# Nova Golf Lite vs Retro Golf

Nova Golf Lite and Retro Golf both sit at 4.1 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Retro Golf's written reviews are positive against 61% of Nova Golf Lite's. Retro Golf also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). Nova Golf Lite's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Nova Golf Lite sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Retro Golf sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Retro Golf holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 13 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 61% of Nova Golf Lite's written reviews are positive against 100% of Retro Golf's.

Nova Golf Lite ships an update every 3 months, Retro Golf every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Nova Golf Lite | Retro Golf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-golf-lite/id503868317/reviews) | **[4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-golf/id6757093841/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **14** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | 61.1% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 59 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nuclear Nova Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/289559290) | [Chris Larson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1864471334) |

## What reviewers say

### Nova Golf Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-golf-lite/id503868317)

Experience realistic golf with stunning 3D graphics and diverse courses from around the world. Customize your golfer, compete in career mode, and challenge friends in multiplayer. Earn virtual currency or use in-app purchases for custom clubs and balls.

**Highlights:** Realistic ball physics, Stunning 3D graphics, Unique global courses, Customizable characters, Career mode, Multiplayer challenges, In-app purchases for clubs/balls

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dozen of all Balls | $0.99 | one-time |
| 1,000 Experience | $0.99 | one-time |
| Driver | $0.99 | one-time |
| Wood | $0.99 | one-time |
| Iron | $0.99 | one-time |
| Wedge | $0.99 | one-time |
| Putter | $0.99 | one-time |
| Level Overdrive | $0.99 | one-time |
| Character Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Extra Mulligans | $0.99 | one-time |


### Retro Golf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-golf/id6757093841)

Experience classic 8-bit golf with intuitive controls and challenging courses. Master your swing with a two-tap system, navigate hazards, and aim for hole-in-ones. Unlock challenges and earn trophies in this nostalgic arcade-style game.

**Highlights:** 8-bit pixel art graphics, Intuitive two-tap swing control, Skill-based gameplay, Full 9-hole course, Challenge modes, Trophy achievements

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| English | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nova Golf Lite free?

Nova Golf Lite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Retro Golf free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Nova Golf Lite or Retro Golf?

Retro Golf is rated higher. Nova Golf Lite averages 4.1 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Retro Golf averages 4.2 from 13 ratings.

### Do Nova Golf Lite or Retro Golf have ads?

Retro Golf shows ads; Nova Golf Lite does not.

### Which is updated more often, Nova Golf Lite or Retro Golf?

Nova Golf Lite ships an update every 3 months, and Retro Golf every 2 weeks. Most recently, Nova Golf Lite was updated on October 29, 2026 and Retro Golf on October 30, 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.*