905554/reviews) | **[4.6 (165 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maxicalc-free-big-retro-lcd-basic-desk-calculator/id657247248/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.9K** | 165 |
| Positive reviews | 55.1% of reviews | **83.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 126 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pavel Kozarek](https://appshunter.io/developer/303215376) | [Fernando Sciessere](https://appshunter.io/developer/366268787) |

## What reviewers say

### Calculator Max

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calculator-max/id364905554)

This app offers a comprehensive suite of calculation tools, from basic arithmetic to advanced scientific functions. It features a history tape for easy access and reuse of entries, and a unique scribble pad for handwritten notes and equation solving on iPads. Enjoy a clean interface, multitasking support, and customizable themes.

**Highlights:** Basic and scientific calculators, History tape with export options, Handwritten notes and equation solving, Multitasking support on iPad, Customizable themes and app icons, Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Calculator Max Pro | $4.99 | per year |
| Calculator Max Pro | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 📝 Useful note-taking feature
- 💾 Tape/history feature
- 👍 Clean and intuitive interface
- 🎨 Customizable appearance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 📤 Lack of export/sharing options for tape/history
- 🔍 Difficulty finding settings
- 🔀 Sensitive orientation switching

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes after iOS 26 update
- Tape not visible/functional on iPhone
- Calculator buttons/layout issues in split-screen mode

**Requested features**

- Left-handed mode
- Backspace/edit functionality
- Scientific calculator mode with tape
- Tape annotation/labeling
- Cloud/Dropbox sync for tape


### MaxiCalc Free

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maxicalc-free-big-retro-lcd-basic-desk-calculator/id657247248)

This app offers a realistic calculator experience with a retro LCD design and unique sounds. It provides both basic and scientific functions, with features like multi-memory, paper tape history, and AirPrint compatibility for easy sharing and printing of calculations.

**Highlights:** Realistic retro LCD interface and sounds, Portrait mode for basic calculations, Landscape mode for scientific functions, Multi-memory slots, Multiple paper tapes for history, AirPrint and email calculation sharing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Retro/vintage aesthetic design
- 📋 Paper tape feature for tracking calculations
- 🔊 Realistic calculator sound effects
- 👍 User-friendly interface and easy to use
- 📧 Ability to email/print tape records

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📢 Excessive pop-up advertisements
- 🔊 Intrusive ad sounds during calculations
- ❌ Full-screen ads interrupt workflow
- 💸 Ads force users to consider paid upgrade
- 🚫 Paid version still shows ads (reported by some users)

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes for first 5 seconds on launch
- Landscape mode buttons unresponsive
- Landscape mode hides paper tape image
- Incorrect totals on iPad 3
- No clear function on iPad 3

**Requested features**

- iPhone version of the app
- Ability to add text comments on tape
- Subtle click sounds instead of full adding machine sounds
- Business/accounting functions
- Better landscape mode support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Calculator Max free?

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

### Is MaxiCalc Free free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Calculator Max or MaxiCalc Free?

MaxiCalc Free is rated higher. Calculator Max averages 4.3 out of 5 from 1.9K ratings, while MaxiCalc Free averages 4.6 from 165 ratings.

### Do Calculator Max or MaxiCalc Free have ads?

Neither Calculator Max nor MaxiCalc Free shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Calculator Max or MaxiCalc Free?

Calculator Max ships an update every 2 months, and MaxiCalc Free every 3 months. Most recently, Calculator Max was updated on October 22, 2026 and MaxiCalc Free on October 21, 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.*